Billy Joel postpones concert due to serious illness

Billy Joel has postponed a performance at Madison Square Garden in New York because of a viral infection.

The 68-year-old songwriter's team apologized to fans online, explaining that the Piano Man was 'forced to postpone... at the mandate of his doctor.'

But fans of the Uptown Girl crooner need not worry, the concert has been rescheduled for later this year, on December 20.

A statement posted on the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer's website read, 'Billy has been battling a viral infection and is forced to postpone his concert at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, June 6th at the mandate of his doctor.' 

He apologized for any troubles the unexpected cancellation of his Tuesday show caused, writing, 'Billy understands that this is an inconvenience for ticketholders and apologizes for re-scheduling on such short notice.'  

The statement continued to explain that 'all tickets will be honored' at a rescheduled performance on December 20.

The Bronx born performer is a regular at the Garden, having performed his once a month residency at the Manhattan arena since 2014.

Billy is such an MSG veteran, he even earned a Guinness World Record for being the artist to perform there the most times.

For now, his next scheduled performance July 5th at The Garden is still on the calendar.

Joel is one of show business's most respected songwriters, with over a dozen critically acclaimed releases and earning six Grammy Awards, including the MusicCares Person Of The Year award in 2002.

He's also had the pleasure of dating one of the world's most beloved beauties, having been wed to Christie Brinkley for ten years before divorcing in 1996.

The pianist has one daughter, songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, 31, with the supermodel as well as an 18-month-old daughter Della Rose Joel with fourth wife Alexis Roderick, 35.