Art Garfunkel 'heartbroken' after postponing UK tour

The 84-year-old singer had been due to take his What a Wonderful World tour to Watford, Manchester, Wolverhampton and London later this month, but he has been left "heartbroken" after he was advised not to go ahead with the concerts after contracting a respiratory infection.

He said in a statement: “During rehearsals for my upcoming concerts, I nearly postponed a scheduled appointment with my physician. Thankfully, my wonderful wife, Kim, insisted that I keep it. As it turns out, I have been diagnosed with a respiratory infection, and my doctor has advised me to take some time to rest and recover.

"My heart is broken that I must postpone these performances. At this season of my life, to be so warmly received by audiences and surrounded by so much love is a gift beyond words. Singing for you has always been one of the greatest joys of my life, and the thought of disappointing you saddens me deeply."

Art is determined to reschedule the dates and urged fans not to worry about him because he will be "just fine" after taking the time to rest.

He concluded: "I promise you that I will return to the stage and sing for you as soon as my health allows and the theatres have dates available for us to reschedule.

"Please don't worry about me. I'm in good hands, and I expect to be just fine. I simply need a little time to get back to doing what I love most.

"Thank you for your kindness, your understanding, and, above all, your love. I am deeply sorry, and I look forward to the moment when we can be together again.”

Ticket holders have been asked to hold on to their tickets as they will be valid for the new dates, and further information will be announced in due course.

Earlier this year, Art - who is best known as one half of Simon and Garfunkel alongside Paul Simon - admitted he is considering leaving the US because of his concerns about the presidency of Donald Trump.

The Mrs Robinson hitmaker, who grew up in New York City, criticised the Trump administration’s approach to international affairs and climate change and said he was contemplating a future outside America.

He told The Guardian newspaper: “I don’t like America’s position at all. I’m not aboard, and I’m thinking of leaving the country, frankly.”

Art also criticised the president over the US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

He said: “When Donald Trump took over Venezuela, are those the new rules? Just take over a country and run it?

“It’s shocking, and you think, ‘How on earth are we gonna change the presidency?’ But Trump won’t last forever, so we’ve got to hope.”