Sir Tom Jones has cancelled a performance just hours before it was set to begin due to illness, causing an outpouring of concern and support from fans.
The 85-year-old It’s Not Unusual singer told fans he knew the news was ‘very disappointing.’
In a statement, he said: ‘Hello to all the fans in Bremen. Unfortunately, I must postpone my show this evening, as I’ve contracted an upper respiratory infection that needs treatment and rest.
‘I know this is really disappointing and will cause inconvenience to you all, and I’m very sorry about that. But the show will now go ahead on Monday 28th July, so I look forward to seeing you then. All tickets will remain valid for the re-scheduled date.’
The scheduled show was a part of Sir Tom’s Defy Explanation tour, which kicked off in June and is set to run until the end of August with dates across the UK and Europe.
Taking to the open-air stage at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Saturday, the legendary singer joked: ‘Is my voice still working? Yes? So as long as it’s here, I’m here.’
Fans were quick to offer their well wishes to Sir Tom after the cancellation was announced, with X user @lisapinckard1 writing: ‘Take care, stay safe and rest up your health comes first!’
@AlisonBrudenel4 chimed in: ‘Get well soon Sir Tom. I’m praying 🙏 you make a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself, get plenty of rest. God bless you xx❤️’
@Dihaggis agreed: ‘Take care of that voice and get well soon ❤️🎶🎶👏👏’
Sir Tom is known by many as a beloved coach on The Voice, but has also continued to tour relentlessly in recent years with no sign of stopping.
He has previously admitted he has less control over his voice than he used to, telling Yours magazine in a 2024 interview: ‘I can still sing. All you have got to do is push it harder … and I can still do that.’
‘My voice is lower now,’ the star continued. ‘As we get older, our voices drop, and we get more character in them. The older you get, the less control you have over your vocal cords.
‘Being older, I feel I’ve got a point to prove. I can still sing and I can prove it, so here it is.’
Last year, Sir Tom told Metro the only way he would retire would be if he completely lost his voice.
‘I wouldn’t like to shortchange an audience,’ Sir Tom said at the time. ‘Being old, you can’t do what you used to do.
‘I mean, I can’t walk around like I used to but I wouldn’t want to now. When you’re young you’re full of p*** and vinegar and you’re giving it plenty. Now I concentrate more on singing than I do anything else.’
This isn’t the first time Sir Tom has faced health issues in recent years, receiving a second hip operation in late 2022, which caused him to need the assistance of a walking stick as he recovered.
Rising to fame in the 1960s with hits like It’s Not Unusual, What’s New Pussycat?, and Delilah, Sir Tom has enjoyed a decades-long career in which he’s sold well over 100 million records worldwide.
His early talent earned him a Grammy for Best New Artist (1966), and he was knighted in 2006 for services to music.
He also plays a major role on The Voice UK, serving as a coach since 2012 (with brief breaks). As a mentor, he’s guided winners in the first season and later in 2018 and 2022.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.