Legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel recently announced the cancellation of several tour dates after surgery and physical therapy for an unspecified medical condition. The 75-year-old artist, whose classics include Piano Man and Uptown Girl, assured fans that his health has to take precedence, but he remains determined to get back out on the road when he has made a full recovery.

The Piano Man Billy Joel
Billy Joel is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, with over 160 million records sold. A native of The Bronx, he came into fame in the 1970s with hits such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and We Didn’t Start the Fire. Jewell, a six-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is known for his storytelling and emotional songwriting.
But while he hasn’t recorded pop music since River of Dreams (1993), he is a legendary live performer. His Madison Square Garden residency (2014–2024) was the longest of its kind in the venue’s history. At 75, he’s still on the road, a testament to his lasting impact.
What Happened to Billy Joel?
Joel’s health issues were revealed in the wake of a scare during a Mohegan Sun Arena show in Connecticut on February 22, 2025. The singer fell off balance on stage while singing It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, prompting panic among fans. In spite of the fumble, he got through the song and finished out the concert, showing his longtime commitment to his fans. It soon emerged that Joel needed a doctor for a related condition, prompting the cancellation of a string of tour dates.
Joel had surgery and is now recovering, including physical therapy. In a heartfelt statement posted on social media, he apologized for the delays of the tour but said that his health had to come first. He told fans that he looks forward to taking the stage again stronger than ever.
Tour Dates And Refund Policy For Rescheduled Shows
The affected shows cover a four-month stretch, with the rescheduled shows in a number of major cities, including Detroit, Toronto, Syracuse, Salt Lake City, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Charlotte, and Milwaukee.

One of those shows will include special guest appearances from music icons Sting and Stevie Nicks. Fans who have purchased tickets will have them honored for the new dates, while anyone who can’t attend will have the chance to receive a refund.
In an interview with Billboard, Joel said:
“I’m looking forward to playing these iconic stadiums this summer – each holds personal significance to me.”

A Legacy of Live Performances
Joel’s tour is due to resume on July 5, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He wraps up his landmark decade-long engagement with 104 sellouts at Madison Square Garden in July 2024 that saw him play to over 1.9 million fans. (New York Post)
While the delay will be a disappointment for fans, the outpouring of support for Joel’s recovery speaks to the joy he’s brought to music lovers around the world throughout his career.
So, are you going to one of these shows? And what's your favorite track by Billy Joel? Let us know in the comments below.