Howard Stern shared a health update on Billy Joel after the music icon canceled his upcoming performances following a brain condition diagnosis.
During a recent episode of SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, host Stern said they recently met up and “he’s doing fine.”
Newsweek reached out to Joel’s representative via email for comment.
The Context
On May 23, Joel’s team revealed he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and announced he would be canceling the remainder of his scheduled concert dates.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH “happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside your skull and presses on your brain. This condition is most likely in people over 65. It’s often treatable and sometimes even reversible. Treating this condition involves surgery to implant a shunt to drain excess fluid from the inside of your skull.”
Joel’s statement, shared via Instagram, read: “This 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.”
“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health,” the statement continued. “He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
The news came after the 76-year-old sparked concern following a fall during a concert in February.
What To Know
On Tuesday’s episode of The Howard Stern Show, Stern told his co-host, Robin Quivers, that he had dinner with Joel “two weeks ago.”
“He had some issues. He announced an illness,” Quivers said, to which Stern replied: “Yeah, he does have issues, but he said, ‘You can tell people, you know, I’m not dying.’ He wants people to know that. He just, he’s got to deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.”
Stern said that they “had a great time with the wives,” referring to his wife, Beth Stern, and Joel’s wife, Alexis Roderick. “We had a great conversation. I was telling him I’m enjoying playing classical music on the guitar.”
“I’m sure that made him happy,” Quivers shared.
“It did. He lit up because that’s what he’s into,” Stern said.
The broadcaster added that he “even brought out the guitar” as they celebrated the “Piano Man” artist’s birthday, which was on May 9.
“He threw up,” Stern joked about his guitar skills. “He didn’t seem real impressed.”
What People Are Saying
The Howard Stern Show posted a snippet from Tuesday’s show to Instagram. In the comments, Joel’s fans reacted to the update.
Instagram user @trevora6237 commented: “Good to hear this!”
@spfarrell commented: “Good news is always appreciated.”
@dave_montecarlo commented: “Wishing the best for Billy! What a talented down to earth guy.”
@sbgord61 commented: “I was waiting for your update on Billy! Thank you. Great friendship.”
What Happens Next
The Howard Stern Show, which airs on SiriusXM’s Howard 100 channel, is broadcast live from Mondays through Wednesdays, starting at 7 a.m. ET. The full show is also available on the SiriusXM app.
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