Billy Joel has just given fans a heartbreaking update on his health after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) last year.
The 77-year-old “New York State of Mind” singer revealed in a Hollywood Reporter interview that he is “not allowed to drive” anymore, and has also been advised against performing while he continues his recovery. As a result of his driving restrictions, he is auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles from his collection.
The “Uptown Girl” musician explained that his condition, which causes excess cerebrospinal fluid to build up in the brain and can affect memory, balance and movement, makes driving “a little bit iffy.” He therefore “realized it’s time for me to turn it over to somebody else,” adding “I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield. So I thought I’d put a lot of them on auction.”
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Billy Joel Talks About Auctioning Off His Motorcycles After NPH Diagnosis
"I ended up having over a hundred motorcycles, and the truth is you can only ride one at a time. I'm into my 70s now, and I realized I can't ride as much as I used to," the "Vienna" singer revealed.
Despite owning so many motorcycles, Joel insisted that he never considered himself a collector, but rather someone who genuinely loved riding.
"I love motorcycles. I love biking. I love driving. I love the anonymity of it. And I love the customization of these bikes, the modifications, the messing around with things. I was not a collector. I was actually a rider. So I figured it was just time to let it go."
Will Billy Joel Ever Perform Again?
The "Just the Way You Are" singer also revealed that his doctors have advised him against performing for the time being, with the loud music, lighting and physical demands of his concerts all posing concerns. However, he made it clear that he hasn't given up hope of returning to the stage.
He explained that he will need to undergo "a series of tests" before he knows whether he can perform again. His doctors reportedly warned him that "every time you do a show, it's like you're getting a concussion," meaning there's a possibility he may never be able to perform again, despite his hopes of returning to the stage.
"Rock and roll is loud, man," the "Only the Good Die Young" singer said. "Rock and roll made me deaf already. So it's the lighting, the sound, the stress of the show, the audience, the energy of the performance. There's a lot going on when you're onstage."
He added: "And they said, 'Well, you really shouldn't be doing that right now.' So they have to test me further to see if I can go back and do performing again, which I would like to be able to do."
The "Piano Man" musician first went public with his diagnosis in May 2025, when he canceled the remainder of his tour.
An official statement released at the time read: "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."
It went on: "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."
More recently, in September, Joel revealed that he had undergone brain surgery to have a shunt implanted, which helps drain excess fluid from the brain. He said the procedure had already improved his memory, balance and overall "ability to function."
Speaking on SiriusXM's The Billy Joel Channel, he said: "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 surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain, and it actually improved things."
He also confirmed that he was undergoing physical therapy and following his doctors' advice, reassuring fans: "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here. I'm still here."
Fan Comments
Fans sent their well wishes on social media after hearing the latest news.
"God bless. He's the best," gushed one fan on Instagram. "Lucky to have seen the Piano Man three times! What heartbreaking news. We love you Billy!" exclaimed a second.
"I hope treatment is available & you are able to get better, Piano Man. Thank you for all you've already given us," wrote a third, as a fourth added: "So sad. Saw him perform and he was wonderful! Sending prayers to Billy and his family!"
"Hands down best concert I've ever been to. Amazing performer! Legend!" praised a fifth, while a sixth said: "As a New Yorker this hurts. As a native Long Islander, it's heart wrenching." A seventh echoed: "Heartbreaking. He's a musical genius."
