Ringo Starr, 84, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has canceled the remaining leg of his U.S. tour after falling ill.
The musician was forced to miss his concert in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening and has subsequently scrapped his upcoming performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, slated for Wednesday night, September 25.
His Instagram account provided an update from his entourage to let fans know, and the statement read:
"Today Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band announced that unfortunately they have to cancel their upcoming last two shows including tonight’s performance at TD Pavilion at The Mann in Philadelphia, PA and tomorrow at Radio City Music Hall in New York City due to illness. Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest."
Fans were gutted to learn the announcement, and many expressed their grievances. However, they were also concerned about his health and wellbeing, noting that that's all that matters.
"I’m sad we don’t get to see him tonight, but first and foremost, we just want him to be healthy and happy! Get well soon, Ringo!" one fan exclaimed.
While others echoed the well wishes, some still felt the announcement was unfair.
"Im gonna cry. 4 hours before the show is diabolical," one user noted.
"So sad! Wishes for a speedy recovery Ringo. We are sitting in Philly and were so excited for tonight and we had tickets tomorrow too for Radio City. But, your health is the most important thing!!! Feel better soon. Missed your music tonight and tomorrow…but see you and the lads on your next run!" another user shared.
"PLEASE reschedule I’m not waiting another bazillion years for another tour," another user begged.
Almost all of his fans were chanting the same well-wishes and begging for the show to be rescheduled.
"Oh no! Feel better soon Ringo," someone wished.
"Get well soon Ringo. I’m sad that I won’t be seeing you tonight but hope you play a show around here next time," someone else said.
"Get well soon R kid," a third user wished him.
Fans can rest assured knowing that all who purchased tickets to his show will get their refund, the press release promised. They can contact their ticket point of purchase for the same.
Ringo Starr says he has one rule for his band, and it's "not to be miserable"
The musician and his band, All Starr, hit the road for his tour on September 7. They traversed across the States, and the drummer's last show was September 22 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Ringo Starr reflected on how he feels while touring, telling Billboard in October 2023,
“We love it. I know the audience loves me. And I love them. And the band has only one rule: We’re not there to be miserable. And I’ll support you to the best of my ability and I expect the same from you. We do it for each other.”
He also reflected on his EP, Rewind Forward, which spans four tracks.
“It’s all about going forward. It’s just the fact that sometimes we all get stuck and have to fight your way out. Oh, I’ve been stuck many times!”
Ringo celebrated his 84th birthday in July, around when he told Fox News that he felt "fit as a fiddle and doing good."
At the time, he spent his day in Beverly Hills alongside some of his friends, including rock star Joe Walsh, comedian-turned-actor Fred Armisen, and musician Diane Warren.