Renowned American musician Billy Joel (76) has canceled all upcoming concerts and tour dates after being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
Joel was scheduled to perform throughout the United States this year, as well as two scheduled concerts in the United Kingdom.
"Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all scheduled concerts following his recent diagnosis of NPH," a statement posted on his official Instagram account read.
It is a condition that occurs due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, which creates pressure and can cause neurological disorders. According to information from the National Health Service of Great Britain (NHS), NPH is a rare and poorly researched disease that mainly affects people over 60 years of age.
The statement further explains:
"The condition has worsened due to recent concert performances, which has led to problems with hearing, vision and balance. On the advice of doctors, Billy is currently undergoing specialized physiotherapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during the recovery period. He is grateful for the exceptional medical care he is receiving and is fully committed to his health," the statement explains.
Joel thanked his fans for their support and expressed hope that he would return to the stage soon. At the end of the statement, he said:
"I sincerely apologize for disappointing my audience and thank you for your understanding," Joel said at the end of the statement.
This is not the first time Joel has had to take a break this year, having previously postponed a four-month tour to recover from surgery due to a then-unknown medical condition.
In February, he released his first song in decades, "Turn the Lights Back On," produced by Freddie Wexler, who also co-wrote the track with Joel, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector.
Bonus video:
