Entertainment · Music · 56 mins ago
Billy Joel says doctors have barred him from driving and performing for now
Billy Joel says doctors have told him not to drive or perform for now.
The 77-year-old musician says he has hydrocephalus, a condition that has affected his balance.
He says doctors are concerned that the volume, lights, stress and energy of a concert could affect his health.
He must complete a series of tests before he knows whether he can return to the stage.
Joel says he otherwise feels OK and wants to perform again.
He is auctioning more than 70 motorcycles from his collection at a New York sale on November 20 and 21.
He says age and his condition mean he cannot ride as much as before, and he plans to use the sale proceeds to support the Joel Foundation.
Billy Joel says doctors have barred him from driving and advised him not to perform for now because of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
He must undergo further tests before doctors can determine whether he can return to performing.
Joel says his health is good, though the condition affects his balance, memory, vision and hearing.
He says the loud sound, lighting, stress and energy of a show can affect his brain like a concussion.
Joel is preparing to auction more than 70 motorcycles from his collection at a November sale in New York.
- Who
- Billy Joel, the singer and songwriter.
- What
- Doctors have barred him from driving and advised him not to perform for now. Further tests will help determine whether he can return to performing.
- When
- He discussed the restrictions in an interview published October 15, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Joel has normal pressure hydrocephalus, which affects his balance and other functions. His doctors are concerned that performing may affect his brain.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to Fox News.
Joel revealed his diagnosis, according to Fox News.
Joel discussed his driving restriction and uncertain return to performing in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Gooding Christie’s is scheduled to auction Joel’s motorcycle collection at the Javits Center in New York.
- Condition
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Driving
- Doctors have barred Joel from driving for now
- Performing
- Further tests are needed to assess whether he can return
- Motorcycle auction
- More than 70 motorcycles
- Auction dates
- November 20–21, 2026
- Auction venue
- Javits Center, New York
5 sources
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What people are saying
I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive.
What the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion.
I have to take a series of tests before I know
My memory got better. My balance got a little better. My ability to function was better