Billy Joel said his return to touring is uncertain as he continues to address normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition he disclosed in 2025. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, published Oct. 15, 2026, the 77-year-old musician said he is currently not allowed to drive and must undergo further testing before he knows whether performing is advisable.
Joel described his health as good overall, while saying the condition affects his balance and can also affect memory, vision and hearing. He said he wants to perform again, but relayed his neurologist’s warning that a show could place stress on his brain comparable to a concussion. Joel said doctors need to assess him further before he can determine whether he can return to the stage.
He underwent brain surgery after announcing the diagnosis in May 2025. In a recent appearance on his SiriusXM program, “The Billy Joel Channel,” he described doctors implanting a shunt in his brain. Joel said he was initially reluctant, but agreed after learning it might help with balance and memory. He said afterward that his memory, balance and general ability to function had improved.
Joel also said his doctors connected the loud rock music he performs with repeated concussion-like effects. The available account does not provide additional medical records or an independent assessment of that explanation; the comments are Joel’s description of what he was told and experienced.
The health issues also factor into his decision to sell much of his motorcycle collection. Joel said he had owned more than 100 motorcycles but could ride less than before, and that the hydrocephalus made driving uncertain. More than 70 lots from his collection are scheduled for auction through Gooding Christie’s on Nov. 20 and 21. The motorcycles are to be displayed at the Javits Center in New York.
One featured item is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville that Madison Square Garden gave Joel to mark 150 sold-out performances at the venue. Gooding Christie’s founder David Gooding told Fox News Digital the motorcycle has a keyboard design painted on its tank and is estimated to sell for $10,000 to $15,000. The source describes the auction plans alongside Joel’s health update, but does not say whether the sale is connected to a confirmed decision to end touring.
