Elvis Costello: I’m fighting a very aggressive cancer
ELVIS Costello has revealed he is battling a ‘very aggressive’ cancer that has forced him to cancel the rest of his European tour.
The 63-year- old singer- songwriter sparked concern among fans last month after axing performances in Southend and Plymouth.
He underwent surgery in May but said yesterday that, despite returning to his tour, he needs further rest to fully recover.
Costello, whose real name is Declan MacManus, said in a statement on his website: ‘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.
‘I was elated and relieved that our European summer tour could go ahead.
‘Post- surgical guidelines for such surgery recommend three to four weeks’ recovery.
‘It was impossible to judge how this advisory would line up with the demands on a travelling musician, playing 90minute to two-hour plus performances on a nightly basis.’
Thanking friends and fans for their support, the British star – whose hits include Oliver’s Army and Alison – added: ‘The spirit has been more than willing, but I have to now accept that it is going to take longer than I would have wished for me to recover my full strength.
‘Therefore, I must reluctantly cancel all the remaining engagements of this tour.’ Costello apologised to ticket holders for last night’s cancelled show in Manchester and remaining dates in Croatia, Austria, Norway and Sweden later this month, but added: ‘I would rather disappoint our friends there by not appearing than in pressing on with a show that is compromised and eventually puts my health at risk.’
He has collaborated with the likes of Paul McCartney and Burt Bacharach and received an Oscar nomination for writing The Scarlet Tide from the 2003 movie Cold Mountain. Ending his statement with ‘more optimistic news’, Costello – who is married to jazz singer Diana Krall, 53, with whom he has twins, announced he and his band The Imposters had recorded a ‘ magnificent new record’ which will be released in October.
He assured fans: ‘ We will return at the soonest opportunity to play that music and your favourite songs that still make sense to us all.’
The website said that ticketholders should go to their point of purchase for a refund.