Billy Joel Breaks Silence After 'Scary' Brain Condition Diagnosis That Forced His Tour Cancelation

Billy Joel is letting fans know he’s not going anywhere, even as he takes a necessary step back from the spotlight.

Just months after revealing his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a treatable brain condition that affects memory, movement, balance, hearing, and vision, Billy Joel is sharing an update on his health and reassuring fans that he’s doing all he can to recover.

“I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I’m okay,” Joel told PEOPLE. “What I have is something very few people know about, including me, no matter how much you try to research it. I’m doing my best to work with it and to recover from it.”

The “Piano Man” singer said balance has been his biggest challenge, and the first sign that something was wrong. “It was like being on a boat all the time,” he explained, adding, “It was scary, but I’m okay. I just wanted to let people know, don’t worry about me being deathly ill or anything.”

On May 23, Joel’s team officially confirmed the diagnosis. It announced that the condition had impacted his hearing, vision, and overall coordination, forcing the icon to cancel all 17 of his upcoming concerts across North America and the U.K.

His final performance before stepping away took place on February 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” the team said. “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 from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

Joel’s wife, Alexis, previously shared a heartfelt Instagram message with a sweet family photo that included their daughters, Della, 9, and Remy, 7.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support,” she wrote. “We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received. Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world.”

Joel’s eldest daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, 39, whom he shares with ex-wife Christie Brinkley, also showed her support, writing, “We love you and we got you, Pop! 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 as he continues to regain his strength.”

Even Brinkley herself shared a touching tribute to her ex-husband.

Posting Instagram footage from a recent concert she attended with Alexa, she captured a tender moment of Alexa playfully singing “You May Be Right” backstage with her smiling father. The video also showed the 39-year-old joyfully dancing in the crowd during the performance.

“Dear Billy,” Brinkley wrote, “the whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery.” She reflected on the joy Joel brings to his audiences, writing, “You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends… We all want you back in that white-hot spotlight. You’re OUR piano man, and we’re always in the mood for your melodies.”

Before officially canceling all 17 of his upcoming shows, Billy Joel had announced a planned four-month hiatus to focus on recovery from a “medical condition” that required surgery and ongoing physical therapy. At the time, he was hopeful for a return to the stage on July 5 in Pittsburgh.

“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” Joel said in an earlier statement. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”

The update had initially offered fans a sense of optimism. Still, as Joel’s condition progressed, the tour was ultimately called off to allow the iconic performer to prioritize his well-being.