Elvis Costello.Wikipedia
Elvis Costello has had to cancel the rest of his European tour dates to recover from surgery for a “very aggressive” form of cancer.
The singer-songwriter, born Declan Patrick MacManus and whose father is of Irish descent, released a statement on his website apologizing to his fans for canceling the concert dates.
“Six weeks ago my specialist called me and said, 'You should start playing the Lotto'. He had rarely, if ever, seen such a small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy that could be defeated by a single surgery.
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“I was elated and relieved that our European summer tour could go ahead.”
“My Crepe Suzette” - Deliciously Low
— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) July 5, 2018
Elvis Costello & The Imposters - @edinplayhouse “a two and half hour musical masterclass covering the last forty years of one of our greatest songwriters. What more could you want?” @Hifi_Pig https://t.co/OfYWAGagpb pic.twitter.com/x5Hjnr7v7D
Costello initially continued touring after the surgery, but after his June 24 show at the Edinburgh Playhouse, was forced “to now accept that it is going to take longer than I would have wished for me to recover my full strength.”
Show dates have been canceled in Manchester, Pula, Graz, Vienna, Tysnes and Rattvik.
Elvis Costello has been forced to cancel the remaining 6 dates of his current European tour on medical grounds. His doctor has strongly advised him to take a break from his current tour itinerary and rest. Please click here for more information - https://t.co/tEqHUo5l5o
— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) July 6, 2018
He went on to promise “a magnificent new record” with his band, the Imposters, coming in October.
Costello ended his statement with a warning to his fans.
“Take very good care of your loved ones but Gentleman, do talk to you friends - you'll find you are not alone - seek your doctor's advice if you are in doubt or when it is timely and act as swiftly as you may in these matters. It may save your life. Believe me, it is better than playing roulette."