Sir Tom Jones has admitted he feared the worst while recently receiving treatment in hospital.
Last month, the iconic crooner was forced to postpone a number of shows due to what his team said at the time was “a bad case of the flu”.
Having now returned to the stage, he told audiences at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California that he thought he may be dying during his illness.
“[I thought to myself,] ‘oh well, this is it, you’ve had a wonderful life, Tommy, but it’s over right now’,” he told fans on Wednesday night.
He continued: “I must say this – in the UCLA [hospital], they really did a wonderful job. So I’m here.”
Explaining he was in hospital “for a week”, he recalled telling the medical staff: “I’ve got to get back on the stage.”
“This is where I belong,” he added. “I can’t live without this, believe me.”
The It’s Not Unusual singer’s Come Gather Round Tour was originally supposed to conclude with a show in San Francisco on 1 November.
However, due to the postponement of two shows, it came to an end with Wednesday night’s performance instead.
Sir Tom’s latest health issues come a month after the Grammy winner alleged that he had been “fired” from The Voice UK due to what he described as “financial difficulty with insurance”.
“I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience,” the 86-year-old insisted. “ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently.”
Responding to Sir Tom’s comments in their own statement, an ITV rep thanked the “irreplaceable” crooner for his 14 years on the singing competition “and the countless incredible, unforgettable moments” he had given the show.
“He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him,” they added.
