One week ago (May 23), Billy Joel revealed to fans he had been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) - a rare brain disorder that causes fluid to accumulate in the brain’s ventricles, leading to issues with hearing, vision, and balance. The condition has been “exacerbated” by recent live performances, and as a result, the legendary 76-year-old musician has been forced to cancel all upcoming concerts scheduled through 2026.
Besides solo shows, those cancelled events also include gigs with Sting and Stevie Nicks. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. He is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health,” said a statement published by Joel and his team.
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In his own words, Joel added, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
The news follows a notable performance in February, during which he fell on his back while attempting to throw his microphone to a stagehand. Video clips of the moment show Joel spinning his microphone stand and tossing it towards the audience before losing his balance. Thankfully, he recovered quickly to thunderous applause. It's unknown if he lost his balance due to his neurological condition or if it was just normal clumsiness.
Later on in March, he postponed four months’ worth of tour dates for what was then described as an undisclosed medical condition requiring surgery, per Consequence.
@shauna722 #billyjoel #mohegansun #musictok #concerts #billyjoelfans @Billy Joel ♬ original sound - Shauna
PBS recently published an article about cerebrospinal fluid disorders in response to Joel's diagnosis. In the piece, neurologist Danielle Willhour explains NPH and what's going on with Joel.
"Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, is a clear, colorless liquid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of your central nervous system," she wrote. "It cushions the brain and spinal cord, provides nutrients and removes waste products. Despite its importance, problems related to CSF often go unnoticed until something goes wrong."
"Recently, cerebrospinal fluid disorders drew public attention with the announcement that musician Billy Joel had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus," Willhour continued. "In this condition, excess CSF accumulates in the brain’s cavities, enlarging them and putting pressure on surrounding brain tissue even though diagnostic readings appear normal. Because normal pressure hydrocephalus typically develops gradually and can mimic symptoms of other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, it is often misdiagnosed."
Although Joel's new condition is scary, symptoms of NPH are reversible if caught early enough. The condition impacts 0.3% of adults between the age of 70 and 80 years old, with the primary symptoms being cognitive difficulties, trouble walking, and urinary incontinence. Those diagnosed with the disorder may undergo surgery to implant a device that drains excess fluid. Willhour's PBS article states other treatment methods include weight loss, dietary changes and medications to reduce CSF production.
The neurological condition is also not the only concerning health matter Joel has faced in his lifetime. He had back surgery in early 2021, the pain of which he told Howard Stern led him to lose 50 pounds. Joel has also battled alcoholism and has been open about his mental health struggles, including two previous suicide attempts.
Despite having to cancel all his recent shows, the health setback is not stopping Joel from being an artist. "He is happiest while performing," a music industry source told People. "Music is, has been and will always be his life. He’s not ready to retire."
Another source close to Joel stated, "He is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses."
See Billy Joel's official NPH diagnosis announcement below.
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Article Image: Close-up of Billy Joel during his 2004 induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (s_bukley via Depositphotos.)
