Tom Jones forced to postpone concerts after being struck down by ‘bad case of flu’

Sir Tom Jones has been forced to postpone two major concerts after being struck down with a “bad case of the flu”.

The 86-year-old Welsh music legend apologised to fans after doctors advised him not to perform shows in Los Angeles and San Diego as he battles the illness.

Sir Tom had already completed 20 concerts across the US as part of his Come Gather Round tour when he fell ill.

“I’ve had a great time these last few weeks, completing 20 shows and singing for wonderful audiences across the USA, but unexpectedly I’ve been hit with a bad case of the flu,” he told fans.

“Following doctor’s advice, I unfortunately have to reschedule tonight’s show in Los Angeles and tomorrow’s show in San Diego.”

The announcement came just hours before the It’s Not Unusual singer had been due to take to the stage at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

His San Diego concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has now been moved to Tuesday, November 3, while the Los Angeles show will take place on Wednesday, November 4.

“I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience caused. I look forward to seeing you all soon,” Sir Tom said.

Tickets bought for the original concerts will remain valid. Fans who cannot make the new dates have been told to contact their original point of purchase for a refund.

The postponements mean Sir Tom’s lengthy North American tour will now finish in Los Angeles on November 4, rather than with its previously planned San Francisco finale on November 1.

There has been no announcement that any other concerts are affected.

The health setback comes after a turbulent few weeks for the veteran star, who recently hit out at ITV after learning he would no longer be a full-time coach on The Voice UK.

Sir Tom insisted he had not chosen to walk away from the programme, declaring: “I did not want to leave The Voice.”

He said ITV had made the decision and claimed he had effectively been “fired”, adding: “There’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”

ITV said at the time that it had “loved working” with Sir Tom and was continuing discussions with him about possible involvement in the next series.

Sir Tom has been an on-off coach on The Voice since the programme launched in 2012.

His music career stretches back more than six decades and includes huge hits such as It’s Not Unusual, Delilah, What’s New Pussycat? and She’s A Lady.

He has scored three UK number one singles and four number one albums and was knighted in 2006 for services to music.