Billy Joel tells fans he is OK after brain surgery

Billy Joel has told fans he is doing well after surgery for a brain condition. He spoke about his diagnosis during a live call-in on SiriusXM's The Billy Joel Channel on Sept. 24.

The session was his first-ever live call-in special on the channel, and the health update came after a fan asked directly about his condition Billboard. Joel said the diagnosis "sounds a lot worse than it actually is." He added: "I'm OK." Do not worry about him.

Joel has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the brain and affects movement, hearing and thinking. He said his balance is not good and he has lost a little hearing. That may relate to his age and years of exposure to loud rock music.

He said he first sought medical care after balance problems left him feeling as if he was "on a boat." Doctors then recommended a shunt, a small tube to drain the extra fluid. The procedure involves drilling a hole through the skull.

Joel said he first declined the operation. He later agreed to go ahead. He was blunt about the process.

After surgery, he said he was left with a little bump on his head. He also noticed a change. His thinking, hearing and balance had improved, he said.

The condition forced the cancellation of his planned 2025 tour. Joel said his doctors have also suggested he consider giving up live performance, because repeatedly playing loud rock shows could cause further brain damage Billboard.

For fans, this means a waiting period. There is no new tour date. There is reassurance from Joel himself, in his own words, that he is coping.