George Michael has responded well to pneumonia treatment and is now recuperating at a private house in Vienna, according to the UK's Daily Mail. The singer, 48, was forced to cancel a string of dates on his Symphonica tour after falling ill, including concerts in Strasbourg and Cardiff.
A statement on Wednesday afternoon (23 November, 2011) read, "The singer recently postponed tour dates in Vienna and Strasbourg under doctor' s orders after being diagnosed with pneumonia and he is currently receiving treatment". It has since been reported that George's treatment was successful and that he is being cared for by medical staff in a private residence. Friends of the former Wham! star dismissed claims in the Austrian media that he was also suffering from heart problems, with an insider saying, "He got ill, it's very cold in that part of Europe, and then he got pneumonia. He's responding well to treatment, very good. But he has to rest. He's got to let this illness run its course". The singer has been a prolific 'tweeter' in recent months, but strangely hasn't used the micro-blogging website since November 17. His concert promoter Manfred Leodolter said yesterday, "Doctors have warned him for the moment against flying and he is getting rest in Vienna".
The Symphonica tour has seen George performing with a 41-piece orchestra - reviews of the shows have been overwhelmingly positive, with the UK's Guardian newspaper writing, "Michael constructs an upbeat climax to the set with a soulful roustabout through Nina Simone's celebratory anthem Feeling Good.His five-minute standing ovation is entirely deserved".