Billy Joel has insisted that he’s ‘not dying’ after being diagnosed with a brain condition.
Last month, the 76-year-old announced that he would be cancelling his planned tour on doctor’s orders, following his health battle with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
It was also confirmed that the Piano Man singer – who suffered a painful fall on stage in February – was pulling out of the world premiere for his documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, at Tribeca Film Festival this evening.
Fans were quick to offer him their support over the news, and he has now issued a defiant response via pal Howard Stern.
On the latest episode of the Howard Stern Show, on SiriusXM, the presenter gave listeners an update days after the pair met for dinner.
‘He does have issues, but he said, “Yeah, you can tell people, I’m not dying”,’ the host declared said.
‘He wants people to know that. He’s got to deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.’
According to the NHS, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is an uncommon condition that mostly affects people over the age of 60.
Symptoms include mobility problems and dementia meaning the condition can sometimes be hard to diagnose, as these are also associated with more common conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Billy’s team shared the news with a statement on his Instagram page at the end of May, which read: ‘Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
‘This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.
‘Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.
‘Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.
‘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.’
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Billy added in a message: ‘I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.’
The music legend began his career in the 60s, and has been a staple of the industry ever since – with hits including She’s Always a Woman, My Life, and We Didn’t Start the Fire.
His career is the focus of an upcoming documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which will be premiering on HBO Max later in the year.
He was due to attend the Tribeca Film Festival opening night gala premiere of the special this evening in Manhattan, but has been forced to sit the event out to focus on his health.
Tribeca co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal recently issued a joint statement on the news, adding: ‘Our hearts are with Billy Joel and his family following today’s announcement.
‘As a New York icon and global music legend, he has profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of this city and touched audiences around the world. 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.
‘This is the perfect moment to recognize a creative force whose work reflects the very soul of our city – and the heart of Tribeca.’
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