Shocking News: Billy Joel Halts Tour Amid Health Scare
Billy Joel, 2009. Photo by David Shankbone under CC BY 3.0.
Fans of legendary musician Billy Joel were recently met with unexpected news as the artist announced a four-month postponement of his tour due to a medical condition requiring surgery and subsequent physical therapy.
Health Takes Center Stage
At 75, Billy Joel has decided to prioritize his health by rescheduling several concert dates. A March 11 statement from his team on social media revealed that the tour will be on hold to allow him to recover from recent surgery and undergo physical therapy under medical supervision.
Joel expressed his disappointment over the postponements but emphasized that his health must come first saying, "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. Thank you for your understanding," as reported by the New York Post.
Rescheduled Concert Dates
The affected concerts span various cities and have been rescheduled as follows:
- Detroit, Michigan: Ford Field with Stevie Nicks on Nov. 15, 2025
- Toronto, Ontario: Rogers Centre on March 14, 2026
- Syracuse, New York: JMA Wireless Dome with Sting on April 10, 2026
- Salt Lake City, Utah: Rice-Eccles Stadium with Sting on May 22, 2026
- Edinburgh, U.K.: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on June 6, 2026
- Liverpool, U.K.: Anfield Stadium on June 20, 2026
- Charlotte, North Carolina: Bank of America Stadium with Sting on July 3, 2026
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin: American Family Field with Sting, date to be determined
All purchased tickets will automatically be valid for the rescheduled shows, according to his post.
Incidents Preceding the Announcement
This wasn't his first health-related disruption. Earlier this year, Joel canceled a concert in Hollywood, Florida, citing a vague "medical procedure" as the reason and rescheduling it for Nov. 1, as the New York Post reported.
On Feb. 22, Joel experienced a fall during his concert at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. While performing "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," he lost his balance and fell on stage. Despite the tumble, Joel quickly recovered and continued the performance, reassuring fans of his resilience.
Back in 2021, Joel shared during an interview with Howard Stern that he had unintentionally shed nearly 50 pounds following back surgery. He described intense post-surgery pain that significantly affected his appetite, eventually leading him to eat less over time. Stress and "life aggravation," he added, only worsened the issue, as reported by the New York Post. Given this history, this recent tour postponement could be connected to ongoing complications from previous surgeries or health challenges.
Looking Ahead
Although he is taking four months off for his recovery, he expressed his excitement about a milestone moment in his 2025 stadium tour, becoming the first artist to perform at all three major New York City stadiums in a single summer.
The legendary performer is set to hit Yankee Stadium on July 18 with Rod Stewart, MetLife Stadium on Aug. 8 alongside Stevie Nicks, and Citi Field on Aug. 21 with Sting. He's dubbed the achievement a "Triple Play," a nod to both baseball and his deep-rooted ties to New York. "I'm looking forward to playing these iconic stadiums this summer — each holds personal significance to me," Joel told Billboard, as reported by the New York Post. "There's nothing like the energy of the crowds in New York, and sharing a stage with my friends, Rod Stewart, Sting and Stevie Nicks, whose music always inspires me, is extremely rewarding."
Joel's tour is set to resume on July 5, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
References: Billy Joel, 75, falls down, sparks concern after losing balance at concert | Billy Joel, 75, postpones tour after undergoing surgery for 'a medical condition': 'My health must come first'
