New Delhi: Singer Billy Joel has revealed that he underwent brain surgery after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a rare neurological condition. Joel revealed that the disorder caused excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which affected his balance and memory.
The 77-year-old singer spoke about his health on SiriusXM’s The Billy Joel Channel, a US satellite-radio and audio-streaming service. He did not say when the surgery took place but added that it has helped his memory and balance.
The ‘Piano Man’ singer said that he began to realise something was wrong when he became increasingly unsteady.
“I had this sense of being on a boat, like this rocking motion. I wasn’t steady on my feet. I didn’t know why that was,” he said.
On 22 February 2025, Joel fell while performing at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. He consulted a neurologist and was diagnosed soon after.
Doctors recommended inserting a shunt in his brain to drain the excess fluid. Joel said that he initially refused but reconsidered after learning the procedure could improve his quality of life.
“You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles. It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt,” he said.
The procedure made a difference.
“My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better,” Joel said.
The songwriter announced his diagnosis on 23 May 2025 and cancelled all his scheduled concerts, including shows planned through July 2026. His team revealed that recent performances had worsened the condition and caused problems with his hearing, vision and balance.
Joel has now said that the volume of his rock concerts was having an effect similar to sustaining a concussion. His doctors advised him to stop performing while he recovered.
“It was causing damage to my brain nerves, and I could be losing more brain cells the more shows I did. I realised that means I shouldn’t be doing this right now. I’ve got to improve,” he said.
Joel is continuing physical therapy and following his doctor’s advice to avoid stress.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here,” he said.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)