Billy Joel Reveals Brain Shunt Surgery After NPH Diagnosis: 'I'm Still Here'

Billy Joel has revealed he underwent brain surgery to implant a shunt after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), telling fans he is recovering and reassuring them: 'I'm still here.'

The 77-year-old singer shared the update during an appearance on SiriusXM's 'The Billy Joel Channel', more than a year after he first disclosed his diagnosis. Joel said the procedure has improved his memory, balance and ability to function, although doctors have advised him to step back from live performances while he continues his recovery.

Billy Joel Reveals Brain Shunt Surgery

Joel explained that he first became concerned when he noticed that his balance was deteriorating. He described feeling as though he were 'on a boat', with a rocking sensation that left him unsteady on his feet.

After falling during a concert, he sought medical attention and was eventually diagnosed with NPH. The condition involves an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles and can affect balance, movement and cognitive function.

Doctors recommended a shunt procedure to help treat the condition. Joel admitted that he initially resisted the idea.

He recalled being told that the operation would involve drilling a hole through his skull and inserting a shunt into his brain. Joel shared his initial reaction: 'Nah, I think I'll pass on that.'

However, after researching the procedure and learning that it could improve his balance and memory, the 'Piano Man' singer changed his mind. 'I agreed to do the shunt,' Joel said. 'I had a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain, and it actually improved things.'

'My Memory Got Better'

Joel said he noticed improvements in several areas of his health. 'My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better,' he said.

The improvement has allowed him to focus on rehabilitation, but the singer has also had to reconsider his demanding career as a live performer.

According to Joel, doctors warned him that the physical and auditory strain of performing rock concerts could worsen his condition.

'The doctors told me this: because of my job, which is playing rock and roll music very loud, that it was giving me something like a concussion every time I did a show,' he said.

Joel added that it was causing damage to his brain nerves and could result in further loss of brain cells if he continued performing at the same level. As a result, he said he realised that he needed to prioritise his recovery rather than immediately returning to a full schedule of performances.

Billy Joel Reassures Fans: 'I'm Still Here'

Joel said he is now undergoing physical therapy and following his doctors' advice, while continuing to test his abilities. 'They don't want me to stress too much,' he explained. 'So, I'm doing physical therapy. I'm doing whatever it is they tell me to do because I don't want to lose it.'

The singer also appeared keen to reassure fans who have been worried about the seriousness of his diagnosis. 'I know people have heard, "Oh, he's got a brain disorder," and I'm okay,' Joel said.

He added, 'I just want people to know, don't worry about me. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here. I'm still here.'

Joel first publicly disclosed his NPH diagnosis in May 2025, when he cancelled his scheduled concerts. At the time, he said the condition had been exacerbated by performing, affecting his hearing, vision and balance.

Surprise Stage Return for Tribute Show

Although Joel has stepped away from his regular concert schedule, he has not completely disappeared from the stage. In January, he surprised an audience at a Florida amphitheatre where a Billy Joel tribute band was performing, joining the musicians to perform 'We Didn't Start the Fire' and 'Big Shot'.

For now, the Grammy-winning musician appears focused on rehabilitation rather than a return to a demanding touring schedule. His latest message, however, was unequivocal: while his health has forced him to change the way he works, Billy Joel wants fans to know that he is still here.