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Billy Joel cancels all upcoming concerts in UK and US after brain illness diagnosis

The US singer has announced he has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, which causes a build-up of fluid in the brain and which "has been exacerbated by recent concert performances".

Saturday 24 May 2025 06:01, UK

Billy Joel performs during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 4, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Image: Billy Joel, seen in 2024, has a brain disorder. Pic: Reuters
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Billy Joel has cancelled all his upcoming concerts in the UK and the US after being diagnosed with a brain illness that has affected his "hearing, vision and balance".

A statement on the US singer's Instagram account on Friday revealed that he has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

The condition "has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.

"Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."

In a separate message, Joel said he was "sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding".

Alexis Roderick, Della Joel, Remy Joel, and Billy Joel pose on the red carpet as they attend the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 4, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Image: Billy Joel with his family at the 2024 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Pic: Reuters

What is Joel's condition?

Hydrocephalus is a condition "that causes a build-up of fluid in the brain. The excess fluid affects the brain and how it functions," according to the NHS Inform website.

NPH can impact how sufferers walk, their urinary system and mental abilities, the site said.

The Cleveland Clinic described it as "a brain disorder that can affect brain-related abilities, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement and more".

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In March, the singer-songwriter postponed eight US tour dates after announcing he had had surgery and needed physiotherapy.

A statement at the time said doctors expected him to make a full recovery. It is unclear if his medical issues at the time were related to NPH.

The condition is relatively rare and can be hard to diagnose. It can be treated successfully with surgery to install a tube to drain excess fluid. Patients may need physiotherapy in addition to surgery.

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Among his upcoming dates were gigs next month at Edinburgh and Liverpool, as well as concerts in New York, New Jersey and Detroit. Tickets for all the shows will be refunded.

Joel, whose best-known songs include The Piano Man and Uptown Girl, has sold more than 150 million records, according to his official website, and won six Grammy Awards in a 50-year career.

He ended a 10-year residency at New York's Madison Square Garden last July.