Tom Jones, 86, issues urgent last-minute statement: 'Truly sorry'

Sir Tom Jones, 86, issued an urgent statement just hours before he was meant to take to the stage in Los Angeles on Monday. 

The legendary singer was forced to reschedule two performances in Los Angeles and San Diego on his Come Gather Round world tour due to illness. In a personal message posted to his Instagram on 26 October, Tom explained he was suffering a "bad case of the flu". 

"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 explained: "Following doctor's advice, I unfortunately have to reschedule tonight's show in Los Angeles and tomorrow's show in San Diego."

Tom shared the shows would be rescheduled for early next month on 3 and 4 November, respectively.

"I'm truly sorry for any inconvenience caused. I look forward to seeing you all soon."

Sir Tom Jones' health journey

The singer has been candid about his health in the past, from his weight to having both his hips replaced. 

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Tom previously opened up about his health journey with his hips prior to the right replacement. "I do four songs, sit down, and say, look, normally I would get up after this, but tonight just on the stool just to take the weight off this leg. And I found that I could sing easier sitting than standing," he said. 

End of an era on The Voice

In September, Tom spoke out publicly after claiming he was "fired" from The Voice, which he has been a judge on since it premiered in 2012.

"We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series," a spokesperson for the show said, confirming Tom's exit. 

Tom then wrote on social media: "The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. They now say in the press they wanted to 'refresh' the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn't be a chair for me."

"They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I'm not thrilled about that. So the only thing I know right now is that there's never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who's still pretty good at his job."