Billy Joel, the iconic "Piano Man" singer, has announced the cancellation of his upcoming tour dates following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The announcement, made on Friday, May 23, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans disappointed but understanding of the 76-year-old's need to prioritize his health.
The diagnosis comes months after an incident in February where Joel fell on stage during a performance at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. While he recovered quickly and continued the show, the fall, coupled with other health concerns, prompted further medical evaluation. It is unclear whether that incident was a symptom of the disease or simply coincidental. In March, Joel had already postponed shows through June, citing an unspecified "medical condition" that required surgery and physical therapy. At the time, his team expressed optimism for a full recovery, with the tour expected to resume in July.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a brain disorder characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles. Unlike other forms of hydrocephalus, NPH often doesn't present with increased pressure, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include gait disturbances, cognitive impairment (such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating), and urinary incontinence. According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is most common in people over 65, affecting an estimated 0.2% of people between 70 and 80, and around 5.9% of those over 80.
In Joel's case, the statement released by his team indicated that the condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. He is currently undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor's instructions and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.
The cancelled tour included 17 dates across North America and England, spanning from July 2025 to July 2026. Among the affected shows are stadium performances in Pittsburgh, New York (Yankee Stadium and Citi Field), East Rutherford, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Santa Clara, New Orleans, Hollywood, Florida, Detroit, Toronto, Syracuse, Salt Lake City, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. Special guests, including Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, and Sting, were scheduled to join Joel at various stops along the tour.
Ticket holders for the cancelled concerts will receive automatic refunds to their original method of payment. For tickets purchased through resale sites, the refund will go to the original purchaser, and the current owner should seek a refund through the resale platform.
"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Joel said in a statement. His team added that he is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage."
While the news of the tour cancellation and NPH diagnosis is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, there is hope for Joel's recovery. NPH is often treatable, typically involving the surgical implantation of a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain. Patients may also require physical therapy to regain lost function.
Prior to the current health challenges, Joel concluded a decade-long monthly residency at Madison Square Garden in July 2024. He remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with numerous Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to his name. The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival is set to open on June 4 with the world premiere of the two-part HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which explores his life and music.
