Billy Joel announces Florida university appearance after health setback

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel has announced a one-night appearance at Florida Atlantic University on December 14, his first officially announced event since revealing he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel has announced a one-night appearance at Florida Atlantic University on December 14, his first officially announced event since revealing he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

The event, titled “Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions & Answers … And a Little Music”, is scheduled to take place at 7:00 pm. Tickets will be available exclusively to currently enrolled students at the university, according to the announcement.

Joel shared the event details on social media, saying the university would welcome him for an evening of questions and answers, with some music.

The announcement comes after Joel said in an October interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he was unable to perform on doctors’ advice and needed further medical tests before knowing whether he could return to the stage.

“I have to take a series of tests before I know,” he said, adding that his neurologist had told him that performing could be like “getting a concussion” each time.

Joel, 77, was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus in May 2025, a condition involving a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that can affect balance and other functions. He cancelled his scheduled concerts after saying the condition had been aggravated by recent performances, causing problems with his hearing, vision and balance.

He later disclosed that he had undergone surgery to have a shunt implanted in his brain, saying the procedure had improved his memory, balance and ability to function.

In the October interview, Joel described his health as “good” but said the condition continued to affect him, particularly his balance. He said he hoped to perform again if further tests showed he could do so.

The December event will be his first officially announced appearance since his diagnosis. He made an unannounced appearance at a tribute band’s concert in Florida in January, performing two of his songs.