Legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all upcoming concerts due to a serious health condition affecting his brain. The 76-year-old music icon revealed on Friday that he has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) — a neurological disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulating in the brain's ventricles.
According to a statement posted on Joel’s official website and social media, the condition has been worsened by recent performances, resulting in issues with hearing, vision, and balance.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,” the statement said. Joel added personally, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for your understanding.”
The decision affects an ambitious global tour that included stadium shows across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, originally scheduled to run through July 2026. Automatic refunds will be issued for all ticket holders, the statement confirmed.
What is NPH?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a rare but serious condition that mimics dementia and affects mobility and cognition. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it can often be misdiagnosed but is sometimes treatable with surgical intervention or therapy.
Joel had already postponed several shows earlier this year following surgery and a doctor's recommendation for rest and physical rehabilitation. He had hoped to resume performances in Pittsburgh this July.
Known for timeless hits such as “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Joel has been a constant presence in popular music since the 1970s. His Madison Square Garden residency, which ended last year after over 100 sold-out shows, drew nearly 2 million fans and grossed over $260 million.
His most recent performance took place on February 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. That night, his encore featured fan favorites, closing with “You May Be Right.”
Despite the setback, Joel remains in the public eye. A new documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 4, offering a deep look at his storied career and personal journey.
Joel, known for hits like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl", ended his record-breaking monthly Madison Square Garden residency - which had begun in 2014 - last year.
According to a statement posted on Joel’s official website and social media, the condition has been worsened by recent performances, resulting in issues with hearing, vision, and balance.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,” the statement said. Joel added personally, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for your understanding.”
The decision affects an ambitious global tour that included stadium shows across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, originally scheduled to run through July 2026. Automatic refunds will be issued for all ticket holders, the statement confirmed.
What is NPH?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a rare but serious condition that mimics dementia and affects mobility and cognition. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it can often be misdiagnosed but is sometimes treatable with surgical intervention or therapy.Joel had already postponed several shows earlier this year following surgery and a doctor's recommendation for rest and physical rehabilitation. He had hoped to resume performances in Pittsburgh this July.
Known for timeless hits such as “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Joel has been a constant presence in popular music since the 1970s. His Madison Square Garden residency, which ended last year after over 100 sold-out shows, drew nearly 2 million fans and grossed over $260 million.
His most recent performance took place on February 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. That night, his encore featured fan favorites, closing with “You May Be Right.”
Despite the setback, Joel remains in the public eye. A new documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 4, offering a deep look at his storied career and personal journey.
Joel, known for hits like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl", ended his record-breaking monthly Madison Square Garden residency - which had begun in 2014 - last year.