Billy Joel Breaks Silence on Mysterious Brain Disorder Behind His Onstage Memory Struggles

Isn’t it wild how life seems to have an uncanny knack for interrupting even the most meticulously crafted encore? Billy Joel—yeah, the “Piano Man” himself, the maestro who’s been serenading crowds from Manhattan to the Mersey for fifty years—just hit a note none of us wanted to hear. The man who once wondered if “we didn’t start the fire” is now, at 76, facing a far more personal spark: a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a brain condition that has him grappling with hearing, sight, and balance . It’s sobering—Billy built his career on electrifying live shows and now the very stage he owned is off-limits. How’s that for irony, huh? For anyone who thought rock legends ride off into the sunset untouched, here’s a reminder: even icons can’t always dodge life’s curveballs . So, if you ever found yourself belting out “Uptown Girl” in the shower or using “Piano Man” as your Friday night anthem, this news hits harder than forgetting the lyrics onstage (something even Joel admits he’s done a few times) . For all the gritty details about what’s happening and why stadium lights just dimmed on his next tour—well, I’ve got you covered. LEARN MORE

Billy Joel has cancelled upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with a brain condition which impacts ‘hearing, vision and balance’.

The ‘Uptown Girl’ singer was due to head out across North America later this year before playing stadium shows in Liverpool and Edinburgh next year; which have now been cancelled after the 76-year-old received a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

Confirming the news with a statement on Instagram, a spokesperson for Joel wrote: “Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

“The condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.”

According to the NHS, the condition is caused by a build-up of fluid on the brain and can be fatal if untreated.

Billy Joel has cancelled his scheduled tour dates (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

It’s not currently known why people develop NPH, however it may be linked to diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol.

Symptoms include impact to a person’s mental capacity, mobility and urinary system. NPH can be effectively treated by draining the excess fluid from the brain, which relieves symptoms.

The statement went on to explain that the ‘Uptown Girl’ singer was advised not to tour while he undergoes ‘specific physical therapy’ in order to recover from the condition.

“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health,” the statement continued.

“He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

The statement concluded with a comment from Joel himself, saying that he was ‘sincerely sorry’ for disappointing his audience.

The announcement included a full list of cancelled dates and confirmation that refunds would automatically be returned to the original payment used for purchase.

Joel has enjoyed a career spanning over five decades, however he has struggled during recent live performances.

The announcement was made on the singer’s social media (Instagram/billyjoel)

The singer sparked concern among fans earlier this year after he was recorded falling over on stage while performing live in February.

MailOnline also revealed the singer had been forgetting lyrics to his songs for well over a decade. The singer famously forgot the lyrics to ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ during a performance in Toronto in 2014.

He also revealed during an interview with BBC Radio Two DJ Zoe Ball that he often relied on fans to ‘guide’ him during live performances.

Joel is best known for hits such as ‘Piano Man’, ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ and ‘It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me’. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.