Paul McCartney postpones Tokyo shows – 18 May 2014

May 17, 2026

Paul McCartney postpones Tokyo shows – 18 May 2014

Sunday 18 May 2014 | Paul McCartney
Tokyo National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan

Paul McCartney was forced to cancel both his Tokyo concerts after falling ill with a virus. McCartney arrived in Japan on Thursday 15 May, even being greeted by a robot, Newman, at the airport — the robot appears in the video for 'Appreciate', from the New album. The former Beatle was due to perform at Tokyo's National Olympic Stadium on 17 and 18 May as part of the Out There Tour.

The Postponement

The first show was initially rescheduled for 19 May, when McCartney released the following statement:

Thank you for such a beautiful and warm welcome to your country.

I've unfortunately had to postpone tonight's show in Tokyo.

I came down with a virus on Friday and following a visit from doctors, I've been told not to perform tonight.

I am very sorry to all my fans as I was greatly looking forward to the concert, but the situation is out of my hands.

Along with the doctors, I'm doing all I can to ensure I will be better for tomorrow night's show and the rest of my time in Japan.

We are planning to replay this show on Monday. I really hope you can make it.

Love,
Paul

When McCartney's condition failed to improve, both shows were postponed. MPL released a further statement:

Tokyo National Stadium shows to be postponed 18th & 19th May

Doctors have ordered Paul complete rest and he has been doing all he can to get better. Paul has only ever had to reschedule a handful of shows in his entire career and is so upset about this situation, he hates to let people down. This morning he told his staff he was going to try and perform tonight against doctors orders, but his team, along with the doctors, wouldn't allow it. He has been very moved by the fan's reactions and messages of love and support he has received in Japan.

Paul has instructed his team to look at rescheduling options.

Message from Paul:

“Thank you so much for your kind messages of support. I'm so very touched. Unfortunately my condition has not improved overnight. I was really hoping that I'd be feeling better today. I'm so disappointed and sorry to be letting my fans down.

Love,
Paul”

What Happened Next

McCartney was due to perform at the Nippon Budokan on 21 May. The Out There Tour was set to continue at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka on 24 May, and at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea on 28 May, before the tour's third leg began in North America on 14 June.

Key Facts: 18 May 2014

Venue: Tokyo National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan
Status: Postponed — both 17 and 18 May shows cancelled due to illness
Tour: Out There Tour (May 2013–October 2015)
Cause: Viral infection diagnosed by doctors on 16 May 2014
McCartney's arrival: 15 May 2014, greeted at airport by robot Newman from the 'Appreciate' video

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Paul McCartney cancel his Tokyo shows in May 2014?

McCartney contracted a virus after arriving in Japan on 15 May 2014. Doctors ordered him to rest and he was unable to perform at the Tokyo National Stadium on 17 or 18 May.

Which shows did Paul McCartney postpone in Tokyo in 2014?

Both Tokyo National Stadium shows — originally scheduled for 17 and 18 May 2014 — were postponed as part of the Out There Tour.

Did Paul McCartney issue a statement about the Tokyo cancellations?

Yes — McCartney issued a personal statement apologising to fans when the first show was postponed, and a second statement via MPL when both shows were cancelled. He expressed deep regret and noted he had only ever rescheduled a handful of shows in his entire career.

What tour was Paul McCartney on when he cancelled the Tokyo shows?

The Out There Tour, which ran from May 2013 to October 2015 across multiple countries.

Who is Newman the robot?

Newman is a robot who appears in the music video for 'Appreciate', a track from Paul McCartney's 2013 album New. Newman greeted McCartney at Tokyo airport on 15 May 2014.