Billy Joel Cancels a Second Show

Billy Joel and Elton John have cancelled another show in upstate New York. The top-grossing piano men have been forced to postpone Monday's show after Joel developed flu-like symptoms, according to a Times Union Center press release. A Friday night show at Buffalo's HSCB Arena was previously cancelled due to Joel's health.

Promoters are attempting to reschedule both shows.

The duos' Face 2 Face tour has been the nation's top-grossing concert tour for the last two months

The postponements are another in a rash of recent cancellations by aging superstars. They join the ranks of baby boomer headliners such as Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Jones who have also been forced to postpone shows due to health concerns.

Aerosmith have recently cancelled numerous shows on their tour schedule as lead singer Steve Tyler, guitarist Brad Whitford, and most recently bass player Tom Hamilton have each undergone health problems. Perry pulled a leg muscle. Whitford and Hamilton have both taken time off due to surgery. The band have found a temporary replacement for Hamilton and will continue touring in his absence.

Welsh crooner Tom Jones has viral bronchitis to blame the postponement of his remaining dates in July. Jones doctors have ordered rest of a "prescribed period of time," according to an announcement of Jones' official website. Jones has postponed dates at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Boston at the BofA Pavilion July 25: Hyannis, Mass., a the Wolf Trap July 29, Asheville, N.C, at the Biltmore Festival Jul 30, and Atlanta, GA, at Chastain Park July 31.

Fleetwood Mac also cancelled a number of shows throughout the summer due to "band member illness." The "rumour" was that Stevie Nicks had come down with the flu.

These numerous show cancellations may be a signal that touring days are numbered for many of these aging superstars.

Many have come to take seeing these classic acts for granted, perhaps lulled into complacency by the staying power and regular touring of acts like the legendary Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Eagles and Paul McCartney.

But the sad truth is, most of these acts are now in their sixties and seventies. Time is catching up with them and not all are able to stay as fit and healthy as Sir Paul and Sir Mick.

The recent deaths of Michael Jackson, Peter Waller of Peter and Gordon, and Drake Levin of The Raiders tragically serve to punctuate this point.

My advice is catch them while you can folks.

Rob Rheubottom