TORONTO — Culture Club has cancelled its reunion tour — including a show in Toronto this month — after singer Boy George was diagnosed with a polyp on one of his vocal chords.
“I have been having trouble with my voice on and off for a few months,” George explained on his Facebook page.
The 53-year-old singer said he went to a Los Angeles specialist who found a polyp had hemorrhaged, causing an enlarged vocal chord.
“I’ve been advised by doctors that to continue singing with this polyp would further damage my voice and could cause irreparable damage,” he said. “It’s a risk I just cannot take.”
Culture Club announced Thursday it has cancelled six shows scheduled this month in the U.S. and a Nov. 24 concert at Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.
Several UK dates have also been cancelled.
Boy George said he feels “gutted” to be letting down fans of the ‘80s band.
“To say I am devastated barely touches how I feel,” he wrote.
A spokesperson for Culture Club — which also consists of Mikey Craig, Roy Hay and Jon Moss — said refunds are available at the point of purchase and the group hopes to reschedule the tour next year.
A new album is due to be released next year. It will be the second since Culture Club disbanded in 1986.
Culture Club was one of the most successful bands in the ‘80s thanks to hits like “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?,” “Church of the Poison Mind” and “Karma Chameleon.”
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