More than 70 motorcycles from Billy Joel’s personal collection are heading to auction at the Javits Center in New York, a sale that underscores the physical toll of a brain disorder that has kept the 77-year-old music legend from driving or performing.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Joel provided a detailed assessment of his recovery from normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition diagnosed in May 2025. While describing his overall health as good, the artist confirmed that his neurologist has barred him from driving and playing live shows.
“I can’t drive right now. I’m not allowed to drive,” Joel said. He explained that his neurologist warned him that the physical environment of a live rock and roll concert poses severe risks to his brain: “Every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion.”
Surgery, Symptoms, and the Road Ahead
Joel underwent brain surgery in September 2026 to implant a shunt. The shunt yielded noticeable improvements in his memory, balance, and general functioning. Despite these gains, Joel remains uncertain about when—or if—he will return to the stage. He stated that he must complete a series of further medical tests before doctors can determine whether live performances are feasible.
Billy Joel says he can't drive or perform amid his ongoing struggle with the brain condition normal pressure hydrocephalus.https://t.co/MfzsI4OKFJ
The enforced pause follows a career in live music, which includes holding the record for the most sold-out shows by any artist at Madison Square Garden.
Clearing Out the Garage
The limitations imposed by his condition directly prompted the sale of his extensive motorcycle collection. Joel, a lifelong enthusiast who opened the 20th Century Cycles shop in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in 2010, decided to part with more than 70 bikes.
“I have a condition called hydrocephalus, which makes driving a little bit iffy,” Joel said, adding, “I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield. So I thought I’d put a lot of them on auction.” He also closed his Long Island motorcycle shop in late September 2026.
The motorcycles are scheduled to be auctioned by Gooding Christie’s on November 20 and 21 at the Javits Center in New York as part of Rétromobile New York, with all proceeds benefiting the Joel Foundation. Among the headline lots is a 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville gifted to Joel by Madison Square Garden to mark 150 sold-out shows, featuring a keyboard painted on the gas tank.
As Joel awaits the results of his upcoming neurological evaluations, questions remain over whether the Piano Man will ever mount another full concert tour, or if his brief appearance alongside a tribute band in January 2026 will stand as his final live performance.
