Tom Jones forced to reschedule tour dates after bad flu
Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones has apologised to fans after announcing that two scheduled US performances would be moved on medical advice following a bout of influenza.
Tom Jones announces changes to US tour schedule
Sir Tom Jones has told fans that two dates on the US leg of his Come Gather Round Tour have been rescheduled after he became unwell with flu symptoms. In a message shared with concert-goers, the singer said he had followed medical advice not to perform while recovering.
The affected appearances were originally due to take place in Los Angeles and San Diego. According to the announcement included in the original report, the San Diego concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park was moved to Tuesday, November 3, while the Los Angeles concert at the Greek Theatre was moved to Wednesday, November 4.
Jones expressed regret for the disruption caused to people who had arranged travel, accommodation and other plans around the original dates. He also thanked audiences across the United States, saying he had enjoyed performing during the tour before falling ill.
Concert scheduling can involve many people beyond the artist, including musicians, technical crews, venue teams, promoters and local suppliers. A change at short notice can therefore be disappointing for fans and challenging for organisers. However, postponing a performance when a singer is unwell is a practical decision intended to protect the performer’s recovery and support a safe, high-quality event when the show can go ahead.
What fans need to know about rescheduled Tom Jones tickets
Fans holding tickets for the original Los Angeles and San Diego dates were advised that their tickets would remain valid for the replacement performances. This is a common approach for a rescheduled concert: the existing ticket is usually honoured for the new date without the ticket holder needing to take action.
People who cannot attend on the revised date should contact the original point of purchase. The relevant ticket seller or authorised box office can confirm the applicable refund window, eligibility requirements and process. Ticket holders should retain their order confirmation, reference number and the payment card or account used when buying the tickets, as these details may be needed to make a request.
Consumers should be cautious about buying replacement tickets from unverified social-media accounts or unauthorised resale sites. The safest option is normally to use the venue’s official website, the promoter’s published ticketing partner or the original seller listed on the purchase confirmation. Policies can differ between venues and events, so the information sent directly to customers remains the most reliable guide.
Why artists may be advised not to perform with flu
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches. The severity of illness varies, but flu can leave people feeling significantly depleted for days or longer.
For a touring vocalist, recovery is especially important. Singing at concert level requires physical stamina, consistent breath control and a healthy voice. Performing through an acute respiratory illness can be difficult and may prolong recovery. Medical advice is individual, but public-health guidance consistently emphasises rest, limiting contact with others while ill and seeking medical care when symptoms are severe or concerning.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that flu can be serious, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with certain chronic medical conditions. The World Health Organization also stresses the value of prevention measures, including vaccination where recommended, hand hygiene and staying away from others when ill to reduce transmission.
Touring also involves regular travel and close contact with large numbers of people. Taking time away from the stage can help an artist focus on recovery while reducing the possibility of passing a contagious illness to band members, crew, venue staff or audience members. For fans, a postponement is understandably inconvenient, but it may be preferable to a cancellation or a performance that an artist is not well enough to deliver.
A career built on live performance
Tom Jones is one of Wales’s best-known international recording artists and has maintained a major live presence across several decades. Born Thomas Woodward in Treforest, he became widely recognised during the 1960s through recordings including “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah” and “Green, Green Grass of Home.” His work has moved across pop, soul, R&B, country and blues-influenced styles.
His long career has made him a familiar figure to audiences in the United Kingdom, the United States and many other countries. Live performance has remained central to his public profile, with tours bringing together listeners who have followed his music for years and younger audiences encountering his catalogue through television, streaming and contemporary collaborations.
Jones was knighted in 2006 for services to music. His continued touring has often drawn attention because it reflects the endurance required of a working performer with an extensive back catalogue and demanding travel schedule. Rescheduling dates due to illness does not diminish that record; rather, it underlines the importance of treating health concerns responsibly.
The importance of clear communication after a concert postponement
When an event changes at short notice, timely updates are important. Fans generally need clear answers to several practical questions: whether the show has been postponed or cancelled, the exact replacement date, whether tickets remain valid, whether refunds are available and where official updates will be posted.
Artists and promoters commonly use official social-media accounts, venue websites, mailing lists and ticketing platforms to share these details. Customers should check more than one official channel if they are uncertain, particularly if they have received a message that appears unusual or asks them to provide financial information. Genuine ticketing providers do not normally require fans to send payment details through informal direct messages.
People travelling from outside the area may also need to contact airlines, hotels or transport providers. Any reimbursement for travel or accommodation depends on the booking terms and any insurance held by the traveller; it is separate from the event ticket refund process. Keeping documentation and contacting providers promptly can help customers understand their available options.
Remaining California dates and official updates
The original report stated that the remaining California performances on the tour schedule had not been changed at the time of the announcement. As schedules can be amended, fans should verify the latest information directly with the relevant venue, official ticketing provider and Tom Jones’s verified channels before travelling.
The revised dates reported for the two affected concerts are:
- The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego: Tuesday, November 3
- The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles: Wednesday, November 4
These details should be checked against the latest official event notice. Ticket holders who are unable to attend the new date should contact the original seller rather than a third party to ask about refunds or exchanges.

Respecting performers’ health and fans’ plans
A postponed show is rarely welcome news for audiences who have been looking forward to a concert. Many people make personal arrangements well in advance, and some travel considerable distances to see an artist perform. An apology and a prompt replacement date can therefore make a meaningful difference.
At the same time, a decision to rest after medical advice reflects a sensible approach to an illness that can affect both the individual and those around them. For an artist whose work depends on voice, energy and connection with a live audience, returning only when sufficiently recovered is in the interests of the performer, the touring team and ticket holders.
Fans seeking the most current information should rely on official announcements from the venues and authorised ticket outlets. This remains the best way to confirm revised entry arrangements, refund deadlines and any future changes to the Come Gather Round Tour.
Sources
Disclaimer: This content is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not based on real events.