Billy Joel says that he’s doing better after getting a shunt in his brain.
The 77-year-old New Yorker worried fans last year when he cancelled a string of shows including a Madison Square Garden gig due to an abnormal buildup of fluid in his brain known as hydrocephalus.
Joel said in a SiriusXM interview aired Wednesday that the idea of having a tube implanted in his brain to lessen the issue wasn’t appealing to him at first, but he’s thankful now that he decided to go through with the procedure.
“My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better. And I realised, and the doctors told me this, because of my job, which is playing rock and roll music very loud, that it was giving me something like a concussion every time I did a show,” he said.
Joel said that he’s undergoing physical therapy and following doctor’s recommendations. He’s aware that his health has become a matter of public discussion, but assures his supporters that he’s alive and well.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m here,” he said. “I’m still here.”
Joel posted a message of mourning on social media when his longtime friend and collaborator Jon Small died.
“RIP Jon Small,” the Piano Man wrote to his former drummer.
The pair played together in Joel’s early bands, The Hassles and Attila. Small later became a music video director and producer who worked on projects with Joel including “Tell Her About It” and “Baby Grand.” - New York Daily News/TNS
