Billy Joel Says Doctors Have Advised Him Not to Perform or Drive; More Than 70 of His Motorcycles Go to Auction in November
New York — Billy Joel, 77, said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on October 15 that his doctors have advised him against performing and driving, and that he needs additional testing to determine whether he can return to the stage. Joel was diagnosed in 2025 with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder that has affected his balance, memory, vision and hearing; his 2025-2026 tour had previously been cancelled. Last month he underwent surgery to have a shunt placed in his brain, and he said his memory and balance have improved since the procedure, while describing the condition as "not that serious" and mainly affecting his balance.
Explaining why he cannot perform, Joel said his neurologist told him that every time he does a show, "it's like you're getting a concussion," pointing to the loud music, lighting and stress of a concert. He also said he is "not allowed to drive," and that the condition makes driving "a little bit iffy."
The restrictions are part of the reason he is selling his motorcycle collection. More than 70 of his motorcycles will be auctioned by Gooding Christie's on November 20 and 21 at New York's Javits Center, with proceeds to support the Joel Foundation. Joel said he once owned more than 100 motorcycles — "you can only ride one at a time" — and described himself as "not a collector" but "a rider," saying it was time to let them go. He said he still hopes to be able to perform again. (GSM, based on The Hollywood Reporter interview via USA Today)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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