Tom Jones Returns to Stage After Pneumonia Hospitalization

Tom Jones said he thought he might die after pneumonia left him struggling to breathe and needing emergency care. The 86-year-old singer shared the experience during his rescheduled concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on November 4, his first performance there since the illness disrupted his tour plans.

Jones said he had initially mistaken the illness for flu before paramedics took him to UCLA Medical Center. He spent a week in the hospital, including two days in intensive care. He credited the hospital staff with helping him recover.

After doctors asked what he wanted to do following his discharge, Jones said, “I have to get back on the stage.” The crowd cheered. He then recalled playing the Greek for the first time in 1969 and introduced “It’s Not Unusual,” which he described as a song that changed his life.

The Los Angeles show had originally been scheduled for late October. Jones had said he needed to postpone it and a San Diego performance after becoming ill, apologizing to fans and saying he hoped to see them soon.

The concert is part of his “Come Gather Round” tour. Its North American dates began in September, following a run in England over the summer. Jones is scheduled to perform at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino in Highland, California, on Friday.