Charisma Madarang
Contact Charisma Madarang on X Contact Charisma Madarang by Email View all posts by Charisma Madarang October 15, 2026 Add us as a Google Preferred Source
Ethan Miller/Getty Images Last year, Billy Joel stepped away from the stage after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, canceling his previously scheduled 2025-2026 tour. At the time, a statement on his website explained that the brain disorder had “been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance” and that he was undergoing physical therapy under his doctor’s instructions.
On Thursday, the singer shared an update about his health during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter and said that at the moment, he’s not allowed to drive. When discussing when he would perform again, Joel said, “I have to take a series of tests before I know,” adding, “I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive.” He said a neurologist informed him that “every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion.”
Last month, Joel said that he didn’t want people worrying about his health. “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,” he said on SiriusXM when taking calls from fans. “I’m okay. My balance isn’t that good. Lost a little bit of my hearing, but that may have to do with my age, too, and the rock and roll life and the loud volume probably didn’t help. But I’m fine. I want people to not have to worry about me. I’m okay.”