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Billy Joel took to the stage for the first time since being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
Joel, 76, performed a two-song concert at a 30-year anniversary celebration in Wellington, Florida on Friday, January 2, according to. The Palm Beach Post. The newspaper reported that Joel sang his songs “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot” to the crowd.
“I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” Joel laughed at the start of his set, seemingly acknowledging his treatment and the impact it has had on his professional career.
After Joel’s low-key show, the crowd applauded the singer by repeating his first name.
Joel announced in May 2025 that he was diagnosed with NPH and had to cancel his upcoming tour to recover. (NPH, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a brain disorder in which fluid accumulates in the skull and, if left untreated, can permanently destroy brain tissue.)
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to hearing, vision and balance problems,” the Instagram statement read. “Under his doctor’s orders, Billy is undergoing some physical therapy and has been advised to take a break from work during his recovery.”
The note continued, “Billy is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving and is completely dedicated to putting his health first. He is grateful for the support of the fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can take the stage again.”
Joel also shared a note at the time, saying he was “sincerely sorry” for disappointing any fans and, after his canceled concerts, thanked them for their “understanding”.
Joel’s oldest daughter, Alexa, then supported him.
“We love you and we got you, Pop! I wanted to thank you all for the wonderful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of my dad’s diagnosis,” Alexa, Joel shared with his ex-wife. Christie Brinkleyshe wrote on Instagram at the time. “Dad is the strongest and strongest man I have ever known, and he is fully committed to a full recovery with continued treatment as he continues to regain his strength.”
Weeks later, Joel’s friend Howard Stern He pointed out that there was no reason to worry about the singer’s condition.
“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 great. He has problems, but he said, ‘Yes, you can tell people that I’m not dying.’ He wants people to know that. He has to deal with some medical issues.”
Stern went on to say that it was nice to see Billy and his wife, Alexis Roderick Joel. (Billy and Alexis, 43, have two daughters.)
“We had a good time with the wives,” said Howard, referring to his wife, Beth Stern. “We had a nice conversation, I was telling him [that] I enjoy playing classical music on the guitar. He turned on the light because here he is. It was his birthday, so I took out the guitar and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.”
After Billy and Alexis’ dinner with the Sterns, the “Piano Man” singer continued to prioritize her health.
“It’s not fixed yet. It’s still being worked on,” he said during his appearance in July 2025. Bill MaherThe “Club Random” podcast. “My balance is bad, it’s like being on a boat.”
According to Joel, his symptoms “sound worse than that [he’s] feeling.”
