Legendary musician Billy Joel has canceled all scheduled performances for the remainder of 2025 following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)—a rare and potentially debilitating brain disorder.
The announcement was made Friday through a joint statement by his family and management team, citing health and safety concerns as the driving force behind the difficult decision.
What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles.
While the pressure of the fluid remains normal, its accumulation can cause symptoms that mirror Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, including:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Loss of bladder control
- Slowed mental processing
NPH is most common in older adults and is often misdiagnosed due to its similarities with other age-related neurological disorders.
In Billy Joel’s case, family members noticed subtle but concerning signs in recent months, including short-term memory lapses and changes in gait.
“It Wasn’t Just Forgetfulness,” Says Family Member
According to a source close to the Joel family, the 75-year-old “Piano Man” had been experiencing cognitive and physical symptoms for several months but initially attributed them to aging and tour fatigue.
After a series of evaluations, doctors confirmed the presence of NPH earlier this spring.
“Billy was forgetting song lyrics, which is unheard of for him,” said the family source. “He was also moving differently—stiffly, almost cautiously. We knew something wasn’t right.”
All Concert Dates Canceled, MSG Residency on Indefinite Hold
Joel’s iconic Madison Square Garden residency, which was slated to conclude in July 2025 with a record-breaking 150th performance, has now been put on indefinite hold.
Ticket holders for his scheduled shows in New York, Las Vegas, and Europe will be offered full refunds, according to tour promoter Live Nation.
Cities Affected by the Cancellation:
- New York City (MSG)
- Las Vegas
- London
- Dublin
- Berlin
- Chicago
- Miami
Joel to Prioritize Recovery and Awareness
While the decision to step away from the stage was described as “heart-wrenching,” Joel’s family and doctors are optimistic about his long-term prognosis.
With early intervention, including a surgical procedure to drain excess fluid and rehabilitative therapy, many patients with NPH see significant improvement.
The singer is reportedly undergoing treatment at a private facility and has plans to use his platform to raise awareness about this often-overlooked disorder.
“He wants to shine a light on NPH so others don’t get misdiagnosed,” the family said. “This isn’t goodbye forever. It’s just time to focus on getting better.”
Fans and Fellow Musicians Send Support
Tributes and well-wishes have poured in from across the music industry and Joel’s global fanbase. Elton John posted on Instagram, calling Joel “a titan of American songwriting” and urging him to “rest, heal, and come back stronger.”
Fans have also taken to social media to share their support and memories of his concerts, with hashtags like #GetWellBilly and #PianoManForever trending throughout the day.
Below, a recording of Billy Joel’s performance earlier this year as part of 2025 tour:
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