Billy Joel's Neighbor Laments Closure Of His Motorbike Shop: 'It's A Big Loss'

Local business owners are reportedly saddened by the looming closure of Billy Joel's motorcycle shop.

The beloved singer recently announced that his famous motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, will officially close in September. The reason, per his rep, is due to his battle with a rare brain disorder.

Billy Joel launched 20th Century Cycles in 2010 at Oyster Bay, New York, to maintain and showcase his motorcycle collection. It became a signature part of Long Island, with the singer's fans and bike lovers frequently visiting the shop.

According to new reports, Joel isn't the only one saddened by the closure of his treasured bike shop, as local business owners will miss the customers his fame brought. Ted Bahr, who owns a vintage rock poster gallery next door, shared his thoughts on the matter, saying:

"I think everybody in Oyster Bay would agree that it's a big loss. Billy's place is visited on weekends by dozens and dozens of people, typically on motorcycles but also in cars."

Bahr explained that people would frequently check out the other stores after visiting Joel's bike shop. He added that the closure was "very unfortunate," labeling Joel "a real superstar" and "a hometown boy," per RadarOnline.

A source shed more light on Joel's feelings about the shop's closure, claiming he regretted disappointing his bike fans. "It is so devastating and gutting for him to have to get rid of the shop. But he needs to totally focus on his health now," they explained.

They added that Joel needed to shut down the shop because he could no longer handle the administrative duties and responsibilities linked to the business amid his health battle. The Blast covered the closure announcement, reporting the pianist would auction off his bike collection.

The auction would take place later this year, marking the end of Joel's bike shop. He raved about the business in a 2013 interview, noting he launched the shop to promote the older style of motorcycles from the 1930s to the 1960s because they had become "a lost aesthetic."

Besides allowing fans to see bike designs from different eras, Joel also launched his shop to boost the local economy in Oyster Bay. He reportedly did so because the area was miles from where he grew up in Hicksville.

The bike shop was more than a place for Joel to display his bike collection, as it frequently served as a spot for motorcycle owners to restore and customize their vehicles. The community honored the entertainer thanks to the fame and benefits the shop brought.

The town paid tribute to Joel by renaming the 20th Century Cycles part of the street after him. He has similarly received honors for his charitable nature and for supporting key causes like 9/11 first responders and breast cancer research programs.

Joel's team revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in May, noting the brain condition had forced him to cancel all 17 of his upcoming concerts across North America and the U.K. They explained that previous performances had exacerbated his condition.

Two months later, The Blast shared that Joel had broken his silence on his health battle and how it affected him. "It was scary, but I'm okay. I just wanted to let people know, don't worry about me being deathly ill or anything," he said in an interview.

Following his diagnosis announcement, the pianist's loved ones showcased their support through social media. His wife, Alexis, thanked fans for their well-wishes and medical professionals for their care.

His eldest daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, whom he shares with his ex-wife Christie Brinkley, hailed him as the "most resilient man" she has ever known.

Joel recently addressed his condition in a candid interview, with The Blast reporting that he shared his biggest challenge. "My balance sucks," he revealed on the "Club Random" podcast, noting it felt "like being on a boat."

The pianist added that doctors were unsure what caused his condition and playfully blamed it on his past drinking habits. Joel claimed he "used to drink like a fish" but became sober for his health.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) can worsen and become fatal without treatment. MedlinePlus shared that some cases required surgery where a tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the brain. However, those experiencing milder symptoms typically have the best recovery rates.

Here's to hoping Billy Joel can make a full recovery!