Billy Joel is cancelling every concert on his itinerary, 17 shows in total booked at stadiums across North America and England, due to a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.
Thank you for your understanding.” It’s unclear if his medical issues at the time were related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
The disorder affects roughly 0.2 percent of people in their seventies and causes gait issues, bladder control issues, and cognitive difficulties.
Trending Stories Despite the lack of new material, Joel remains one of the most popular touring acts in the world.
Billy Joel has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), which has led him to cancel all 17 of his scheduled concerts at stadiums in North America and England.
“Recent concert performances have made this condition worse, resulting in hearing, vision, and balance issues,” Joel’s team says in a statement. Billy has been told to avoid performing during this recuperation phase and is receiving specialized physical therapy per his doctor’s orders. Billy is grateful for the first-rate treatment he is getting and is determined to put his health first. “.”.
“I apologize deeply for disappointing our audience, and I appreciate your understanding,” Joel says in a statement. “”.
A condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs when the brain’s ventricles fill with too much cerebrospinal fluid. According to an explainer on the Cleveland Clinic’s website, “[It] can affect several brain-related abilities, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement, and more.”. NPH can occasionally be reversed, but its symptoms closely resemble those of dementia. “.”.
Joel played his final show in February. 22 in Uncasville, Connecticut, at Mohegan Sun Arena. After tossing his microphone stand to a crew member near the end of the show, he collapsed onto his back. He got to his feet, though, and completed the set.
Joel revealed a month later that he would be taking a four-month hiatus from touring because of a “medical condition” that necessitated physical therapy and surgery. On July 5, he was scheduled to perform again in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In a statement, he informed fans, “My health must come first, even though I regret postponing any shows.”. I can’t wait to return to the stage and enjoy live music with our incredible fans. I appreciate your understanding. “”.
It’s unclear whether Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus was a factor in his health problems at the time. About 0–2% of people in their seventies suffer from the disorder, which impairs cognitive function, bladder control, and gait. It is usually treated with surgery in which the extra fluid is removed by implanting a device called a shunt.
Editor’s selections.
The Cleveland Clinic states that “NPH is unusual among dementia-like conditions because it’s often reversible.”. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment have the best chance of reversing this condition. Your brain damage from the pressure is more likely to be severe, permanent, or both if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. “.”.
In July 2024, Joel, 76, concluded his ten-year run at Madison sq\. Garden. He continued to play about twice a month while touring throughout America and England in the ensuing months. He hasn’t put out a new pop album since River of Dreams in 1993, but he collaborated with producer/songwriter Freddy Wexler on the single “Turn the Lights Back On” in February 2024. The song was first played live a few times and at the Grammys that month, but it disappeared from his set in June and never came back.
Popular Stories.
Even with his lack of new material, Joel is still one of the world’s most well-liked touring performers. He had scheduled performances at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as well as Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in New York as part of his summer tour. All show tickets will receive a complete refund.
