Billy Joel cancels concert tour dates and reveals health diagnosis

Billy Joel announced Friday that all of his scheduled concerts up to early July 2026 have been canceled after a recent health diagnosis.

The iconic singer announced he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which has been exacerbated by recent performances, leading to problems with his hearing, vision and balance.

"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Joel said in a statement.

Joel, 76, was advised by his doctor to refrain from performing as he undergoes physical therapy, according to the statement.

In the meantime, Joel is looking forward to when he can return to the stage, the statement said.

Fans who had purchased tickets to an upcoming performance will be automatically refunded, according to the statement.

Joel had been scheduled to perform in Milwaukee in April, but that show was postponed. He was set to kick off a series of performances starting in July in Pittsburgh.

The tour was supposed to include eight performances that had been rescheduled to either later this year or next year, ending July 3, 2026.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is a brain condition that occurs when fluid builds up inside or around the brain, disrupting certain brain-related functions.

Cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spinal cord, is the type of fluid that builds up. Typically, your body makes just enough of this fluid each day and absorbs that same amount, according to Johns Hopkins, but sometimes too much fluid can build up, leading to NPH.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is most common in people over 65, though overall relatively uncommon.

"It affects about 0.2% of people between the ages 70 and 80, and about 5.9% of people over 80," the clinic notes.

In addition to balance issues, Johns Hopkins says symptoms can also include changes in gait, forgetfulness and confusion, mood changes, loss of bladder control and difficulty responding to questions.

Both the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins say NPH is usually treatable. The treatment typically involves implanting a shunt in order to drain the fluid.

"Getting prompt diagnosis and treatment helps improve your chances of a good outcome," Johns Hopkins adds.