Awful news
Billy Joel has cancelled all upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition.
The singer, who is known for hits such as ‘Piano Man’, ‘Vienna’ and ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’ was due to play a number of dates in 2025 and 2026.
This included huge gigs in the UK at Anfield in Liverpool and Edinburgh’s Murrayfield.
However, the 76-year-old has now cancelled these, alongside with all of his other upcoming tour dates, due to a heartbreaking diagnosis.
Joel has been diagnosed with a brain disorder called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
NPH is caused by build-up of fluid on the brain, and can cause problems with vision, hearing and balance.
The NHS describes NPH as an uncommon condition that mostly affects people over the age of 60.
Joel said that he had been told by doctors to stop performing live, and so he has called off his 17 planned performances.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” he said.
A statement issued on behalf of the singer said his condition “has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance”.
It continued: “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.
“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising 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.”
Joel previously postponed shows back in March due to an unspecified “medical condition”.
This was “to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy”.
The singer has been a touring regular, and just last year finished a record-breaking residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden, where he performed monthly over the space of a decade.
Joel has won five Grammy awards in his time, being nominated a total of 23 times. He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
