Age is nothing but a number for Sir Tom Jones. At 78 years old, the "It's Not Unsual" singer is still putting on electrifying shows almost every night on his world tour.
However, over the last year, his health has gotten in the way of his work more than he would like.
In 2017, Jones told Mirror that he's been having trouble with his sciatic never for years, and "it was giving me trouble in my hip." He added, "It was a pain you couldn't get rid of, like a dull ache. I thought it was that."
He admitted to limping through a couple of live shows before going in for a scan, which confirmed that he needed surgery.
I was feeling OK, but they said I needed to get it scanned to see what's going on, he continued. I said I would once I got back to London. I didn't miss a show because I was leaning more on my right leg. It was getting on and off the stage that was giving me trouble. You can't limp onto the stage, you have to try and make an entrance.
So I knew I had to do something about it. I got back to London and my surgeon said the cartilage is gone in my left hip, the bones are just crunching together.
Last September, The Voice UK judge was forced to reschedule his U.S. tour dates five days before it started so he could undergo hip replacement surgery.
"Postponing dated is never easy or a decision taken lightly, so your concern and acceptance is truly appreciated," read a statement from Jones. "Your notes have been a pleasure to read and have lifted my spirits, but please know there is nothing to be worried about and I'll be back before you know it."
Jones was indeed back and better than ever after a couple of months of rest and rehab. He even added new dates so he could continue his tour throughout 2018.
Everything was going smooth until this week when he once again found himself canceling shows due to illness.
On July 19, a statement posted to Jones' Twitter page announced that he has since been hospitalized with a "bacterial infection" and would be postponing his show in Chester, UK, just a few hours before he was scheduled to go on stage.
"The condition is being well managed and we are hoping for a speedy recovery," it continued. "He is extremely sorry and disappointed not to be able to perform tonight, and sincerely apologizes for inconveniences caused to the audience and all those who are involved in the event."
Fans were concerned as the statement didn't confirm the severity of Jones' condition, but he himself later shared a personal message on Twitter apologizing and thanking ticket holders for understanding.
I am so sorry for cancelling last night's show in Chichester, it's the worse feeling having to let down everyone who was coming as well as everyone who is involved in the event," he wrote.
I know many of you travel considerable distances and make plans with friends and family that take a lot of effort, and it is so disappointing when things don't go right. Although I can't perform again tonight at Chester Racecourse, the good news is that we can get another date in Chester on August 12, so hopefully I will see you there.
Until then, a sincere thank you for your support and understanding.
We're sending our best wishes to Jones as he recovers from this nasty infection.