Pneumonia scare forces George Michael to delay tour

GEORGE Michael has been forced to postpone a tour of 14 concerts – including two in Glasgow – after coming down with pneumonia, his agent said.

The singer was due to start a three-week UK tour tonight in Cardiff, but has had to pull out.

His two scheduled performances at Glasgow’s SECC arena, on 6 and 7 December, have also been delayed.

A spokesman for the singer said that reports in the international press over any other illnesses suffered by Michael were “unfounded”.

He was taken to hospital on Monday after doctors were called to his suite in the Hotel Imperial in Vienna, Austria.

Professor Christoph Zielinski, of the Medical University of Vienna, said: “George Michael has severe community-acquired pneumonia and is being treated as an inpatient. His condition has stabilised and he is responding to treatment.

“The time until recovery cannot be estimated, but he will not be able to perform the rest of the tour. Complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory.”

Arrangements are being made to reschedule the tour dates, and Michael’s agent said further announcements will be made in due course.

Meantime, ticket holders are asked to retain their tickets.