Billy Joel cancels all scheduled concerts due to diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus
Billy Joel has canceled all of his scheduled concerts due to a recently diagnosed health condition, the legendary singer said in an social media post Friday.
A statement shared Joel's official Instagram page revealed he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
"This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance," the statement read. "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."
The statement went on to say that Joel is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support form fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage."
Separately, in the statement shared on his Instagram page, the 76-year-old Joel shared a message to his fans.
"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," he said.
Joel's wife Alexis Roderick Joel issued a statement of her own on Monday, which was shared on the musician's Instagram page.
"Thank you for the outpouring of love and support," Roderick Joel wrote. "We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received. Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future."
"Good Morning America" has reached out to Joel's rep for comment.
In March, "The Piano Man" singer announced he underwent surgery and had to undergo physical therapy. A statement at the time said doctors expected him to make a full recovery.
As a result, Joel's concert dates were rescheduled and would have resumed on July 5, 2025, in Pittsburgh.
The singer added at the time that "my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans."
What to know about normal pressure hydrocephalus
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of two types of hydrocephalus, an “abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain,” according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, is the fluid that lives in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain that helps cushion the brain and the spinal cord. When the flow of CSF is somehow blocked and fluid builds up in the ventricles, it causes normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the NINDS.
The extra fluid in the brain can cause pressure and lead to brain damage, as well as issues with walking, bladder control and thinking and reasoning, according to the NINDS.
Though it can happen at any age, normal pressure hydrocephalus is most common in older adults. It is most often diagnosed through a combination of neurological testing and brain imaging.
The best chance of recovery from normal pressure hydrocephalus comes if it is diagnosed early and treated properly.
The most common treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the NINDS, is surgery.
In one option, doctors insert a shunt into the brain, which connects to another tube under the skin to help drain the excess fluid from the brain. With this option, regular monitoring of the shunt is required, and additional surgeries and repairs may be needed.
A second surgical option for normal pressure hydrocephalus is endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or EVT, where a doctor makes a hole at the bottom of the third ventricle in the brain, which allows fluid to flow to relieve the pressure, according to the NINDS.
Editor's note: This article was updated to include comments from Billy Joel's wife Alexis Roderick Joel.
