Billy Joel Cancels All Tour Dates Following Brain Disorder Diagnosis
Legendary singer-songwriter, Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all scheduled tour dates through July 2026 after being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
The news was confirmed in a statement shared on Joel’s official Instagram account and echoed across major media outlets on Friday.
The 76-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer revealed that the condition has been impacting his balance, vision, and hearing, and that continuing to perform would put his health at serious risk.
Under medical advice, he will undergo targeted physical therapy and will refrain from live performances indefinitely.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding,” Joel wrote in his message to fans.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a disorder caused by an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. Despite the accumulation, pressure inside the skull often remains “normal,” which can make the condition difficult to detect and frequently misdiagnosed. It is most common in older adults and can mimic symptoms of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, including:
• Difficulty walking (often the earliest symptom)
• Memory loss or cognitive decline
• Loss of bladder control
Medical experts emphasize early diagnosis and treatment—often involving the surgical insertion of a shunt to drain fluid—can greatly improve outcomes.
The decision to cancel came as Joel was preparing for a 17-city tour across North America and the United Kingdom.
The shows, many of which were sold out, included performances in major cities such as New York, Toronto, Chicago, and Liverpool. Some concerts were to feature co-headliners like Stevie Nicks, Sting, and Rod Stewart.
Fans who purchased tickets will be issued full refunds automatically through authorized ticketing platforms. Many supporters expressed their well-wishes and sadness online, with the hashtag #GetWellBillyJoel trending shortly after the news broke.
The announcement comes less than a year after Joel concluded his historic residency at Madison Square Garden, where he performed 150 consecutive sold-out shows since 2014—a record-setting achievement in the live music industry.
Despite the health setback, Joel remains in the public eye. His two-part documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, is scheduled to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the film offers an intimate look into Joel’s life, featuring rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes content, and interviews with friends, collaborators, and family members.
Though his touring career is now paused, Joel’s team remains optimistic about his long-term recovery.
Sources close to the artist note that he is receiving top-tier medical care and is committed to regaining his strength.
“Billy is taking this diagnosis seriously,” a spokesperson said. “He’s grateful for the outpouring of support and is focused on getting back to full health.”
As fans and the music world absorb the news, Joel’s vast catalog of timeless hits—ranging from “Piano Man” to “Vienna” and “Uptown Girl”—continues to inspire generations, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest songwriters in American history.
