Elvis Costello revealed today that he's canceled his remaining European tour dates to recover from surgery on a "small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy."



As a statement on the musician's website reads, "His doctor has strongly advised him to take a break from his current tour itinerary and rest."

In a note to his fans, Costello writes:

“Six weeks ago my specialist called me and said, "You should start playing the Lotto". He had rarely, if ever, seen such a small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy that could be defeated by a single surgery. I was elated and relieved that our European summer tour could go ahead. Post-surgical guidelines for such surgery, recommend three weeks to four weeks recovery depending on whether you are returning to a desk job or an occupation that involves physical work or travel. It was impossible to judge how this advisory would line up with the demands on a traveling musician, playing 90-minute to 2-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.

Costello apologizes ticketholders for the six European dates affected and thanks his band for their support. He concludes with a little bit of good news:

To leave you with some more optimistic news, The Imposters and I—together with several of our other friends—have made a magnificent new record of which we are truly proud. It will be issued in October, I believe. We will return at the soonest opportunity to play that music and your favourite songs that still make sense to us all. Take very good care of your loved ones but Gentleman, do talk to you friends - you'll find you are not alone - seek your doctor's advice if you are in doubt or when it is timely and act as swiftly as you may in these matters. It may save your life. Believe me, it is better than playing roulette."

Costello is scheduled to resume touring in the United States with a show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Nov. 2.

Matt Miller Culture Editor Matt is the Culture Editor at Esquire where he covers music, movies, books, and TV—with an emphasis on all things Star Wars, Marvel, and Game of Thrones.

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