Elio Pace, a seasoned musician, is gearing up for a UK tour celebrating the legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel through “The Billy Joel Songbook,” a show that has been over a decade in the making. Pace credits Joel’s music with shaping his entire career, saying that it taught him not only how to play piano and sing but also how to connect with an audience. The upcoming tour includes dates in Yorkshire at venues such as York Barbican and St George’s Hall in Bradford, spanning October 2025 and continuing into early 2026.

Pace’s commitment to celebrating Joel’s work comes amidst difficult news: the iconic musician’s recent diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain condition that affects hearing, vision, balance, and can lead to neurological symptoms. This diagnosis forced Joel to cancel all his scheduled concerts, disappointing fans worldwide and causing significant disruption to public appearances. Joel, aged 76, is currently undergoing physical therapy and has been advised by doctors to refrain from performing during his recovery. He expressed regret over disappointing his audience but showed gratitude for their understanding and support.

The news of Joel’s condition hit Pace hard, describing it as “so, so sad” to hear that his musical hero was facing such a serious brain disorder. Despite initial uncertainty about how to respond, Pace found reassurance in the outpouring of support from fans, both online and in person at his own shows. He emphasises that the purpose of his upcoming tour is to celebrate Joel’s artistry and body of work, suggesting that this kind of tribute has never been more important. He insists that The Billy Joel Songbook is not a traditional tribute act but a heartfelt celebration presented in his own style, dedicated to honouring the music and legacy of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time.

Since starting the show in 2013, Pace has carefully curated a setlist that respects the original spirit of Joel’s music while now refreshing it with new arrangements and song choices, continuing to evolve the concert experience. The tour also seeks to shine a light on some lesser-known Joel classics that audiences may have forgotten or not realised were his compositions. Pace passionately advocates for Joel’s recognition, underscoring the increasing popularity of the artist’s music in the UK over the past decade and the importance of keeping this musical heritage alive.

Medical experts and advocacy groups have highlighted the significance of Joel’s openness about his NPH diagnosis. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is frequently underdiagnosed, especially in older adults, and can mimic symptoms of dementia. The Hydrocephalus Association applauds Joel for raising awareness of the condition, emphasising the need for early detection and intervention to improve patient outcomes. Joel’s public revelation has brought attention to the often-overlooked impacts of the disorder and inspired conversations about brain health.

Billy Joel himself has spoken candidly about his condition, describing the challenges with balance and cognition, likening his balance problems to feeling as though he is on a boat. Though the cause of the disorder remains unclear, Joel says he feels generally well and is focused on treatment. While he has not given a timeline for his return to live performance, the musician remains optimistic about future possibilities, even hinting at potential new songwriting collaborations.

For Elio Pace, the power of music transcends these health challenges. He firmly believes in music as a form of medicine and healing, and through his performances, he aims to keep the spirit of Billy Joel’s work thriving. As the tour approaches, Pace is honoured to be the custodian of this revered songbook, ensuring that fans old and new can continue to experience the magic of Billy Joel’s music, especially at a time when the artist himself is unable to take the stage.

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Source: Noah Wire Services