Billy Joel's much-hyped Utah return canceled after new medical diagnosis

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Billy Joel cancels Utah concert due to normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis.
Ticket refunds will be issued; Joel prioritizes health and thanks fans for support.

SALT LAKE CITY — Billy Joel's long-awaited Utah return, which had already been postponed a year, will not happen.

The rock legend announced Friday that he's been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which has forced him to cancel all his future concert dates. That includes a performance with Sting at Rice-Eccles Stadium, which had already been moved to 2026 over medical reasons.

Normal pressure hypdrocephalus is a condition when there's excessive amounts of the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes. It can lead to trouble walking, poor balance, confusion and behavior changes.

The condition was "exacerbated by recent concert performances," leading to Joel, 76, experiencing hearing, vision and balance problems, according to a statement posted to his social media accounts.

"Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," the statement continues. "Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing 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."

Anyone who purchased tickets will be automatically refunded through their original payment method, University of Utah officials said, following the announcement.

"Please be aware that the refund will go to the original purchaser if the tickets were transferred to you," they added in a statement.

The concert was initially scheduled for Friday, but it was postponed to May 22, 2026, after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member underwent surgery that required physical therapy and medical supervision earlier this year. Live Nation Utah announced Joel's Salt Lake City tour stop with an event at the stadium last year.

He last performed in Utah in 2017. His University of Utah show would have been his 15th Utah concert, dating back to the 1970s.

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