Billy Joel, 76, is reportedly not ready to step away from performing despite his new diagnosis.
Joel recently cancelled his coming shows and announced that he’d been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
The diagnosis came after the singer suffered a fall during a concert in February. In a video, he was seen taking a tumble and getting back up to perform. Afterward, he postponed the rest of the shows citing a medical issue that needed attention.
However, the Piano Man hitmaker isn’t ready to retire even amid health issues.
“He is happiest while performing,” a music industry insider told People. “Music is, has been and will always be his life. He’s not ready to retire.”
Another tipster close to Joel says, “He is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses.”
On Friday, May 23, Joel revealed in a statement that he’d been “advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.
He noted that he was “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.”
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Billy Joel concluded.