Elvis Costello cancels tour to recover from surgery

In May the British musician underwent surgery to remove what his doctor described as "a small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy," which was hoped to be defeated after one operation.

Costello's statement goes on to detail his rest period of three to four weeks, and his excitement to be able to embark on his UK/EU tour.

"It was impossible to judge how this advisory would line up with the demands on a traveling musician, playing 90-minute to two-hour plus performances on a nightly basis but by the time we reached the Edinburgh Playhouse, I was almost fooled into thinking that normal service had been resumed."

Despite the desire to push on with his tour that only has six dates left, Costello has had to put his health first ahead of his Manchester show tonight (6 July), "I would rather disappoint our friends there by not appearing than in pressing on with a show that is compromised and eventually puts my health at risk."

Without actually detailing what form of cancer the musician has, he pleaded for "gentlemen" to seek help if in doubt, stating, "it is better than playing roulette."