Ringo Starr Shares Health Update With Fans as He Cancels Remaining Concert Tour Dates
Ringo Starr has cancelled the remaining shows of his fall tour, sharing an unexpected health update with fans just hours before he was set to take the stage in Philadelphia last night, Sept. 24.
The former Beatle, 84, posted the unfortunate news on Instagram shortly before fans were set to start filing into the TD Pavilion at The Mann, with the press release-style statement reading, "Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest."
The Wednesday, Sept. 25 show at New York City's Radio City Music Hall has also been cancelled.
The notice added that original ticketholders would be alerted by email with an automatic refund. Others should contact their point of purchase.
"As always, Ringo and the All Starrs send peace and love to their fans and hope to see them soon," the post concluded.
Most fans were incredibly understanding of the sudden change of plans, with one admitting, "I was really looking forward [to] tonight’s show. 😢," before adding, "But I hope Ringo has a quick recovery!"
"I’m so disappointed but your health comes first," another wrote. "Will always love you."
"I’m sad we don’t get to see him tonight, but first and foremost, we just want him to be healthy and happy! Get well soon, Ringo! ☮️❤️," a third agreed.
Some, however, felt the timing was "diabolical."
"Im gonna cry. 4 hours before the show is diabolical 😕😕," one comment read.
Starr is the latest in a rash of show cancellations, although the latest have mostly been the result of extenuating circumstances versus the performers' health.
Chappell Roan faced backlash after the up-and-coming pop star cancelled and postponed a series of European concerts to accommodate her performance at this year's VMAs, while Jelly Roll faced similar complaints after rescheduling a show in order to perform on SNL's season premiere this Saturday, Sept. 28.
Jane's Addiction also scrapped their entire tour after frontman Perry Farrell got in a fight with guitarist Dave Navarro on stage. There's no official word on how Farrell's health may have played into the altercation, though the other bandmembers wrote, "We hope that he will find the help he needs" after announcing the cancellations.
Earlier this summer, fans were also left concerned for Willie Nelson after the 91-year-old missed a series of scheduled performances, but their fears were assuaged after he returned to the stage in July.
Next: Ringo Starr, 83, Recovers Smoothly After Falling On Stage During Concert