Billy Joel has canceled all his upcoming performances and tour dates after being diagnosed with a brain disorder.
The much-loved 76-year-old singer-songwriter had been scheduled to perform across the U.S. and at two dates in the U.K. this year.
A statement posted to his official Instagram account reads: “Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).”
NPH is a condition caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid building up in the brain’s ventricles, which can lead to neurological symptoms.
Joel’s condition “has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” the statement continues.
Joel added in a message to fans: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
The affected tour dates were originally scheduled to begin in Milwaukee on April 26, and would have run until a show in Charlotte next July 3. They include two U.K. shows set for next June that would have taken place in Edinburgh and Liverpool.
Fans who bought tickets to any of the star’s cancelled shows will receive automatic refunds via their original payment method.
After the news broke, famous fans and social media users shared an outpouring of support.
Kristin Chenoweth sends love
18:29 , Kevin Perry
Actor and singer Kristin Chenoweth sent a message of solidarity to Joel, writing on Instagram: “I really understand. I have menieres. Very similar !! Sending love”
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?
19:00 , Kevin PerryNormal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which Joel has been diagnosed with, is a relatively rare brain disorder.
It is estimated that the condition affects around 700,000 Americans but only 20% are properly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for dementia due to similar symptoms.
NPH occurs due to a build-up of a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s cavities, which are known as ventricles.
CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord. In normal circumstances, the body makes just enough CSF each day and absorbs the same amount.
However, if an excess amount of fluid builds up in the ventricles then this can lead to normal pressure hydrocephalus.
According to John Hopkins Medicine: “NPH occurs if the normal flow of CSF throughout the brain and spinal cord is blocked in some way. This may be due to past injury, bleeding, infection, brain tumor, or surgery on the brain, or the cause is often not known.
“When excess CSF fluid builds up in the ventricles, they enlarge and press against nearby brain tissue. This extra fluid and pressure can lead to brain damage.”
NPH can be treated. A common surgery for the condition involves placing a small tube, known as a shunt, into the brain in order to drain excess fluid. The shunt carries fluid down through the body to the abdomen, where it can be absorbed.
The Boys stars share their love for Billy Joel
19:05 , Kevin Perry
Billy Joel’s music is a running theme in the hit superhero series The Boys, with Jack Quaid’s Hughie being a particular fan of the Piano Man.
On Instagram both Quaid and Erin Moriarty, who plays Hughie’s on-screen partner Annie/Starlight, sent their best wishes to Joel.
Moriarty wrote: “Sending love, Billy” while Quaid left a string of heart emojis.
ESPN host calls Joel 'the soundtrack of my life'
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ESPN host Mike Greenberg sent an emotional message on X, writing: “Please get well soon Billy Joel, your music has been the soundtrack of my life, as it has for millions of others. Sending you and your family all the good vibes we have.”
Elton John guitarist Davey Johnstone sends best wishes
20:00 , Kevin Perry
Davey Johnstone, the Scottish guitar player best known for his work with Elton John, is thinking of Joel.
“Love you Billy, best wishes for your complete recovery,” he wrote on Instagram. “Love from us Johnstones.”
'Honoured I got to see Billy Joel'
20:30 , Kevin PerryMany fans have left heartfelt messages of support on social media, with one writing on X: “Honoured I got to see Billy Joel last year and saddened to learn of his current health battle. Gutted to see he’s had to stop doing the very thing he loved. An amazingly talented man. Health is your wealth and he has to put himself first. Thank you for the music Billy.”
Kate Micucci sends support
21:00 , Kevin Perry
Kate Micucci, the comedian and musician known as one half of the musical comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, commented on Joel’s statement: “Sending you love!”
Mets stadium wishes Joel well
22:11 , Kevin Perry
New York’s Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, had hoped to host a Joel concert with Sting on August 21. That sadly now won’t be going ahead, and the stadium’s official X account showed their support for the singer by tweeting: “Get well soon, Billy Joel.”
Madison Square Garden wishes Joel a 'swift recovery'
23:04 , Kevin Perry
Billy Joel’s remarkable decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden from 2013 to 2024 is the stuff of musical legend. The official X account of the storied New York venue posted: “Get well soon Billy Joel. Your MSG family is rooting for your swift recovery.”
Danny Bonaduce shares his own experiences with NPH
23:50 , Kevin Perry
Actor and radio DJ Danny Bonaduce has shared his own experiences with NPH on X.
“Once again Billy Joel is copying me,” he joked. “I just read he was diagnosed with normal pressures hydrocephalus. He’s scheduled for the same brain surgery I had 2 years ago and I am 100% better. Wishing him the best and if he wants to talk, I’m here.”
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo calls Joel 'a national treasure'
00:30 , Kevin Perry
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo wrote on X: “As my good friend Billy Joel, a national treasure beloved by so many friends, family, and fans around the world confronts this health challenge, I look forward to his speedy return to good health and to where he was born to be: on the stage with his piano”
NY Congressman Thomas Suozzi says he 'grew up' with Joel
00:42 , Kevin Perry
New York Congressman Thomas Suozzi sent his best wishes to Joel on X, writing: “Like so many Long Islanders, I grew up with the music of the Piano Man. I was fortunate to get to know Billy Joel over 30 years ago, when I was mayor of Glen Cove. His songs remind us why we’re proud to be in a ‘New York state of mind.’ Wishing Billy a swift and full recovery.”
