Billy Joel calls off tour dates after being diagnosed with 'devastating' brain illness

By Euronews Culture with AP

Published on 24/05/2025 - 12:55 GMT+2

The US singer-songwriter, Billy Joel, has been diagnosed pinch a encephalon upset that's forced him to cancel each his upcoming concerts crossed North America and England.

Joel utilized his Instagram to uncover that he has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a fluid buildup successful his encephalon that affects his "hearing, imagination and balance".

“This information has been exacerbated by caller performance performances, according to a connection from Joel’s team. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing circumstantial beingness therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this betterment period.”

In an accompanying statement, Joel said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and convey you for understanding.”

In March, 'The Piano Man' and 'Uptown Girl' vocalist announced that he underwent room and had to acquisition beingness therapy. A connection astatine nan clip said doctors expected him to make a afloat recovery. It is unclear if his aesculapian issues astatine nan clip were related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

The information tin origin problems pinch walking, bladder power and thinking, pinch symptoms worsening if near untreated. It’s comparatively uncommon and tin beryllium difficult to diagnose. It tin beryllium treated successfully pinch room to instal a conduit to drain excess fluid. Patients whitethorn request beingness therapy successful summation to surgery.

Joel, 76, wrapped up his decadelong residency astatine Madison Square Garden successful July 2024 and continued to tour. His planned summertime stops included shows astatine Yankee Stadium and Citi Field successful New York, and MetLife Stadium successful East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Tickets for each nan shows will beryllium refunded.