Paul McCartney was forced to cancel both his Tokyo concerts after falling ill with a virus.
McCartney arrived in Japan on Thursday 15 May, even being greeted by a robot, Newman, at the airport. The robot appears in the video for ‘Appreciate’, from the New album.
Hello Tokyo – who is Paul's friend? pic.twitter.com/vQVM4pyHDI
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) May 15, 2014
Tokyo Haneda Airport getting ready! #OutThere pic.twitter.com/WjRYupXzOq
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) May 15, 2014
Paul arriving in Japan! https://t.co/kXKhIdwqjx #OutThere
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) May 15, 2014
Paul being met by a new friend at Tokyo airport earlier today! #OutThere pic.twitter.com/BDecQwTSbg
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) May 15, 2014
The former Beatle was due to perform at Tokyo’s National Olympic Stadium on 17 and 18 May. The first show was initially rescheduled for 19 May, when McCartney released the following statement:
Thank you for such a beautiful and warm welcome to your country.I’ve unfortunately had to postpone tonight’s show in Tokyo.
I came down with a virus on Friday and following a visit from doctors, I’ve been told not to perform tonight.
I am very sorry to all my fans as I was greatly looking forward to the concert, but the situation is out of my hands.
Along with the doctors, I’m doing all I can to ensure I will be better for tomorrow night’s show and the rest of my time in Japan.
We are planning to replay this show on Monday. I really hope you can make it.
Love,
Paul
When McCartney’s condition failed to improve both shows were postponed. MPL released another statement expressing regret:
Tokyo National Stadium shows to be postponed 18th & 19th MayDoctors have ordered Paul complete rest and he has been doing all he can to get better. Paul has only ever had to reschedule a handful of shows in his entire career and is so upset about this situation, he hates to let people down. This morning he told his staff he was going to try and perform tonight against doctors orders, but his team, along with the doctors, wouldn’t allow it. He has been very moved by the fan’s reactions and messages of love and support he has received in Japan.
Paul has instructed his team to look at rescheduling options.
Message from Paul:
“Thank you so much for your kind messages of support. I’m so very touched. Unfortunately my condition has not improved overnight. I was really hoping that I’d be feeling better today. I’m so disappointed and sorry to be letting my fans down.
Love,
Paul”
McCartney is due to perform at the Nippon Budokan on 21 May. The Out There tour continues at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan on 24 May, and at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea on 28 May. The tour then begins its third leg in North America on 14 June.
thanks tokyo – you have been very understanding. we all just want paul to relax and get completely better. time for patience.
— Rusty Anderson (@rustyanderson1) May 18, 2014
https://twitter.com/brianrayguitar/status/467938651100282880