Billy Joel Set for First Public Appearance After Brain Surgery at FAU in December

Billy Joel will return to the stage in December for his first public appearance since undergoing brain surgery.

Florida Atlantic University announced that Joel will appear for "Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions & Answers... And a Little Music" on Dec. 14. The event will combine a Q&A session with a short musical performance. Tickets go on sale Nov. 12 and will be available exclusively to current FAU students.

Joel, 76, revealed in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a rare brain disorder that affected his hearing, vision and balance. He canceled all scheduled performances to focus on treatment.

In a later update to fans, Joel said his condition "sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling." He reassured supporters that he was doing well.

In January 2026, Joel made a surprise two-song appearance with a tribute band, sparking speculation about a possible return to touring.

In September, Joel announced that he had undergone brain surgery and received a shunt implant to manage his condition. "I don't want to lose my marbles," he said at the time. "It's hard to tell what's age and what's a condition. So, I agreed to do the shunt and I had a surgery and they implanted a shunt in my brain and it actually improved things. My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better."

Despite some improvements, Joel said he remained unable to drive or perform full concerts. "I can't do performances because what the neurologist told me," he said. "Every time you do a show, it's like you're getting a concussion." He added that he would need more testing before returning to a regular schedule.

Joel's last full concert took place in February 2025. The upcoming FAU event is expected to feature a brief musical set, which could signal the start of his return.