Billy Joel Makes Rare Appearance After Brain Disorder Diagnosis as Daughter Shares Health Update
Billy Joel made a rare appearance at a tribute show in his honor on Thursday night, following his diagnosis with a brain disorder in 2025.
The appearance came after his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, opened up about his ongoing battle with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) in an interview with The Hollywood Reporterearlier in the day. She spoke with the outlet before the tribute show, The Music of Billy Joel, during which she performed one of her father's classic songs.
Joel first revealed his diagnosis in May 2025, cancelling all scheduled concerts at the time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is caused by fluid buildup in or around the brain, which disrupts brain function. It can affect concentration, memory and movement; while it presents like dementia, per the Clinic, NPH is sometimes reversible.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” Joels's team said in a statement when it was first revealed. “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.”
Daughter's Health Update
According to Alexa, in the time since making that announcement, her father has been “doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great.”
“He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet,” she told THR. “I’m so proud of him. He’s such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He’s a fighter.”
She also opened up to the publication about watching videos from his February 2025 concert at Mohegan Sun, where he fell on stage. Per Alexa, her father didn't want her to see the footage.
“He played it down,” she shared. “He knows I have anxiety and am a neurotic worrier, so he was like, ‘Everything’s fine. It was just a little trip.’ When I saw the footage, I was crying. But then I went with him to the doctors, and we’re on top of everything. I just tell him to stay healthy.”
Joel's Night at Carnegie Hall
Her comments come after Joel made a surprise return to the stage in Wellington, Florida back in January, joining a Billy Joel cover band for a two-song set.
“Once a performer, always a performer!” Alexa said of the gig. “But health comes first. I said, ‘If you’re going to perform again, please stay seated at the piano. No throwing the microphone stand around!’”
Joel didn't perform at the Carnegie Hall tribute show on Thursday night, but was seen photographed at the event with his daughter (above), as well as with singer P!nk, who sat beside him in the balcony alongside her own daughter, Willow (below).
According toRolling Stone, the charity event raised $225,000 for music education programs for underserved youth.
Performances included Joel's daughter Alexa performing “This Night,” Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 singing “Vienna,” Gavin DeGraw tackling “Big Shot,” Rufus Wainwright crooning “Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)” and an ensemble performance of You May Be “Right.”
Joel's touring band reportedly accompanied every artist.
It was Alexa who allegedly urged her father to attend the event, telling THR she told him, “Dad, you better be there!”
“This is Carnegie Hall. Everyone’s paying tribute to you, and it’s an amazing group of artists,” she recalled insisting. “He was like, ‘Let me mark that down.’ He’s very organized with his little calendar.