Elvis Costello cancels tour after surgery to remove "small, but very aggressive" cancer
Elvis Costello is apologizing to fans after canceling the remaining dates on his European tour, following surgery to remove what the singer-songwriter calls a “very aggressive cancerous malignancy.” It’s not as bad as it sounds, though, as Costello says in a statement on his website,“six weeks ago my specialist called me … 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.”
Costello says that his doctor ordered him to take three to four weeks off, and that he attempted to keep playing after the surgery “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.” He apologizes to fans who had already bought tickets to the six canceled shows in the U.K., Croatia, Austria, Norway, and Sweden, but he’d rather cancel than play a show that’s “compromised and eventually puts my health at risk.” All in all, though, he sounds optimistic.
Hidden in the statement is another bit of news: Amid thanking his Imposters bandmates for their support, Costello says that they recently finished a “magnificent” new album that’ll be out in October—Costello’s first since 2013's Wise Up Ghost—followed by a North American tour in November, provided Costello’s doctor gives him the all-clear. He concludes by asking men specifically to take care of their health, writing:
Take very good care of your loved ones but Gentleman, do talk to you[r] 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.
Previously scheduled North American tour dates for Elvis Costello & The Imposters are below.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters Fall 2018
11/2— The Sands Bethlehem Events Center—Bethlehem, PA
11/4—Dar Constitution Hall—Washington, DC
11/6—Paramount Theatre—Asbury Park, NJ
11/17—Turning Stone Resort & Casino—Verona, NY
11/9—Toyota Presents The Oakdale Theatre—Wallingford, CT
11/10—Boch Center Wang Theatre—Boston, MA
11/11—Shea’s Performing Arts Center—Buffalo, NY
11/13—The Fillmore—Detroit, MI
11/15—Northrop Auditorium—Minneapolis, MN
11/17—Monroe Live—Grand Rapids, MI
11/19—Orpheum Theatre—Memphis, TN
11/21—Peabody Opera House—St. Louis, MO
11/23—Winstar World Casino—Thackerville, OK
11/25—Fillmore Auditorium—Denver, CO
11/27—Comerica Theatre—Phoenix, AZ
11/28—House Of Blues—Anaheim, CA
11/29—The Wiltern—Los Angeles, CA
12/1—The Masonic—San Francisco, CA
12/3—Paramount Theatre—Seattle, WA
12/4—Queen Elizabeth Theatre—Vancouver, BC