Billy Joel health update
Legendary singer Billy Joel has been advised by doctors to stop performing and driving due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. The condition affects his balance, memory, and vision, leading him to cancel concerts and auction off his motorcycle collection.
Why it matters
The health struggles of a major cultural icon highlight the physical toll of long-term touring and the challenges of aging in the entertainment industry.
Hear this story Billy Joel isn't sure whether he'll be able to take the stage again.
The "Piano Man" singer, 77, said in an Oct. 15 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that his doctors have advised him against performing and driving. He needs additional testing to determine whether he can return following his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Joel explained that the condition "affects your balance, it affects your memory, it affects your vision, your hearing," but that he's still doing fine.
"What the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it's like you're getting a concussion," Joel explained when opening up about why he was advised to stop performing.
He pointed to the loud music, lighting and stress of a concert as concerns for his doctors, but said he still hopes to perform.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Billy Joel says he can't drive, perform in new health update
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