One of the directors of the upcoming Billy Joel documentary, And So It Goes, has given an update on the singer’s recovery from the brain disorder Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
During a July 16th appearance on Good Morning America, co-director Susan Lacy said the Piano Man has been “doing physical therapy, he’s healing, he’s working on getting better.”
In May, Joel canceled all of his upcoming tour dates after revealing he had been diagnosed with NPH, a brain disorder that causes fluid to accumulate in the brain’s ventricles, leading to issues with hearing, vision, and balance.
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At the time, Joel said the condition was “exacerbated by recent concert performances” and added that he was “undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is potentially reversible if caught early enough. Patients diagnosed with the disorder can opt for a procedure to implant a shunt to drain the excess fluid.
Delving into the highs and lows of Joel’s life and career, And So It Goes details a particularly dark chapter when he attempted suicide twice before launching his solo career. It also contains a talking head interview with Bruce Springsteen, who says that Joel’s “melodies are better than mine.”
The first part premieres this Friday, July 18th at 8:00 p.m. ET on HBO Max, with Part 2 following on Friday, July 25th.