Billy Joel Breaks Silence On Serious Health Battle

Legendary piano man Billy Joel has given an update concerning his health as he continues to battle a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus, otherwise known as NPH. The musician publicly revealed the diagnosis back in May, along with announcing the cancellation of his upcoming concerts.

The illness has had a huge impact on Joel’s hearing, vision, and even his balance. During the emotional update, the Uptown Girl singer opened up about his condition during an episode of Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast.

“I feel fine. My balance sucks. It’s like being a boat,” Joel told Maher. He then said that doctors have not been able to pinpoint the cause of the condition, going on to say, “They don’t know…I thought it must be from drinking.”

Joel has been something of an open book about his struggles with substance abuse and alcohol. He’s also been very public about his struggles with mental health, having disclosed a suicide attempt at one point in his life due to career pressures.

“Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the brain, enlarging the ventricles and puts pressure on brain tissue, potentially causing damage and neurological symptoms,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Joel is undergoing targeted physical therapy to try and help treat the condition. His medical team has advised him not to perform while he’s in recovery.

NPH can be effectively treated when it’s caught early. The most common form of treatment at the early stage is surgery to drain excess fluid from the brain. This relieves pressure and alleviates symptoms similar to those experienced by Joel.

If someone with the condition does not receive treatment, there can be long-term or even permanent damage.

Joel took to the social media platform Instagram to thank his fans for all of the care and support he’s receiving. “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” he wrote in the post’s caption.

The statement then said, “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”

It added, “He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

Fans who have already purchased tickets to the canceled shows will not need to take any additional steps to receive refunds. Costs will be automatically returned to the original form of payment. Shows in New York City, New Orleans, Toronto, Santa Clara, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and Liverpool were cut from the tour.