May 23 2025 | 13:04 h

Billy Joel announces concert cancellations following Brain Disorder diagnosis

Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that affects his hearing, vision, and balance.

The legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel announced the cancellation of his scheduled concerts due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Photo: WMMR

Bryam Esquen

Billy Joel, the iconic singer-songwriter known for the classic hits "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," has postponed all his upcoming concerts following the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder affecting his brain activity. The illness has caused him hearing, vision, and balance complications and prompted his doctors to urge him to abandon performances and focus on treatment.

The news comes as a shock to fans awaiting his summer and fall tour dates in major American cities, where he was to be sharing the stage with music icons such as Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks.

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Billy Joel has been diagnosed with a brain condition

Billy Joel is canceling all of his upcoming concerts after his team announced that he has been diagnosed with a brain condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

The condition worsened after recent shows, a statement published on Joel's Instagram said, causing issues with his hearing, vision, and balance. On his doctor's advice, Joel is also undergoing expert physical therapy and has been advised against working while healing.

This news will be disappointing to Joel's fans, who have delighted at his record-breaking shows at Madison Square Garden and decades of music. However, his team reassured fans that he plans to return to the stage in the near future.

What is NPH, Billy Joel's diagnosis about?

NPH is a disorder in which there is excess fluid buildup in the brain, leading to problems with intellectual functions like thinking and reasoning, and also with walking and bladder control, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Joel was thankful for the wonderful medical care he is receiving and reaffirmed his commitment to remaining healthy. He was grateful for the love from his fans and looks forward to performing again.

In his statement, Joel said, "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding."

Billy Joel concerts tickets will be refund

All scheduled Billy Joel concerts have been canceled, and tickets holders will receive automatic refunds, as confirmed in the statement.

Joel was lined up to perform at over a dozen stadiums in the coming months with iconic acts such as Rod Steward, Sting and Stevie Nicks.

Fans who had been looking forward to seeing these live shows in person will have to wait, as upcoming concerts in cities like Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh are postponed indefinitely.