The abrupt conclusion of celebrated singer-songwriter Billy Joel's decade-long successful tenure at New York City's Madison Square Garden has alarmed medical professionals who suspect chronic pain may be behind the superstar's decision to step away from the limelight.

According to longevity specialist Dr. Gabe Mirkin, "Joel underwent two serious back surgeries and it's plausible that he's contending with persistent, excruciating pain."

The revered 'Piano Man' vocalist appears to have lost a significant amount of weight following a severe surgical procedure, fueling speculation about his well-being. "After back surgery earlier this year, the subsequent pain was so severe that it led to a loss of appetite," Joel acknowledged in 2021.

Disturbing images of the iconic musician's swollen and distorted hands coupled with insiders' accounts of him enduring immense pain post-performance, point towards a likely struggle with incapacitating arthritis, opines Dr. Mirkin.

"His considerable weight loss, swollen joints, and a previous incident of a clot traveling from his leg to his brain could all be indicative of this condition," warns Dr. Mirkin.

Raising further eyebrows, the 74-year-old New York native recently sold off his cherished six-acre coastal property on Long Island, which led to increased speculation about his health.

An insider confided, "His performances remained incredibly popular. So, it's perplexing for everyone to grasp why he would suddenly terminate his shows, particularly since they were scheduled only once a month."

The sudden shift in Joel's actions is indeed a cause for serious concern among all those close to him.