Paul McCartney is delaying the start of his US tour for “a few more weeks”, because of a lingering illness that caused him to scrap his Japan and South Korea tour dates and to spend several days in hospital.  The US leg was to have started in Lubbock, Texas this weekend.

“I’m sorry but it’s going to be a few more weeks before we get rocking in America again,” the former Beatle said in a statement.  “I’m feeling great but taking my docs’ advice to take it easy for just a few more days. Look forward to seeing you all soon.”

The 71-year-old Grammy-winning icon was hospitalized in Tokyo with a viral infection during May.  He scrapped a handful of dates in Japan and one in South Korea, then canceling all remaining dates of the Asian tour.  The US tour is now delayed for three weeks, and kicks off on 5 July in Albany, north of New York City.