Billy Joel Cancels All Tour Dates Following Brain Disorder Diagnosis

U.S. singer-songwriter and pianist Billy Joel said Friday he is cancelling all of his scheduled concerts — including a stop in Toronto — after he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder.

The 76-year-old singer is undergoing physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing while he recovers, according to a statement on social media.

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

Joel’s condition was exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance, according to the statement.

The condition, which is more likely in people over the age of 65, occurs when fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms, such as shuffling feet with short steps as well as memory challenges, resemble those of dementia and can sometimes be reversible within surgery. 

The tour, which had 17 stops in the United States, Canada and England, had been due to start in February, but it was initially rescheduled to July due to an undisclosed medical condition.

Joel, known for hits like Piano Man and Uptown Girl, ended his record-breaking monthly Madison Square Garden residency — which had begun in 2014 — last year.