Billy Joel has canceled all scheduled concerts after he was diagnosed with the brain disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus, a statement from his team confirmed
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” the statement shared on the singer’s Instagram account on Friday, May 23, revealed.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,” the statement continued. “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
The “Piano Man” singer, 76, said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
The post included a list of scheduled concert dates that have been canceled and information about ticket refunds.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is “a condition that happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside your skull and presses on your brain,” per Cleveland Clinic.
“This condition is most likely in people over 65,” the medical center’s website said. “It’s often treatable and sometimes even reversible. Treating this condition involves surgery to implant a shunt to drain excess fluid from the inside of your skull.”
Billy Joel
Fans rallied in the comments section of the post to send love to the Grammy winner amid his diagnosis.
“Sooooo sad it’s cancelled but praying for a speedy recovery and to see you on stage again soon !!!” one person wrote in the comments section of the post.
“Get better soon Billy. Saw you at Wembley a few years back and you were amazing, hope you come back stronger than ever,” another said.
“Most importantly, I hope you are able to live fully and continue to be a wonderful part of your daughters’ lives,” a third person wrote.
The announcement came just two months after Billy’s team announced he was rescheduling concert dates “due to a medical condition.”
“The current tour will be postponed for four months to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors. Joel is expected to make a full recovery,” the March 11 Instagram post said. “The tour will resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025.”
“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” he said at the time. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
Billy shares his two younger kids, Della, 9, and Remy, 7, with his wife, Alexis Roderick. A source previously told Closer in May 2024 that the hitmaker’s wife was a “healthy influence” on him.
“She’s always there to keep him in check and make sure he doesn’t slide off the rails,” the the source said. “He’s in a different headspace, at home and at work. He’s learned the meaning of moderation, and it’s down to her, plus he’s got lots more energy and isn’t breathless on stage like he was before. His family is so grateful. He’s 75, and they want him to stick around another few decades.”