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Billy Joel Cancels Upcoming Shows After Brain Disorder Diagnosis
Billy Joel Cancels Shows After Diagnosed with Rare Brain Disorder, Focuses on Recovery
Supper Team
June 08, 2025
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Billy Joel is canceling his upcoming performances following a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder. The 76-year-old musician shared the news via a message posted to his social media, explaining that under medical advice, he is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been instructed to refrain from performing during his recovery.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is caused by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. It is more commonly found in older adults and can result from a variety of causes, including head injuries, infections, or tumors, although many cases are idiopathic (without a known cause). The condition is considered relatively rare, affecting only about 0.2% of individuals under 65, with higher rates in those over 80.
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Joel has been dealing with symptoms such as difficulty with vision, hearing, and balance, which have worsened with recent performances. His doctors are closely monitoring his condition, and the musician is focusing on treatment and recovery.
Symptoms of NPH can impact walking, cognitive function, and bladder control. Patients may experience difficulty walking, forgetfulness, confusion, and balance problems. Early signs of the condition are sometimes misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, with studies suggesting up to 80% of NPH cases may be initially mistaken for other neurodegenerative conditions.
Fortunately, NPH can often be treated with a procedure that involves implanting a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain. Many patients see rapid improvement in mobility following the procedure, though full recovery can take time.
In his message, Joel expressed regret for disappointing his fans and thanked them for their understanding. While he didn’t go into specifics about his treatment, he assured followers that his health is his top priority. His scheduled performances, which were set to run through July 2026, have now been canceled.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Joel wrote in the statement.
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