Billy Joel is set to make his first official live appearance since being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, with the singer scheduled to appear at Florida Atlantic University in December.
Billy Joel has announced his first official live appearance since being diagnosed with a brain disorder.
The 77-year-old music legend was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a neurological condition that can affect balance, memory, vision and hearing, in May 2025.
The Piano Man was advised to stay away from the stage because the “stress” of performing could be too much for him, but Billy has now announced a one-off event for students at Florida Atlantic University on December 14.
He announced on social media: “Florida Atlantic University will welcome singer, songwriter and composer Billy Joel for Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions and Answers…And a Little Music.”
The We Didn’t Start the Fire hitmaker did jump on stage earlier this year during a cover band’s performance in Wellington, Florida. He quipped on stage: “I wasn’t planning on working tonight.”
Last month, the musician revealed he was not allowed to perform or drive and was awaiting further medical tests.
Billy told The Hollywood Reporter: “Well, my health is good. I have this thing called hydrocephalus. It used to be called water on the brain, so it affects your balance, it affects your memory, it affects your vision, your hearing. But I’m OK.
“They call it a brain disorder, but it’s not that serious. It’s just something that affects your balance mostly.”
When asked if he will be able to tour again, Billy explained he was waiting for more tests to find out whether he would be allowed to perform any more shows.
He said: “I don’t know. I have to take a series of tests before I know, but I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive.
“And I can’t do performances because what the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion …
“[It’s] the volume. Rock ‘n’ roll is loud, man. Rock ‘n’ roll made me deaf already. So it’s the lighting, the sound, the stress of the show, the audience, the energy of the performance.
“There’s a lot going on when you’re onstage. And they said: ‘Well, you really shouldn’t be doing that right now.’ So they have to test me further to see if I can go back and do performing again, which I would like to be able to do.”
It is not clear whether Billy has completed the tests or been medically cleared to perform at the Florida Atlantic University event. The university has announced the event, but no further details about the musical element have been confirmed, other than there will be “a little music”.
Billy Joel announces first live appearance since brain disorder diagnosis
