Billy Joel has revealed that he underwent brain surgery to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus, the condition that forced him to cancel a slate of stadium concerts across North America and England last year.
Speaking Wednesday on SiriusXM’s The Billy Joel Channel, the 77-year-old singer explained that doctors told him his live performances were effectively causing repeated concussion-like damage.
“I realised that means I shouldn’t be doing this right now,” he said, describing what led to the diagnosis as a persistent feeling of unsteadiness.
“I wasn’t steady on my feet,” comparing the sensation to rocking on a boat.
Joel first disclosed the NPH diagnosis in May 2025, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain, most commonly affecting people over 65 and causing issues with balance, vision, hearing and cognition.
The diagnosis followed a stretch of health scares, including a fall onstage in Uncasville, Connecticut, in February 2025 and a collapse three months later at Mohegan Sun Arena.
His team ultimately canceled all 17 remaining stadium shows on his schedule, with his wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, thanking fans for their support at the time and expressing hope for his recovery.
Joel said doctors specifically warned him that continuing to perform risked further cognitive damage.
“They don’t want me to stress too much, so I’m doing physical therapy. I’m doing whatever it is they tell me to do.”
Despite the ordeal, he reassured fans he remains in good spirits and committed to his recovery.
“I just want people to know, don’t worry about me,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here.”
He briefly returned to the stage in January of this year to perform two songs alongside a tribute band, though he said doctors have generally continued to advise against a full return to touring for now.
2026-09-10 05:59:00
