Paul Heaton has announced today that his performing partner Jacqui Abbott will not be playing with him at their planned show in Manchester this weekend.
The former Housemartins and Beautiful South star issued a statement via Facebook and Twitter explaining Abbott has been advised to completely rest from singing. She will not be playing with the Paul and the band while her voice fully recovers.
It means the singer will miss out of their gigs scheduled for Sheffield tonight at the Utilita Arena and Manchester Arena tomorrow (December 10). She will also not be appearing at the scheduled London date on December 17.
Read more: Paul Heaton WILL show England vs France World Cup match at AO Arena gig this weekend
The post from Paul reads: "We’re very sorry to announce that following further medical investigation and advice this morning, Jacqui has been advised that she should have complete rest from singing over the next few weeks, in order to help her voice fully recover. This means that sadly she will not be performing with Paul and the band at the next few shows in Sheffield, Manchester and London. We hope you will join us in sending all of your love and best wishes to Jacqui.
"Paul and the band, along with very special guest Billy Bragg, have been putting on some great shows over the last week and they’re really looking forward to putting on a fantastic night for you all at the final shows of the tour. Thank you for all your patience and we hope you enjoy the next few nights. If you would prefer not to enter and attend, then you will be able claim a refund from your point of purchase before the show takes place."
Hundreds commented on the post and sent get well messages to Jacqui, while others said that despite the news they were still excited to see the gig. The singer has also had to miss out on shows in Bridlington, Glasgow, Stockton Portsmouth, Nottingham and Birmingham.
One person commented: "Love to Jacqui for a good recovery, however long it takes. Credit to Paul, Billy and the band members for 'the show must go on' mentality. Respect to one and all."
Another added: "For anyone wondering whether to still go - YES ABSOLUTELY STILL GO!!! Paul and the band do a brilliant job and definitely get in to see Billy Bragg who was excellent. Get well soon Jacqui xx."
Just a few days ago Paul Heaton confirmed that fans coming to the Manchester gig at the AO Arena would still be able to watch the England vs France World Cup match, as last-minute scheduling meant the two events clashed. And today, following the announcement about Jacqui, he issued fans with an update on 'The World Cup Fringe at the AO Arena' event and re-admission details for those not interested in watching the footie.
In a post to Facebook and Twitter the singer said: "We’re aware, and totally understand, that quite a few of you would prefer not to watch the football at the Manchester show on Saturday so we’ve been working hard to put together some alternative entertainment for you all in an area of the Arena concourse. We’ll post more details of where to find the area in the Arena in due course but it will be called Scot's Corner so look out for the signs.
"We’re also pleased to say that if you prefer to get a pass out of the Arena during the football screening then this will allow anybody to leave the venue at any point and then come back again in time for Paul & the band’s set. All guests re-entering the venue are advised to arrive back in plenty of time to pass through our normal security checks.
"The fun will kick off at 7pm with a brass band playing all of your favourite Christmas carols followed by acoustic sets from Before Breakfast (who are our special guests in Sheffield tonight) + our good friend Uncle Frank."
The singer then explained that following Billy Bragg’s set in the main Arena at 6:15pm ‘The World Cup Fringe’ entertainment would include a brass band performing Christmas Carols at 7pm, followed by a set from Uncle Frank at 7.15pm, then another set by the brass band at 7.45pm. Before Breakfast will also play a 30 minute set at 8.15pm and the brass band will perform one final time at 8.45pm.
In the main arena, support act Billy Bragg will come on at 6.15pm, the match will be screened from 7pm and Paul at the band will come on at 9pm.
Many on Facebook commented that Heaton had gone above and beyond to accommodate everyone attending the gig. One person wrote: "Thank you Paul and the team. You are so blooming thoughtful! Looking forward to Saturday night!!"
Another said: "You really have pulled out all the stops in an attempt to please everybody. I hope you succeed. This football fan is looking forward to it. thank you," and a third said, "fair play to you all for trying to accommodate everyone tomorrow night….not many would have gone to the lengths you have to try and please everyone especially when you are Jacqui down….cheers Paul."
Stockport band Blossoms have also announced they will be screening the England vs France game at their sold-out gig in Manchester on Saturday night. In a statement to fans, the band wrote: “The England v France World Cup quarter final match will now be shown live on the big screen prior to our performance at O2 Apollo Manchester this Saturday.”
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