New York (AP) – Billy Joel has canceled all her next concerts across North America and England after being diagnosed with an accumulation of liquid in his brain which affected his “hearing, his vision and his balance”.
Joel revealed on Instagram that he had normal pressure hydrolephalus, “a brain disorder that can affect brain -related capacities, including thought and concentration, memory, movement and more,” said Cleveland Clinic.
“This condition was exacerbated by recent concert performance, which led to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” said Joel’s team. “According to his doctor’s instructions, Billy undergoes specific physical therapy and was advised to refrain from occurring during this recovery period.”
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In a statement that accompanies him, Joel said: “I am sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding.”
In March, the singer “The Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” announced that he had undergone surgery and had to undergo physical therapy. A statement at the time said the doctors expected him to recover completely. It is not clear if his medical problems at the time were linked to the hydrocephalus of normal pressure.
The condition can cause problems with walking, control and thinking of the bladder, with aggravating symptoms if they are not treated. It is relatively rare and can be difficult to diagnose. It can be successfully treated with surgery to install a tube to drain excess liquid. Patients may need physiotherapy in addition to surgery.
Joel, 76, wrapped his Decadelong residence at Madison Square Garden in July 2024 and continued to tour. His planned summer stops included shows at the Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in New York, and the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets for all shows will be reimbursed.
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