Billy Joel is stepping back into the spotlight—on his own terms.
Just under two months after announcing his diagnosis with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), the 75-year-old music icon has reemerged for an open discussion with Bill Maher, host of HBO’s Real Time. The conversation took place at Joel’s residence in Florida and is part of an extensive interview that will air Monday on Maher’s Club Random podcast.
Following his diagnosis, Joel had to cancel his upcoming concert dates and was unable to attend the June Tribeca Festival screening of his new HBO documentary, And So It Goes. This documentary is presented in two segments—Part One airs on Friday night, followed by Part Two on Friday, July 25.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder due to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. This condition can result in symptoms such as walking difficulties, memory impairment, and bladder control problems. Although often misdiagnosed, NPH can sometimes be managed with surgical methods.
Despite the health challenges, Joel appeared sharp and introspective in a preview clip posted to Maher’s X (formerly Twitter) account, opening up about the deeply personal inspirations behind some of his most iconic songs.
“I don’t want to tell you a story. I want to tell you my story,” the “My Life” songwriter says from behind his piano.
Joel reminisces about writing “Just the Way You Are” for his first love, crafting “Uptown Girl” about his second wife Christie Brinkley, and penning “She’s Always a Woman” about a complex woman from early in his career.
“She’s always a woman to me. Hello?” Joel quips in the clip.
The conversation also touches on some of Joel’s more provocative work, including his 1977 hit “Only the Good Die Young,” which raised eyebrows for its references to Catholicism and sexuality.
“I’m tipping over sacred cows all my life. I like to do that,” Joel says with a smirk.
He also opens up about his passion for classical music, explaining how it offers a kind of emotional and mental escape.
“It’s just music. And it can take me away somewhere else, completely. I get stoned from it. I literally get carried away listening to beautiful music,” Joel adds.
The full Club Random interview drops Monday, just ahead of And So It Goes’ debut on HBO.
