The singer was diagnosed with a brain disorder and took time away from performing last year.
Last year, Billy Joel stepped away from the stage after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, canceling his previously planned 2025-2026 tour. At the time, a statement on his website explained that the brain disorder had “been exacerbated by recent concerts, leading to hearing, vision and balance problems” and that he was undergoing physical therapy as directed by his doctor.
On Thursday, the singer gave an update on his health during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter and said that at the moment he was not allowed to drive. Discussing when he would perform again, Joel said: “I have to go through a series of tests before I know,” adding: “I can’t drive at the moment. I’m not allowed to drive.” He said a neurologist informed him that “every time you do a show, it’s like you have a concussion.”
Last month, Joel said he didn’t want people to worry 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 while fielding calls from fans. “I’m fine. My balance isn’t very good. I’ve lost some of my hearing, but that might also have to do with my age, and the rock and roll life and loud volume probably hasn’t helped. But I’m fine. I want people to not have to worry about me. I’m fine.”
The musician is currently preparing to auction over 70 vintage motorcycles from his personal collection on November 20 and 21. Joel has been collecting and restoring vintage motorcycles for decades. And for 15 years, he ran 20th Century Cycles on Long Island, a storage and maintenance shop for his bikes that doubled as a free museum to showcase his collection. (The store closed in 2025.)
When THR When asked why he was selling his collection, Joel replied: “I’m 70 now and I’ve realized I can’t ride as much as I used to. I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield. So I thought I’d put a lot of them up for auction.” He said his brain disorder made driving a little “uncertain” and he realized “it was time for me to hand over to someone else.”
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