Billy Joel cancels concerts after brain condition diagnosis

Billy Joel has cancelled all his upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with a condition that causes a build-up of fluid in the brain.

The Piano Man singer, 76, was due to play Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 6 next year, and at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, on June 20.

A post to Joel’s social media accounts said: “Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

“This 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.

“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 said: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”

Rare diagnosis

In March, the New York-born singer rescheduled his two British shows, planned for 2025, because of a then-unspecified medical condition.

NPH is an uncommon and poorly understood condition that most often affects people over the age of 60, according to the NHS website.

It can be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms – mobility problems and dementia – are often associated with more common conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Since the start of his career in the mid-1960s, Joel has achieved five British top 10 singles and eight UK top 10 albums.

He is best known for songs such as Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It and An Innocent Man.

Joel has won five Grammy Awards and been nominated for 23. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by one of his heroes, Ray Charles, in 1999.