Sir Tom Jones has denied collapsing prior to his latest show in Budapest on Tuesday evening, insisting the cancellation was prompted by a viral infection.
The legendary singer, 82, was taken ill ahead of the latest European date on his Surrounded by Time tour and doctors’ reportedly told him to cancel the show.
But he has since refuted claims of a reported collapse at the Hungarian capital’s MVM Dome, with the rescheduling of his latest Surrounded by Time tour date caused by “viral laryngitis”.
Speaking out: Sir Tom Jones has denied collapsing prior to his latest show in Budapest on Tuesday evening, insisting the cancellation was prompted by a viral infection
He told Instagram followers: ‘Hello to all concerned. I travelled last night from the UK to Budapest and woke this morning with an uncomfortable throat.
‘A specialist came to visit and diagnosed “viral laryngitis.” He strongly advised postponing this evening’s show and prescribed medication and vocal rest.’
He added: ‘I did not “collapse” anywhere at any time, that is pure rumour. Hopefully the inflammation will calm soon as I am looking forward to continuing my wonderful summer tour.
‘Unfortunately the show had to be cancelled at the last minute, and for that I am very sorry. However, the show in Budapest has been rescheduled and will take place on August 16. Thanks again for all your kind concern.’
Busy: On Friday, Sir Tom took to the stage at Henley Festival and then went on to perform in Norfolk and Halifax over the weekend, before heading to Budapest as part of his tour
The Welsh star was originally thought to have collapsed ahead of the show as he makes his way across the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
A source told MailOnline: ‘Tom Jones collapsed, so his concert was cancelled tonight and doctors were called to the stadium. His management has set August 16th as the new date for the concert.’
The source said he collapsed around an hour before he was due to perform, but hoped he would be able to continue with the concert.
But after private doctors’ orders, Sir Tom was forced to cancel the gig just minutes before he was due to take to the stage, according to stagehand Péter Kovács.
A message from the venue translated to English added: ‘Unfortunately following doctors’ advice, Tom Jones regrets he is unable to perform at the MVM Dome this evening.
‘The show will be rescheduled to Tuesday 16th August 2022. All tickets will remain valid for the revised date.’
‘Sir Tom sends his sincere apologies for the inconvenience created but looks forward to performing for you in August.’
According to local news reports, the National Ambulance Service said it was not called to the venue.
A spokesperson for the Surrounded by Time tour reportedly confirmed to Hungarian news outlet Index that Tom had been taken ill.
Sir Tom’s website is showing a new tour date at the MVM Dome in Budapest scheduled in for August 16.
MailOnline has contacted Tom’s representatives for comment.
Cancelled: But the legendary singer (pictured in Vienna on July 3), 82, was taken ill ahead of the latest date on his Surrounded by Time tour, resulting in him having to cancel the show
Sir Tom’s concert at the MVM Dome in Budapest replaced the originally advertised Kiyev stop on his Surrounded by Time tour, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
On Friday, Sir Tom had taken to the stage at Henley Festival before performing in Norfolk and Halifax over the weekend, and then he headed to Budapest as part of his Surrounded By Time tour.
After performing in Amsterdam last Wednesday, Sir Tom took to Instagram to say he had experienced an ‘electric night’ on stage at the Ziggo Dome.
Sir Tom has been jetting around the world for his much-anticipated Surrounded By Time tour and has been sharing regular snaps of his travels and shows on Instagram.
His ongoing European and US tour features more than 50 dates and the singer is due to perform in cities across Germany, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and Belgium over the coming weeks.
Illness: After private doctors’ orders, Sir Tom (pictured in March 2021) was forced to cancel the gig just minutes before he was due to take to the stage, according to a stagehand
In August, Sir Tom is due to return to the UK for more tour dates, including performances in Edinburgh and Essex before jetting out to the United States.
He is planning to visit states including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut before heading to Canada to perform in Toronto, Montreal and Windsor.
Sir Tom’s 55-date tour is then set to return to America for further shows before coming to a close on October 12, with a final performance in San Francisco.
Announcing new dates of his tour on Instagram in April, Sir Tom wrote: ‘Really looking forward to hitting the road across UK/Europe this summer!
Performances: His European and US tour features more than 50 dates and the singer is due to perform in cities across Germany, Croatia, Italy, Norway and Belgium over the coming weeks
‘It’s always a joy performing with my great band and seeing you all and the fun you have at the shows.
‘Tickets are now on sale. Which one will you be coming along too? See you soon x.’
In 2017, Sir Tom was forced to postpone a 21-date US tour until the following year after doctors’ orders.
He had been due to kick off his latest run of live concerts with a show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on September 6, 2017, and continue on the road through to October 7 the same year with a final gig in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Tour: In August, Sir Tom is due to return to the UK for more tour dates, including performances in Edinburgh and Essex before jetting out to the United States
But in a statement to fans at the time, the singer said all US tour dates had been postponed until 2018.
His rep announced at the time: ‘Following medical advice, Sir Tom Jones has announced that he will unfortunately be postponing his US tour, which was due to commence in Bethlehem, PA on Wednesday 6th September.
‘Dates are being re-scheduled for May and June 2018 and all tickets will remain valid for the new dates, details of which, will follow as soon as possible.
‘Tom sends his sincere apologies to his fans and looks forward to seeing them all again in 2018.’
Health: In 2017, Sir Tom (pictured in May 2019) was forced to postpone his 21-date US tour until the following year after doctors’ orders
Source: | Dailymail.co.uk