Billy Joel says he’s feeling “good” two months after he was diagnosed with a brain disorder.
Joel, 76, gave an update on his condition — a disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus, in which fluid builds up inside the skull — during the Monday, July 21, episode of Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast.
“It’s not fixed,” he said. “It’s still being worked on. My balance sucks, it’s like being on a boat.”
Joel revealed that although it’s not clear what caused his illness, he suspected that it had to do with alcohol consumption.
“I thought it must be from drinking. I used to like a fish,” the “Piano Man” singer added.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is most likely to occur in people over the age of 65 years old, according to Cleveland Clinic. It’s often treatable and can be reversible. Treatment can involve “surgery to implant a shunt to drain excess fluid from the inside of your skull,” the clinic notes.
Joel reassured listeners that his condition “sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.”
The Grammy winner announced via an Instagram statement in May that he was canceling “all scheduled concerts” due to his recent diagnosis.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” the statement continued. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
Joel added, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
Several fans and celebrities sent well wishes for Joel in the comments section.
“I really understand. I have menieres. Very similar !! Sending love,” Kristin Chenoweth wrote, referring to Meniere’s disease, a rare inner ear disorder that causes symptoms like vertigo and hearing loss.
“Sending love, Billy. ❤️,” Erin Moriarty added.
After the news of Joel’s brain disorder was announced, Howard Stern revealed on the June 3 episode of his eponymous radio show that he had seen Joel recently and gotten a message from the musician to pass along to fans.
“He’s doing fine. He does have issues, but he said, ‘Yeah, you can tell people I’m not dying.’ He wants people to know that. He’s got to deal with some medical stuff,” Stern, 71, told listeners.
Three months before announcing his diagnosis, Joel stumbled on stage during a February concert in Connecticut. He lost his balance and fell on his back while performing “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.”
Weeks later, he postponed several shows to recover from surgery for an unspecified “medical condition.”
“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” he said via an Instagram statement at the time. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
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