Billy Joel Hip Replacement Surgery

Rocker Billy Joel is spending the holiday weekend recuperating in his Long Island home after undergoing surgery on both hips earlier this month.

Joel spokeswoman Claire Mercuri tell PEOPLE that the 61-year-old long Islander had both hips replaced last week to correct a congenital condition. In news that will be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer responsible for such hits as “Piano Man,” ”Uptown Girl.” and “New York State of Mind” is “doing extremely well.”

Billy decided to have both joints looked at in order to stop himself backing out of later surgery.

Joel’s model ex-wife Christie Brinkley – who has 24-year-old daughter Alexa Ray Joel with the singer – is happy to report that her former spouse is recovering well.

“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!”

The singer had been using a cane to assist with walking in the weeks leading up to the operation. Billy, 61, is looking forward to performing again after having the surgery.

“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.”