Sting cancels shows and awards performance on advice of doctor

22 January 2025, 10:07 | Updated: 22 January 2025, 12:37

Sting has cancelled an awards ceremony performance and several shows at short notice this week, on the advice of his doctor.

An announcement on the British singer's Instagram page said the decision had been made "due to illness" but did not include any more details.

Sting, 73, was due to perform at the Bass Magazine Awards in California, where he is set to be honoured with a lifetime achievement award, on Thursday.

He has also postponed shows in Phoenix, Arizona, and Wheatland, California, as well as a performance at a record label's anniversary concert, which were all due to take place later this week.

"On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards this Thursday and postpone his STING 3.0 concerts," the statement said.

The Phoenix show, originally scheduled for 24 January, has been moved to 1 June, while the 26 January Wheatland show has been pushed back to 28 May.

"Fans should retain their tickets for the postponed shows, as they will be honoured on the new dates," the statement said.

"Sting sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding."

The Cherrytree Music Company's 20th anniversary event, also set to feature Shaggy and other artists, will now take place on 29 May.

Sting, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, rose to fame as frontman of The Police in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with hits including Roxanne, Message In A Bottle, Don't Stand So Close To Me, and Every Breath You Take.

His success continued as a solo artist, with three number one albums in the UK chart and three top 10 singles - All For Love (with Bryan Adams and Sir Rod Stewart), When We Dance, and Rise And Fall (with Craig David) - as well as other hits including Englishman In New York, and If I Ever Lose My Faith In You.

In 2022, he became the latest in a list of high-profile artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, who have sold their music rights, announcing that his back catalogue of solo material and songs he wrote for The Police had been acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group.

(c) Sky News 2025: Sting cancels shows and awards performance on advice of doctor