Billy Joel may be facing some serious health challenges, but quitting music is just not on the cards for him.
The 76-year-old legend, known for timeless hits like Piano Man and Big Shot, recently revealed he’s dealing with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that causes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It can lead to issues with hearing, balance, and vision, and understandably, he’s paused his live performances to focus on recovery.
On May 23, Billy officially cancelled all remaining concert dates, telling fans the news via an emotional statement. “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m thankful for the excellent care I’m receiving and fully committed to prioritizing my health. I’m grateful for the support from fans during this time and look forward to the day when I can once again take the stage.”
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That didn’t stop rumors of retirement from flying around, but multiple sources close to the five-time Grammy winner have come forward to shut those down. According to People, Billy has zero plans to retire. “He is happiest while performing,” one music industry insider said. “Music is, has been, and will always be his life. He’s not ready to retire.”
A second source added, “Billy is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses.” Right now, he’s undergoing physical therapy as part of his treatment, but the vibe from his team is clear, he’s determined to come back stronger.
His wife, Alexis Roderick, 42, shared her own message of hope on May 26. Posting a sweet family photo with their daughters Della, 8, and Remy, 6, she wrote, “Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.”
Even Billy’s daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, 38, joined in. On May 24, she posted a painting of herself with her dad and captioned it, “We love you, and we got you, Pop!”
The health update came just a few months after a scary onstage moment. In February, during a performance at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, Billy stumbled and fell backwards after spinning a microphone stand. He bounced back quickly and finished the show like a pro, but by March, he’d announced the postponement of all shows through June, citing the need for physical therapy due to a medical condition.
At the time, he said, “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans.”
Billy had originally planned to perform across a string of major cities, including New York, Liverpool, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C., with tour dates booked into 2026. But for now, it’s all about rest, rehab, and focusing on getting better.
The diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus is no small thing. It affects how cerebrospinal fluid moves around the brain and can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which mimic other age-related issues. But despite the complications, Billy is staying positive and hopeful.
His love for music hasn’t changed, and if anything, it’s what’s keeping him going. Everyone around him, from his family to his fans, is standing behind him as he tackles this recovery head-on. The stage might be quiet for now, but don’t count Billy Joel out. He’s made it clear he’ll be back, and when he is, it’ll be with the same fire he’s always had.
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