SIR TOM JONES, 86, FORCED TO POSTPONE MORE U.S. CONCERTS ON DOCTOR’S ORDERS — SINGER REVEALS HE IS BATTLING A BAD CASE OF THE FLU
The legendary Welsh singer has now postponed several performances during his American tour, apologizing to fans as doctors advise him to take additional time to rest.
Music legend Sir Tom Jones has been forced to postpone several upcoming U.S. concert dates after unexpectedly falling ill, leaving fans concerned about the 86-year-old singer’s health.
The legendary performer, best known for hits including “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah” and “What’s New Pussycat?”, announced the initial schedule changes on October 26, explaining that he had developed what he described as a “bad case of the flu.”
The announcement came just hours before he was due to perform at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
In a message shared with fans on social media, Jones explained that he had recently completed 20 performances across the United States and had been enjoying singing for audiences before becoming unexpectedly unwell.
“Following doctor’s advice, I unfortunately have to reschedule tonight’s show in Los Angeles and tomorrow’s show in San Diego,” he wrote.
He also apologized to concertgoers who had been looking forward to seeing him perform.
“I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience caused. I look forward to seeing you all soon,” the singer added.
MORE CONCERTS POSTPONED AS DOCTORS RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL REST
Initially, two performances were affected.
His San Diego concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, originally scheduled for October 27, was moved to November 3.
His Los Angeles performance at the Greek Theatre was rescheduled for November 4.
However, the situation developed further as the week progressed.
On October 29, Jones announced that another performance at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland, California, would also need to be postponed.
In a separate message, he explained that his doctor had advised him to take another day of rest. The Highland performance was moved to November 6.
Then, on October 31, further changes were reported involving his scheduled appearances in Sacramento and San Francisco.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, his October 31 performance at Hard Rock Live Sacramento and his November 1 concert at The Masonic in San Francisco were postponed following additional medical advice.
New dates for those two performances had not yet been announced.
The latest developments mean that several dates on the American leg of his Come Gather Round World Tour have been affected.
WHAT HAS TOM JONES SAID ABOUT HIS HEALTH?
So far, Jones has publicly described his illness as a bad case of the flu.
He has not announced any additional diagnosis, and there has been no official statement confirming a more serious medical condition.
The singer’s decision to follow medical advice and postpone performances reflects the importance of allowing himself time to recover rather than continuing to perform while unwell.
His latest messages have focused on apologizing to fans and thanking audiences for their understanding.
Tickets for the rescheduled Los Angeles, San Diego and Highland performances are expected to remain valid for the new dates. Fans who cannot attend have been advised to contact their original ticket provider regarding refunds.
For the Sacramento and San Francisco performances, further information about replacement dates is still awaited.
A CAREER THAT HAS SPANNED MORE THAN SIX DECADES
Born in Pontypridd, Wales, in 1940, Tom Jones rose to international fame during the 1960s.
His powerful voice and energetic performances helped establish him as one of the most recognizable singers of his generation.
His best-known songs include “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?”, “Green, Green Grass of Home,” “She’s a Lady” and “Delilah.”
Over the decades, he has sold millions of records, performed for audiences around the world and received numerous music awards.
In 2006, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music, becoming Sir Tom Jones.
He has also remained a familiar face on television, including his long-running role as a coach on ITV’s singing competition The Voice UK.
Even in his eighties, Jones has continued touring internationally and performing for generations of fans.
FANS HOPE TO SEE THE LEGEND BACK ON STAGE
The postponements have prompted messages of support from fans, many of whom have wished the singer a speedy recovery and encouraged him to take the time he needs.
For audiences who had been preparing to attend his concerts, the changes are disappointing. However, the priority remains his recovery.
At this stage, Jones has not announced that he is ending his tour or retiring from performing.
Instead, his immediate schedule is being adjusted as he follows medical advice.
After more than six decades in the music industry, the legendary singer continues to have a devoted international audience.
Fans will now be hoping that some additional rest will help him recover and return to the stage when he is well enough to perform.