Billy Joel Shares Brain Disorder Diagnosis

Billy Joel has been diagnosed with brain disorder Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), news that the iconic singer has announced while canceling his upcoming concerts.

“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” read a statement from Joel’s team posted to his official social media account on Friday. “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.”

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

His team added that the “Piano Man” singer 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.”

Alexis Roderick Joel, the singer’s wife, also said in a statement: “Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful to the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received. Bill is beloved by many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.”

Joel’s upcoming tour included 17 shows in stadiums across North America and England. Fans will be automatically refunded for the canceled shows.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is described as a brain disorder where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles.

The news comes after Joel had postponed his tour for four months after surgery over an unspecified medical condition. “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” Joel said at the time, telling fans he’s expecting a full recovery and that he’d be undergoing physical therapy with his doctors.

Last year, Joel played his 100th show as part of a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden and the Grammys for the first time in over 20 years.

The 2025 Tribeca Festival is set to open on June 4 with the world premiere of Billy Joel: And So It Goes, a two-part HBO documentary exploring Joel’s life and music. The project includes never-before-seen performances, home movies and personal photographs as well as exclusive interviews.

It’s unclear if Joel is slated to attend. But Tribeca Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal shared their “love and full support” for the musician, wishing him a “healthy recovery.”

“Our hearts are with Billy Joel and his family following today’s announcement. As a New York icon and global music legend, he has profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of this city and touched audiences around the world. We send our love and full support and wish him strength and a healthy recovery,” De Niro and Rosenthal said in a statement on behalf of the festival. “We’re deeply honored that this year’s Opening Night celebrates his remarkable legacy and enduring influence on New York’s cultural landscape. This is the perfect moment to recognize a creative force whose work reflects the very soul of our city — and the heart of Tribeca.”

May 23, 1:55 p.m. This story has been updated with a statement from Alexis Roderick Joel.

May 23, 2:35 p.m. This story has been updated with a statement from Tribeca Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal.