NEWS
Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of 17 shows he booked at stadiums across North America and England, due to his recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
In a statement, Joel and his team said the condition had been exacerbated by recent concert performances, “leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.” Under his doctor’s orders, Joel is said to be undergoing “specific physical therapy” and has been advised to stop performing while he recovers
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience,” said Joel. “Thank you for understanding.”
NPH is a brain disorder when there is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in an area in the center of the brain. According to the Hydrocephalus Association, the disorder can affect areas of the brain related to walking, thinking and bladder control.
In Friday’s statement, Joel and his team conclude with gratitude for fans and the note that Joel “looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.” Information on ticket refunds is also included, with refunds automatically being processed back to the original payment used for the purchase.
Back in March, Joel postponed eight stadium concerts he was scheduled to do through July, citing an undisclosed “medical condition” and saying that his “health must come first.” It remains unconfirmed if NPH is the same condition that caused those initial cancellations.
At the time, the announcement said Joel was “expected to make a full recovery” after a recent surgery, and was undergoing doctor-supervised physical therapy.
NEWS
Charli xcx has added the Music, Fashion, Film B sides “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” “Playboy Bunny” and “If You Take the Music Then What Has She Got?” to iTunes through a new digital deluxe release titled Music, Fashion, Film (B-Sides Edition).
The three tracks had already been introduced to listeners through Charli’s @b.sides alternative Instagram account. They also appeared as physical B sides on limited edition 7 inch singles for “Rock Music,” “SS26” and “Camera,” as well as in an extensive Music, Fashion, Film box set. However, fans were unable to officially buy them as digital downloads until Sunday, July 26.
Charli previously told her audience that the songs were “never gonna go on streaming … I don’t think,” although she admitted at the time that her decision might eventually change.
“you can call me a hypocrite, i don’t mind,” Charli wrote alongside a winking emoji while announcing Music, Fashion, Film (B-Sides Edition) on Sunday.
Priced at $4.99 on iTunes, the digital collection features all 11 songs from the original Music, Fashion, Film album, along with the three additional B sides and their accompanying music videos.
Explaining her choice further on Instagram, Charli wrote: “i made b sides for each of the songs released ahead of Music, Fashion, Film because it felt natural to pair each songs with a fitting counterpart – something that’s adjacent to the album but not entirely part of it. traditionally, b sides often become fan favorites… and i guess in the case of some of the b sides for this album, that has proven to be true. i felt adamant i wouldn’t put them on streaming because it sort of felt counter intuitive to the whole ethos of those songs, but i know you all really wanted them so i’ve begrudgingly put them on itunes lol.”
Music, Fashion, Film was released on Friday, accompanied by the online premiere of the theatrical short film Charli developed to complement the project.
She will begin a short North American tour supporting Music, Fashion, Film in Philadelphia on Sept. 11. The run will then visit Brooklyn, Toronto, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, San Diego, Los Angeles, Glendale and Las Vegas.
