Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FEARS FOR SICK MICK
Jagger, 75, axes US tour to undergo surgery for mystery illness
THE Rolling Stones have postponed their US tour after Mick Jagger was struck down by illness.
Doctors have told the 75-year-old rocker he will need three months off for surgery and recovery. Sir Mick told fans that he was “devastated”.
MICK Jagger was forced to postpone the Rolling Stones US tour yesterday after failing a medical because of a mystery illness.
It’s understood the 75-year old rock legend has been told he needs surgery and will have to take at least three months off.
The illness was flagged up by an insurance medical check-up he had to undergo to cover him on the tour. Jagger took to Twitter to tell fans in the US and Canada the shock news, saying he was “devastated”. He did not say what his illness was.
Apologising for the cancellation of 17 dates, he said: “I really hate letting you down like this.
“I’m devastated for having to postpone the tour, but I will be working very hard to be back on stage as soon as I can.”
A source said: “Mick’s gutted to cancel the tour, but he knows his health is a priority.
“He’s very professional and it’s rare for him to take time off – so everyone is very concerned he makes a full recovery.”
Friends and family have rallied round the star. Jagger’s son Lucas, 19, said: “Love you Dadda. You will (be) back fast!” And Lucas’s mother,
Jagger’s ex-girlfriend Luciana Gimenez, 49, added: “U be ok baby!!” A statement released by the band yesterday said: “Mick has been advised he cannot go on tour at this time, as he needs medical treatment. Doctors have told Mick he is expected to make a complete recovery so he can get back on stage as soon as possible.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes those who have tickets but wish to reassure fans to hold on to existing tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates.” The tour was due to kick off at Miami’s Hard Rock stadium on April 20 and end on April 29.
WORRYING
Fans were left reeling by Jagger’s tweet but sent best wishes to the music legend. “That’s worrying,” one commented. While another said: “Love and prayers to @MickJagger.” The Stones have had to cancel sell-out concerts in the past through ill health including Las Vegas in 2016, when Jagger contracted laryngitis.
Drummer Charlie Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood have both been struck by cancer. Charlie, 77, successfully fought throat cancer in 2004 and in 2017, Ronnie, 71, had a five-hour op to remove part of his lung after a cancerous lesion was found during a medical check-up for a tour.