Billy Joel reports feeling “good” two months after publicly disclosing his diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain condition.
In a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, the acclaimed five-time Grammy winner stated that his condition is “still being worked on,” acknowledging ongoing challenges with balance.
“I feel good; they keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling,” the celebrated singer-songwriter remarked.
Joel previously announced the cancellation of several concert dates in May of this year, following medical advice that his condition had been “exacerbated by recent performances.”
NPH, as defined by the NHS, is an uncommon and often poorly understood condition predominantly affecting individuals over 60 years of age.
The condition is characterized by an accumulation of fluid within the brain, potentially impacting hearing, vision, and mobility.
In the initial statement shared on the 76-year-old musician’s Instagram account, it was noted that Joel was undergoing “specific” physical therapy to manage his condition and was “fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
His wife, Alexis Joel, shared a separate post expressing the family’s “gratitude for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received” and their optimism for a prompt recovery.
Joel has canceled 17 scheduled performances across North America and Europe for 2025 and 2026, which included stadium concerts at Murrayfield in Edinburgh and Anfield in Liverpool.
Renowned for his iconic hits such as “Uptown Girl” and “Piano Man,” Joel has maintained an active touring schedule in recent years. He concluded a record-breaking ten-year residency at Madison Square Garden in New York last year.
During his final performance in February 2025, Joel experienced a fall on stage after throwing a microphone stand into the audience.
Shortly thereafter, he announced the postponement of his tour, citing a medical condition requiring physical therapy as part of his recovery from a recent surgical procedure.
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