Billy Joel’s famed motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, will shut down permanently this September after the musician’s recent diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Joel disclosed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with the brain disorder, which affects balance and mobility.
The announcement was followed by the cancellation of all scheduled tour dates, including headlining shows in the United Kingdom.
Claire Mercuri, speaking on behalf of Joel, said the decision to close the Oyster Bay shop was directly tied to the singer’s health concerns.
“Given the diagnosis, it was the right time,” she said.
Opened in 2010, 20th Century Cycles has been both a working garage and a free-admission museum for Joel’s personal collection of vintage and custom motorcycles.
The store became a destination for enthusiasts drawn by the Piano Man’s passion for two wheels and his eye for restoration.
An auction for Joel’s collection of motorcycles is being organized for later this year, though no date has been set.
The shop remains open temporarily as staff clear out inventory, offering parts and accessories for sale, according to its Instagram page.
In a recent podcast appearance, Joel described his condition as “a lot less scary than it sounds.” While noting that his “balance sucks,” he likened the sensation to “being on a boat” and said the issue is still under medical evaluation. “It’s not fixed, it’s still being worked on,” he said.
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When pressed about the cause of NPH, Joel replied candidly, “Nobody knows. They don’t know. I thought it must be from drinking. I don’t anymore, but I used to like a fish.”
The closure of 20th Century Cycles marks the end of a 14-year run that merged Joel’s love for music with his lifelong fascination with motorcycles.
Fans and collectors are expected to closely follow the upcoming auction, which could feature rare and customized bikes from the singer’s private collection.
The news comes weeks after the release of And So It Goes, a five-hour HBO documentary chronicling Joel’s career.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
