Bad news for Billy Joel is also a blow to fans: What you need to know

Over the course of his life, Billy Joel has faced various health challenges, and his latest one appears to be particularly worrisome. He’s been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles. There’s hope that the problem might be reversible, but it requires patience and surgery.

It seems Joel needed a surgery involving a shunt implantation, along with specific physiotherapy sessions. This necessitated the cancellation of all his forthcoming concerts in both the U.S. and Europe.

In general scenarios where shows get canceled, audiences are usually given back their money. However, this might not be the top issue for fans at the moment. Instead, the primary concern revolves around Joel’s long-term health. Notably, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NPH) affects about 0.2% of individuals in their seventies, and as Joel is 76 years old, this condition becomes a significant factor to consider.

Billy Joel forced to cancel upcoming concerts after medical diagnosis

As per the Cleveland Clinic, Non-obstructive Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a health issue that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within your skull and exerts pressure on your brain. This condition typically affects individuals over 60 years old. It’s usually manageable, with some cases even showing reversibility. Managing this condition may require surgery to install a shunt for draining excess fluid from inside the skull.

It’s unclear for how long Joel has been dealing with this problem, though it’s hoped he became aware of it shortly after experiencing symptoms such as balance issues, memory lapses, and other cognitive difficulties. Notably, Joel suffered a fall during a concert earlier in 2025, but he promptly regained his footing and carried on with the performance.

At the moment, it’s uncertain whether or when Joel may return to performing. His doctors have advised that he can’t perform during his physical therapy, but we don’t yet know what will happen once he completes his treatment. The doctors themselves are unsure of the timeline until they assess his response to the treatment.

Since the release of his last original pop/rock studio album, “River of Dreams,” in 1993, Joel has shown no signs of working on a new album anytime soon.

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2025-05-23 20:30