Billy Joel [ tickets ], who is currently touring overseas, will launch 2009 with a short run of US dates before hitting the road with Elton John.

Joel has three January performances booked in Hollywood, FL, and a Feb. 14 gig in Las Vegas. His publicist confirmed that he and John will team once again next year, though dates have yet to be released. John's current commitments extend through April. The piano men last toured together in 2002.

Meanwhile, Joel is making his way through China, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand through mid-December. Those international dates can be found at his website, and confirmed US shows are listed below.

The iconic singer/songwriter recently released "Billy Joel Essential 3.0," which adds a third disc of hits to the set's previous edition. Over the summer, he also put out two special editions of his 1977 breakout album, "The Stranger"--one comprising two CDs and the other featuring 2 CDs and a bonus DVD.

Joel said he was finished writing pop songs following 1993's "River of Dreams," but he returned to the genre last year, issuing a single titled "All My Life" as an anniversary present for his wife. He followed that by penning the anti-war pop song "Christmas in Fallujah," which was recorded by emerging singer/songwriter Cass Dillon.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has racked up six Grammy statues, including the Grammy Legend Award, and has sold more than 100 million records during a career that spans four decades, according to his bio. His "Greatest Hits Volume I and II" has moved more than 20 million copies alone, making it the best-selling hits album by a male artist.