Billy Joel Cancels Tour Due to Health Diagnosis

An empty concert stage highlighting the impact of Billy Joel's tour cancellation.

News Summary

Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming tour dates following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological condition affecting brain function. The announcement affects 17 shows planned for the remainder of the year, including a duet with Stevie Nicks in Detroit. Fans will receive automatic refunds for their tickets. Joel has expressed gratitude for the support and hopes to return to the stage once his health stabilizes.

New York City — Billy Joel has officially canceled all his upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological condition that affects the brain’s function. The announcement was made on Friday, May 23, 2025.

NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, creating pressure that can lead to symptoms such as difficulties with balance, vision, and hearing. This disorder predominantly affects older adults, particularly those over the age of 65. Due to these symptoms worsening during recent concert performances, Joel has been advised by medical professionals to refrain from performing and to undergo physical therapy as part of his recovery process.

The cancellation of the tour includes 17 scheduled shows through the remainder of 2025, much to the disappointment of fans. One significant performance affected is a duet concert featuring Joel and Stevie Nicks, originally arranged for November 15, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit. This concert was previously rescheduled from March 29, 2025. The last time Billy Joel performed in Michigan was on July 9, 2022, at Comerica Park.

In addition to the Detroit concert, the tour cancellations will also impact performances in several cities, including Toronto, Syracuse, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. Some of these shows are anticipated to be rescheduled for 2026, as Joel expresses hope for a return to the stage once his health stabilizes.

Fans who purchased tickets can expect automatic refunds processed back to their original payment method. This refund policy extends to those who had transferred their tickets to another buyer. Individuals who purchased their tickets from resellers are encouraged to verify refund procedures with their respective ticketing companies.

Throughout his career, Billy Joel has been recognized for his remarkable contributions to music, including achieving a historic 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden. However, this is not the first instance of health-related concert cancellations in his career; in the past, performances have been postponed due to health issues, including a stage fall incident that raised concerns for both him and his fans.

Joel has publicly expressed appreciation for the support he received from fans during this challenging time and has communicated his sincere intentions of returning to perform once his health allows. Apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the canceled shows, he has thanked fans for their understanding and patience.

In summary, the cancellation of Billy Joel’s 2025 tour due to his recent health diagnosis illustrates the challenges artists face when dealing with medical issues. The continued support from fans plays a crucial role in aiding performers through such difficult times.