JUST IN: American music legend Billy Joel has been forced to cancel all upcoming concerts after revealing he was diagnosed with a severe brain condition.
The 76-year-old Piano Man singer is suffering from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare disorder that affects hearing, vision, and balance.
This health crisis comes just months after he wrapped up his legendary Madison Square Garden residency.
Joel has canceled 17 tour dates across North America and the UK through 2026 on doctors’ orders.
The singer’s medical team confirmed that his condition worsened following recent performances, making it dangerous for him to continue touring.
The condition, which affects about 0.2% of people in their seventies, can cause problems with walking, balance, and cognitive function.
Unlike many age-related brain disorders that progressively worsen, NPH is often treatable and sometimes reversible if caught early enough.
However, medical professionals have advised Joel to undergo specific physical therapy and refrain from performing during his recovery period.
In February, warning signs of Joel’s condition became apparent when he fell during a performance at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena.
Though he completed the show, the incident was captured on video and circulated on social media.
While the mainstream media largely ignored this concerning moment, it now appears this may have been an early symptom of his NPH diagnosis.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Joel said in a statement released Thursday.
According to Joel’s team, fans who purchased tickets will receive full refunds.
NEW: Billy Joel Cancels All Concerts After Brain Disorder Diagnosishttps://t.co/G4pRUBMLBS pic.twitter.com/61wg6gW4X3
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 23, 2025
The cancellations affect planned shows at major venues, including Yankee Stadium and MetLife Stadium, where the 23-time Grammy winner was expected to draw sell-out crowds despite not having released a new pop album since 1993.
Furthermore, NPH is frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, conditions that have become increasingly common as America’s population ages.
The condition occurs when excess fluid builds up in the brain’s ventricles, causing pressure that affects normal brain function.
Symptoms typically include memory problems, incontinence, and difficulty walking, which can lead to stumbling and falling.
Joel’s health struggles came at a time when he had been experiencing a career resurgence. In February 2024, he released “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first new single in years.
He also recently concluded his record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, where he performed 150 consecutive sold-out shows over nine years.
For longtime fans of Joel, the news is particularly heartbreaking. Many had hoped to see the legendary performer one last time during what many suspected might be his final major tour.
While Joel has not officially announced retirement, this health setback raises questions about whether the iconic artist will ever return to performing live again.
