Billy Joel cancels Liverpool show after brain condition diagnosis
The singer was due to perform at Anfield in June 2026
US music legend Billy Joel has cancelled his upcoming UK concerts, including a much-anticipated date at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium, after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition.
The 76-year-old “Piano Man” singer was set to play the iconic venue on 20th June 2026 as part of a short UK tour, which also included a show at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium on 6th June. However, all performances have now been pulled following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) – a condition that causes a build-up of fluid in the brain and is known to affect mobility, vision, hearing and balance.
A statement on Joel’s social media confirmed: ‘Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).’
‘This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.’
‘Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.’
The post added: ‘Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.’
In a personal message to fans, Joel said: “I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
The singer, who was born in New York and began his career in the mid-1960s, had already rescheduled two UK concerts in March 2025 due to an unspecified medical issue. His latest diagnosis sheds new light on the reason behind the changes.
According to the NHS, NPH is an uncommon and poorly understood condition, often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s due to overlapping symptoms like memory loss and balance difficulties. It primarily affects people over 60.
Joel’s contributions to music have spanned decades, earning him five Grammy Awards and 23 nominations. He’s known for hits such as “Uptown Girl,” “Tell Her About It” and “An Innocent Man.” In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Ray Charles.
Fans who had hoped to see him perform at Liverpool FC’s home ground will now have to wait indefinitely, though Joel remains optimistic about returning to the stage in the future.