Billy Joel has revealed why he stepped away from the stage: his doctors warned him that performing loud rock shows was damaging his brain.
In a new interview on SiriusXM’s Billy Joel Channel, the 77-year-old musician said his diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus — a brain disorder caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid — came alongside the doctors’ concerns about the physical toll of his concerts.
“The doctors told me because of my job, which is playing rock and roll music very loud, that it was giving me something like a concussion every time I did a show,” Joel said. “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 got to improve. They don’t want me to stress too much.”
The Shunt Decision
Joel canceled all his shows and revealed his diagnosis. He said he was initially hesitant to receive a brain shunt, a medical device that relieves pressure on the brain.
“But then I read up on it and I realized it can help improve your balance and can help your memory,” he said. “You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles. It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt and I had a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain and it actually improved things. My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better.”
The Fall on Stage
Joel’s most recent full concert took place on February 22nd, 2025, and saw him fall during the show.
Joel has been slow to retake the stage since. He did return for a brief appearance in January of this year, joining a Billy Joel cover band for two songs.
No Timetable Yet
There is currently no timetable for his return to regular live performance, though he continues to improve.
Joel has not announced new tour dates. His recovery is ongoing, and his doctors have advised him to avoid stress.
The Doctors’ Warning
Joel’s doctors told him the volume of his concerts could be causing repeated trauma to his brain. He said the realization that he could be losing brain cells with each show was a turning point.
Message to Fans
“I just want people to know, don’t worry about me,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here.”
Joel said he is focused on improving his health. For now, fans will have to wait for his return to the stage.
Key Facts Box
- Diagnosis: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid
- Most recent full concert: February 22nd, 2025
- Return to stage: January of this year, two songs with a Billy Joel cover band
- Age: 77
- Treatment: Brain shunt surgery
- Return timetable: None announced
After the Shunt
| Ability | After Shunt |
|---|---|
| Memory | Improved |
| Balance | A little better |
| Overall function | Better |
Joel’s candid account offers a rare look at how a major touring artist weighs health against career. His decision to step back, he said, came from a simple realization: he could not keep damaging his brain for the sake of a show.
He remains optimistic about his recovery. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I’m still here.”
Source: consequence.net