Billy Joel is taking a break from performing after a recent health issue has caused stress on his body.
Joel, 76, announced via an Instagram statement on Friday, May 23, that he is canceling “all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).”
The Grammy winner’s team explained, “This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.”
NPH is a brain disorder in which “excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, which are fluid-filled chambers,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “As brain ventricles enlarge with the excess CSF, they can disrupt and damage nearby brain tissue, leading to difficulty walking, problems with thinking and reasoning, and loss of bladder control.”
Per doctor’s orders, Joel is “undergoing specific physical therapy” and has been “advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
The “Piano Man” singer is “thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health,” according to the press release. “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.”
Joel said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
Fans and celebrities alike wished Joel well for a speedy recovery following the news, including Elton John’s lead guitarist Davey Johnstone. “Love you Billy, best wishes for your complete recovery. Love from us Johnstones ❤️,” he replied in the comments.
Kristin Chenoweth also commented, saying, “I really understand. I have menieres. Very similar!! Sending love.” (Meniere’s disease is a rare inner ear disorder that causes symptoms such as vertigo and hearing loss.)
Jack Quaid, meanwhile, commented on the post with three red heart emojis.
While fans may be disappointed by the news, Joel’s team confirmed refunds will be automatically processed and issued back to the original form of purchase.
The list of canceled shows includes 14 U.S. dates such as Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Santa Clara, New Orleans and Salt Lake City and Canada’s Toronto gig. Additionally, two U.K. dates that were already pushed back to June 2026 have been canceled.
Joel’s recent health update comes three months after he took a tumble during his February 22 concert. While performing “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” in Connecticut, he lost his balance and fell on his back.
In March, Joel postponed multiple shows to recover from an unspecified “medical procedure,” causing some fans to worry about his health. “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” he wrote via Instagram at the time, “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans.”
Later that month, Sailor Brinkley-Cook, who affectionately calls the artist “Uncle Billy,” exclusively told Us Weekly that he was “doing great” and was gearing up to get back on tour. “He’s totally healthy and it’s just some things that he has to deal with,” she shared.
Brinkley-Cooks’ mother, Christie Brinkley, married Joel in 1985 and welcomed their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, that same year. After divorcing in 1994, Brinkley, 71, moved on with Peter Cook and they later welcomed Sailor, 26, and son Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook.
