Billy Joel has canceled all of his upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with a brain condition.
Joel was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” reads a statement posted to Joel’s social media accounts Friday. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
Joel’s 17 canceled concerts this summer and fall include his August 8 show with Stevie Nicks at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Joel also canceled his July 18 show with Rod Stewart at Yankee Stadium.
Among the canceled dates are other previously rescheduled shows with Nicks and Sting.
“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and fully committed to prioritizing his health,” the statement reads. “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.”
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Joel, 76, said in the statement.
Anyone who had tickets to the canceled shows will receive refunds.
Performing aggravated complications of Joel's diagnosis. Ethan Miller | Getty Images
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?
Per the Cleveland Clinic, normal pressure hydrocephalus involves a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull.
The fluid presses on the brain. The condition can cause headaches, cognitive problems and issues with gait and urinary incontinence.
The primary, or idiopathic (of unknown cause), form of normal pressure hydrocephalus can be treated through surgery through which a shunt is implanted to drain excess fluid from the skull.
The secondary form of NPH can be treated through resolving the condition that caused it. Secondary NPH can be the result of a brain aneurysm, brain tumor, stroke, bleeding in or around the brain, traumatic brain injury or brain infection. Joel’s statement did not specify which form of NPH he has.
Stories by Amy Kuperinsky
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