Billy Joel says his ongoing battle with normal pressure hydrocephalus has left him unable to drive or return to the stage.
The “Piano Man” artist discussed his health in a new interview ahead of a November Gooding Christie’s auction featuring more than 70 motorcycles from his personal collection.
“I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive,” Joel told The Hollywood Reporter.
MedlinePlus describes normal pressure hydrocephalus as an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. The condition can affect brain function and lead to changes in walking or gait, as well as incontinence.
Joel characterized the condition as “not that serious,” but acknowledged that it continues to prevent him from performing at his previous level.
“It affects your balance, it affects your memory, it affects your vision, your hearing. But I’m OK. They call it a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that affects your balance mostly,” Joel said. He added that doctors must conduct further tests to determine whether he can perform again—something he hopes to do.
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Joel first announced his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis in May 2025, when he also canceled a series of scheduled performances.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” a statement posted on Joel’s Instagram said at the time. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
The singer later disclosed that he had also undergone brain surgery for the condition. Doctors implanted a shunt, which helped relieve some of his symptoms.
“My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better,” Joel said during an interview with his SiriusXM station, The Billy Joel Channel.
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