Billy Joel to Perform at Florida Atlantic University After Brain Surgery

Billy Joel announced on Instagram that he will perform at Florida Atlantic University on Dec. 14 as part of an event titled “Billy Joel for Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions & Answers…And a Little Music.” The intimate show, limited to currently enrolled students, will combine a Q&A session with a brief set of live songs.

The performance follows Joel’s September disclosure that he had brain surgery after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and impairs brain function, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Joel told The Hollywood Reporter that doctors warned him against returning to the stage because the combination of loud sound, bright lighting, stress and physical exertion could be akin to sustaining a concussion.

“What the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion,” he said.

He also noted that his condition restricts his ability to drive, prompting him to auction off his motorcycle collection.

“I have a condition called hydrocephalus, which makes driving a little bit iffy…so I realized it’s time for me to turn it over to somebody else,” he explained.

Despite the medical advice, Joel affirmed his intention to continue performing.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m here. I’m still here,” he said on SiriusXM’s The Billy Joel Channel in September.

He added that the surgery, which involved implanting a shunt in his brain, improved his balance and memory, helping him avoid further loss of brain cells.

“It was causing damage to my brain nerves, and I could be losing more brain cells the more shows I did…I got to improve,” he said.

In May 2025, the Grammy-winning artist cancelled the remainder of his tour after the NPH diagnosis, citing worsening hearing, vision and balance issues.

The upcoming university event will be Joel’s first public appearance since those health challenges.