Tom Jones Survives Week-Long ICU Stay After Pneumonia Diagnosis
The 86-year-old singer said he believed he was dying before doctors at UCLA Medical Center discharged him.
By Adriana Abebe ·
Sir Tom Jones spent two days in an intensive care unit during a one-week hospital stay for pneumonia. The 86-year-old performer described the episode as a near-death experience while addressing fans at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Jones was rushed to UCLA Medical Center after initially mistaking his symptoms for the flu. He recalled the moment paramedics arrived, stating, “I can’t breathe.” Doctors kept him in the hospital for seven days. He spent the final two days in the ICU before being released back to the public.
Upon discharge, medical staff asked the veteran entertainer what he intended to do next. Jones said he told them, “I have to get back on the stage.” He added, “This is where I belong. I can't live without it, believe me. This is true.”
The rescheduled concert at the Greek Theater followed a delay in his Come Gather Round tour. The show was originally planned for the end of October but moved due to his health concerns. Jones completed 20 shows across the United States before the illness struck. His tour consists of 25 dates that began in September.
The singer posted an online message last month explaining the change. He wrote that he had been “hit with a bad case of the flu” following doctor's advice. He apologized for the inconvenience caused to ticket holders in Los Angeles and San Diego. He noted that he looked forward to seeing audiences again soon.
Jones performed at the Greek Theater in 1969. That appearance occurred just before “It's Not Unusual” became his first number one hit. He told the recent crowd, “This song really changed my life.” The audience cheered in response to his recovery and return.
The Welsh-born artist received an OBE in 1998. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him at Buckingham Palace in 2006. He continues his tour after finishing his summer run in England.
