By The Daily Caller (U.S.) | Created at 2026-10-16 16:26:10 | Updated at 2026-10-19 00:10:10
2 days ago
Legendary singer Billy Joel is facing an uncertain future as he battles a serious health crisis that has left him questioning whether he’ll ever perform on stage again.
The musician was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, commonly known as water on the brain. He revealed during an Oct. 15 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the condition has forced him to make significant lifestyle and career changes.
When asked about his ability to perform, Joel replied, “I have to take a series of tests before I know.”
“I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive,” he told the outlet.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Billy Joel performs at soundcheck before his show at Busch Stadium on September 29, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.
Joel said doctors advised him to step away from live performances, at least for the moment.
“What the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion,” Joel said, describing the intensity of the loud volume, lighting, and high energy that is required for each of his shows.
He told The Hollywood Reporter that further testing would determine whether he can pursue live shows in the future.
Joel’s health struggles have also changed his perspective on his personal life.
He told the outlet that he was auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles from his collection.
The decision was a difficult one for him.
“I was not a collector. I was actually a rider,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“I realized I can’t ride as much as I used to. I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield. So I thought I’d put a lot of them on auction.”
Joel explained that his condition “makes driving a little bit iffy.”
The singer explained that his condition “affects your balance, it affects your memory, it affects your vision, your hearing.” (RELATED: U2 Announces 2027 Tour: ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’)
“So I realized it’s time for me to turn it over to somebody else,” he said.
He finished by reassuring fans, “But I’m OK. They call it a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that affects your balance.”
Joel’s motorcycle collection will be available without reserve on Nov. 20-21 at the Gooding Christie’s Rétromobile New York auction at the Javits Center.
