Billy Joel, the five-time Grammy Award winner, has shared that he is feeling "remarkably well," despite it being two months since he publicly revealed his diagnosis with the rare brain condition known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). In a recent appearance on Bill Maher's Club Random podcast, Joel opened up about his ongoing journey, noting that his condition was "actively being managed" and admitted to facing challenges with his balance. "I'm in good spirits," he remarked, "they keep labeling it as a severe brain disorder, making it sound far more dire than how I actually feel."
Earlier this year, in May, Joel was compelled to cancel a string of concert dates after his physicians advised him that his performances had "aggravated his condition." NPH, as described by the National Health Service (NHS), is an uncommon and somewhat enigmatic ailment that predominantly affects individuals over 60 years old. This condition leads to an accumulation of fluid within the brain, potentially impacting hearing, vision, and mobility.
In an initial announcement shared on his Instagram page, the 76-year-old crooner disclosed that he was undergoing "targeted" physical therapy tailored to his condition and emphasized his "unwavering commitment to placing his health first." His wife, Alexis Joel, echoed these sentiments in a separate post, expressing the family's "deep gratitude for the exceptional care and prompt diagnosis they received" and expressing optimism for a swift return to full health.
As a result of his condition, Joel was forced to cancel 17 scheduled performances across North America and Europe spanning 2025 and 2026, including highly anticipated stadium shows at Murrayfield in Edinburgh and Anfield in Liverpool. Renowned for hits like "Uptown Girl" and "Piano Man," Joel has maintained a busy tour schedule in recent years, capping off a record-setting decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden in New York just last year.
His final performance, in February 2025, was marred by an incident where he fell backward after hurling a microphone stand into the exuberant crowd. Shortly thereafter, he announced the postponement of his tour, citing a medical issue that necessitated physical therapy as part of his recovery from a recent surgical procedure.
