British singer George Michael has been forced to postpone a series of concerts on his Symphonica tour after falling ill with pneumonia. Planned shows in Vienna and Strasbourg were called off earlier this week, but two scheduled concerts in Cardiff this weekend have now also been postponed.
According to a statement on the 48-year-old's website, the former Wham! singer is suffering from pneumonia, it read, "With great regret, George Michael has been forced to postpone his November 26 and 27 shows in Cardiff, Wales, due to his on-going illness.George was recently forced to postpone tour dates in Vienna and Strasbourg under doctor's orders after being diagnosed with pneumonia. He is currently receiving treatment". The statement also announced that an earlier cancellation, at London's Royal Albert Hall on October 26 would be rescheduled for May 2, 2012. The singer was hospitalized in Vienna, Austria, earlier this week and according to the UK's Daily Mail, his concert promoter Manfred Leodolter told the Austrian press, "George Michael is still in Vienna. 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 in front of a giant red Led wall. Reviews of the shows have been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics suggesting he looks a performer back to his best.