George Michael Being Treated for Pneumonia, Postpones Tour
George Michael, the former frontman for Wham! who is known for such songs as “Careless Whisper” and “Faith,” is being treated for severe pneumonia and has postponed the remainder of his European tour.
The British singer’s spokeswoman released a statement on Friday, announcing the postponement of the rest of his Symphonica tour, as well as denying reports that he was suffering from serious heart problems.
The statement indicated the following: “George Michael is ill with pneumonia and any other speculation regarding his illness is unfounded and untrue… He is receiving excellent medical care; he is responding to treatment and slowly improving.”
George Michael is said to be in a hospital in Vienna.
The postponement of the tour was made upon the suggestion of the singer’s doctors, Christoph Zielinski and Thomas Staudinger. The two doctors released the following joint statement: “George Michael has severe community acquired pneumonia and is being treated as an inpatient. His condition has stabilized and he is responding to treatment… From the current point of view, the time until recovery cannot be estimated, but he will not be able to perform the rest of the tour. Besides medical treatment, complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory.”
Ticket holders of George Michael’s Symphonica European tour, however, were asked to retain their tickets and wait for further announcements regarding the re-scheduling of the performances.
Among the performances that were called off were three scheduled for this month, and 11 scheduled for December.
