Billy Joel’s Secret Health Battle: Director Reveals He’s ‘Healing’ from Brain Disorder

Fans of Billy Joel have some encouraging news about the legendary singer-songwriter’s health. Susan Lacy, co-director of the upcoming documentary And So It Goes, shared an update during her July 16th appearance on Good Morning America. She revealed that Joel is actively undergoing physical therapy and making steady progress in his recovery from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain condition that affects balance, hearing, and vision. Joel is committed to healing and getting back to doing what he loves.

Understanding Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Back in May, Joel had to cancel all his upcoming concerts after announcing his NPH diagnosis. This condition causes fluid to build up inside the brain’s ventricles, which can lead to troubling symptoms. Joel mentioned that recent performances worsened his condition, prompting him to focus on treatment and avoid the stage for now. The good news? Medical experts, like those at the Cleveland Clinic, say NPH is often reversible, especially if caught early. Treatment typically involves a shunt procedure to drain the excess fluid and relieve symptoms.

A Deep Dive Into Joel’s Life

The And So It Goes documentary goes beyond Joel’s health update to explore the remarkable journey of his life and career. The film reveals a darker chapter when Joel struggled with depression and even attempted suicide twice before breaking out as a solo artist. Notable figures, including Bruce Springsteen, weigh in, with Springsteen praising Joel’s songwriting by saying, “His melodies are better than mine.” The documentary premieres in two parts on HBO Max, with Part 1 airing July 18 and Part 2 following on July 25. It promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a music icon’s resilience and talent.