Billy Joel is parting ways with his beloved motorcycle collection, and the reason is bigger than just cleaning out the garage. The 77-year-old music legend is auctioning off his bikes at the Gooding Christie’s Rétromobile auction on November 20-21 at the Javits Center in New York. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joel explained that his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis, which he revealed in spring 2025, has changed what his daily life looks like. He’s not allowed to drive, and he can’t ride the way he used to.
The hardest part for fans? Joel also confirmed he can’t perform right now. His neurologist told him that every show is like getting a concussion, thanks to the volume, lighting, sound, stress, and sheer energy of a rock concert. That’s why he canceled his 2025-2026 tour, and he’ll need a series of tests before he knows if he can ever return to the stage. He’s owned more than a hundred motorcycles over the years, so this auction is a real window into a personal passion most fans never got to see up close.
Joel summed up his mindset with one line that’s already making the rounds:“I don’t want to die like a bug on a windshield.”Leave it to Billy to be brutally honest and somehow still make us smile. Whether you’ve seen him live or just worn out his greatest hits album, this one hits. What’s your all-time favorite Billy Joel song?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.