The decision to close 20th Century Cycles in late September was made after he was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder, according to a spokesperson, Claire Mercuri as The Independent reports.
In May, Joel announced that he was cancelling upcoming concerts after learning he has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a fluid buildup in his brain that can affect thinking, concentrating, memory, movement and more, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The 76-year-old singer, composer and pianist was having trouble with his balance but otherwise felt good, he said in an interview last month on Bill Maher's Club Random podcast.
Joel, who grew up in nearby Hicksville, opened 20th Century Cycles in late 2010 as a place to maintain and repair his motorcycles, restore and customise ones he bought and showcase his collection for the public at no charge.
“It’s basically promoting an aesthetic here," he said in a 2013 YouTube video filmed at the shop. "I like the older style. I like the automotive style from the ‘30s to the ’60s. I wanted to collect a whole bunch of those kinds of bikes, put ’em in one place and let people see what that era of bikes looked like. Because it’s starting to be a lost aesthetic.”
He said he also wanted to bring foot traffic and business to downtown Oyster Bay — a ritzy waterfront community about 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of midtown Manhattan — where part of the street that includes 20th Century Cycles was renamed Billy Joel Way in 2023.
“I’ve been living in this community for a long time,” he said in the video. “I actually grew up not far from here. And I’d like to get a little interest going into the town and the village.”
Now, Joel has appeared on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast to discuss his brain disorder. It marks his first time publicly discussing the illness. Speaking to Maher, Bill shared that he currently feels “fine” but his “balance sucks”, likening it to “being on a boat”. “It’s not fixed, it’s still being worked on,” he added of the condition.
When asked what causes the disorder, Joel shared: “Nobody knows. They don’t know. I thought it must be from drinking. I don’t anymore, but I used to like a fish.”
"He said ‘getting old sucks, but it’s still preferable to getting cremated’, Joel said in his message to fans.
His wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, shared a statement with Fox News Digital., watch the video below.
Billy Joels wife Alexis Joel shared an update on the singers health after he postponed his tour for four months to recover from a medical condition that required surgery and rehabilitation.
The “Piano Man” has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, a condition that is often treatable and may be reversed, according to NBC News. Fortunately, there’s a new procedure developed by neurosurgeons from Tufts University in Boston that may prove effective. It’s currently in clinical trials.
That can affect several brain-related abilities, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement and more. The symptoms of NPH look very much like those of dementia, but NPH is sometimes reversible. Dr. Joseph Maroon, clinical professor in the department of neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, tells Newsmax that Joel’s prognosis is good.
“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health,” a statement posted to his Instagram read. “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.”
