Billy Joel stops driving and performing over hydrocephalus, auctions 70+ motorcycles

What Joel told The Hollywood Reporter

Billy Joel, 77, told The Hollywood Reporter that his condition affects his balance, memory, eyesight and hearing. He said he feels fine and described the illness as a brain condition that is not that serious. For now he is not permitted to drive and he cannot perform, and he must complete further tests before doctors can say whether he will return to the stage. The interview was published on Thursday, 15 October. He said he hopes to perform again, though no date has been set.

Diagnosis, surgery and the neurologist's advice

Joel's diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus was made public in May 2025, when he cancelled all remaining scheduled concerts. The condition causes excess fluid to build up in the cavities of the brain, and the resulting pressure can damage brain tissue, affecting coordination and concentration. Several shows had been postponed earlier, after Joel fell at a concert in Connecticut. Doctors later inserted a shunt in his brain to drain the surplus fluid, and he said his memory, his balance and his overall ability to function had improved.

His neurologist told him that each loud concert put his brain under stress comparable to a concussion. Volume, lighting, stress and the physical intensity of a performance all play a part, which is why doctors advised him to stop performing while he recovers. Physiotherapy, check-ups and tests continue. Sources describe the condition as treatable through surgery, such as a valve that drains fluid, combined with ongoing medical follow-up, although there is no definitive cure.

Motorcycle collection to go under the hammer

Joel plans to sell more than 70 motorcycles from his private collection, all without a minimum reserve price. The auction is run by Gooding & Company in collaboration with Christie's and is scheduled for 20 and 21 November at the Javits Center in New York. The auction house lists brands including Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda and Kawasaki among the bikes. Joel has said he at one point owned more than 100 motorcycles and named a Moto Guzzi California Vintage 1100 as his crown jewel. He also recalled a 1982 crash in which he broke both hands and a leg, and said he wore a helmet, boots and gloves.

What comes next

Joel is waiting for further examinations to show whether his driving restriction and the pause in his performing career will last. Doctors have not yet said whether he will return to the stage. The motorcycle sale is set for 20 and 21 November, and the test results will shape any decision about live shows.