Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concert dates after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a rare brain condition that affects walking, cognition, and balance. The 76-year-old singer revealed the diagnosis in a statement posted Friday on his official Instagram account, citing worsening symptoms exacerbated by recent performances.
The statement explained, "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health."
The Piano Man singer, who recently wrapped a record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden after performing 150 consecutive sold-out shows over nine years, added: "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding."
Joel's team confirmed that 17 scheduled stops across North America and the UK would be canceled. The announcement comes just weeks ahead of the world premiere of Billy Joel: And So It Goes, a two-part documentary exploring the artist's life and career, which is set to open the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles. The pressure disrupts brain function despite appearing "normal" on some clinical measures. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 60 and is frequently mistaken for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking, often characterized by a shuffling gait
- Memory problems or dementia-like cognitive decline
- Loss of bladder control
- Hearing and vision issues in more advanced cases
Dr. Wajd Al-Holou, a neurosurgeon at University of Michigan Health, said, "What happens in normal pressure hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes brain dysfunction because of the pressure it's putting on the brain."
Diagnosis typically involves brain imaging such as MRI or CT scans, neurological testing, and a lumbar puncture to evaluate symptom improvement following fluid drainage. Treatments can include implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to divert fluid to the abdomen or the use of medications such as acetazolamide to reduce fluid buildup.
Though Joel's care team has not disclosed his specific treatment, his statement noted that he is undergoing targeted physical therapy, which experts say is often used to improve gait and balance in NPH patients.
