Billy Joel Surprises NYC Pedicab Driver Playing His Iconic Song
Few moments capture the spirit of New York quite like this: a pedicab ride through the city with “New York State of Mind” blasting — and the “Piano Man” himself appearing right alongside you.
On July 21, Billy Joel shared a video on Instagram showing a pedicab driver cycling two passengers around Manhattan while playing his 1976 classic. As the song echoed through the streets, a car pulled up next to the pedicab — and out rolled the window to reveal Joel himself, smiling and waving from the back seat.
“We’re in a New York State of Mind… always,” Joel, 76, captioned the clip.
A Surprise Pedal-By
The stunned pedicab driver immediately veered closer to Joel’s car, reaching out for a handshake. “You see, we are playing you, man!” the driver said excitedly.
One of the passengers chimed in, “We love you! How are you feeling?”
Fans React to the Moment
The heartwarming exchange quickly went viral, with fans flooding Joel’s Instagram comments.
“This is excellent. I’m also so glad she asked how you were feeling like a true New Yorker fam member,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “We love you, Billy. Thank you for writing the soundtrack to our lives.”
A New York Story
The chance encounter comes just as HBO released its two-part documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, offering a candid look at the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s life and career.
For the lucky pedicab driver and his passengers, the moment was pure New York magic — a ride they’ll never forget, soundtracked by the man who wrote the anthem they were pedaling to.
For more information:
https://www.today.com/popculture/billy-joel-pedicab-surprise-rcna220305