Billy Joel, the legendary interpreter of “Piano Man”, confirmed that a brain condition called hydrocephalus prevents him from both driving and performing in public. The disease, which causes excess fluid in the brain, has led his doctors to recommend that he abstain from driving and from appearing on stages.
Diagnosis and medical recommendations
According to Joel, “I have to undergo a series of tests” and, at the moment, he is not authorized to drive. “I am not allowed to drive right now”, he added in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
The neurologist who treats him explained that, every time he gives a concert, the situation is similar to a concussion, due to the extreme volume of sound, lighting, stress, and energy of the show. “What the neurologist told me is that, every time I give a concert, it’s like I suffer a concussion”, explained the author of “Piano Man”.
Impact on his career and future
So far, Joel has decided to launch an auction of his motorcycle collection, with over seventy vehicles ready for sale. The decision is due to both the passage of time and hydrocephalus, which has also affected his balance.
The Gooding & Company firm, in association with Christie’s, will organize the “Rétromobile New York” auction on November 20 and 21, without a minimum price. Joel revealed that, throughout his life, he collected over a hundred motorcycles, but now, at 77 years old, he can only drive one at a time.
Artist’s reflections
“The truth is, you can only drive one at a time. I’ve already entered my seventies and I’ve realized that I can’t drive as much as before. I don’t want to end up like a bug smashed against a windshield. So I decided to put many of them up for auction”, declared the New York singer.
With the hope of determining if he can return to the stages after completing more tests, Joel maintains an optimistic attitude about his health and his musical legacy.
Credits: robertocavada.com
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