Pavarotti's farewell tour delayed again by back pain

A complication from back surgery has forced Luciano Pavarotti to postpone five June dates on his worldwide farewell tour, his manager said Tuesday.

Photo: Pavarotti's farewell tour delayed again by back pain

Performances at the Canadian cities of Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and a U.S. date in Washington, have been delayed until October, said Terri Robson, Pavarotti's London-based manager.

Last month, the 70-year-old tenor released a statement saying he expected to recover in time for the June dates.

"However, he went on to develop an infection during his stay in the hospital," Robson said. "This condition has unfortunately delayed his recovery time."

Pavarotti was staying in New York to continue with intensive physical therapy, his manager said.

His farewell tour was expected to resume in July with shows in the United Kingdom. Tickets from the postponed dates will be good for the October shows.

"Luciano apologizes to his many disappointed fans for having to reschedule these concerts," Robson said. "Happily, he is now well on his way to recovery and very much looks forward to continue celebrating his career with the Pavarotti Worldwide Farewell Tour."

In April, Pavarotti postponed eight concerts, saying he had been advised not to travel or perform while undergoing treatment, which was expected to end in late May. He had returned to New York from a vacation in Barbados in March because of his painful back, reports AP.

O.Ch.