Sir Tom Jones has revealed he feared his life was "over" after being hospitalised with a severe case of flu. The 86-year-old singer spent a week at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, leading to several concerts being cancelled and rescheduled.
He returned to the stage on Wednesday, November 4, performing at the Greek Theatre, where he spoke to fans about the seriousness of his condition.
Return to the Stage
Discussing his "bad case of the flu," he told the audience: "[I thought] Oh well, this is it, you've had a wonderful life, Tommy, but it's over right now." He praised the medical care he received, adding: "I must say this, in the UCLA, they really did a wonderful job. So I'm here."
He recounted telling the medical staff: "What do you want to do now? I was in there for a week. And I said, 'I've got to get back on the stage'. This is where I belong. I can't live without this, believe me."
Tour Disruption
Last month, after completing 20 of his US shows, he apologised to fans for being unable to perform. Part way through his Come Gather Round Tour, he shared a statement on Instagram, saying he had "unexpectedly been hit with a bad case of the flu" and that his doctors advised him not to perform.
He wrote: "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. Following doctor's advice, I unfortunately have to reschedule tonight's show in Los Angeles and tomorrow's show in San Diego." He confirmed the shows would be rescheduled to November 3 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego and November 4 at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
Departure from The Voice
His rescheduled tour dates came weeks after the Treforest-born singer was removed from the judges panel on ITV's The Voice. He confirmed the decision was not his after it was revealed he was leaving the show after 13 years.
He told fans: "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision - obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently." He added: "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."
