Billy Joel speaks out on diagnosis, canceling concerts
Billy Joel is speaking out after pressing pause on all future performances.
The prolific songwriter and pianist known for anthems like "Uptown Girl" and "The Longest Time" announced May 23 that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder that can affect a person's balance, hearing and more.
"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Joel wrote in a statement on his Instagram alongside the news that all upcoming performances would be canceled.
Billy Joel diagnosed with brain disorder cancels all upcoming concerts
The move will erase over a dozen scheduled concerts from the books, as stadium shows from New York to Florida to Washington D.C. are canceled. In the same Instagram post, representatives for Joel explained that the rigor of touring had worsened the singer's condition.
What happens to Billy Joel concert tickets? What we know about refunds
This is not the first time the "Piano Man" singer has pushed back shows amid health concerns. In March, Joel delayed eight concerts to undergo surgery.
"While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first," he said in a statement at the time. "I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding."
Part of a generation of rockers who have extended their greatest hits through ambitious tours well into their 70s, Joel's act is no light work for the body. He belts, pounds down on piano keys, and rises from the bench for rousing renditions of his more raucous songs like "We Didn't Start the Fire."
Billy Joel has normal pressure hydrocephalus. What is that, and what are symptoms?
Concluding a record-breaking 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden in July, Joel told USA TODAY that the energy he gets from a stage performance is unmatched.
"I'm going to miss doing it a lot," he said. "I love it. The band loves it. The crowd is a New York-crazy crowd. The minute you walk on stage, you're aware they're rooting for you. The only way you could mess up that gig is to try to screw it up."
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Melissa Ruggieri
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Billy Joel breaks silence on brain disorder diagnosis: What he's said
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