The piano legend reveals his surprising health update on normal pressure hydrocephalus, with candid humor and a hint of resilience.
Weeks after abruptly canceling all his May concerts due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, 76‑year‑old Billy Joel appeared on Bill Maher’s "Club Random" podcast with an unexpectedly upbeat update.
“It’s not fixed, it’s still being worked on,” he explained, admitting, “My balance sucks; it’s like being on a boat".
I thought it must be from drinking, I used to like a fish”. Despite the flair of self-deprecating humor, Joel emphasized, I feel good.
They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.
In May, Joel announced the diagnosis and apologized to fans on Instagram, acknowledging the impact of recent performances on his hearing, vision, and balance.
On medical advice, he’s now focusing on physical therapy and is stepping away from the stage to recover.
Although his condition remains a work in progress, Billy Joel’s candid update and trademark wit reassure fans: his spirit is intact, and the music—the concerts, will return in time.
