Billy Joel wants fans to know one thing loud and clear. What’s that? He’s okay! In fact, the legendary musician insists, “I feel fine.” But that doesn’t mean everything’s perfect.
In a candid interview on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, the “Piano Man” himself opened up about his recent diagnosis with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare neurological condition that’s been messing with his balance. “It’s like being on a boat,” he explained. “My balance sucks.”
Billy Joel Isn’t Going Anywhere
While “Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus” sounds like the kind of phrase that should come with a medical degree just to pronounce, Joel put it plainly. “It used to be called water on the brain.” As for the cause? “They don’t really know,” he admitted, joking, “I thought it must be from drinking.”
Ever since his diagnosis, the singer reveals he has quit drinking and is trying to live a healthier and active lifestyle. Still, he wants to make it clear that despite the scary scenario, he is still himself. “They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.”
The Piano Man Sets the Record Straight
Earlier this year, Joel canceled a few performances due to worsening symptoms from the condition. Safe to say the situation sparked heavy rumors about his health. Now, he’s shutting down the speculation.
In a separate interview with People, Joel assured everyone, saying, “I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I’m okay.” He added, “What I have is something very few people know about, including me, no matter how much you try to research it.”
For Joel, the scariest part has been the vertigo-like sensation. “It was like being on a boat all the time,” he said. “But I’m okay. I just wanted to let people know, don’t worry about me being deathly ill or anything.”
Even Howard Stern weighed in back in June, relying on SiriusXM that Joel had told him, point-blank: “I’m not dying.”
And if there was still any doubt, one of the directors of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” for his new HBO documentary, confirmed he’s doing physical therapy and “healing” just fine.
Still Rockin’, Still Rollin’
In true Joel fashion, he hasn’t let the diagnosis slow him down too much. He’s still performing, still giving us the hits, and just in case you forgot, he’s also the subject of a jaw-dropping HBO documentary.
“Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” a two-part documentary, dropped its first installment this past Friday, with Part Two coming July 25. The film dives deep into Joel’s life, including past struggles, unlikely comebacks, and the music that made him a rock legend. It includes everything from never-before-seen footage, interviews from icons such as Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, and commentary from his family.
Co-director Jessica Levin told The Hollywood Reporter, “Our abiding principle was to let the music lead… to get a peek behind his process but also an understanding of how his real-life experiences fed his music and his lyrics.”
Bottom Line? Joel isn’t going anywhere. Even if his balance is off, Joel’s legacy is still steady as a rock. He’s survived heartbreak, fame, addiction, a tabloid-fueled life, and now, a brain disorder. And somehow, he still finds a way to joke about it.
Whether it’s writing about “Uptown Girls” or floating through symptoms “like a boat,” the man’s not just a survivor; he’s a great iconic performer. So to all the fans worried he’s fading away? Nope, he’s just getting started.
Comments
Billy Joel Gives Honest Health Update After Brain Disorder Diagnosis