Everything to Know About Billy Joel’s Brain Condition

Billy Joel is doing “okay” after being diagnosed with a brain condition.

On May 23, the Grammy-winning artist’s team revealed on Instagram that Joel was receiving treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The statement noted that recent concert performances “exacerbated” his health condition, causing issues with his hearing, vision and balance. (The music icon fell onstage during a show earlier this year.)

Subsequently, the singer canceled a series of concerts planned through July 2026.

“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health,” his team added. Just days later, Joel was noticeably absent from the premiere of his two-part HBO Max documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.

“I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I’m okay,” he told PEOPLE in July 2025. “What I have is something very few people know about, including me, no matter how much you try to research it. I’m doing my best to work with it and to recover from it.”

Here’s everything to know about Billy Joel’s health condition and what it means for the singer’s future.

What is Billy Joel’s diagnosis?

In May 2025, Joel announced he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). At his doctor’s request — and because performing was worsening his condition — he canceled his remaining shows and started undergoing physical therapy.

“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” the May 2025 statement read. “Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”

What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (or NPH) is a brain condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), according to the Cleveland Clinic. Though CSF is constantly created and reabsorbed by the brain, too much accumulation can disrupt several brain functions, including memory, movement and concentration.

Though its symptoms mimic those of dementia, NPH is reversible and can be treated with surgery to implant valves that allow CSF to drain into the chest or abdomen rather than the brain.

NPH is uncommon and affects only 0.2% of people between the ages of 50 and 80.

Why did Billy Joel fall onstage?

In February 2025, Joel fell during a concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut while performing his 1980 classic “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” A TikTok video taken by a fan showed the “Piano Man” singer stumbling backwards after he spun his microphone and tossed it toward the audience.

Though Joel landed on his side, he recovered moments later and continued performing as planned. The audience erupted in applause.

His team announced the next month that he would be postponing his concerts through June. In a statement posted on Joel’s Instagram, the singer was rescheduling shows due to an unnamed “medical condition” that required surgery and “physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.” 

The “Uptown Girl” musician’s team said in the statement at the time that he was “expected to make a full recovery,” and planned to resume his tour in July. Joel echoed the sentiment on Instagram, saying, “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans.”

In May, the singer canceled all of his concerts planned through July 2026. Though Joel hasn’t confirmed what led to his fall onstage, NPH can cause gait issues and make someone more prone to stumbling or falling, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Will Billy Joel tour again?

Though his doctor advised him to “refrain from performing” while recovering, Joel’s team made it seem like he had no plans to retire.

“He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage,” the statement read. 

What has the singer said about his diagnosis?

In the May 2025 statement issued by Joel’s team, there was one quote from the singer that read: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”

In July 2025, Joel told PEOPLE that his diagnosis has been “scary” but that he’s rolling with the punches.

“I just wanted to let people know, don’t worry about me being deathly ill or anything,” he added.