'Lifestyle caught up with him': Billy Joel's friends worry after singer, 73, cancels show for vocal rest
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Veteran musician Billy Joel sparked concerns among fans after he canceled his last concert of the year at Madison Square Garden due to a viral infection.
The 73-year-old Piano Man revealed he was sick and under strict doctor's orders for vocal rest. "I'm so sorry to let you know so close to show day,” Joel wrote on Twitter and Instagram. “But I was hoping to be closer to a full recovery by now. Sadly, that hasn't happened. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year." The 'Uptown Girl' crooner has vowed to return to the stage shortly, but his close ones admit this is far from certain.
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"Billy's voice has been battered by years of touring and his monthly residency at Madison Square Garden," a source close to Joel told Radar Online. "He's also been an admitted drinker over the years." They also alleged that Joel's past is affecting his life now. "The rock 'n' roll lifestyle seems to have caught up with him. People are warning Billy he'd better take it easy or face the consequences," the insider spilled.
According to Joel’s team, the remainder of his MSG gig is slated to resume as scheduled with shows on January 13 and 27. Apart from MSG concerts, Joel will be joining forces with Stevie Nicks for their joint ‘Two Icons One Night’ tour which is supposed to kickstart on March 10 at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
The musician has been doing his MSG residency 'Billy Joel at The Garden' since 2014, playing at the venue once a week. Earlier this year, his concerts at the Garden included guest appearances by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and new-age star Olivia Rodrigo. The last time Joel postponed shows at the Garden was when the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was spreading in New York. At the time, Joel said it was the best decision for his touring team.
Joel returned to the stage 50 pounds lighter, after undergoing surgery during the height of the pandemic. "I had back surgery early this year and the pain afterward was so bad I lost my appetite," Joel told Howard Stern, according to Radar Online. "I embraced that, I said, 'Okay, I won't eat as much' and I ate less and less and less and less, and then there was just life aggravation and that tends to, you know, impact your appetite too."