Plenty of longtime rockers say that the eardrum-rattling decibel level of their concerts badly affected their hearing. However, Billy Joel has a different take on how loud concerts damaged his health. The beloved "Piano Man" claims that doing concerts led to his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
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On his SiriusXM show, The Billy Joel Channel, the singer said, per Fox Digital News, "Doctors told him that his rock 'n' roll lifestyle caused damage to his brain nerves."
A Shunt in His Brain Was Helpful; Loud Concerts Weren't
Although it seems scary, Joel says that the shunt was actually beneficial. He still insists doctors credit him frequently doing loud rock concerts with actually hurting his brain.
"My memory got better [after the shunt] ... My ability to function was better, and I realized, 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."
"I Got To Improve"
Billy Joel added, "It was causing damage to my brain nerves, and I could be losing more brain cells the more shows I did. And I realized that means I shouldn't be doing this right now. I got to improve."
He went public with his brain condition over a year ago. In fact, Joel was compelled to scrap many of his planned concerts. At the time, he said his situation was "exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance."
Per Fox News Digital, Billy Joel is stepping away from live performances for now. At least while the "Uptown Girl" singer gets back on his feet. And fans can't wait to see him seated at his favorite instrument.
He Sold Over 150 Million Records
Billy Joel is undoubtedly prolific and popular. His music, in which he often tells the story of his life, is timeless. Songs like "We Didn't Start the Fire," "Just the Way You Are," "Only the Good Die Young," and "New York State of Mind" are beloved classics. Per the bio on his website, he has sold over 150 million records.
