Billy Joel reveals rare details about brain surgery, ongoing health issues after NPH diagnosis
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Billy Joel is detailing his recent medical scare after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition involving a buildup of fluid on the brain.
The 'Piano Man' singer opened up about his symptoms, surgery and recovery in a new clip broadcast on SiriusXM’s 'The Billy Joel Channel.' He also explained why the health ordeal led him to step back from live performances.
Billy Joel performs at Mohegan Sun Arena on February 22, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut (Myrna M Suarez/Getty Images)Billy Joel details NPH diagnosis and brain surgery
Joel said he first noticed that his balance was not good and described feeling as though he was “on a boat,” with a rocking motion that left him unsteady on his feet.
He went to meet with a neurologist and was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which he said was previously called “water on the brain.”
His doctor recommended treatment because NPH “could get worse.”
Joel said his medical team advised him that they would “drill a hole through your skull” and “stick a shunt inside your brain.” Initially, the 'Vienna' singer resisted the procedure. “I said, ‘Nah, I think I’ll pass on that,’” he recalled. “I didn’t want to do that.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, NPH can affect memory, movement, thinking and concentrating because of a buildup of fluid on the brain, while also resembling symptoms of dementia.
However, NPH can be reversible. Joel said he changed his mind after reading about the condition and learning that treatment could partially mitigate his symptoms.
“I read up on it and I realized it can help improve your balance and can help your memory,” Joel said.
He continued, "You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles.” He added that it was difficult to determine “what’s age and what’s a condition,” before agreeing to undergo the procedure.
“I agreed to do the shunt and I had a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain.”
Billy Joel details recovery and performance pause
Joel said the procedure had positive effects on his health. “It actually improved things,” he explained. “My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better.”
The experience also prompted Joel to reconsider his live performances.
He said doctors told him that playing rock and roll music very loudly was giving him “something like a concussion every time” he performed. “It was causing damage to my brain nerves and I could be losing more brain cells the more shows I did and I realized that means I shouldn’t be doing this right now. I gotta improve.”
Joel said he is still undergoing physical therapy because “they don’t want me to stress too much.” He added that he is “doing whatever it is they tell me to do because I don’t want to lose it.”
Joel ended his update by reassuring fans about his condition. “I know people have heard, ‘Oh, he’s got a brain disorder,’ and I’m okay,” he said. “I just want people to know, don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here.”
He previously announced his diagnosis in May 2025, when he canceled his slate of upcoming performances. His team said at the time that Joel was “thankful for the excellent care he is receiving” and “fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
