Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of his concert tour, affecting all scheduled performances through early July 2026, following a recent health diagnosis.
On Friday, the legendary musician revealed he has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that has worsened due to his recent performances, impacting his hearing, vision, and balance.
"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Joel expressed in a statement.
At 76 years old, Joel's doctor has advised him to pause all performances while he undergoes physical therapy, as stated in the announcement.
Despite this setback, Joel remains optimistic about returning to the stage in the future, according to the statement.
Fans who purchased tickets for upcoming shows will receive automatic refunds, as confirmed in the announcement.
Originally scheduled to perform in Milwaukee this April, that show was postponed. Joel was set to begin a series of performances in July in Pittsburgh.
The tour was planned to include eight performances, rescheduled for later this year and next year, concluding on July 3, 2026.
While most shows were slated for the U.S., Joel also had performances lined up in Canada and the U.K.
Notable artists such as Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, and Sting were expected to join him at various points during the tour.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates around the brain, disrupting essential functions. This fluid typically cushions the brain and spinal cord, but an imbalance can lead to NPH.
According to Johns Hopkins, the body usually produces and absorbs just enough cerebrospinal fluid daily; however, excess fluid can result in NPH.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that NPH is most prevalent among individuals over 65, though it remains relatively rare overall.
"It affects about 0.2% of people between the ages of 70 and 80, and about 5.9% of those over 80," the clinic reports.
Symptoms of NPH can include balance issues, changes in gait, forgetfulness, confusion, mood swings, loss of bladder control, and difficulty responding to questions, as noted by Johns Hopkins.
Both institutions emphasize that NPH is typically treatable, often requiring the implantation of a shunt to drain excess fluid.
"Getting prompt diagnosis and treatment helps improve your chances of a good outcome," Johns Hopkins adds.
A full list of canceled concerts has yet to be released.
Alex Sundby serves as a senior editor at CBSNews.com. He covers breaking news and various topics ranging from crime to severe weather events.
