Billy Joel reveals he has had brain surgery and gives fans health update

10 September 2026, 10:27

Billy Joel opens up about his recent health issues.

Billy Joel has revealed that he has undergone brain surgery.

The singer-songwriter was forced to cancel a number of tour dates last year after being diagnosed with the brain disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

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Speaking on SiriusXM's The Billy Joel Channel, Billy said that – having been told that they would need to drill a hole through his skull and put a shunt in his brain – he was originally was against the idea of having the procedure.

But having been told that his condition might worsen, he went ahead with the surgery.

"I noticed that my balance was not good. I had this sense of being on a boat, like this rocking motion," Joel said.

"I wasn't steady on my feet. I didn't know why that was, and I went to meet with the neurologist, and I was diagnosed with having something called normal pressure hydrocephalus, which they used to call water on the brain."

Billy Joel - Piano Man (Official HD Video)

He added of his about-turn on the idea of surgery: "I read up on it and I realised it can help improve your balance and can help your memory.

"You know, 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 a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain."

Joel continued: "It actually improved things. My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better.

"I know people have heard, 'Oh, he's got a brain disorder,' and I'm okay. I just want people to know, don't worry about me. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here. I'm still here."

Billy Joel - Turn the Lights Back On (Official Video)

Billy Joel has made some major career changes in recent years.

The singer wrapped up his decade-long monthly residency at Madison Square Garden in 2024 having played 150 shows at the New York venue.

The same year he made a shock return to the studio for the surprise comeback single 'Turn The Lights Back On', his first new single since 2007.

And last year saw the release of the acclaimed two-part HBO documentary film Billy Joel: And So It Goes.