Billy Joel, 77, Says Brain Disorder Bars Performances After Surgery
Updated
Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Oct 16
Billy Joel, 77, Says Brain Disorder Bars Performances After Surgery
3 articles · Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Oct 16
Summary
Billy Joel said he still cannot perform after recent brain surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus, a neurological condition affecting his balance, memory, vision and hearing.
Doctors have not cleared him to return to the stage, Joel said, because each show is effectively like “getting a concussion” given the volume, lighting, stress and energy of a live performance.
Joel said further tests will determine whether he can perform again; for now, he also is not allowed to drive.
The health setback had already derailed his live plans: Joel canceled a run of 2025 tour dates before scrapping the tour entirely over memory and balance problems.