Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder.
The 76-year-old music icon had 17 shows lined up across the US and UK in 2025 and 2026. These included high-profile co-headlining gigs with artists such as Stevie Nicks, Sting, and Rod Stewart in cities like New York, New Orleans, Toronto, Liverpool, and Edinburgh.
He cancelled the forthcoming shows after a shocking diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain condition affecting less than one percent of people in their 70s.
In a statement shared on his website on May 23, Joel’s team revealed that recent performances had worsened the condition, triggering problems with “hearing, vision, and balance".
"Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)," they penned. “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. 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 himself added: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is characterized by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased pressure that affects neurological function.
The symptoms can include memory problems, difficulty walking, unsteady steps, confusion, and urinary incontinence - symptoms that often mimic those of dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
The condition is estimated to affect around 700,000 Americans, with onset typically occurring around age 70. While only 0.2 percent of U.S. adults aged 70 to 80 are diagnosed, the prevalence jumps to 5.9 percent in those over 80.
Experts warn that many more cases may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to the overlap with other age-related neurological conditions.
NPH is divided into two types: primary (idiopathic), which has no clear cause but may be related to aging and impaired cerebrospinal fluid absorption, and secondary, which can result from factors like brain aneurysms, tumors, infections, or strokes.
Treatment often involves surgical procedures to drain excess fluid, alongside physical therapy.
The 'Piano Man' hitmaker's cancellation follows a previous postponement in March, when he delayed eight tour dates after undergoing surgery and requiring physiotherapy.
At that time, doctors anticipated a full recovery, though it remains unclear whether those issues were connected to the current diagnosis.
Despite the setback, Joel remains one of the most enduring figures in American music history. With over 150 million records sold and six Grammy Awards to his name, his influence spans generations.
He wrapped up a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden in July 2024, celebrating his 150th performance at the iconic venue.
Fans everywhere are wishing him a smooth recovery and hoping for his return to the stage in the future.