Legendary drummer Ringo Starr has canceled the last two shows of his North American tour after falling ill with a what was described with a cold.

The announcement was made Tuesday via Instagram, leaving fans in Philadelphia and New York City disappointed but understanding of the need for the Beatles icon to prioritize his health, as Fox News reports.

According to the official statement, Starr, 84, was advised by a doctor to cancel the shows and get some rest. The tour, which began on Sept. 7, was supposed to conclude in New York City on Wednesday after a successful 12-date run across North America.

Starr and his All Starr Band sent a message of “peace and love” to fans, expressing hope that they would be able to see them again soon.

Two Major Cities Impacted by the Cancellations

The first of the canceled performances was scheduled for Tuesday night in Philadelphia at TD Pavilion at The Mann. The second show was set for Wednesday at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where fans were eagerly awaiting Starr’s return.

Tickets for both events will be automatically refunded, and those who purchased through third-party sellers have been encouraged to contact their point of purchase for further information. The Instagram post, which announced the cancellations, has been met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from fans concerned about Starr's health.

One fan commented, “I’m sad we don’t get to see him tonight, but first and foremost, we just want him to be healthy and happy! Get well soon, Ringo!” This sentiment was echoed by many others who prioritized his recovery over their disappointment.

Ringo Starr’s Healthy Lifestyle Highlighted Amid Illness

Starr’s illness comes as a surprise to many, especially after he shared in a recent interview with Fox News Digital in July that he was feeling “fit as a fiddle and doing good.” The octogenarian also noted that he works out nearly every day, a testament to his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite his age.

This was a sentiment he reiterated during the tour as well, expressing gratitude to fans for their support. “Just want to thank all the great audiences so far -- I love you all,” he wrote on Instagram last week, following successful shows in Connecticut and Canada.

However, despite his regular exercise routine and upbeat demeanor, Starr's recent cold has forced him to take a break. The decision to cancel the final two shows was made with his health in mind, according to the statement from his team.

Fans Show Support for Ringo Starr

The Instagram post not only delivered the unfortunate news but also included a message of love from Starr and the band. “As always, Ringo and the All Starrs send peace and love to their fans and hope to see them soon,” the statement read. The heartfelt message was met with a flood of comments from fans, offering their own words of encouragement and support.

This isn’t the first time Ringo Starr has been on tour with his All Starr Band. The group, which consists of accomplished musicians, has toured together multiple times, performing a mix of Beatles hits and Starr’s solo work. This particular fall tour kicked off on September 7 in Omaha, Nebraska, and was designed as a 12-date event spanning the U.S. and Canada.

A Successful Tour Cut Short

The band had already completed 10 of the 12 planned performances before the cancellations, with their most recent shows taking place in Uncasville, Connecticut, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. On Instagram, the band expressed gratitude for a great night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, calling it “like one big get together with the audience and the band love it peace and love.”

Despite these successful shows, Starr’s health ultimately took precedence. “Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest,” the announcement stated. While the cancellation was sudden, many fans expressed understanding and sent their well wishes.

Ringo Starr’s Resilience Over the Years

Ringo Starr continues to inspire fans with his energetic performances and optimistic outlook on life. Alongside Paul McCartney, he is one of the last two surviving members of The Beatles, a legacy that keeps his music in high demand across the globe.

In April, Starr released a new EP titled Crooked Boy, adding to his long list of post-Beatles projects. His ability to stay relevant in the music industry after more than six decades is a testament to his enduring talent and charisma.

Even though the tour has been cut short, Starr’s team has left the door open for future performances once he has recovered. “As always, Ringo and the All Starrs send peace and love to their fans and hope to see them soon,” read the Instagram announcement, ensuring that this is not the last time fans will see him on stage.

Conclusion: Health First, With Peace and Love

Ringo Starr’s decision to cancel the final two shows of his North American tour underscores the importance of health, even for a music legend. After a successful run of performances, fans in Philadelphia and New York will now receive refunds, but their main concern remains Starr's recovery.

The announcement, which came directly from the drummer’s Instagram account, highlighted the love and support fans have for him. Many expressed their understanding and sent well wishes, echoing the peace and love that Starr himself has long promoted. With his usual optimistic spirit, there is no doubt that Starr will be back once he has fully recovered from his illness.