Billy Joel has canceled all tour performances after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” the 76-year-old musician said in an Instagram post Friday.
In light of his diagnosis, the “Vienna” hitmaker has started “undergoing specific physical therapy” and doctors have “advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding,” said Joel.
NPH is a medical condition defined as taking place when “too much” cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain’s ventricles, which can, in turn, lead to brain damage.
The rare disease typically affects older adults and its symptoms resemble those of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, according to Johns Hopkins.
Joel sparked fan concern in Februayr after he suffered a scary fall during his performance at Mohegan Sun in Montville, Connecticut.
Soon after, the “New York State of Mind” crooner postponed all of his tour dates from March through July to “recover from recent surgery” and “undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.”
“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” he wrote at the time.
“I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
In his March statement, Joel told his fans that he was “expected to make a full recovery.”
The Grammy winner also canceled a show in Florida because of a “medical procedure” in January, though the details were never revealed.