Billy Joel reveals he can't perform or drive in heartbreaking update

Billy Joel shared a difficult update about two of his greatest passions: performing for his fans and heading out on the open road.

The 77-year-old singer revealed that he cannot currently drive or return to concerts as he continues to manage normal pressure hydrocephalus, the condition he publicly disclosed last year.

"I can't drive right now. I'm not allowed to drive," he told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on Thursday, 15 October.

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However, the Piano Man star has not ruled out performing again. He explained that further tests will determine whether he can safely return to the stage. 

Billy Joel explains why he cannot perform

Billy described the warning he had received from his neurologist, who compared the impact of performing a concert on him to experiencing a concussion.

 "The volume. Rock and roll is loud, man," he added. "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.

"There’s a lot going on when you’re on stage. And they said, ‘Well, you really shouldn’t be doing that right now.’ 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."

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The singer nevertheless reassured fans about how he was feeling, identifying balance as a particular difficulty and making clear that he would like to perform again if his medical team gives him clearance. 

His latest comments follow the cancellation of all scheduled concerts in May 2025. At the time, his team explained that performances had aggravated his condition, affecting his hearing, vision and balance.

Billy issued a personal message alongside that announcement: "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding." 

Billy Joel's motorcycle collection goes to auction

The restrictions have also prompted a change away from the stage, with more than 70 motorcycles from Billy's collection heading to auction.

Gooding Christie's will offer the bikes at New York's Javits Center on 20 and 21 November. The auction house says Billy intends to use the proceeds to support The Joel Foundation, which he leads with his wife, Alexis.

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Among the motorcycles is a custom-painted 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville, presented to him by Madison Square Garden to commemorate his 150th sold-out show there. Its matching helmet lists his performances at the venue.

In the auction announcement, Billy said: "I've loved building this collection. Now it's someone else's turn to hit the road." 

Billy Joel's recovery after brain surgery

Normal pressure hydrocephalus involves excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's fluid-filled chambers and can affect walking, memory and bladder control, according to MedlinePlus. 

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In September, Billy revealed that he had undergone surgery to have a shunt implanted. Speaking on SiriusXM's The Billy Joel Channel, he reported improvements in his memory, balance and everyday functioning, while continuing physical therapy and following his doctors' advice. 

He also used the broadcast to speak directly to listeners concerned about his health: "I just want people to know, don't worry about me, I'm not going anywhere." He added: "I'm here. I'm still here."