Sir Tom Jones has revealed that he thought he was going to die after being rushed to hospital with pneumonia last week. The 86-year-old singer returned to the stage at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, after being forced to postpone a show because of illness.
Sir Tom told the audience he initially thought he had flu, but his condition worsened until he was struggling to breathe and paramedics had to be called.
Intensive Care Stay
'I thought this was it, you had a wonderful life Tommy but it's over now,' he said, according to The New York Post. The singer was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where he spent two days in intensive care.
'And then they had to get the paramedics in, and I was like I can't breathe,' he told fans. He praised hospital staff for their treatment, adding: 'UCLA did a wonderful job, so I'm here.'
Return to the Stage
After spending a week in hospital, Sir Tom said doctors asked him what he wanted to do next. 'I have to get back on the stage, that's where I belong,' he replied, prompting cheers from the crowd.
The Welsh music legend then reflected on his first performance at the Greek Theatre in 1969 before launching into his first number one hit, It's Not Unusual. 'This song really changed my life,' he continued.
Tour Continues
His original Los Angeles concert had been scheduled for October 26, but was postponed after he announced he had been struck down with a bad case of flu. In a statement at the time, Sir Tom said he had enjoyed completing 20 shows and performing for audiences across the US, but had been unexpectedly taken ill.
He returned to a sold-out crowd on Wednesday, performing some of his biggest hits, including Sex Bomb, She's a Lady and Delilah. Sir Tom is currently on his Come Gather Round tour, which began in England in June before the North American leg launched on September 18 in Highland Park, Illinois. He is due to perform at Yaamava Resort and Casino in Highland, California, on Friday.
