Billy Joel has revealed that he underwent brain surgery to implant a shunt after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus last year.
The 77-year-old singer shared details of the procedure on the latest episode of his SiriusXM radio show, telling listeners that the operation improved his balance, memory, and overall physical functioning after he noticed severe steadiness issues.
Speaking on Wednesday's broadcast of The Billy Joel Channel, the hitmaker assured fans about his recovery. "I just want people to know, don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here," Joel said.
The Piano Man singer explained that he first realized something was wrong when his balance began to feel unsteady. "I had this sense of being on a boat, like this rocking motion. I wasn’t steady on my feet," he remembered.
After medical consultations, Joel agreed to undergo surgery to place a device in his brain to relieve fluid pressure. "I agreed to do the shunt and I had a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain and it actually improved things," he shared. "My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better."
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs when excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid build up in the cavities of the brain. The buildup creates pressure that can damage brain tissue, leading to difficulty walking, cognitive impairment, and loss of balance. Treatment typically involves inserting a surgical shunt, a thin tube that channels fluid away from the brain and into another part of the body where it can be absorbed safely.
Johns Hopkins Medicine, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a renowned academic medical center that produces clinical guidance and medical research. SiriusXM, which broadcasts Joel's dedicated channel, is a North American satellite radio and online audio service.
Joel, widely known as the Piano Man following his 1973 hit single, is one of the most successful recording artists in music history. Over a career spanning six decades, the American singer and songwriter has sold over 160 million records worldwide, produced hit singles such as Uptown Girl and We Didn't Start the Fire, and completed a historic residency at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Concert Cancellations and Medical Advice
The announcement follows Joel's decision to pull the plug on all scheduled concerts in May 2025 after receiving his diagnosis. Medical professionals advised the performer to stop touring temporarily because of the impact live shows were having on his health.
Doctors warned the acclaimed songwriter that performing on stage was triggering trauma similar to recurring head injuries. According to Joel, physicians stated that live shows were causing "something like a concussion every time I did a show" and warned that he "could be losing more brain cells the more shows I did."
Recognizing the serious risk to his health, Joel stopped his live appearances to focus on treatment and rest. "I realized that means I shouldn’t be doing this right now. I got to improve," Joel explained. "They don’t want me to stress too much, so I’m doing physical therapy. I’m doing whatever it is they tell me to do."
The cancellations were formally announced in May 2025 through an official statement shared on Joel's Instagram account. The post informed fans that the musician was stepping away from performing following his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
The official statement explained that the condition had been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. It noted that Joel was undergoing specific physical therapy under doctor instructions and was advised to refrain from performing during the recovery period.
The Instagram statement added that Joel was thankful for the excellent care he was receiving, fully committed to prioritizing his health, and grateful for the support of his fans while looking forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.
Personal Life and Recovery Routine
The health disclosure comes while Joel is also mourning the loss of his best friend and bandmate Jon Small. The two musicians played together early in their musical careers, creating a lifelong personal and professional bond.
Amid his health challenges, Joel relies on support from his family. The singer shares two young daughters, Della, 11, and Remy, eight, with his wife Alexis Roderick, 44, whom he married in 2015.
Joel also has an adult daughter, Alexa, 40, from his previous marriage to model Christie Brinkley. Joel and Brinkley were wed from 1985 until 1994.
Brinkley gained international fame in the late 1970s and 1980s as an American model and actress, appearing on three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers and starring in Joel's music video for Uptown Girl.
As Joel continues his recovery, he remains focused on physical therapy and medical guidance. While no timeline has been announced for a return to live performance, the veteran artist assured his audience that he remains committed to prioritizing his health and continuing his recovery.
