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Billy Joel took the stage for the first time since he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
Joel, 76, performed a two-song concert at Wellington’s 30th birthday party in Florida on Friday, January 2, according to The Palm Beach Post. The outlet reported that Joel sang his hits “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot” for the crowd.
“I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” Joel quipped at the start of his set, seemingly acknowledging his diagnosis and the toll it has taken on his professional career.
After Joel’s impromptu show, the crowd applauded the musician by repeatedly chanting his first name.
Joel announced in May 2025 that he was diagnosed with NPH and needed to cancel his then-upcoming tour to recuperate. (NPH, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a brain disorder where fluid builds up in the skull and, if left untreated, can permanently destroy brain tissue.)
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” an Instagram statement read. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during the recovery period.”
The note continued, “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.”
Joel also shared a personal note at the time, stating that he was “sincerely sorry” to disappoint any fans and, in the wake of his canceled concerts, was grateful for their “understanding.”
Joel’s eldest daughter, Alexa, subsequently offered her support.
“We love you and we got you, Pop! 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, whom Joel shares with ex-wife Christie Brinkley, wrote via Instagram at the time. “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.”
Weeks later, Joel’s friend Howard Stern revealed that the singer’s condition wasn’t cause for concern.
“I saw Billy Joel two weeks ago [and] we had dinner together,” Stern, 71, said on his radio show in June 2025. “He’s doing fine. He does have issues, but he said, ‘Yeah, you can tell people I’m not dying.’ He wants people to know that. He’s got to deal with some medical stuff.”
Stern further teased that it was “delightful” to see Billy and his wife, Alexis Roderick Joel. (Billy and Alexis, 43, share two daughters.)
“We had a great time with the wives,” Howard said, also referring to his wife, Beth Stern. “We had a great conversation. I was telling him [that] I’m enjoying playing classical music on the guitar. He lit up because that’s what he’s into. It was even his birthday, so I brought out the guitar and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.”
After Billy and Alexis’ dinner with the Sterns, the “Piano Man” artist continued to prioritize his health.
“It’s not fixed. It’s still being worked on,” he said during a July 2025 appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast. “My balance sucks, it’s like being on a boat.”
According to Joel, his symptoms “sounds a lot worse than what [he’s] feeling.”
