Billy Joel gets hip

Last week, Billy Joel underwent a double hip replacement surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York last week. He had been suffering chronic problems with his hips for a number of years.

His ex-wife, Christie Brinkley, told RadarOnline that "He did them both at the same time. Billy said, 'If I do it one at a time I know I'll never go in for the other.' He's really doing well. He's really coming through with flying colors. He's making it look easy."

A spokesperson, Claire Mercuri, confirmed the singers condition to People. "Billy Joel is doing extremely well following bilateral hip replacement."

Joel, who recently opened a motorcycle store, 20th Century Cycles, in Oyster Bay, Long Island, had been walking with the help of a cane but is hoping that his new hips will allow him to get back to performing on the road. "This is the longest time I've had off in I don't know how long and I had fun. But I'm ready to start playing again."