ELVIS COSTELLO has revealed he is battling a "very aggressive" form of cancer after cancelling his European tour.
The 63-year-old, whose real name is Declan Patrick MacManus, has been advised to rest by his doctor following surgery in May for the illness.
In a statement on his website, the London-born musician said his specialist had told him he was lucky because his "small but very aggressive cancer malignancy" could be removed with just one surgery.
He has not revealed what form of cancer it is.
Costello was due to perform 10 dates in Manchester, Southend and Plymouth as well as Pula in Croatia, Graz and Vienna in Austria, Tysnes in Norway and Rattvik in Sweden.
The British singer-songwriter, who comes from an Irish family, urged men to "talk to their friends" if they have concerns over their health, adding: "It may save your life."
Elvis Costello has been forced to cancel the remaining 6 dates of his current European tour on medical grounds. His doctor has strongly advised him to take a break from his current tour itinerary and rest. Please click here for more information - https://t.co/tEqHUo5l5o
— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) July 6, 2018
He went on: "Take very good care of your loved ones but Gentleman, do talk to you friends - you'll find you are not alone - seek your doctor's advice if you are in doubt or when it is timely and act as swiftly as you may in these matters.
"Believe me, it is better than playing roulette."
Costello, whose psuedonym derives from a combination of Elvis Presley and his musician father's stage name, also confirmed that refunds would be available to those who bought tickets.
He added: "The spirit has been more than willing but I have to now accept that it is going to take longer than I would have wished for me to recover my full strength.
"Therefore, I must reluctantly cancel all the remaining engagements of this tour.
"My apologies go to our ticket holders in Manchester, Pula, Graz, Vienna, Tysnes and Rattvik, but I would rather disappoint our friends there by not appearing than in pressing on with a show that is compromised and eventually puts my health at risk."
On a lighter note, the singer told fans he would be releasing a new record in October and hoped to return to the stage "at the soonest opportunity."
Get well soon!
See More: Cancer, Declan Patrick MacManus, Elvis Costello, Music, Tour
