Billy Joel reveals brain surgery, says concerts gave him concussion-like damage

Billy Joel disclosed Wednesday that he underwent brain surgery to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus, saying doctors told him his rock concerts were effectively giving him a concussion every time he performed.

The 77-year-old “Piano Man” singer made the revelation during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Billy Joel Channel,” more than a year after he announced his diagnosis and canceled a slate of stadium concerts across North America and England.

Mr. Joel said the first sign something was wrong was a persistent feeling of instability.

“I wasn’t steady on my feet,” he said, describing a sensation of rocking as if on a boat. A subsequent visit to a neurologist led to the NPH diagnosis, a condition sometimes called water on the brain.

Doctors initially recommended implanting a shunt to drain excess fluid from his skull, but Mr. Joel said he balked at the idea. He later changed his mind after learning the procedure could improve his memory and balance, and he ultimately agreed to the surgery.

The results, he said, have been positive: His memory, balance and overall function have all gotten better since the operation.

But the singer said his medical team advised him to stay off the road for now. He said doctors linked his job — performing loud rock music — to further strain on his brain, warning that continuing to tour risked additional damage.

Mr. Joel is continuing physical therapy as part of his recovery and said he is following his doctors’ guidance closely. He sought to reassure fans concerned by news of a “brain disorder,” saying he remains in good spirits and has no plans to disappear from public life.

NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain, producing symptoms — including memory loss, balance problems and difficulty concentrating — that can resemble dementia. Unlike most dementia-like conditions, however, NPH is often treatable and sometimes reversible, particularly with early diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Mr. Joel’s initial diagnosis last year forced the cancellation of 17 scheduled stadium shows and ended his run of concerts following a residency at Madison Square Garden. He has made only sporadic public appearances since, including an impromptu two-song set with a tribute band in Florida earlier this year. It remains unclear when, or if, he will return to full touring.