Billy Joel has opened up about his ongoing health struggles, revealing that he is currently unable to drive or perform following his diagnosis with a rare brain disorder.
“I’m not allowed to drive,” the 77-year-old music legend revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Thursday. He also explained that he must undergo “a series of tests” before doctors can determine whether he can return to performing.
With driving no longer an option for now, the “Piano
Billy Joel (pictured performing in Tokyo in 2024) revealed that he is “not allowed to drive” and must undergo “a series of tests” before learning whether he can return to the stage.
The “Uptown Girl” singer explained that he once owned more than 100 motorcycles but has come to terms with the fact that he can no longer ride as frequently as he once did.
“I ended up having over a hundred motorcycles, and the truth is you can only ride one at a time,” Joel shared. “I’m into my 70s now, and I realized I can’t ride as much as I used to.”
“I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield,” he added, explaining his decision to auction off a large portion of his motorcycle collection.
The Grammy-winning musician also acknowledged that his diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) has affected his ability to drive safely.
The condition “makes driving a little bit iffy,” Joel admitted, adding that he “realized it’s time for me to turn it over to somebody else.”
Despite the difficult decision, the legendary performer emphasized his lifelong passion for motorcycles and the freedom they represent.
“I love motorcycles. I love biking. I love driving. I love the anonymity of it,” he said. “And I love the customization of these bikes, the modifications, the messing around with things. I was not a collector. I was actually a rider. So I figured it was just time to let it go.”
Billy Joel (pictured in the Hamptons in 2002) revealed that his Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) diagnosis “makes driving a little bit iffy,” prompting him to conclude that it was time to pass his beloved motorcycles on to someone else.
The legendary singer was diagnosed with NPH last year, a neurological condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the skull that puts pressure on the brain and can affect cognitive functioning, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
During the interview, Joel also opened up about why he is currently unable to perform, revealing that his neurologist warned him that “every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion.”
The “Piano Man” singer explained that the intense volume and physical demands of live performances are major concerns given his condition.
“Rock and roll is loud, man,” Joel said. “Rock and roll made me deaf already. So it’s the lighting, the sound, the stress of the show, the audience, the energy of the performance.”
He added that performing involves far more than simply singing and playing music, making it difficult for him to return to the stage without further medical evaluation.
“There’s a lot going on when you’re on stage. And they said, ‘Well, you really shouldn’t be doing that right now,’” Joel explained.
Despite the setback, the Grammy-winning musician remains hopeful about performing again.
“So they have to test me further to see if I can go back and do performing again, which I would like to be able to do,” he shared.
The “Piano Man” singer first publicly announced his diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) in May 2025, when he canceled the remaining dates of his concert tour amid growing concerns about his health.
The announcement came after Joel had already postponed several performances following a frightening fall onstage during a March concert at Mohegan Sun Casino in Montville, Connecticut.
Last month, the music legend also disclosed that he underwent brain surgery after doctors suggested a procedure could help improve his balance and memory.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s The Billy Joel Channel, the Grammy-winning artist explained why he decided to undergo the procedure, which involved implanting a shunt in his brain to help manage his condition.
“I don’t want to lose my marbles. It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt, and I had surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain, and it actually improved things,” Joel shared.
Billy Joel (pictured performing at Madison Square Garden in 2017) revealed last month that he underwent brain surgery in hopes of improving his balance and memory.
The legendary “Piano Man” singer confirmed that the procedure had brought noticeable improvements to his memory, balance and overall “ability to function.”
Joel also revealed that he continues to attend physical therapy sessions and is carefully following his doctors’ recommendations as he focuses on his recovery.
Despite his ongoing health challenges, the Grammy-winning musician reassured fans that he remains optimistic and determined to keep moving forward.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Joel declared. “I’m here. I’m still here.”
