Billy Joel talks about health issues and selling motorcycles
17 october 2026 в 09:02
Billy Joel has announced that his health is forcing him to give up driving and performing. In 2025, the 77-year-old musician revealed his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joel shared that his overall health is good, but NPH affects his balance, memory, vision, and hearing. He noted, «It's called a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that mainly affects your balance». When asked if he would be able to tour again, he replied that he does not know, as he needs to undergo a series of tests. At the moment, he cannot drive or perform, as his neurologist has stated that each performance is equivalent to a concussion for him.
Joel also explained that the volume of music poses a risk to his health: «Rock and roll is loud, man. Rock and roll has already made me deaf». He added that the stress of performing and the energy of the audience can negatively impact his condition, so he needs to undergo additional tests to determine if he can perform again.
Additionally, his health has led to his decision to hold a Gooding Christie’s auction, where he will sell part of his motorcycle collection. Joel noted that he had over a hundred motorcycles, but at 70, he realized he could not ride as often as he used to. He added, «I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield». Due to his hydrocephalus issues, he also acknowledged that driving has become risky for him.
When asked about the motorcycle from the music video for «Uptown Girl», - on which he and Christie Brinkley ride off at the end of the video, Joel responded that it is not his motorcycle and that it was likely an old Harley-Davidson.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joel shared that his overall health is good, but NPH affects his balance, memory, vision, and hearing. He noted, «It's called a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that mainly affects your balance». When asked if he would be able to tour again, he replied that he does not know, as he needs to undergo a series of tests. At the moment, he cannot drive or perform, as his neurologist has stated that each performance is equivalent to a concussion for him.
Joel also explained that the volume of music poses a risk to his health: «Rock and roll is loud, man. Rock and roll has already made me deaf». He added that the stress of performing and the energy of the audience can negatively impact his condition, so he needs to undergo additional tests to determine if he can perform again.
Additionally, his health has led to his decision to hold a Gooding Christie’s auction, where he will sell part of his motorcycle collection. Joel noted that he had over a hundred motorcycles, but at 70, he realized he could not ride as often as he used to. He added, «I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield». Due to his hydrocephalus issues, he also acknowledged that driving has become risky for him.
When asked about the motorcycle from the music video for «Uptown Girl», - on which he and Christie Brinkley ride off at the end of the video, Joel responded that it is not his motorcycle and that it was likely an old Harley-Davidson.
© Artemenko Olga
