Billy Joel Cancels Upcoming Concerts Due to Brain Disorder Diagnosis
Renowned singer-songwriter Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all his upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that affects balance, hearing, and vision. According to a statement posted on Joel’s official Instagram account, as reported by The Guardian, the condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.
In a statement, Joel’s team revealed that the 76-year-old singer is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. "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," the statement read, as quoted by The Guardian.
The Piano Man singer expressed his disappointment at having to cancel his upcoming shows, saying, "I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding," as reported by The Guardian. Joel’s canceled dates include 17 stops in North America and the UK.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, leading to difficulty walking, problems with thinking and reasoning, and loss of bladder control. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as cited by The Guardian, NPH primarily affects people in their 60s and 70s and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
The cancellation of Joel’s tour comes nearly two years after he wrapped a record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden that began in January 2014. Joel played one show every month at the Manhattan venue for nine years – 150 in total, every one of them sold out, as reported by The Guardian. Next month, the world premiere of Billy Joel: And So It Goes, a two-part documentary exploring the Long Island-bred musician’s life and career, will kick off the Tribeca film festival in New York.
In a statement, Joel’s team added that the 23-time Grammy winner was "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," as quoted by The Guardian. The news of Joel’s diagnosis and tour cancellation has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow musicians alike sending their well-wishes to the ailing singer.
