Billy Joel forced to cancel tour due to health woes

Billy Joel Cancels Tour Due to Health Concerns

Legendary musician Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all upcoming concerts following a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological condition that affects movement and cognitive function. The 76-year-old singer revealed that recent performances had exacerbated his symptoms, leading to issues with hearing, vision, and balance.

In a statement released on Friday, Joel expressed his regret over the cancellations, stating, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding.” He is currently undergoing physical therapy and has been advised by his doctors to refrain from performing during this recovery period.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, leading to symptoms such as difficulty walking, memory problems, and loss of bladder control. It primarily affects individuals in their 60s and 70s and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Joel’s canceled tour included 17 scheduled performances across North America and the UK, some of which were to feature collaborations with artists like Rod Stewart, Sting, and Stevie Nicks. This development comes nearly two years after he concluded his historic Madison Square Garden residency, during which he performed 150 sold-out shows over nine years.

Despite his health challenges, Joel remains optimistic about returning to the stage in the future. He expressed gratitude for the medical care he’s receiving and the support of his fans. Next month, his documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, offering an in-depth look at his life and career through unreleased footage and personal archives.

Fans who purchased tickets for the affected concerts will receive automatic refunds.

We at Radio 854 wish Billy Joel a full and speedy recovery.

Newsdesk