The reunion tour is off for now.

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS YOU WILL ALREADY BE AWARE THAT DUE TO SERIOUS ISSUES WITH MY THROAT I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO CANCEL BOTH THE US AND BRITISH TOUR WITH CULTURE CLUB.
I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY VOICE ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS AND MY MANAGER SUGGESTED THAT I SEE A TOP THROAT DOCTOR IN LOS ANGELES. AFTER HAVING A SERIES OF CAMERAS DOWN MY THROAT IT TRANSPIRES THAT I HAVE A POLYP ON ONE OF MY VOCAL CHORDS WHICH HAS HEMORRHAGED AND ONE OF MY VOCAL CHORDS IS UNUSUALLY ENLARGED AND WON’T CLOSE PROPERLY WHEN I SING.
IN TRUE BRITISH FASHION I HAVE IGNORED IT THINKING THE PROBLEM MIGHT JUST BE TIREDNESS. I NEVER THOUGHT TO CHECK MY THROAT BECAUSE I HAVE SPENT A LIFETIME JUST ‘
"GETTING ON WITH IT".
I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY DOCTORS THAT TO CONTINUE SINGING WITH THIS POLYP WOULD FURTHER DAMAGE MY VOICE AND COULD CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE ,IT’S A RISK I JUST CANNOT TAKE.
I HAVE ALREADY HAD A TON OF WONDERFULLY SUPPORTIVE MESSAGES FROM FANS WHO HAD PLANNED TO TRAVEL AND I FEEL GUTTED TO BE LETTING PEOPLE DOWN. SUCH SUPPORT MAKES MY DECISION SO MUCH HARDER. TO SAY I AM DEVASTATED BARELY TOUCHES HOW I FEEL. I KNOW THAT THOSE OF YOU WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT ME WILL UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A DECISION I JUST HAD TO MAKE.
I WILL DEFINITELY GET BETTER ,AND SEE YOU ALL SOON BACK ON TOUR

Lionel Richie had this problem in the late 1980s

This is me right now:

So gutted, for us fans as well as the rest of the band, but trying not to be bitter about it. I believe he's telling the truth, he's been recording and touring more or less continuously for the past couple of years, and there was clearly something wrong during that Strictly performance. Hopefully the surgery will go well and the tour will be able to go ahead next year.

I've followed Boy George for years, and stuff like this always happens. He always lets people down. I know I should be more understanding but I'm tired of getting my hopes up and being let down. I wouldn't be surprised if after his throat problem is cured, he will not do the CC tour and go back to his solo music. That's what he does.

In his statement, he said he knew something wasn't right but didn't go to doctor at first. You would think if you were doing a major tour you would make sure your voice was in tip top shape. He's always taken his voice for granted. He actually said in an interview that he never loses his voice and his voice is stronger than ever. A little overconfident there, George? I think he jinxed himself with that statement.

He has tried to do too much with too many projects. He has gotten to do many solo tours and performances over the years, but the other members of CC haven't. They get the shaft again as usual. You would think he would realize how important the CC tour was to the other guys and maybe hold off on the other projects to save his voice for the CC tour. But no, he acted in his usual selfish way. Sorry, but this guy pisses me off.

I think I will stick with Madonna who is strong indestructible lady.

Glindathegood said:

Well there are two ways this can go. He can have vocal node surgery - which is something people like Annie Lennox had and recovered from. Or he could have surgery and end up like Julie Andrews - never to sing again. That would be sad. Even worse, let's hope it doesn't end fatally - like with Joan Rivers. Best of luck to him and I hope he can come back stronger and better than ever! (And hopefully this won't affect the new CD coming out in the spring.)

this is unfortunate

benjaminira said:

You never have anything positive to say about George! He didn't cancel this because he's an asshole (although you are convinced he's the devil)....why don't you just go ahead and love Madonna!

It would be one thing if this was a one time thing, but it's a continual pattern with him. If I'm negative about him it's because of things he's done and I have perfectly valid reasons for feeling the way I do. He knew something was wrong with his voice, but he didn't go to doctor or get it checked until the last moment. He said he never thought to check his throat. That's insane coming from a professional singer. He just doesn't take his work seriously.

I rarely criticize most artists. But George treats everyone around him disrespectfully and acts in an unprofessional manner. And his actions affect a lot of people. I'm sick of him and I don't understand why everyone gives him a free pass.

I just saw them live at The View taping and thought George sounded better than he did the last few times I heard him. Maybe it was just a good day.

I understand the frustration, as well. I'm not a diehard, but I did buy tickets for the Chicago stop of his last tour, where he was supposed to be performing CC material, and I ended up having to get a refund because the tour was canceled. I didn't realize it was a semi-regular thing for him. It's tough to get that trust back once you have that kind of reputation.

I have been a Culture Club fan since the middle 80's; saw them three times in concert. Wish Boy George the best.