Ringo Starr Diagnosed With COVID-19, Cancels Upcoming Tour Dates
By Taylor Hodgkins on October 3, 2022 at 4:30 PM EDT
Ringo Starr has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The 82-year-old former Beatle has not spoken publicly about his diagnosis as of this writing, but it may be fair to say his devoted fanbase may be hopeful Starr's initial reaction to his diagnosis was to 'act naturally!'
The official confirmation of Starr's diagnosis arrived earlier today by way of an official announcement.
According to Variety, the announcement reads, "It has been confirmed today that Ringo has COVID and the tour will be on hold while Ringo recuperates. Ringo hopes to resume as soon as possible and is recovering at home. As always, he and [his band] the All-Stars send peace and love to their fans and hope to see them back on the road soon. We will keep fans updated with any further news or changes."
The "It Don't Come Easy" singer's diagnosis has resulted in the cancellation of the "next six" shows of the tour being shelved, the outlet also reports.
Starr's Official COVID Diagnosis Confirmed After The Former Beatle Had Been Ill
Prior to the official announcement confirming Starr's COVID diagnosis, Starr had been struggling with illness over the weekend which had not yet materialized in a positive COVID diagnosis.
Starr's illness resulted in the cancellation of two gigs over the weekend, one in Michigan, and the other in Minnesota, according to Billboard.
The two casinos where Starr had been slated to perform, issued statements in response to the cancellations.
"Ringo is sick and was hoping he could carry on hence the late decision, " an announcement from The Four Winds Casinos in New Buffalo, Michigan begins, "but it has affected his voice so tonight's show, scheduled to begin in a couple of hours is canceled. Ringo does not have COVID."
The announcement also assures fans that Starr and the other members of his All Starr band were "disappointed" in having to cancel the shows.
The venue also promises "updates about tickets" for the show in its announcement. The full statement from The Four Winds Casinos had been shared on Twitter by a fan account for Starr.
What Are The Other Dates That Have Been Canceled?
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Billboard also reported a series of gigs in Canada had been canceled as a result of Starr's COVID diagnosis.
The dates are as follows:
Tomorrow, October 4th, at Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba
October 5th at Sasketel Center in Saskatoon, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
October 6th at Enmax Center in Lethbridge, Alberta
October 8th at Abbotsford Center in Abbotsford, B.C.
October 9th at South Okanagan Events Center in Penticton, B.C.
All of the dates on Starr's current tour had originally been slated to take place two years ago but were shelved as a result of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (All dates via Billboard)
These canceled dates are not the first time the virus had impacted Starr and his camp.
Variety also reported several dates of the United States leg of the tour had been canceled earlier this summer. The outlet went on to explain the All-Starr's "[Edgar] Winter and [Steve] Lukather were diagnosed with COVID." Lukather rose to fame as a member of TOTO.
Two days ago, a photo of Starr flashing a signature peace sign before boarding a plane had been posted to his Instagram account.
Former member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Benmont Tench, commented on the photo, extending his well wishes.
"Rock on and stay safe," Tench commented.
