Billy Joel Cancels Tour Following Serious Brain Disorder Diagnosis
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on May 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM EDT
Legendary musician Billy Joel is stepping away from the stage to focus on his health after being diagnosed with a serious neurological condition.
The 75-year-old icon has officially canceled all 17 of his upcoming concerts across North America and England due to a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that affects movement, memory, and cognition.
Billy Joel's team announced the news on Friday, May 23.
Billy Joel Took A Hard Fall During His Final Show Before Canceling Tour
Joel’s final performance before the cancellation came on February 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Near the end of the show, the singer took a sudden fall after tossing his microphone stand to a crew member but quickly got back on his feet and finished the set like a true professional.
At the time, few could have guessed it was a sign of a deeper medical issue.
Worsening Health Condition Behind Tour Cancellation Revealed
In a statement released by his team, Joel shared that his condition has worsened due to the physical demands of recent performances, leading to complications with hearing, vision, and balance.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” the statement read, per Rolling Stone. “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.”
The "Piano Man" himself also spoke out, saying, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. While it often mimics symptoms of dementia, the condition can be reversible with proper treatment.
Billy Joel Puts Health First Amid Tour Hiatus
Joel had previously announced a four-month break from touring to recover from a “medical condition” that required surgery and physical therapy. At the time, he was eyeing a return to the stage on July 5 in Pittsburgh.
“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” he said in an earlier statement. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
For now, fans are rallying behind the music legend, sending their well-wishes and hoping for a full recovery.
Christie Brinkley Opens Up About Billy Joel’s Drinking
The news comes just weeks after Joel’s ex, Christie Brinkley, opened up about their marriage, revealing that his struggles with alcohol ultimately led to its downfall.
In her writings, Brinkley reveals that Joel’s drinking often spiraled out of control, so much so that he would disappear for days at a time. One particularly harrowing incident occurred during their daughter Alexa Ray’s fifth birthday, when Joel vanished without a word.
Per Page Six, Brinkley described being consumed by panic, plagued by haunting thoughts of finding his car “wrapped around a tree," a chilling premonition, considering Joel later crashed his Mercedes into a tree in 2003.
Christie Brinkley Claims 'Booze Was The Other Woman'
According to Brinkley, their relationship was marked by more than a few explosive moments.
In one instance, she claimed she locked Joel out of their hotel suite after hearing rumors he’d been out partying with an Australian actress. When he returned, she says he was "visibly and audibly drunk," and in a fit of rage, hurled a chaise lounge through the patio doors.
But the final straw came during what should have been a simple dinner with his band. Brinkley recounted a disturbing outburst that left her shaken. “He was acting delusional in a way I’d never seen before,” she said, revealing that she asked for a divorce the following day.
“The drinking was bigger than the both of us,” she admitted. “Booze was the other woman, and it was beginning to seem like he preferred being with her more than me.”
Despite everything they went through, Brinkley expressed that she still has a deep affection for Joel. Now sober and married to Alexis Roderick, with whom he shares two young daughters, the music legend remains someone she speaks of with warmth and respect.
