Sick George Michael shelves tour

25 November 2011 Last updated at 12:18 ET

In October Michael pulled out of a gig at the Royal Albert Hall because of a viral infection

Singer George Michael has cancelled the remaining dates of his tour because of ill health, his publicist has confirmed.

The 48-year-old was admitted to hospital in Vienna on Monday and is being treated for "severe" pneumonia.

His publicist added that the singer is "responding to treatment and slowly improving".

Discussions are under way about rescheduling the remaining 14 dates that have been put off.

The star's spokeswoman said in a statement: "George Michael is ill with pneumonia and any other speculation regarding his illness is unfounded and untrue.

"He is receiving excellent medical care, he is responding to treatment and slowly improving.

"To ensure his complete well-being, George Michael's doctors have advised that he cannot perform the rest of his Symphonica tour and that he instead takes a full and complete rest."

The former Wham! singer kicked off his European tour in Prague in August.

It was originally meant to include 47 concerts. He was due to bring the tour to the UK on Saturday, with dates continuing until 19 December.

Professor Dr Christoph Zielinski and Professor Dr Thomas Staudinger of the Vienna hospital where the musician is being treated said: "George Michael has severe community acquired pneumonia and is being treated as an inpatient.

"His condition has stabilised and he is responding to treatment.

"From the current point of view, the time until recovery cannot be estimated, but he will not be able to perform the rest of the tour. Besides medical treatment, complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory."

In October, a viral infection caused Michael to pull out of a show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, following advice from doctors.

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Ill George Michael cancels shows

23 November 2011 Last updated at 18:27 ET

Austria's state broadcaster says George Michael is being treated in Vienna's AKH hospital

George Michael has postponed a series of concerts, including two this weekend in Cardiff, after being taken to hospital for treatment for pneumonia.

The singer, 48, had been due to appear in Vienna as part of his Symphonica tour on Monday but cancelled two hours before it was due to start.

He is reportedly being treated at a hospital in the Austrian capital.

His publicist said performances in Vienna, Strasbourg and at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena would be rescheduled.

Connie Filippello said dates would be provided when available.

Austria's state broadcaster is reporting that the former Wham star is being treated in Vienna's AKH hospital.

Michael's European tour of Symphonica kicked off in Prague in August and was originally meant to include 47 dates.

It has seen the Careless Whisper singer return to live performance accompanied by a 41-piece symphony orchestra.

'Re-energised'

He had previously claimed his 2008 concerts would be his last live shows but announced the Symphonica tour after serving a short jail term last year for crashing his car in London while under the influence of cannabis.

George Michael performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of his Symphonica tour last month

At the press launch in May he said: "I felt very re-energised after my recent troubles.

"I think musically this tour and album will be surprising because I'm being far more true to myself."

In October, a viral infection caused Michael to pull out of a show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, following advice from doctors.

Ticketholders were emailed on Wednesday to tell them the concert would be rescheduled for 2 May at the same venue.

Earlier this month Michael played a gig at the Royal Opera House in London, to raise money for Sir Elton John's Aids Foundation.

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