Billy Joel says health limits touring and drops motorcycle collection at New York auction
Billy Joel, 77, told The Hollywood Reporter on Oct. 15, 2026 that his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus in 2025 has left him unable to drive and makes each live show feel like a concussion, casting doubt on when—or if—he will tour again.
The singer explained that the brain disorder affects his balance, memory, vision and hearing, and that doctors have prohibited him from operating a vehicle. "I’m not allowed to drive," he said, adding that the neurologist warned each performance could act like a concussion.
Joel said his health is "good" but emphasized that further testing is required before a touring decision can be made. He hopes to return to the stage, but the condition and recent shunt surgery—implanted to drain excess fluid from his brain—mean he must proceed cautiously.
In tandem with his health update, Joel announced that Gooding Christie’s will auction more than 70 motorcycles from his personal collection at the Javits Center in New York on Nov. 20‑21. The consignment includes Ducati, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Harley‑Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki and other prized bikes.
Among the highlights is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville that Madison Square Garden presented to Joel after his 150th sold‑out show. The bike, painted with a keyboard on the tank, is expected to fetch between $10,000 and $15,000.
Joel described his decision to sell as practical: "I ended up having over a hundred motorcycles, and you can only ride one at a time. I’m into my 70s now, and I realized I can’t ride as much as I used to. I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield, so I thought it was time to put a lot of them on auction."
The auction will benefit the Joel Foundation, a nonprofit that supports school recording studios, music‑therapy programs and related initiatives.
Fans and industry observers will watch both Joel’s medical progress and the auction, which promises rare memorabilia and a glimpse into the legendary performer’s personal passions.
