Billy Joel has canceled all of his upcoming shows, including a July performance at Yankee Stadium and a Citi Field show in August, due to a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
The National Institutes of Health describe hydrocephalus as “an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain.” The fluid causes brain cavities to widen, which puts pressure on the brain’s tissues. Symptoms can include vomiting, vision problems, difficulty walking and memory loss or other cognitive impairment.
The 76-year-old piano man posted notice of the cancellations on his website Friday with a message saying his “hearing, vision and balance” have been affected by the condition, which has been exacerbated by performing live.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,” the statement said.
Joel thanked his fans for their understanding and support, saying he “looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
Joel’s next performance was scheduled for Saturday in Milwaukee. He planned to play with Rod Stewart at Yankee Stadium on July 18, followed by an Aug. 8 concert with Stevie Nicks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. His Aug. 21 show with Sting at Citi Field in Queens has also been canceled.
It’s not known when or if Joel plans to perform again. His string of nixed shows currently extends through July 3, 2026, when he hoped to play a previously postponed gig.
The New York native announced in March he was suspending upcoming performances for at least four months to “recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.” He didn’t offer specifics on the operation or condition being treated.
Some fans worried after Joel took a fall in February while playing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. He hurled a microphone stand into the air and then fell to the ground, but appeared to be fine after getting back on his feet moments later.
Whether a medical issue contributed to that tumble isn’t clear.
The upcoming cancellations come nearly a year after Joel wrapped a decade-long monthly residency at Madison Square Garden that saw visits from Gavin DeGraw, John Mellencamp, Miley Cyrus, Bruce Springsteen and Tony Bennett.
He ended the historic run on a high note last July, entertaining a sold-out crowd with a 2.5-hour set featuring surprise cameos by Jimmy Fallon, Axl Rose and his two younger daughters.
“It’s time,” Joel told the crowd toward the beginning of the night. “None of us knew we were gonna be able to do this for so long. This has been the most amazing gig we’ve ever done.”
Originally Published: May 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM EDT
