Music icon Billy Joel says he cannot drive or perform following brain disorder diagnosis

Music icon Billy Joel has revealed that he is unable to drive or perform live following a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder that causes fluid to accumulate in the brain’s ventricles.
 

Speaking in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 77-year-old singer shared that medical professionals advised him to cease driving and pause live concerts, explaining that the physical strain and high volume of touring put significant stress on his health.
 

“My health is good. I have this thing called hydrocephalus. It affects your balance, it affects your memory, it affects your vision, your hearing. They call it a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that affects your balance, mostly,” Joel stated.
 

He noted that his neurologist warned him that performing live concerts under loud sound systems and intense stage lighting carries risks similar to sustaining a concussion. As a result, he must undergo further medical evaluations before determining whether he can return to the stage.

Due to his inability to drive, Joel confirmed he is auctioning off over 70 motorcycles from his personal collection, explaining that it was time to let them go rather than risk riding with impaired balance.

The “Piano Man” crooner first disclosed his diagnosis in May 2025 after canceling tour dates following a fall during a performance in Connecticut. He subsequently underwent brain surgery to implant a shunt to relieve fluid pressure, which he noted has helped improve his memory, balance, and cognitive function.