Latest news with #Joel
NBC News
8 hours ago
- Health
- NBC News
Billy Joel shares health update in new interview after brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel shared an update on his health nearly two months after he announced he had been diagnosed with a brain disorder. Joel, 76, canceled all of his upcoming concerts in May following his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside of the skull and presses on the brain, according to Cleveland Clinic. The condition is often treatable and sometimes reversible. Joel told Bill Maher his health is still not fixed, but 'it's being worked on' on the July 21 episode of Maher's podcast, 'Club Random with Bill Maher.' 'I feel fine,' Joel said. 'My balance sucks. It's like being on a boat.' Maher asked why, and Joel said it was a good question. 'It used to be called water on the brain. Now it's called hydrocephalus — normal pressure hydrocephalus.' Maher then asked what causes the condition, and Joel replied, 'Nobody knows.' 'I feel good,' Joel said. 'They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling.' Normal pressure hydrocephalus can affect thinking, concentrating, memory, movement and more, according to Cleveland Clinic. The three main symptoms are gait issues, urinary incontinence and cognitive difficulties. The condition is treatable, though it depends on what type of normal pressure hydrocephalus the patient has, according to Cleveland Clinic. Often, the condition is treated via surgery, in which a device called a shunt is implanted to help excess fluid flow. In May, Joel canceled his upcoming shows, saying in a statement that the condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to issues with hearing, vision and balance. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' the statement said. 'Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.' Joel added that he was sincerely sorry to disappoint his audiences, and thanked them for understanding.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billy Joel likens his neurological disorder to ‘being in a boat,' says he feels ‘good' nonetheless
Billy Joel is sharing a health update months after the cancellation of his tour, which was the result of his being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that affects the brain. Joel offered the update during Monday's episode of Bill Maher's 'Club Random' podcast, saying that while the condition is 'not fixed' and 'still being worked on,' overall he feels 'fine.' 'My balance sucks. It's like being on a boat,' Joel said, later adding, 'I feel good. I think they keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling.' Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a 'very rare condition' that 'occurs when a person has too much fluid in the brain,' according to Yale Medicine. Fewer than 3% of adults over the age of 65 are diagnosed with NPH, and it affects men and women equally. Joel announced in May that his tour dates had been canceled so that he could seek treatment for NPH, saying in a statement at the time that the condition 'has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.' 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' the statement read. 'Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.' Joel's announcement in May came after he previously postponed eight tour dates so that he could focus on recovering from recent surgery. Last week, a new documentary about Joel's early years and career debuted on HBO Max. Titled 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' the doc covers Joel's beginnings and early musical partnerships, and also goes in depth into some of his personal struggles. (CNN and HBO Max share the same parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery.)
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
American tourist visits Wetherspoons for first time - and finds one thing 'ridiculous'
American tourist Joel Simpson, known as ItsJPS, visited Wetherspoon's Postern Gate during a trip to York - and he was impressed with the price of the food An American tourist was gobsmacked by the incredible value for money he found at a Yorkshire Wetherspoon. Joel Simpson, also known as ItsJPS, popped into The Postern Gate during his visit to York. Joel mentioned he enjoyed a "couple of drinks" at the pub, finding them "ridiculously cheap". In his YouTube video, he also shared that he snagged three plates of food for a mere £15. In the footage, he said: "We've got loaded chips, pepperoni pizza and 10 chicken wings for 15 quid. It's stupid cheap. It's so much food — I think we'll be able to finish this... maybe." He urged: "Too many people moan about Wetherspoon's quality. I wish we had something like this in the United States, so please be more grateful." But it wasn't just Spoons that impressed Joel on his jaunt to York. Earlier that day, he tucked into a Sunday dinner at Toby Carvery. Proudly presenting his loaded plate, Joel exclaimed: "I can't even see half of the plate. There's so much underneath that you can't even see what I got." He continued: "The amount of options here is ridiculous. I've had Sunday roasts in the past, but not with this many ingredients on the plate." He joked: "The plate is so damn full you don't even know what's on it. Half the plate is covered up." Joel has been sharing various experiences from his travels across the UK. His previous trip led him to a newfound admiration for British trains, prompting a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. He observed that it was "super easy" to navigate train stations and find the correct platform, boasting that his trains were "never delayed" by more than a minute or so. He said: "If I lived in Britain, I feel like... especially if I lived in a city, a car may not be necessary. And that brings me to my second point, which is the compactness of cities and city centres." The YouTuber shared that he didn't need to use public transport in "almost any" of the cities he visited, as walking proved to be an "adequate" and even "enjoyable" means of getting around due to the "compact" nature of the areas. He added that the centres were "strategically placed". Joel's second trip to the UK also deepened his appreciation for British pub culture. He recognises that pubs offer more than just a spot for a cold pint; they are often focal points of community life. He commented: "The pub is a place you can just go and talk to your neighbour, get to know your neighbour and just enjoy a pint. It's not really about the partying as much as it is the sense of community and having the Sunday roast and things like that." However, he admits that his positive view doesn't apply to every pub. Food continued to be a highlight for Joel during his stay, and he has become quite fond of the supermarket meal deal while exploring the UK. He treated himself to a Tesco meal deal daily during his journey, confessing he never grew "tired" of the wallet-friendly lunch choice. He noted that there's nothing quite comparable back in the States and praised the extensive selection available, dubbing it a "never-ending stream of goodness" that continually held its charm.
Arab Times
10 hours ago
- Health
- Arab Times
'Piano Man' dismisses health fears: 'I'm not deathly ill'
NEW YORK, July 22, (AP): Bill Joel is doing much better, the 'Piano Man' singer wants fans to know. In May, Joel canceled all his upcoming concerts across North America and England after being diagnosed with fluid buildup in his brain that has affected his 'hearing, vision, and balance.' The condition is called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, 'a brain disorder that can affect brain-related abilities, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement, and more,' the Cleveland Clinic says. 'I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I'm OK,' Joel said in an interview with People magazine. '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.' 'It was scary, but I'm OK,' Joel, 76, says. 'I just wanted to let people know, don't worry about me being deathly ill or anything.' He also discussed his health in an episode of comedian Bill Maher's Club Random podcast, telling the host he feels 'fine,' adding that, 'My balance sucks. It's like being on a boat... They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling.' He added that his health issues are not 'fixed,' but 'it's still being worked on.' A representative for Joel declined additional comment. In March, the 'Uptown Girl' singer announced that he underwent surgery and had to undergo physical therapy. A statement at the time said doctors expected him to make a full recovery. It is unclear if his medical issues at the time were related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. The condition can cause problems with walking, bladder control and thinking, with symptoms worsening if left untreated. It's relatively rare and can be hard to diagnose. It can be treated successfully with surgery to install a tube to drain excess fluid. Patients may need physical therapy in addition to surgery.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Billy Joel is 'okay' amid brain condition battle
Billy Joel says he is "okay" despite being diagnosed with a rare brain condition. The Piano Man crooner, 76, worried fans in May when it was announced he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare but treatable condition that affects the brain and can impair hearing, vision and balance. In an update about his condition, he has now urged fans not to worry about him. "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 singer's diagnosis was first shared publicly in a statement through his team. He said balance issues were his earliest and most persistent symptom. "It was like being on a boat all the time," he told People. "It was scary, but I'm okay. I just wanted to let people know, don't worry about me being deathly ill or anything." Following his diagnosis, Joel cancelled all scheduled performances, with his representatives confirming his condition had been exacerbated by recent concerts. "Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," a statement at the time said. "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." The singer added to fans: "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding." Joel's wife, Alexis Joel, 42, shared a message on Instagram alongside a family photo including their daughters, Della, nine, and seven-year-old Remy. "Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received," she wrote. "Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the centre of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future." Joel's eldest daughter, 39-year-old Alexa Ray Joel - his child with ex-wife Christie Brinkley - also expressed support on social media. "We love you and we got you, Pop!" she wrote. "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 treatments as he continues to regain his strength." Joel's health update comes amid renewed interest in his life and work due to the HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. The two-part feature, which premiered last week, features in-depth interviews with Joel and explores key moments of his six-decade career. Part two is set to stream on Saturday AEST. Billy Joel says he is "okay" despite being diagnosed with a rare brain condition. The Piano Man crooner, 76, worried fans in May when it was announced he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare but treatable condition that affects the brain and can impair hearing, vision and balance. In an update about his condition, he has now urged fans not to worry about him. "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 singer's diagnosis was first shared publicly in a statement through his team. He said balance issues were his earliest and most persistent symptom. "It was like being on a boat all the time," he told People. "It was scary, but I'm okay. I just wanted to let people know, don't worry about me being deathly ill or anything." Following his diagnosis, Joel cancelled all scheduled performances, with his representatives confirming his condition had been exacerbated by recent concerts. "Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," a statement at the time said. "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." The singer added to fans: "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding." Joel's wife, Alexis Joel, 42, shared a message on Instagram alongside a family photo including their daughters, Della, nine, and seven-year-old Remy. "Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received," she wrote. "Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the centre of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future." Joel's eldest daughter, 39-year-old Alexa Ray Joel - his child with ex-wife Christie Brinkley - also expressed support on social media. "We love you and we got you, Pop!" she wrote. "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 treatments as he continues to regain his strength." Joel's health update comes amid renewed interest in his life and work due to the HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. The two-part feature, which premiered last week, features in-depth interviews with Joel and explores key moments of his six-decade career. Part two is set to stream on Saturday AEST. Billy Joel says he is "okay" despite being diagnosed with a rare brain condition. The Piano Man crooner, 76, worried fans in May when it was announced he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare but treatable condition that affects the brain and can impair hearing, vision and balance. In an update about his condition, he has now urged fans not to worry about him. "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 singer's diagnosis was first shared publicly in a statement through his team. He said balance issues were his earliest and most persistent symptom. "It was like being on a boat all the time," he told People. "It was scary, but I'm okay. I just wanted to let people know, don't worry about me being deathly ill or anything." Following his diagnosis, Joel cancelled all scheduled performances, with his representatives confirming his condition had been exacerbated by recent concerts. "Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," a statement at the time said. "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." The singer added to fans: "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding." Joel's wife, Alexis Joel, 42, shared a message on Instagram alongside a family photo including their daughters, Della, nine, and seven-year-old Remy. "Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received," she wrote. "Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the centre of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future." Joel's eldest daughter, 39-year-old Alexa Ray Joel - his child with ex-wife Christie Brinkley - also expressed support on social media. "We love you and we got you, Pop!" she wrote. "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 treatments as he continues to regain his strength." Joel's health update comes amid renewed interest in his life and work due to the HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. The two-part feature, which premiered last week, features in-depth interviews with Joel and explores key moments of his six-decade career. Part two is set to stream on Saturday AEST.
