Billy Joel has canceled all his concerts for 2025 and beyond due to a recent brain disorder diagnosis.
The 76-year-old Vienna singer shared updates about his health on Instagram.
What is Billy Joel's Diagnosis That Caused His Tour Show to Be Cancelled?
Billy Joel was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), as stated in the announcement posted on his Instagram.
Joel had tour schedules for 2025 and 2026, and was set to perform in various locations across the USA, Canada, and the UK. However, the singer was instructed by his physician to cancel his upcoming concerts due to his illness.
"This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance." per the statement in his post.
According to the Hydrocephalus Association, "NPH is when there is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)" in the body, causing the ventricles in the brain to enlarge.
Normally, we produce CSF in an "appropriate amount" each day, and it gets "reabsorbed into the body," but people with NPH have difficulty reabsorbing the fluid, resulting in its accumulation.
Over 800,000 older adults in America are estimated to be affected by NPH, and 80% of them remain untreated or undiagnosed. It’s considered rare, but "NPH is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson's."
Additionally, aside from hearing and vision loss and coordination issues, patients with NPH often experience cognitive impairment and incontinence. The silver lining is that it can be treated.
"Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," the statement on Instagram read.
Joel also shared a message for those who were looking forward to his shows: "I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding."
What Are Fans and Loved Ones Saying About Billy Joel's Diagnosis?
Joel’s cancellation of his concerts due to his health condition led people in the music industry to leave positive and encouraging messages on his Instagram post.
"Love you Billy, best wishes for your complete recovery. Love from us Johnstones," said Davey Johnstone, a member of the Elton John band.
Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth shared that she has Meniere’s disease, which she said is similar to NPH, and expressed her hopes for his recovery.
The Boys stars Erin Moriarty and Jack Quaid also showed their support for the Piano Man, with Moriarty commenting, "Sending love, Billy," while Quaid left four heart emojis.
Meanwhile, on Reddit, fans poured out their well wishes for the rock and roll legend’s recovery.
"I've seen him a couple of times in concert and he has always seemed like such a genuine guy. I hope he's able to recover and continue to do what he loves!" one Redditor said.
"Anything involving the brain is just the absolute worst. Wishing him the best," another user wrote.
Because of the overwhelming support Joel has received, his daughter Alexa Ray Joel shared a message to his fans and loved ones.
"I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of my father’s health diagnosis," the singer-songwriter wrote on her Instagram on May 24.
"My dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known … and he’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength."
Joel shares Alexa with his ex Christie Brinkley, who also offered her thoughts and prayers for him on the platform the same day.
"Dear Billy, the whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery," she wrote. "You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison."
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