Paul McCartney cancels remainder of Japanese tour dates – 20 May 2014

Q: What is the Out There tour?

Paul McCartney's major world tour of 2013–15, visiting North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania across multiple legs.

May 18, 2026

Paul McCartney cancels remainder of Japanese tour dates – 20 May 2014

Tuesday 20 May 2014 | People

Paul McCartney cancelled the remainder of his Japanese tour dates on 20 May 2014 after falling ill with a virus. He had already called off two shows at the National Stadium in Tokyo; promoters announced on this date that two further shows — at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on 21 May and the Nagai Stadium in Osaka on 24 May — had also been cancelled. The announcement effectively called off the entire Japanese leg of the Out There tour.

McCartney's Statement

I was really looking forward to playing in Japan again after we had such an amazing time here in November. So to cancel these shows as well as the National Stadium shows is hugely disappointing for me as well. I'd like to thank my Japanese fans for their love, messages of support and understanding. I hope to see you all again soon.

Love, Paul

The Spokesperson's Statement

Paul McCartney will regrettably have to cancel the remaining Japanese shows. Paul is still not feeling better and this cancellation is unavoidable. He was hoping to be better but the doctors have ordered him complete rest. Paul has been extremely moved by the messages from his fans and is upset to be letting them down. All possibilities to find a solution to reschedule these shows as soon as possible are being explored.

The Out There Tour

The Out There tour was McCartney's major world tour of 2013–15, one of the largest and most successful of his solo career. It had opened in May 2013 and would eventually visit North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. The Japanese leg in May 2014 was part of the tour's second leg. McCartney had previously toured Japan in November 2013 — the “amazing time” he referenced in his statement.

Despite the cancellations, the tour continued: McCartney was due to perform at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea on 28 May, and the tour's third leg in North America was scheduled to begin on 14 June 2014.

The Nippon Budokan

The Nippon Budokan is one of the most storied concert venues in the world. Built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics as a martial arts arena, it became a landmark rock venue when The Beatles performed there in June 1966 — their only concerts in Japan, and among the last they ever played. Bob Dylan, Deep Purple, and many others have recorded celebrated live albums there. McCartney had performed at the Budokan on previous tours and the cancelled 21 May show would have been a significant occasion.

McCartney and Japan

McCartney's relationship with Japan has been eventful. In January 1980, he was arrested at Tokyo's Narita Airport when customs officials discovered marijuana in his luggage. He was held for nine days before being deported, and the incident forced the cancellation of an entire Wings tour of Japan. He did not return to Japan to perform until 1990. The 2014 illness-related cancellations were a far less dramatic but still disappointing interruption to what had become a warm relationship with Japanese audiences.

Key Facts: 20 May 2014

Tour: Out There (2013–15)
Cancelled shows: Nippon Budokan, Tokyo (21 May); Nagai Stadium, Osaka (24 May)
Previously cancelled: Two shows at the National Stadium, Tokyo
Reason: Viral illness; doctors ordered complete rest
Next scheduled show: Olympic Stadium, Seoul, South Korea, 28 May 2014
North American leg: From 14 June 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did McCartney cancel his Japan tour in 2014?

McCartney fell ill with a virus during the Japanese leg of the Out There tour. Doctors ordered complete rest, forcing the cancellation of all remaining Japanese dates — including shows at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo and the Nagai Stadium in Osaka.

What is the Nippon Budokan?

A major indoor arena in Tokyo, built for the 1964 Olympics. It became a landmark rock venue when The Beatles performed there in June 1966 — their only concerts in Japan. Bob Dylan and Deep Purple have also recorded celebrated live albums there.

What is the Out There tour?

Paul McCartney's major world tour of 2013–15, one of the largest of his solo career. It visited North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania across multiple legs.

Has McCartney had other problems touring Japan?

Yes — in January 1980, McCartney was arrested at Tokyo's Narita Airport when marijuana was found in his luggage. He was held for nine days and deported, forcing the cancellation of an entire Wings tour of Japan. He did not return to perform in Japan until 1990.