End of an Era: Billy Joel's 20th Century Cycles to Close Permanently Due to Health Condition
Billy Joel's iconic motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, is set to close permanently due to the musician's recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The diagnosis led to the cancellation of all of Joel's upcoming tour dates, including his headline UK shows. The Long Island-based shop, which first opened in 2010, will be shutting down in September, with an auction planned for Joel's personal collection of bikes later this year.
20th Century Cycles was established by Joel out of his passion for classic motorcycles and the desire to have a space to maintain, repair, restore, and customize his own bikes. The shop also functions as a museum showcasing Joel's collection, which has been open to the public for free. While the date for the auction of Joel's personal bike collection is yet to be determined, the shop is currently in the process of moving out its bikes and selling parts to the public as listed on their Instagram page.
In a recent podcast interview, Joel provided an update on his health, mentioning that the disorder "sounds a lot worse than what I'm feeling." Despite feeling "fine," he acknowledged that his balance is not optimal, likening it to "being on a boat." He emphasized that the condition is still being worked on and has not been fully resolved. When asked about the cause of the disorder, Joel expressed uncertainty, stating that even medical professionals are unsure of its origins.
The closure of 20th Century Cycles marks the end of an era for Billy Joel's motorcycle shop, which has been a significant part of his life and passion for classic bikes. The decision to shut down the shop was influenced by Joel's health condition, and the upcoming auction of his personal bike collection will serve as a farewell to this chapter. Despite the challenges posed by his diagnosis, Joel remains optimistic and continues to focus on his health and well-being.