Billy Joel is stepping back into the spotlight—on his own terms.
Less than two months after revealing he’s been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), the 75-year-old music legend has resurfaced for a candid conversation with HBO’s Real Time host Bill Maher. The two caught up at Joel’s home in Florida for an in-depth interview, set to premiere Monday on Maher’s Club Random podcast.
At the time of his diagnosis, Joel canceled all upcoming concerts and was unable to attend the June Tribeca Festival premiere of his new HBO documentary And So It Goes, which airs in two parts—Part One premieres Friday night, followed by Part Two on Friday, July 25.
NPH is a neurological condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. It can lead to symptoms like difficulty walking, memory loss, and issues with bladder control. Though often misdiagnosed, NPH can sometimes be treated with surgical intervention.
Despite the health challenges, Joel appeared sharp and introspective in a preview clip posted to Maher’s X (formerly Twitter) account, opening up about the deeply personal inspirations behind some of his most iconic songs.
“I don’t want to tell you a story. I want to tell you my story,” the “My Life” songwriter says from behind his piano.
Joel reminisces about writing “Just the Way You Are” for his first love, crafting “Uptown Girl” about his second wife Christie Brinkley, and penning “She’s Always a Woman” about a complex woman from early in his career.
“She’s always a woman to me. Hello?” Joel quips in the clip.
The conversation also touches on some of Joel’s more provocative work, including his 1977 hit “Only the Good Die Young,” which raised eyebrows for its references to Catholicism and sexuality.
“I’m tipping over sacred cows all my life. I like to do that,” Joel says with a smirk.
He also opens up about his passion for classical music, explaining how it offers a kind of emotional and mental escape.
“It’s just music. And it can take me away somewhere else, completely. I get stoned from it. I literally get carried away listening to beautiful music,” Joel adds.
The full Club Random interview drops Monday, just ahead of And So It Goes’ debut on HBO.