Boy George has had to cancel his upcoming Culture Club reunion tour.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Boy George, whose real name is George Alan O’Dowd, had to pull the plug on the tour, which was set to begin in Rancho Mirage, California on Saturday, after doctors found a polyp on his throat that may have to be surgically removed.
Boy George said he is devastated by the news, but wants to be able to perform at the best of his ability. “I want to be able to perform to the best of my ability and the specialist has told me that right now that will be impossible,” he explained. “I will focus on getting better and see all my fans soon.”
George also released a statement to his fans via Facebook. “I have been having trouble with my voice on and off for a few months and my manager suggested that I see a top throat doctor in Los Angeles,” he wrote. “I have been advised by doctors that to continue singing with this polyp would further damage my voice and could cause irreparable damage. It’s a risk I just cannot take.”
“To say I’m devastated barely touches how I feel,” he added. “I know that those of you who love and support me will understand that this is a decision I just had to make. I will definitely get better and see you all soon back on tour.”
The reunion would have been the first time that Culture Club had gone on tour together in 14 years. They plan to release their first album since 1999 next year titled Tribes.
Boy George cancels Culture Club reunion tour: http://t.co/7foDJWQJsk pic.twitter.com/5zyU8agxxT
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 14, 2014