Billy Joel Opens Up About the Surprising Condition That Led Him to Cancel All His Concerts — and the Surgery That Followed

The acclaimed singer knew something was wrong when he began feeling as though he were standing on a rocking boat. What doctors found eventually led to surgery.

Billy Joel has now described the symptoms behind the health crisis that disrupted his performing schedule, including why he initially rejected the treatment doctors recommended.

During a recent SiriusXM interview, the 77-year-old singer described an unsettling sensation that left him struggling to stay steady.

"I noticed that my balance was not good. I have this sense of, like, being on a boat, like this rocking motion. I wasn't steady on my feet. I didn't know why that was," Joel said.

Without an explanation for what he was experiencing, Joel went to a neurologist.

The Treatment Doctors Proposed Was a Step Joel Did Not Want to Take

Joel said doctors told him the condition could worsen and recommended placing a shunt in his brain. He initially refused after learning that the procedure would require drilling through his skull to insert the device.

After reading more about the treatment, however, he learned that it could improve his balance and memory, two potential benefits that made him reconsider his initial reaction.

Joel told listeners on his SiriusXM channel that he had undergone the operation to install the shunt. But the reason doctors recommended that treatment began with a specific neurological diagnosis.

The Diagnosis Behind Billy Joel's Health Problems

Joel revealed to SiriusXM that his neurologist diagnosed him with normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH. He said the condition was once referred to as "water on the brain" and that its cause is not always known.

"Nobody's really sure what causes it, but they're able to diagnose it," Joel said. NPH is reportedly a brain disorder that can cause problems with balance and hearing. The outlet reported that Joel canceled all of his upcoming concerts last year following his diagnosis.

Billy Joel has made occasional appearances since canceling his concerts. The same outlet cited appearances on "Club Random With Bill Maher" and Rick Beato's YouTube podcast.

He also addressed concerns about his health directly: "I just want people to know, don't worry about me," Joel said. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here. I'm still here."