
Billy Joel cancels Bay Area show due to brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel has canceled all scheduled shows, including his upcoming Bay Area concert with Stevie Nicks, after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid.
'This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,' read a statement from Joel's team, shared to his Instagram account Friday, May 23. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.'
Joel's co-headlining show with the former Fleetwood Mac singer was scheduled to stop at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Oct. 4. It was part of their One Night One Stage tour, which has been ongoing since 2023. Now, neither musician is scheduled to perform at the South Bay venue in the fall.
'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience,' Joel wrote in his Instagram post, 'and thank you for understanding.'
A total of 17 shows were canceled, including performances with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Sting and Rod Stewart, in addition to those with Nicks. Ticket refunds will be automatically processed back to the original method of payment, according to Joel's statement.
The 'Piano Man' singer last performed Feb. 22 in Connecticut, where he fell on his back mid-performance after throwing his microphone stand to a crew member. Though he got up and finished the set, he announced a month later that he'd be taking a four-month break from touring due to an undisclosed medical condition for which he had just undergone surgery.
NPH affects roughly 0.2% of people in their 70s, causing cognitive difficulties, bladder control issues and gait problems. Surgery is the most common treatment.
Joel, who turned 76 this month, postponed a number of concerts across North America and Europe due to his medical struggles, and his return to the stage was slated for July 5 in Pittsburgh.

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