Celebrity3 min(s) read
Billy Joel shares heartbreaking health update amid battle with rare brain disorder
Musician Billy Joel has shared an update on his battle with a rare brain disorder - and the current situation will be heartbreaking for his fans.
Joel - best known for stirring hits like 'Uptown Girl', 'Vienna', and 'Piano Man' - announced in 2025 that he'd been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare disorder where the hollow chambers of the brain are filled with excess cerebrospinal fluid, causing the chambers themselves to expand and press on nearby tissue.
The singer-songwriter's initial diagnosis meant that he canceled the rest of his planned shows and took a step back from live performing.
However, for those dedicated fans hoping that Joel will return to the stage soon, we have some bad news for you.
Heartbreaking update on Billy Joel's battle with rare brain disease
In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Billy Joel reports that following his diagnosis with NPH, he can no longer drive and cannot see himself returning to performing onstage any time soon.
"I'm not allowed to drive," Joel told the publication, saying that he's now been forced to admit defeat and is now auctioning off 70 of his motorcycles.
Joel also confirmed that his neurologist has told him he's not allowed to perform yet either, since NPH affects his cognitive function.
Joel relayed that he was told, "every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion."
He continued: "There’s a lot going on when you’re onstage. And they said, ‘Well, you really shouldn’t be doing that right now.’
"So they have to test me further to see if I can go back and do performing again, which I would like to be able to do."
What is the rare brain disorder Billy Joel is suffering from?
Billy Joel suffers from normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder where cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the brain's hollow chambers, putting pressure on the brain and skull.
Last month, Joel underwent brain surgery, after he was told of a procedure that could help him regain some of his balance and improve his memory.
Following the surgery, Joel said he had felt an improvement in his "ability to function" and was determined to keep fighting.
"I'm not going anywhere," he assured fans. "I'm still here. I'm still here."