Brain Surgery Helped, Joel Says

Billy Joel says his first response was a "no" when doctors told him they wanted to drill into his skull so they could place a shunt in his brain. But he reconsidered. "You know, I don't want to lose my marbles," the singer/songwriter said, NBC News reports. Joel, 77, said on his SiriusXM channel that he underwent brain surgery after being diagnosed last year with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the skull that can affect balance and memory. He reports consenting once he learned the surgery could restore stability and sharpen his recall—and says it has "actually improved things."

The musician blamed years of loud rock shows for concussion-like damage. He said he's now in physical therapy and following medical orders. Joel didn't say when or if he'll return to the stage, but said he doesn't want fans to worry about him, per ABC News: "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here. I'm still here."