Billy Joel reveals that he had brain surgery
Singer Billy Joel recently revealed that he underwent brain surgery.
The “Piano Man” singer on Wednesday opened up about his health on his SiriusXM channel.
Video above: Neurologist explains the illness that caused Billy Joel to cancel his tour
Last year, the 77-year-old canceled tour dates, and later, an upcoming tour, sharing with fans that he was diagnosed with a neurological condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). It’s a condition previously known as water on the brain.
Joel said doctors discussed getting a shunt placed in his brain to improve his memory and balance issues. He said he was hesitant about the procedure at first.
“I didn’t want to do that, but then I read up on it, and I realized it can help improve your balance and can help your memory. You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles,” Joel said.
The singer explained that NPH impacted his memory and his balance.
Myrna M. Suarez
Billy Joel
“It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt,” he said. “I had a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain – and it actually improved things.”
According to a statement issued last year, Joel’s neurological condition was “exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.”
He reiterated that in his new interview.
“Because of my job, which is playing rock and roll music very loud, that it was giving me something like a concussion every time I did a show…” Joel said. “I shouldn’t be doing this right now. I’ve got to improve.”
Joel did not say if or when he plans to return to performing, but he had a final message for fans: “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here.”