Billy Joel has called off his upcoming stadium tour to deal with a serious health issue. Representatives of the Piano Man revealed on Instagram Friday that he has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that can affect everything from cognition to movement.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” the statement reads. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience,” Joel adds in the statement, “and thank you for understanding.”
According to information posted on the Mayo Clinic website, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is “the buildup of fluid in cavities within the brain,” which creates pressure in the brain and has the potential to damage tissues and cause a range of symptoms related to brain function. It can occur at any age, according to the Mayo Clinic, but happens more often among infants and adults 60 and older.
Joel, who’s 76, was due to play a series of stadium shows in the US and England between now and July 2026. All of those shows have been canceled. (Joel has performed at Fenway Park many times, most recently in 2021, but he was not scheduled to play at Fenway on this tour.) He last performed Feb. 22 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, where he fell awkwardly after tossing a mic stand. Joel later announced that he was taking a break from touring due to an unspecified “medical condition.” It’s unclear if that was related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
At the time, Joel issued a statement saying “while I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first.” But he also sounded optimistic that he would recover from whatever was ailing him.
“I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans,” he said. “Thank you for your understanding.”
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