Billy Joel Cancels Live Itinerary, Shares Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Diagnosis

Photo: Myrna Suarez 

Billy Joel has canceled his live itinerary. This morning, the musician took to social media to disclose the schedule change and denote the cause, citing a Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus diagnosis. Joel was set to perform 17 concerts at stadiums across North America and the United Kingdom this summer before the diagnosis. 

The official statement read: 

Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling 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. 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. 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.

The musician followed up on the declaration, addressing his avid fan base: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.” 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, and information provided on their official website, “Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a brain disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, causing thinking and reasoning problems, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control.”

The cancellation will affect Joel’s gigs as far out as July 3, 2026, performances that had already been rescheduled during the musician’s previous bout of symptoms. On February 22, during Joel’s stand at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., he fell on stage. The artist promptly returned to his position and finished out the set. A month later, he alerted fans that we would take an extended break due to an undisclosed medical condition. 

No confirmation if the two incidents are intertwined. For the time being, Joel will recuperate in an effort to the stage. 

Scroll down to see the musician’s official statement via Instagram.