And so it goes, indeed.
Billy Joel will not be attending the Tribeca Festival opening-night world premiere of his documentary “And So It Goes” next Wednesday, The Post can exclusively reveal.
The Piano Man will be sitting out on his big night after revealing that he was diagnosed with a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus.
“Our hearts are with Billy Joel and his family following today’s announcement,” Tribeca Festival co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro said in a statement on May 23. “As a New York icon and global music legend, he has profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of this city and touched audiences around the world. We send our love and full support and wish him strength and a healthy recovery.”
“We’re deeply honored that this year’s Opening Night celebrates his remarkable legacy and enduring influence on New York’s cultural landscape,” the statement continued. “This is the perfect moment to recognize a creative force whose work reflects the very soul of our city—and the heart of Tribeca.”
Joel’s brain disorder occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain, disrupting cognitive functioning.
Due to his diagnosis, the 76-year-old music legend also canceled all of his upcoming tour dates.
His team explained his condition became worse due to his recent concerts, which led “to problems with hearing, vision and balance.”
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during his recovery period,” the statement read last week. “Billy is 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.”
Joel added in his own statement: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
But apparently, Joel isn’t ready to retire.
“He is happiest while performing,” a music industry insider told People on Tuesday. “Music is, has been and will always be his life. He’s not ready to retire.”
On Monday, the artist’s wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, whom he tied the knot with in a surprise ceremony in 2015, addressed fans on Joel’s social media account.
“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support,” she wrote. “We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received.” The pair share daughters Della, 9, and Remy, 7.
Joel’s ex-wife, Christie Brinkley, and their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, have also publicly supported him.
“Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery,” Brinkley, 71, wrote via Instagram on Saturday. “I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert. It made me laugh … but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational singalongs you’ve led.”
Alexa, 39, for her part, shared: “We love you and we got you, Pop! I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of My Father’s health diagnosis. My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known … and he’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength.”