Billy Joel Says NPH Stops Him Driving and Clouds Touring Future at 77

Q: Will Billy Joel's ongoing recovery from brain surgery force the legendary musician to permanently retire from live performances?

No. There is no indication yet that Billy Joel has permanently retired from live performance, but his return remains genuinely uncertain. Joel has said he wants to perform again and is undergoing further medical testing before doctors decide whether it is safe. In interviews with The Hollywood Reporter and on SiriusXM, he said his neurologist warned that the loud sound, bright lights, stress and physical exertion of a concert can be harmful while he recovers from normal pressure hydrocephalus, making a show feel “like you’re getting a concussion.” His condition forced him to cancel the rest of his 2025 tour, and doctors have told him not to drive or perform for now. Joel has also described symptoms affecting his balance, memory, vision and hearing. He underwent brain surgery in 2025 to implant a shunt, and he says it improved his balance, memory and day-to-day functioning, though recovery is still ongoing. That medical context matters: normal pressure hydrocephalus can improve after shunt treatment, but outcomes vary by patient, especially at Joel’s age. The available reporting supports only that his future onstage depends on test results and his doctors’ assessment of risk. His decision to sell much of his motorcycle collection reflects age and health limitations, but not a formal end to his music career. In fact, he has publicly reassured fans, saying, “I’m still here,” and has made clear he hopes to return if his health allows it.

Q: Who will acquire the historic custom Triumph motorcycle gifted to Billy Joel for his 150th Madison Square Garden show?

It is not yet known who will acquire the custom 1978 Triumph Bonneville. The motorcycle is being offered at Gooding Christie’s Rétromobile New York sale on Nov. 20-21 at the Javits Center, and it is being sold without reserve. That means it will go to whichever bidder makes the highest offer when the auction takes place. The bike is one of the standout lots from Billy Joel’s collection. Madison Square Garden gifted it to him to mark his 150th sold-out show there, and reports say it features custom piano-key detailing, “Billy Joel 150” badging, and a matching helmet listing his Garden shows. Pre-sale estimates in coverage range from about $10,000 to $15,000. So, until the auction is held, the buyer remains unknown; ownership will be decided by the winning bidder.

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 16

Billy Joel said he is barred from driving and still does not know if he can tour again after a 2025 diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH.
Doctors told the 77-year-old that performing a full show is like taking a concussion each time, and he said more testing is needed before any return to the stage.
Joel said a shunt implanted during brain surgery improved his memory, balance and daily functioning, though the condition still affects his balance, vision and hearing.
More than 70 motorcycles from Joel’s collection are headed to Gooding Christie’s Nov. 20-21 sale in New York, a move he linked to aging and health limits on riding.