Billy Joel unsure about touring future after brain disorder diagnosis

Billy Joel, 77, has stated that his future on tour remains uncertain following his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in 2025. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on October 15, 2026, the singer revealed that he is currently not allowed to drive and must undergo further medical testing to determine if he can safely perform live again.

Medical Restrictions and Testing

Joel explained that his neurologist has advised against performing due to the physical impact of live shows. "What the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion," Joel said. He added that he cannot currently perform because of this warning.

"I have to take a series of tests before I know, but I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive," Joel said. "And I can’t do performances because what the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion."

The singer expressed a desire to return to the stage but acknowledged that medical evaluation is required first. "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," he said.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Joel was diagnosed with NPH, a condition he described as "water on the brain," which affects balance, memory, vision, and hearing. "I have this thing called hydrocephalus," Joel said. "It used to be called water on the brain, so it affects your balance, it affects your memory, it affects your vision, your hearing. But I’m OK."

He downplayed the severity of the condition, stating, "They call it a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that affects your balance mostly."

In May 2025, Joel disclosed that he had undergone brain surgery to implant a shunt to drain excess fluid. He recalled the medical team's explanation of the procedure: "Well, we drill a hole through your skull, and we stick a shunt inside your brain." Although initially hesitant, Joel agreed to the surgery after researching its benefits. "I didn't want to do that, but then I read up on it and I realized it can help improve your balance and can help your memory," he said. "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 and I had a surgery. And they implanted a shunt in my brain, and it actually improved things."

Joel reported improvements in his memory, balance, and ability to function following the surgery.

Motorcycle Collection Auction

Joel's health issues have also influenced his decision to sell part of his personal motorcycle collection. More than 70 lots from his collection are scheduled to go to auction with Gooding Christie's at the Javits Center in New York on November 20-21.

"Well, I ended up having over a hundred motorcycles, and the truth is you can only ride one at a time. I’m into my 70s now, and I realized I can’t ride as much as I used to," Joel said. "I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield. So I thought I’d put a lot of them on auction."

He noted that his condition makes driving difficult, contributing to the decision. "And also I have a condition called hydrocephalus, which makes driving a little bit iffy. So I realized it’s time for me to turn it over to somebody else," Joel said.

The collection includes motorcycles from brands such as Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, and Kawasaki. A notable item is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville gifted to Joel by Madison Square Garden to commemorate 150 sold-out shows. David Gooding, founder of Gooding Christie's, estimated the bike's value at $10,000 to $15,000. "He still holds the record for the most sold out show of anyone ever at Madison Square Garden. And this bike is painted with a keyboard on the tank. It's really, really a special, special item," Gooding said.

Why it matters

Joel's update provides clarity on the long-term impact of normal pressure hydrocephalus on a high-profile musician's career. His statement that performing live poses a risk similar to a concussion highlights the physical demands of touring and the medical constraints faced by artists with neurological conditions. The auction of his motorcycle collection further illustrates how his health status is affecting his personal life and assets.

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Sources

• foxnews.com: Billy Joel's touring future uncertain amid brain disorder, says he can't drive | Fox News
• eonline.com: Billy Joel Can't Perform, Drive After Hydrocephalus Brain Diagnosis
• suaragarut.id: Billy Joel Faces Uncertain Touring Future After Brain Diagnosis

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.