McCartney Cancels U.S. Shows After Japan Illness

Paul McCartney, who battled a virus for 10 days in May in a Tokyo hospital, has canceled seven U.S. shows scheduled for this month. "It's going to be a few more weeks before we get rocking in America again," he says. "I'm feeling great, but taking my docs' advice to take it easy for just a few more days."

The Beatle bassist took ill after arriving in Japan on May 15 and was forced to cancel concerts there and in South Korea.

"Since contracting a virus that led to the postponement of tour dates, Paul received successful medical treatment at a hospital in Tokyo," a statement posted at McCartney's website explained. "He will make a complete recovery and has been ordered to take a few days rest. Paul has been extremely moved by all the messages and well wishes he has received from fans all over the world."

It was not the first time Japan didn't agree with McCartney. In 1980, he was arrested for possessing seven ounces of marijuana upon entering the country with Wings. They tossed the rock icon in jail for 10 days and then deported him.

McCartney's delayed Out There tour will arrive in the States on July 5. Here are the dates:

July: Albany, NY (5); Pittsburgh, PA (7); Chicago, IL (9); Fargo, ND (12); Lincoln, NE (14); Kansas, City, MO (16). August: Minneapolis; MN (2); Missoula, MT (5); Salt Lake City, UT (7); Los Angeles, CA (10; Phoenix, AZ (12); San Francisco, CA (14). October (rescheduled June dates): Lubbock, TX (2); New Orleans, LA (11); Dallas, TX (13); Atlanta, GA (15); Nashville, TN (16); Jacksonville, FL (25); Louisville, KY (28).

  McCartney turns 72 on June 18.

Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, former editor of High Times and Freedom Leaf and co-author of Pot Culture and Reefer Movie Madness.