What To Know
- Billy Joel underwent successful brain surgery to implant a shunt after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which had affected his balance, memory, and ability to perform.
- The procedure has led to noticeable improvements in his memory and daily functioning, though doctors advised him to reduce loud concert performances to avoid aggravating his condition.
- Joel reassured fans that he is doing well, continuing physical therapy, and remains optimistic about his health and future activities.
More than a year after revealing his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Billy Joel is sharing a positive health update. The “Piano Man” singer revealed that he underwent surgery to have a shunt implanted in his brain after the condition began affecting his balance, memory, and ability to perform.
NPH is a condition caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid building up in the brain. Appearing on SiriusXM’sThe Billy Joel Channel, Joel explained that he initially resisted the procedure but reconsidered after learning it could improve his balance and memory.
Last February, Joel stumbled onstage while performing “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. It was later revealed in an Instagram post that he was diagnosed with NPH. “Billy Joel has announced that he will be canceling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” read the statement.
@thesun Watch the shocking moment ‘frail’ Billy Joel falls over live on stage. #billyjoel #liveperformance #fall
After initially trying to manage the condition without surgery, doctors recommended a shunt procedure. Joel admitted he wasn’t exactly sold on the idea at first.
“I said, ‘Well, what does that entail?’ ‘Well, we drill a hole through your skull, and we stick a shunt inside your brain.’ I said, ‘Nah, I think I’ll pass on that.’ I didn’t want to do that, but then I read up on it, and I realized it can help improve your balance and can help your memory. You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles,” Joel explained.
Joel stated that the surgery has helped, and he has noticed improvements in his memory and ability to function. “It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt. I had the 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.”
However, doctors warned that performing loud rock concerts could aggravate his condition, so he has scaled back his tour while continuing physical therapy.
“I realized, and the doctors told me this, that because of my job, which is playing rock and roll music very loud, it was giving me something like a concussion every time I did a show. 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 singer said.
Despite concerns about his health, Joel assured fans that he is doing well and continuing to test what he is capable of. “I’m okay,” he said, “Don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here.”
