‘I apologize for disappointing our audience,’ he said in a statement after revealing diagnosis
Billy Joel He canceled all 17 shows he would do in North America and England after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (HPN).
The statement, published by the musician’s team, says:
“This condition was aggravated by recent presentations, leading to hearing, vision and balance problems. Under the guidance of his doctor, Billy is doing specific physiotherapy and was advised not to present himself during this recovery period. Billy is grateful for the excellent care she is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing her health.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint our audience”said the artist in a statement, “And thanks for the understanding”. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a brain disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles.
An explanation on the website of Cleveland Clinic Explain:
“[Ela] It can affect various brain -related skills, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement and more. HPN symptoms look a lot like dementia, but sometimes HPN is reversible. ”
Joel’s last show took place on February 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Near the end of the presentation, he fell on his back after launching the microphone pedestal to a team member, but got up quickly and finished the show.
A month later, Joel announced that he would take a four -month stage break due to a “medical condition” that required surgery and physical therapy. He planned to return on July 5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The musician said in a statement:
“Although I sorry to postpone any show, my health should come first. I look forward to going back to the stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thanks for understanding.”
It is unclear whether the medical problems of the time were related to normal pressure hydrocephalus. The disorder affects about 0.2% of people in their 70s and causes difficulties in marching, bladder control problems and cognitive difficulties. The most common treatment involves surgery in which a device known as shunt is implemented to remove excess fluid.
“Normal pressure hydrocephalus (HPN) is uncommon among dementia similar conditions because it is often reversible,” According to Cleveland Clinic. “However, the chances of reversing this condition are higher with early diagnosis and rapid treatment. Diagnosis and treatment delays increase the likelihood that the brain damage caused by the pressure are permanent, serious or both.”
At age 76, Billy Joel ended her ten -year residence at Madison Square Garden in July 2024. In the following months, she continued to tour the United States and England, doing about two shows a month. The artist has not released an album with unpublished pop songs since River of Dreams (1993), although in February 2024 he collaborated with the composer and producer Freddy Wexler in the single “Turn the Lights Back On”. He debuted the song on the Grammy that month and introduced it live a few times, but the song came out of his setlist in June and never returned.
Despite the absence of new material, Billy Joel remains one of the most popular tour artists in the world. Its tour included shows at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in New York and Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets for all shows will be fully reimbursed.
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Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
