Billy Joel diagnosed with brain disorder, and my time with his dog.

THE PIANO MAN

“One of my most memorable moments in making films was when I got to meet Billy Joel at his house for an interview, and then went on to step in his dog’s poop while wearing flip flops.” — DML

CONCERTS CANCELLED
Rocker and songwriter, Billy Joel, 76, announced on Instagram that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The post reads, “This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or N.P.H., is a rare condition that occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing symptoms that include trouble walking and controlling one’s bladder. It can also lead to cognitive impairment, including memory problems. The good news is this: If the disease is diagnosed early enough, it can be treated successfully through surgery that creates a path for the fluid to flow out of the brain, alleviating symptoms. But in later stages, some of its effects can become irreversible. According to reports, N.P.H. is under-diagnosed because its symptoms can be dismissed as normal effects of aging.

Joel grew up down the block from me in Hicksville, NY. We both attended Fork Lane Elementary School, though he was several years ahead of me. Like Joel, I played in the band and sang in the chorus during grade school, and we shared the same music teachers: Ms. Millidantry for chorus and Mr. Eisenhower for band. Hardly a day passed without them sharing their Billy Joel stories. Everyone in Hicksville was proud of Billy, and many of his early songs, like "Only the Good Die Young" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," drew inspiration from our neighbors, local stores, and parks.

In 2008, when I began making films, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Joel. He agreed to let me interview him for a documentary I was producing called King of the Hamptons. I had never met him before, and I was both thrilled and nervous. My best friend, Jim, was so excited for me that he said he’d give anything to be there. Being a good friend, I brought Jim along as part of my crew, tasking him with carrying the filming equipment.

Billy is a big motorcycle enthusiast, so when you enter his house through the garage, you’re greeted by a sea of bikes. While waiting for the Piano Man to come downstairs, Jim pointed out a bike he thought was the coolest, tucked in the far corner of the room. As I walked over to check it out, I stepped in a pile of dog poop—wearing flip-flops, no less. Devastated and unsure what to do, I stood frozen while Jim laughed so hard he started crying. That’s when Billy walked in, and he was more embarrassed than I was. He quickly grabbed paper towels from another room, cleaned up the mess, and even wiped my foot. It was a hilarious moment that showed just how down-to-earth he is. I truly hope he recovers soon.

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