
Billy Joel reassured fans of his health following brain surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosed in 2025, explaining that he is doing well despite some residual symptoms such as balance and hearing problems, during a conversation on SiriusXM.
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Billy Joel revealed in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up in the skull, leading to the cancellation of some concerts and later surgery in September 2026 to relieve the symptoms.
Billy Joel wanted to reassure his fans about his health conditions after the brain surgery he underwent in recent weeks. The musician spoke about it during a conversation with some listeners on his SiriusXM channel, returning to the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus received in 2025 and the operation necessary to alleviate some of its symptoms.
“I understand that people are worried about me because they read that I have a brain disorder, but it seems a lot worse than it actually is,” Joel said. "I'm fine. My balance isn't the best. I've lost some hearing, but it could also be due to my age. Life in rock and roll and high volumes probably didn't help either. But I'm fine. I don't want people to worry about me. I'm fine and I appreciate your call."
The diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus
Joel announced in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull, putting pressure on the brain.
The pathology had forced him to cancel several concerts: he had in fact reported to the doctors that he had received instructions not to perform until his recovery was complete.
In September 2026 the singer then announced that he had undergone surgery to alleviate some of the symptoms related to the pathology.
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Billy Joel reassures fans after brain surgery
The effects on his musical activity
Joel returned to performing in January this year, when he sang two songs together with a tribute band. The recovery, however, did not mean a return to normal in-person activity. During the conversation on his SiriusXM channel, the musician explained that his doctors have asked him, in general, to avoid putting himself under excessive stress.
In the new update, Joel has therefore chosen above all to reassure the public, while recognizing some disorders that are still present, starting with balance problems and decreased hearing.
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The memory of Captain Jack
The conversation with fans didn't just focus on health. One of the listeners also asked him where the inspiration for Captain Jack came from, a 1973 song explicitly linked to the world of drugs.
Joel recalled living at the time in Oyster Bay on Long Island, across the street from a public housing development. From the window of his apartment he observed some kids from the residential neighborhoods buying drugs there. That situation seemed unusual to him and led him to write what he defined as a sort of "looking out the window song".
The musical idea was born from an almost symphonic bass line, to which Joel had been trying to associate a theme for some time. The story he observed daily from his home finally provided him with the subject of the piece.
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Billy Joel cancels concerts due to neurological disorder

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