Piano Man Billy Joel reveals brain surgery to safeguard balance and memory

Billy Joel disclosed on his SiriusXM channel that he underwent brain surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus after noticing unsteady balance. He initially hesitated at the skull-drilling procedure and shunt implantation, but learned it could improve balance and memory, and he ultimately had the surgery. Diagnosed in May 2025, he says the shunt has helped, and he’s focused on recovery; he has not specified when, or if, he’ll return to performing, but declared, “I’m not going anywhere.”