Billy Joel cancels all shows due to health diagnosis
Billy Joel has cancelled all future shows due to being diagnosed with the brain disorder, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
A statement posted by Billy Joel’s team on social media reads: “Billy Joel has announced that he will be canceling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.”
The statement says that Joel is currently under doctor’s orders and “undergoing specific physical therapy”. As a result, the singer “has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
The message continues: “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. 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. I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
In a personal statement, Joel apologised to fans, writing, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding”.
According to the NHS, NPH “is an uncommon and poorly understood condition that most often affects people over the age of 60.”
While it can develop after a stroke or injury, the cause is unknown in the majority of cases. The NHS also state that NPH can be “difficult to diagnose” because the “symptoms happen gradually”.
In March, Joel rearranged a number of his upcoming concerts after surgery, but he was set to make his live return on July 5th at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Joel was set to be joined by Stevie Nicks, Sting and Rod Stewart at the shows.
The previous postponement was to allow Joel to recover from recent surgery. He shared: “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
His last performance came on February 22nd at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Towards the end of the show, the singer-songwriter suffered a painful fall after throwing his microphone to a member of his crew, but did return to his feet and finish the concert.
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