Billy Joel says he has undergone brain surgery to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition he says was affecting his balance and other symptoms. In interviews and comments carried by multiple outlets, Joel describes the period leading up to the surgery and says he is now feeling better as a result.
Joel also links his experience with live performances to his symptoms. He says doctors told him that touring and playing concerts were causing harm to his brain nerves in a way he compares to concussion-like effects each time he performed. Some outlets report that he initially declined or resisted surgical intervention before agreeing to the procedure.
Context and timing vary slightly by source. Variety and others describe the condition as diagnosed in 2025 and discuss how Joel noticed symptoms before surgery. The Washington Times and Rolling Stone focus more on his comments about how concerts affected him and on uncertainty about when he will tour again. Across coverage, the accounts converge on the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, his surgery to address it, and his portrayal of touring as worsening his condition.
