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Billy Joel, 76, breaks silence on brain disorder battle which forced him to step back from singing career

BBG News

Billy Joel recently shared a heartfelt message about his current health situation, as he continues to fight against the condition known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

In May, the renowned musician Joel, aged 76, disclosed his diagnosis and subsequently canceled his forthcoming shows due to difficulties he’s encountered during recent performances.

Joel’s health issue affects his hearing, sight, and equilibrium. On Monday’s episode of Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the Uptown Girl songwriter shared details about his condition.

He said: ‘I feel fine. My balance sucks. It’s like being a boat.’

Joel added that the doctors were unable to determine the cause, implying, “It’s a mystery to them… I assumed it might be due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Throughout his life, Joel has been transparent about his long-standing fights against alcoholism and drug addiction, along with his personal challenges related to mental health. At one particularly tough time in his career, these issues culminated in an attempt to take his own life.

He stated, “I’m feeling great, but whenever they label what I experience as a brain disorder, it makes it seem more serious than how I genuinely feel.

According to Mayo Clinic, hydrocephalus refers to a condition where excess fluid accumulates inside the brain, leading to an expansion of the ventricles (brain’s fluid-filled spaces) and increasing pressure on brain tissue. This increased pressure can potentially lead to damage within the brain and various neurological symptoms.

Joel is following a specific physical therapy regimen recommended by his doctor right now, and he’s been told to take a break from performing while he recovers.

If detected early, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) can frequently be successfully managed through a surgical procedure that removes excess brain fluid, thus alleviating pressure and associated symptoms.

However, if left untreated, the condition may lead to permanent damage in its later stages. 

Apart from being a musical legend, he also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the care given to him and extended thanks to his fans for their unwavering encouragement.

Joel expressed his heartfelt apologies for any disappointment caused to the audience, and he appreciates their understanding, as shared on Instagram.

Billy expresses gratitude for the exceptional care he’s getting and is dedicated to making his health a top priority, as stated further.

He expressed his gratitude for the fans’ support during this period and eagerly anticipates the moment when he can perform on stage again.

Refunds will be processed automatically, meaning the money will return to the initial method used for purchase without fans needing to do anything.

The following performances have been postponed: a summer concert in New York City, as well as events in New Orleans, Toronto, Santa Clara, Salt Lake City, Washington D.C., and Liverpool.

The latest health announcement is made following the delay of Joel’s tour, which was pushed back by four months owing to a health issue.

On March 11, an Instagram post disclosed that the tour had been temporarily paused because the Uptown Girl singer recently underwent surgery.

‘To ensure Joel fully recovers from his recent surgery and completes his physical therapy under the watchful eye of his doctors, we’ve decided to delay the upcoming tour by four months. The tour will pick up again at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025.’

Joel acknowledged that he had to delay performances because taking care of his health is crucial. He’s eager to return to the stage and continue bringing the pleasure of live music to our fantastic audience. He appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding.

Multiple fans also speculated if his medical issues were connected to his recent fall on stage. 

Around the end of February, Joel experienced a rather unfortunate fall while performing at the Mohegan Sun resort in Monteville, Connecticut. This incident instilled significant worry among his fans.

The video recording of the program shows the Grammy-winning artist twirling a microphone stand, then throwing it onto the stage, followed swiftly by him losing balance and falling down.

With assistance from their band, the musician continued the performance and even sang an additional song for his audience.

As an overly enthusiastic admirer, I can’t help but share my account of the captivating moment during the chilly autumn performance. There he was, Joel, resplendent in a monochrome ensemble – a sleek black suit and polished dress shoes – only for him to seem to trip before making an emphatic impact on stage, landing awkwardly on his side, and then sprawling out flat on his back.

And the songwriter has never been one to shy away from discussing the realities of aging.

During a chat on BBC Radio 2 with Zoe Ball, she inquired if he keeps himself fit by adhering to a balanced diet and regular workout routine.

As an ardent admirer, his unfiltered reply: ‘None of those options resonate with me. Frankly, I don’t believe I’m the epitome of beauty. Yet, I seldom gaze into mirrors, which seems to work wonders. There’s a saying that goes, “With one eye closed, things don’t seem half as bad.”‘

Looking back at his achievements, the renowned musician succinctly expressed his sense of pride: ‘I’m proud of my resilience in life. I’ve faced challenges, but they never hindered my progress. Financial struggles didn’t deter me from pursuing business ventures. I harbor no resentment towards anything, not even those who take advantage of me – I choose to forgive and move on. I find contentment in that. I am at peace. I am experiencing a peaceful conclusion.’

Billy kicked off his remarkable musical journey right in the mid-1960s, eventually resulting in the launch of his first studio album, “Cold Spring Harbor” (1971).

However, it didn’t make a significant impact until after the success of his subsequent release, “Piano Man” (1973). This song reached number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary singles chart.

Currently recognized as a notable figure in the music scene, Joel gained million-selling status with the debut of Streetlife Serenade (1974). However, it was his album The Stranger (1977), which included popular hits like Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just The Way You Are, She’s Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young, that truly catapulted him to stardom.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement over the groundbreaking 13th album he unveiled in 2001 – Fantasies & Delusions. This was an extraordinary moment, as it marked the first time he delved into classical compositions during his remarkable career.

Billy Joel, with more than 160 million records sold globally, ranks among the most successful musical performers worldwide and is the fourth top-selling solo artist in the U.S.

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2025-07-21 19:19

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