Legendary musician Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all his upcoming concert dates due to a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that has begun to severely impact his ability to perform.
The announcement was made on May 23 through his official social media channels, where the 76-year-old singer shared the news with fans and expressed his regrets.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Joel said.
What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition that causes an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, creating pressure on surrounding tissues. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this disorder primarily affects older adults and presents symptoms similar to those of dementia, including issues with memory, walking, balance, vision, and hearing.
Joel’s medical team believes that recent performances worsened his condition. He is now undergoing targeted physical therapy and has been instructed by doctors to take time off from performing in order to recover.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” read a statement from Joel’s team.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
Concert Tour and Refunds
Joel’s now-cancelled 2025 tour was set to span across North America and England, with major shows planned in cities including New York, Toronto, Liverpool, and New Orleans. Ticket holders do not need to take any action, as refunds will be processed automatically.
The tour had originally been postponed from February to July due to an undisclosed medical issue, later revealed to be related to this brain condition. It also follows a February on-stage incident during a concert at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, which raised early concerns about the singer’s health.
Joel’s Commitment to Recovery and Future Plans
While stepping away from the spotlight, Joel remains hopeful about his recovery and eventual return to music.
“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,” his team shared.
Joel has reassured fans that his focus is entirely on his health for the time being. Doctors are optimistic about his prognosis, and there is hope that he will return to performing in 2025 once his recovery is complete.
HBO Documentary Set to Premiere at Tribeca Festival
Despite the tour cancellation, fans will soon get a deep dive into Joel’s iconic career through the upcoming HBO documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes. Premiering on June 4 at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, the two-part film will feature rare footage, personal home videos, and exclusive interviews chronicling the music legend’s life and legacy.
A Career of Milestones
With a career spanning over five decades, Joel has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and earned five Grammy Awards. He concluded his record-setting monthly residency at Madison Square Garden in 2023 and performed at the Grammy Awards for the first time in more than two decades.