Billy Joel Cancels All Tour Dates After Receiving Brain Disorder Diagnosis
The condition has affected Billy Joel’s “hearing, vision, and balance.”
Billy Joel (Credit: Myrna Suarez)
Billy Joel has cancelled all of his remaining tour dates after being diagnosed with the rare brain disorder, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). He has cancelled 2025 and 2026 stadium shows in the US and the UK, where he would have toured with Rod Stewart, Sting, and Stevie Nicks.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds within the skull and presses on the brain. The condition can affect brain-related abilities like thought, concentration, memory, and movement.
It primarily affects people over the age of 65, and while it sounds scary, it’s a condition that’s often treatable or even reversible for some. While it’s a relatively uncommon condition, it’s widely known among medical professionals. It’s said to affect 0.2% of people between the ages of 70 and 80 – Joel is 76.
In a statement posted to social media today (24 May), Joel’s management said his diagnosis has been exacerbated by his recent performances and led to issues with his “hearing, vision, and balance.” Following doctors’ orders, Joel is partaking in targeted physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from live shows as he continues to receive treatment.
“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health,” the statement continued. “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.”
Joel said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
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Ticketholders will receive automatic refunds to the original payment method. You can see the statement and list of cancelled shows below.
Earlier this year, it was reported that a two-part documentary about the music icon, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, is heading to HBO this year.
According to the documentary’s description, And So It Goes will explore the “love, loss and personal struggles that fuel his storytelling” and feature “never-before-seen performances, home movies, personal photographs, and one-on-one interviews.”
The news follows Joel's release of his first new song in 17 years, Turn The Lights Back On, last year. The affecting music video recreated Joel performing throughout different stages of his career with AI, inspiring nostalgia and all sorts of emotions from his fans. He went back in time to the Piano Man, Storm Front, and River Of Dreams eras.
Billy Joel returned to Australia for a one-off performance at the MCG in December 2022 as part of Victoria’s ALWAYS LIVE program. He was joined by special guest Tina Arena.
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