Billy Joel, the legendary musician known for timeless hits like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," recently offered a candid update on his health following his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that primarily affects balance, vision, and hearing. During a conversation on Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast, Joel, now 76, described feeling “fine” despite persistent balance difficulties, likening the sensation to “being on a boat.” He emphasized that although the medical community identifies it as a brain disorder, the term makes his experience sound more alarming than what he actually endures on a daily basis.

The first indications of Joel’s illness emerged when he noticed ongoing issues with his balance. Initial suspicions led him to blame his previous heavy drinking habits, but further medical investigations pointed to NPH, sometimes referred to as “water on the brain.” Joel openly acknowledged the worry his diagnosis caused among fans and friends but reassured them he is not “deathly ill.” Physical therapy has become a focal point of his treatment plan, and while he admitted that his recovery is a work in progress, he consistently stressed that his overall health remains stable.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a rare condition, particularly affecting those over 60, and is often mistaken for other neurological disorders due to overlapping symptoms, including mobility problems and cognitive changes. Joel’s NPH has led to difficulties in performing, especially on stage, prompting the cancellation of all his upcoming tour dates, including international concerts. His doctors advised him to step back from live shows, explaining that recent performances had aggravated his symptoms, making issues with hearing, vision, and balance temporarily worse.

Though the diagnosis was “scary,” as Joel put it, he has maintained a positive outlook, crediting quality medical care, the support of loved ones, and the patience of his fans for helping him cope. He continues to explore treatment options; surgery involving a shunt is common for NPH, though not always necessary for every patient. Joel’s story has brought wider attention to the little-known disorder and offered a reminder of his enduring resilience in both his career and personal life.