Billy Joel Cancels All Tour Dates and Reveals Health Diagnosis After Recent Stage Fall

  • Billy Joel is canceling his upcoming concerts following a fall onstage in February and subsequently postponing his shows through June
  • The “Piano Man” singer has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which affects hearing, vision and balance
  • “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Joel said in a statement

Billy Joel is canceling his upcoming concerts amid health issues.

On Friday, May 23, the “Piano Man” singer announced that he will be canceling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain ventricles.

This health condition has been made worse by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance, per a statement obtained by PEOPLE that was then posted on his Instagram.

Joel, 76, is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor’s instructions. He has also been “advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”

Per the press release, the musician is “thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing 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.”

Billy Joel in New York City in July 2024. Kevin Mazur/Getty

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

As for ticket refund information, fans won’t need to take any action to receive their refund. It will be automatically processed back to the original form of payment used.

Canceled concert dates include his shows in New York City this summer along with performances in New Orleans, Toronto, Santa Clara, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C. and Liverpool.

This cancellation comes months after Joel fell during a concert at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut in February. Per a fan video, at one point during the show, after spinning his microphone and tossing it towards the audience, Joel appeared to stumble, falling backwards and landing on his side.

Moments later, he seemed to recover from the fall and continued on with his show, which went as planned.

Billy Joel in New York City in July 2024. Kevin Mazur/Getty

The following month, the “Big Shot” singer announced that he would postpone his concerts through June, citing a “medical condition” that required him to “undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.”

“Joel is expected to make a full recovery,” his team said on March 11. “The tour will resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025.”

“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” Joel posted on his Instagram at the time. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”

Billy Joel in New York City in December 2023. Kevin Mazur/Getty

Throughout his career, Joel has won five Grammys and been nominated 23 times. He has sold more than 150 million records and has had 33 Top 40 hits. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

He played his final Madison Square Garden concert part of his record-breaking 10-year residency in July 2024, marking his 150th show at the venue.

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