US SINGER LADY Gaga has cancelled her European tour, which was due to begin this week.

The six-week European leg of the tour was scheduled to begin on 21 September in Barcelona, Spain and conclude on 28 October in Koln, Germany.

However the singer suffers from fibromyalgia and a statement issued by promoter Live Nation said this left her unable to perform. She had last week said an upcoming Netflix documentary will raise awareness of chronic illness.

“Lady Gaga is suffering from severe physical pain that has impacted her ability to perform. She remains under the care of expert medical professionals who recommended the postponement earlier today. Lady Gaga is devastated that she has to wait to perform for her European fans.

“She plans to spend the next seven weeks proactively working with her doctors to heal from this and past traumas that still affect her daily life, and result in severe physical pain in her body. She wants to give her fans the best version of the show she built for them when the tour resumes.”

In a post to Instagram, the singer said that she has been open about her struggles and would speak in more depth about the illness in time.

I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles. Searching for years to get to the bottom of them. It is complicated and difficult to explain, and we are trying to figure it out. As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference.I use the word “suffer” not for pity, or attention, and have been disappointed to see people online suggest that I’m being dramatic, making this up, or playing the victim to get out of touring. If you knew me, you would know this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m a fighter.I use the word suffer not only because trauma and chronic pain have changed my life, but because they are keeping me from living a normal life. They are also keeping me from what I love the most in the world: performing for my fans.

I am looking forward to touring again soon, but I have to be with my doctors right now so I can be strong and perform for you all for the next 60 years or more. I love you so much.

Live Nation says fans should hold onto their existing tickets pending the announcement of additional information once it is available about rescheduled dates. The second North American leg of the tour, due to start on 5 November, is scheduled to continue as planned.

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