Billy Joel shares 1st message to fans since brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel is sharing a message with fans for the first time since revealing he was diagnosed with a rare brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the directors of Joel's new documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," passed along the 76-year-old's message at the film's world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on Wednesday.
"Getting old sucks, but it's still preferable to getting cremated," Joel's note to fans stated.
Lacy added that Joel is determined to return and "will be back."
The "Piano Man" singer-songwriter announced in late May that he would be canceling his scheduled concerts under doctor's orders as a result of his diagnosis.
"This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance," his team said in a statement on Joel's Instagram page at the time. "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of two types of hydrocephalus, an "abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain," according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that lives in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain that helps cushion the brain and the spinal cord. When the flow of CSF is somehow blocked and fluid builds up in the ventricles, it causes normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the agency. The extra fluid in the brain can cause pressure and lead to brain damage, as well as issues with walking, bladder control and thinking and reasoning.
The May announcement followed an earlier postponement of Joel's tour in March, which had initially been scheduled to resume in July.
At the time, Joel said in a statement on social media that he had a medical condition and he was recovering from surgery, would undergo physical therapy and was expected to make a full recovery.
"While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first," he said then. "I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding."
The "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" documentary features never-before-seen footage of some of Joel's performances and offers fans a glimpse into the legendary artist's private life through home videos and more. The documentary will air later this summer on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
