Billy Joel opens up about brain disorder diagnosis: ‘My balance sucks'

San Francisco Chronicle​

5 days ago

Billy Joel is offering fans a sense of reassurance after canceling his tour earlier this year due to a brain disorder diagnosis.
In a candid interview with Bill Maher on the ' Club Random' podcast released Monday, July 21, the 76-year-old musician spoke openly for the first time about his health.
'My balance sucks,' he said. 'It's like being on a boat.'
In May, Joel revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It's often misdiagnosed as dementia, can cause problems with gait, memory and bladder control.
The condition is sometimes reversible, though recovery varies by case, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The Grammy-winning singer emphasized that while normal pressure hydrocephalus is not yet 'fixed,' it is 'being worked on.'
His representatives previously stated that the disorder had been worsened by recent performances, leading to issues with vision, hearing and balance. As a result, Joel canceled 17 shows across North America and Europe, including an October date at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara with Stevie Nicks.
'They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling,' Joel told Maher, adding that he initially believed his symptoms stemmed from his past drinking habits. 'I feel fine.'
Joel last performed in February at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, where he fell onstage but completed the concert.
He had hoped to resume touring in July, but no return date has been confirmed.
In the meantime, fans can catch a deeper look at the artist's life in the new HBO documentary ' Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' which debuted Friday, July 18. Part two airs Friday, July 25. The series is also available to stream on HBO Max.