Bassey pulls out of Madiba gig
2008-06-23 19:13
London - Welsh-born singer Shirley
Bassey has pulled out of Friday's London concert to celebrate
former South African President Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday.
The 71-year-old, best known for her James Bond movie theme
songs Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever, underwent
emergency surgery on her stomach in May and was advised by
doctors not to travel to London from her home in Monaco.
"On the advice of her surgeon, Dame Shirley Bassey will now
not be able to perform as scheduled at the Nelson Mandela 46664
concert," said her spokesperson.
"The dame is hugely disappointed and was looking forward to
the show immensely. Dame Shirley has been advised not to travel
at the present time, so as to aid her continued full recovery
following surgery last month."
The concert, in London's Hyde Park, is expected to feature
acts including Queen, Leona Lewis, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds
and Razorlight.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the 46664 global
campaign against HIV/Aids, named after Mandela's prison number.