Billy Joel Postpones Tour Dates After Undergoing Surgery: ‘My Health Must Come First’

The 75-year-old singer-songwriter was diagnosed with an undisclosed medical condition.

Billy Joel performs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 9, 2024. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Grammy Award-winning musician Billy Joel has been forced to postpone a string of upcoming concerts after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed medical condition.

Joel, 75, who closed out his decades-long residency at New York City’s Madison Square Garden last July, is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement shared via the singer-songwriter’s Instagram page on Tuesday.

“The current tour will be postponed for four months to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctor,” the statement reads.

Joel did not share any additional details about his diagnosis. However, the “Piano Man” singer said he is focused on prioritizing his health.

“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” he wrote. “I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”

Eight concerts spanning from March to June have been rescheduled, half of which were already sold out.

Joel was expected to perform in Detroit, Michigan, later this month, but the concert has been pushed out to November. His upcoming shows in Syracuse, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; Toronto, Canada; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Liverpool, England, have been delayed by a year.

“All purchased tickets will automatically be valid for the rescheduled shows,” the statement reads.

Earlier this year, Joel postponed a performance at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, due to a medical procedure. The show, originally slated for Jan. 17, was pushed out to Nov. 1.

“I’m disappointed to share that I must postpone my concert at Hard Rock Live,” the singer said in a statement on Jan. 10. “I appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone in November.”

Many of Joel’s fans flocked to the comment section to wish him a speedy recovery.

“Wishing you all the best and get well soon,” one follower wrote.

“Even though I am a little bummed that my mom and I won’t be seeing you this month, I know how important health is,” another commented. “I’m sending prayers that everything goes well.”

Billy Joel performs in concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 27, 2016. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

‘Piano Man’ in Concert

It remains unclear whether or not any additional concerts will need to be delayed as Joel progresses through his recovery. However, the New York native is expected to resume his tour this summer.

On July 5, Joel will join forces with “Maggie May” singer Rod Stewart for a concert at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, per a Ticketmaster listing. The two singers will also helm the stage together at several other upcoming shows, including a Sept. 20 concert in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“The iconic musicians will each perform their most beloved songs from throughout their illustrious careers,” reads a January press release. “The spectacular show promises to be an unforgettable evening of live music.”

Throughout his tour, Joel will also perform with British musician Sting and singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks.

The latter will join Joel this fall for the “Uptown Girl” singer’s first performance in the California Bay Area in a decade, per a press release issued earlier this month. The two singers will make their debut at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, located near San Jose in the Silicon Valley, on Oct. 4.

Joel released his debut album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” in 1971. Since then, he has put out a dozen studio albums, including “Piano Man” (1973), “The Stranger” (1977), “Glass Houses” (1980), and “Storm Front” (1989).

He released his last major pop-rock studio album, “River of Dreams,” in 1993. Eight years later, he launched his 13th and final studio album, “Fantasies & Delusions,” a compilation of classical compositions.

Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2019, Joel said he had lost interest in creating new music.

“I still write music. I just don’t record it, and they’re not in song form,” he told the publication. “It’s another kind of music altogether. It’s purely for my own edification. I don’t feel compelled to record it. I don’t feel compelled to make myself be relevant. Like I said, I lived the rock & roll life, and I’m not writing that anymore.”

Last year, Joel released his first original song in almost two decades. The ballad, titled “Turn the Lights Back On,” debuted on Feb. 1, marking the entertainer’s first new single since putting out “Christmas in Fallujah” with singer Cass Dillon in 2007.