The artist, who was born Gordon Sumner, is a former member of English rock band The Police, best known for songs such as “Every Breath You Take,” “Message in a Bottle” and “Roxanne.”

As a solo performer, Sting has released 14 studio albums and won 11 Grammys.

In February 2022, he sold his career music catalogue to Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), one of a series of recent such moves by artists keen to cash in on their work, Reuters reported at the time.

The deal included all of Sting’s solo works as well as songs written during his time as a member of The Police.

The iconic artist, known for his solo work as well as his time as the frontman of The Police, made the announcement through his official social media channels. In a brief statement, he expressed regret over the decision and apologized to his fans for the inconvenience caused by the sudden change. He reassured his followers that he was focused on recovering and hoped to return to the stage soon.

“I deeply regret having to cancel these shows due to health reasons,” Sting wrote. “Please know that I was looking forward to performing for you, and I’m doing everything I can to recover and get back to performing as soon as possible.”

The canceled performances include stops in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. Fans in these areas who had already purchased tickets were understandably disappointed by the news, with many taking to social media to express their support for the artist while also sharing their frustration.

“I was so excited to see Sting live, and now I have to wait longer,” one fan wrote. “But I understand health comes first. Get well soon, Sting!”

Despite the setback, the tour’s promoter reassured ticket holders that refunds would be available for those unable to attend rescheduled dates, which are expected to be announced once Sting’s health improves.

Sting’s U.S. tour, part of his ongoing global trek, had been well-received up to this point, with his concerts garnering praise for their energetic performances and the artist’s ability to engage with audiences. Fans have been treated to a mix of his classic hits, including songs from The Police like “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne,” along with solo tracks such as “Fields of Gold” and “Desert Rose.”

The decision to cancel performances is not one that Sting takes lightly. Known for his dedication to his craft and his loyal following, the singer has rarely canceled or postponed shows throughout his long and illustrious career. However, health is always a top priority, and it appears that this illness left him no choice but to put his well-being first.

While specific details regarding the nature of Sting’s illness have not been disclosed, his team emphasized that the singer is under medical care and will be taking the necessary time to recover. They also urged fans to respect his privacy during this time as he focuses on regaining his strength.

The cancellation of these shows adds a temporary pause to what has already been a busy year for Sting. Besides his music career, the artist has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, and his reputation as an advocate for causes ranging from environmental conservation to human rights has only grown over the years.

For those who were hoping to see the 72-year-old musician perform live, the uncertainty surrounding his health has sparked concern, but most fans are hopeful that he will make a full recovery and return to the stage soon. As the situation develops, his team has promised to keep the public updated on any further changes to the tour schedule.

As Sting takes the time to focus on his health, fans will continue to send their best wishes and eagerly await the day when he’s able to perform once more. In the meantime, they can still enjoy his vast catalog of music, which continues to inspire and connect listeners worldwide.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding Sting’s recovery and potential rescheduled concert dates.