Billy Joel's Bittersweet Goodbye: Closing Shop, Canceling Tours, and Prioritizing Health at 76

Billy Joel BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Billy Joel is marking the end of an era and making headlines for several major personal and professional developments. After being diagnosed in May with normal pressure hydrocephalus—a brain disorder affecting balance, vision, hearing, and cognitive skills—Joel announced he will close his beloved 20th Century Cycles motorcycle shop in Oyster Bay, Long Island. According to The Associated Press and statements from his rep Claire Mercuri, the shop will shut its doors in late September after fifteen years as a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts, locals, and tourists. The closing is tied to Joel’s medical condition, and the nearly 80-bike collection that spanned Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Ducati, Indian, and more will be auctioned off later this year. The 76-year-old icon opened the shop in 2010 as a public showcase for his love of classic motorcycle design from the 1930s to 1960s and his commitment to revitalizing his hometown.

Joel’s health also led him to cancel all his concert performances in 2025 and through July 2026 as he follows doctor’s orders for physical therapy and rest, putting his decades-long touring career on hold for the foreseeable future. On social media, Joel thanked fans for their messages of support and assured them he’s committed to prioritizing his recovery, expressing hope of returning to the stage one day.

Billy’s life and legacy remain a draw in other arenas. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s Billy Joel exhibit, “My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,” which opened in late 2023, will close in October after nearly two years of celebrating Joel’s history and memorabilia; new exhibits are expected to open around Thanksgiving.

On Instagram, Joel recently resurfaced with a rare, never-before-seen performance of “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” commemorating the anniversary month of his “River of Dreams” album and engaging his fans directly in the nostalgia of his music.

While Joel himself is out of the tour spotlight, tribute shows such as “Celebrating Billy Joel” continue to pack theatres, with musicians like Rob Stringer and Alex Dee keeping his legacy vibrant and his music alive onstage.

Joel’s business interests are changing, too. His nearby Centre Island home is reportedly up for sale at just under thirty million dollars, fueling speculation about a permanent move to South Florida where he’s spent increased time.

Locally, the closure of his motorcycle shop is widely felt, as longtime residents and neighboring businesses lament the loss of a community destination and hometown hero. For now, the world-renowned “Piano Man” is focusing on health and family, closing a chapter on public life while leaving fans with a lasting legacy—one that will surely inspire news stories and tributes for years to come.

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