Latest news with #normalpressurehydrocephalus
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Billy Joel issues major health update after sparking fears he's 'dying' from brain disorder
Billy Joel provided his close friend Howard Stern with an update on his health, two weeks after the musician revealed he's been battling a brain condition. The radio show host, 71, said that the Piano Man singer, 76, is 'doing fine' after he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which has impacted his 'hearing, vision, and balance.' 'He does have issues, but he said, "Yeah, you can tell people, I'm not dying,"' Stern said on his Sirius XM show The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, adding, 'He wants people to know that.' Stern said the two of them had dinner a couple of weeks prior, sharing, 'He's got to deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.' Stern also told his co-host Robin Quivers that he had a 'great conversation' with Joel, and that he 'brought out a guitar' as they celebrated Joel's birthday. The singer turned 76 on May 9. Stern humorously added that he failed to impress the iconic American musician with his rendition of Happy Birthday, joking that Joel 'threw up' after hearing it. 'He didn't seem real impressed,' he joked. Last month Joel shared his battle with the brain condition and announced the cancellation of his upcoming concerts, following recent onstage struggles. 'Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the brain, enlarging the ventricles and puts pressure on brain tissue, potentially causing damage and neurological symptoms,' per Mayo Clinic. Joel's Instagram statement revealed that his recent live shows have worsened the symptoms. Joel is currently undergoing targeted physical therapy as prescribed by his doctor and has been 'advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.' When diagnosed early, NPH can often be effectively treated with surgery that drains excess fluid from the brain, relieving pressure and symptoms. However, if left untreated, the condition may lead to permanent damage in its later stages. The legendary musician also expressed his gratitude for the care he's receiving and thanked fans for their continued support. 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,' Joel's statement on Instagram read. 'Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health,' the statement added. It continued, 'He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.' 'He does have issues, but he said, 'Yeah, you can tell people, I'm not dying,'' Stern said on his Sirius XM show The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday; Joel pictured with wife Alexis Roderick and their two young daughters Fans won't need to take any steps to receive a refund—payments will be automatically returned to the original form of purchase. Canceled dates include his summer show in New York City, along with stops in New Orleans, Toronto, Santa Clara, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and Liverpool. The new health update comes after Joel previously postponed his tour by only four months 'due to a medical condition.' A statement posted to his Instagram on March 11 revealed the tour has been halted after the Uptown Girl singer underwent a recent surgery. 'The current tour will be postponed for four months to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors. Joel is expected to make a full recovery. The tour will resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025,' the post read. 'While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding,' Joel said in the statement at the time. Shortly after, numerous fans sent their prayers and well-wishes for Joel's speedy recovery. 'Take whatever time you need for you to heal,' one wrote, adding a red heart emoji. 'stay healthy. We need you around a long time.!' 'Sending love and healing to @billyjoel !!' another wrote. 'Speedy recovery. The comeback is always greater than the setback,' one fan posted. Multiple fans also speculated if his medical issues were connected to his recent fall on stage. 'Did this have anything to do with the fall he had a couple weeks ago?? Take care Billy!!' one asked. He took to Instagram to share that he's been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) 'Did he break something when he took a spill on stage?' another askd. On Reddit, one posted: 'I hope he's ok. I wonder what happened,' prompting one to respond suggesting that his recent fall may have factored into his current condition. 'I was afraid it was related to the fall. Even though he played it off, I thought there might be more to it,' the first poster said. 'Hope Billy is all good (especially after he fell on stage recently),' another weighed in. In late February, Joel suffered a nasty fall on stage during a gig at the Mohegan Sun resort in Monteville, Connecticut, sparking major fear amongst fans. Footage from the show captures the Grammy winner spinning a microphone stand before hurling it across the stage—only to suddenly topple over moments later. The musician was helped up by his band managed to carry on with the rest of the show and sang one more song for his fans. One attendee said: 'He looked frail hobbling across the stage. At one point, he was using the microphone stand as a cane. 'I was really very concerned about him throughout the concert.' Meanwhile, fans flooded social media with shocked reactions, with one writing, 'Oh my goodness, I hope he gets better.' Photos of the unsettling fall capture Joel—dressed in an all-black suit and dress shoes—appearing to stumble before hitting the stage hard on his side, then rolling onto his back. And the songwriter has never been one to shy away from discussing the realities of aging. In a conversation with BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, he was asked whether he maintains a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. His candid response? 'None of the above. I don't think I look all that good. But I don't look in the mirror that often, which helps a lot. There's a saying, 'things don't look half bad with one eye closed.'' Over the years, Joel has been open about his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, as well as his battles with mental health, which at one point led to a suicide attempt amid career pressures. Reflecting on what he's most proud of, the legendary musician summed it up simply: 'My ability to move on with life. I've had difficulties in my life, but it never stopped me from continuing. Troubles with business didn't stop me from doing business. I have no bitterness about anything, even people who rip me off, I let it go. I'm content with that. I'm happy. I'm having a happy ending.' Billy's illustrious career as a musician began back in the mid-1960, which led to the release of debut studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971). But it failed to gain any real traction until after the success of his follow-up, Piano Man (1973), that peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. Now an established name on the musical landscape, Joel became a million seller with the release of Streetlife Serenade (1974), but his commercial breakout making him a bonafide star came with the release of The Stranger (1977), which featured the hit singles Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Just The Way You Are, She's Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young. He would go on to release a 13th album - Fantasies & Delusions (2001) - that features classical compositions from Joel, a first for him during his career. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Billy Joel is one of the world's best-selling musical artists, and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Howard Stern explains what friend Billy Joel wants everyone to know about his brain disorder diagnosis
Howard Stern has shared a positive update on Billy Joel's health after the singer's shocking brain disorder diagnosis. On Tuesday, during an episode of SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show,' the 71-year-old shock jock revealed that Joel is 'not dying' after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. 'I saw Billy Joel two weeks ago,' he told co-host Robin Quivers. 'We had dinner together.' 'Yeah, he does have issues,' Stern continued. 'But he said, 'Yeah, you can tell people, you know, I'm not dying.' You know, he wants people to know that. He just, he's gotta deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.' Stern added that he and the 'Piano Man' singer had a 'great conversation' and that he even 'brought out the guitar' to celebrate Joel's 76th birthday, which was on May 9. 'We had a great time with the wives. We had a great conversation,' the Sirius XM host said. 'I was telling him I'm enjoying playing classical music on the guitar.' 'Then it was his birthday. I even brought out the guitar and sang 'Happy Birthday' to him, then he threw up,' Stern joked. 'He didn't seem real impressed.' Stern's relieving update on Joel's health comes after the 'New York State of Mind' musician revealed that he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus last month and canceled all his tour dates through next year. The rare disorder, which reportedly affects about 0.2% of people between the ages of 70 and 80, occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull, presses on the brain and disrupts cognitive functioning. 'Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH),' the 'Only the Good Die Young' crooner's team said in a lengthy Instagram announcement on May 23. 'This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,' it continued. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.' 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience,' Joel added, 'and thank you for understanding.' Joel's wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, 43, broke her silence on her famous hubby's startling diagnosis days later. 'Thank you for the outpouring of love and support,' she wrote on his Instagram account alongside a shot of herself, Joel, and their daughters Della, 9, and Remy, 7. 'We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received.' 'Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world,' she added. 'We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.' Despite the 'Scenes From an Italian Restaurant' music legend's health issues, sources close to Joel insisted he is 'not ready to retire.' 'He is happiest while performing,' a music industry insider told People last week. 'Music is, has been and will always be his life. He's not ready to retire.' 'He is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses,' another insider told the outlet. However, The Post exclusively reported that Joel will not be attending the Tribeca Festival opening night world premiere of his new documentary, 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' on Wednesday, June 4, in the wake of his diagnosis. 'Our hearts are with Billy Joel and his family following today's announcement,' the film festival's co-founders, Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro, said in a statement. 'We send our love and full support and wish him strength and a healthy recovery.' 'We're deeply honored that this year's Opening Night celebrates his remarkable legacy and enduring influence on New York's cultural landscape,' they added. 'This is the perfect moment to recognize a creative force whose work reflects the very soul of our city – and the heart of Tribeca.'
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Billy Joel's wife breaks silence amid his brain disorder with heartbreaking message to fans
Billy Joel 's wife has broken her silence amid the singer's brain disorder diagnosis. Joel, 76, has put all future performances on hold following the shock health scare, and his partner Alexis Roderick, 43, gave fans an update on Monday. The Grammy winner has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus which causes a buildup of spinal fluid in the brain. The condition has affected his balance, as exhibited by a fall February during a concert in Connecticut. 'Thank you for the outpouring of love and support, Joel's wife wrote next to a family photo that included the Honesty singer and their daughters Della, almost 10, and Remy, seven. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received,' she said. 'Referring to her husband of some 10 years, she got personal. 'Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world,' she explained. Roderick closed the message with optimism. 'We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.' Fans responded to the post with their own best wishes. 'You'll always be number one! Praying for a full recovery!' wrote one fan. 'You've given us the soundtrack of our lives. Growing up on LI in the 70s and 80s gave us your music in real time as you were creating it. We are forever grateful for the gifts,' wrote a fellow Long Islander. 'We love you Billy! You ARE our Piano man,' penned a longtime fan. 'Prayers for the piano man,' agreed another. 'A Gracious Man So Deserving of ALL the Love & Support hat he's receiving... We're Here for You Always,' wrote another adding a prayer hands emoji. 'We love you Billy! You ARE our Piano man,' penned a longtime fan On Sunday, Joel's oldest daughter, Alexa, 39, also thanked fans for their 'beautiful outpouring of love and support. 'My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I've ever known' she wrote; pictures in New York City in April 2024 On Sunday, Joel's oldest daughter, Alexa, 39, also thanked fans for their 'beautiful outpouring of love and support.' 'My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I've ever known… and he's entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength,' she explained. The Grammy winner shares Alexa with ex-wife Christie Brinkley. In a statement released on his Instagram page, the Just the Way You Are singer canceled his future shows, explaining that that performing had worsened his condition, 'leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.' Joel had been planning on performing well into 2026 before he was forced to call off his plans.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Christie Brinkley calls ex-husband Billy Joel 'OUR piano man' after brain diagnosis
Christie Brinkley is showing support for her ex-husband Billy Joel following news of his recent brain diagnosis. The supermodel, who shares daughter Alexa Ray with the legendary singer, posted a video on Instagram Saturday -- just one day after Joel revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Billy Joel sings 'Uptown Girl' at NYC show as Christie Brinkley dances along In the clip, Brinkley and her daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook -- whom she shares with ex-husband Peter Cook -- are seen enjoying one of Joel's concerts and sharing laughs with the musician. "Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery," she wrote in the caption. "I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert. It made me laugh ..but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing a longs you've lead." "You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison," she continued. "I'm sure I'm speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight, you're OUR piano man.' "And we're always in the mood for your melodies And we all hope you're feeling alright!" Brinkley concluded the heartfelt note. "We Love You, the kids, me and a whole bunch of full arenas!" Joel and Brinkley were married from 1985 to 1994 and share one child, Alexa Ray. Both have two additional children from other relationships. Joel shared his diagnosis on Friday in an Instagram post, where he also announced that his upcoming concerts have been canceled due to health concerns. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of two types of hydrocephalus, an "abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain," according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. CSF is the fluid that fills the brain's ventricles, or cavities, helping to cushion both the brain and spinal cord. When the flow of this fluid is disrupted and begins to accumulate in the ventricles, it can lead to normal pressure hydrocephalus. This condition can happen at any age but is more common among older adults and can lead to problems with walking, bladder control, and cognitive functions like thinking and reasoning, according to the NINDS. "Good Morning America" has reached out to Joel's rep for additional comment about his diagnosis. Christie Brinkley calls ex-husband Billy Joel 'OUR piano man' after brain diagnosis originally appeared on
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Billy Joel's daughter Alexa breaks silence after his brain disorder diagnosis
BILLY Joel's daughter has spoken out after the Uptown Girl singer revealed his brain disorder diagnosis during the week. The 76-year-old singer shared a post online in the week about being diagnosed with "normal pressure hydrocephalus". 7 7 7 Revealing his brain disorder, he was even forced to cancel his remaining tour dates. Alexa Ray Joel, 39, is Billy's daughter, with whom he shares with ex-wife Christie Brinkley - and she has now broken her silence on her father's health battle. The young woman, who has followed in her father's footsteps as a musician, said in an Instagram caption: "We love you and we got you, Pop!" Speaking to her and her father's fans she continued: "I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of My Father's health diagnosis." Alexa added: "My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I've ever known… "And he's entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength." She went on: "The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him… it means a lot to me, too." Commenting on her social media post, one person said: "Very sweet @alexarayjoel prayers for your father." Another added: "Your dad is best. You both will soon be performing together." While a third penned: "Thinking of your incredible dad and sending healing thoughts his way!" Billy Joel Cancels Tour Amid Health Concerns: Fans React CHRISTIE'S MOVING MESSAGE This comes after Alexa's mother Christie shared an emotional message online for her ex-husband. Sharing a video montage on Instagram, the stunning star wrote a moving message to accompany it. Christie penned the note to her ex on her Instagram page which read: "Dear Billy ,The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery." She went on: "I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert. What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? NORMAL pressure hydrocephalus occurs when spinal fluid builds up in the skull and starts pressing on the brain. The condition can affect brain function, which can lead to a loss of memory, concentration, and motor skills. Medical experts say that NPH often presents like degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's and is usually noticed by loved ones. And around 30 percent of those suffering from the condition do also have one of those diseases, according to Cleveland Clinic. However, those who only have NPH can get relief if they have a major surgery. The surgery involves getting a shunt, which is a device that can drain fluid from the skull affecting the brain. "It made me laugh ..but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing a longs you've lead… "You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison .. "I'm sure I'm speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight,you're OUR piano man." Christie continued: "And we're always in the mood for your melodies And we all hope you're feeling alright! "We Love You, the kids, me and an arena or two!" BILLY'S BRAIN DISORDER When Billy's team revealed his health battle and diagnosis during the week, it was explained how he was canceling his tour because of his brain disorder. "This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance," the statement read. The statement also revealed how he had to go through physical therapy, and his doctors urged him to "stop performing while he recovers." "Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health," the announcement said. "He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage." The Piano Man singer gave a heartfelt apology to fans for having to step away from performing. "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," he said. 7 7 7
