Billy Joel misses documentary premiere after revealing rare brain condition diagnosis
Singer-songwriter and pianist Billy Joel missed the premiere of his documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival days after cancelling all of his tour dates and revealing his rare brain condition diagnosis.
Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which premiered at the festival in New York, showcases the music icon's journey, never-before-seen archival footage, and candid interviews.
Although he was not present at the Beacon Theatre, stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Mariska Hargitay and her husband, actor Peter Hermann, attended it, People magazine reported.
Last month, Joel announced the cancellation of all of his upcoming concerts following a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain ventricles, the outlet said.
According to a statement that was posted on his Instagram, his health condition has worsened from his recent performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.
As per his doctor's instructions, he is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been "advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," according to People.
Joel is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health," the statement said.
"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," it continued.
In a statement, Joel said he was "sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience."
Joel's wife Alexis shared an Instagram update on his condition and recovery.
"Thank you for the outpouring of love and support," she wrote alongside a photo of her with Billy and their daughters. "We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received."
"Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the centre of our world," added Alexis.
"We are hopeful for his recovery," she wrote. "We look forward to seeing you all in the future," reported People.
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