Billy Joel, 77, Tells Worried Fans ‘I’m OK’ And Says His Brain Disorder ‘Sounds A Lot Worse Than It Actually Is’

Billy Joel knows his fans have been worried, and he would like them to stop. The 77-year-old Piano Man took questions from listeners during his first live call-in special on his SiriusXM channel, and one caller asked what everybody wanted to know. “I know people are worried about me because they read that I have a brain disorder, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is,” Joel said, according to Billboard. “I’m OK.”

Joel revealed in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain, and he canceled his tour to deal with it. He was honest with callers about what lingers. “My balance isn’t that good,” he said. “Lost a little bit of my hearing, but that may have to do with my age, too.” He also got a laugh describing how doctors pitched the shunt surgery that helped him. Billboard reported that they told him they would drill a hole through his skull and put in a drain, and his first answer was, “I think I’ll pass on that.” He changed his mind after reading up on the procedure. Closer Weekly noted that his balance and memory improved afterward.

Billy Joel Opens Up About His Brain Surgery And Recovery

Joel first realized something was wrong when he began feeling unsteady on his feet. During a September appearance on his SiriusXM channel, he described the sensation as similar to standing on a rocking boat, leaving him unsure why he was having trouble maintaining his balance.

Doctors eventually diagnosed normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and can affect walking, memory, and bladder control. In Joel’s case, the symptoms became serious enough that his medical team recommended stepping away from live performances while he underwent treatment and physical therapy.

Billy Joel Has A ‘Turnstiles’ Gift On The Way

The reassurance came just days after his publicist had to shoot down a false report of his death, so hearing his voice live on the radio meant a great deal to the faithful.

There is more for them to look forward to before the holidays.

Ultimate Classic Rock reports that a 50th anniversary box set of his 1976 album ‘Turnstiles’ arrives December 11 with four CDs and a Blu-ray. Of its 67 audio tracks, 54 have never been released commercially. This is the album that gave the world “New York State of Mind” and “Say Goodbye to Hollywood.” Half a century later, the man who wrote them is still here, still funny, and still telling us not to worry.