Billy Joel Sadly Cancels 17 Shows Across North America And England After Being Diagnosed With A Brain Disorder Called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Rolling Stone - Billy Joel is cancelling every concert on his itinerary, 17 shows in total booked at stadiums across North America and England, due to 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,” reads a statement from Joel’s team. “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 prioritizing his health.”

“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience,” Joel says in a statement, “and thank you for understanding.”

I expected my Memorial Day Weekend to start with me cutting the grass to a Billy Joel playlist, not sad news that he is cancelling shows. Brutal. 

Obviously this is a very serious matter and wish Billy the speediest of recoveries, especially with NPH being a brain disorder. I truly hope he takes as much time as he needs to get better and hopefully once again returns to the stage. 

I just wanted to write about just how beloved he is as a musician and how it always feels like his concerts are a reunion of friends rather than trying to shove a new album down your face. Facts are facts, aside from the one single he released very spontaneously in the last couple of years, 

His last studio album was 1993. Yet everyone one of his concerts is sold out. No new music, same old fans filing in and packing the place because they know exactly what they are getting. A good time, their favorite tunes, and some of his great banter and one liners in between songs. A guy who never forgot where he came from, a guy who even at his age can put on a terrific show, and someone who’s songs put you in a better mood every time. 

It’s very odd that someone his age is my favorite musical act and the guy I have seen the most in concert but I grew up on it from my parents and it got passed down and I just couldn’t help but loving the guy. A truly beloved musical figure and a New Yorker through and through. 

Get well soon Billy .. we love you.