Singer Percy Sledge has pulled out of a U.K. tour after he was reportedly diagnosed with liver cancer.

The When A Man Loves A Woman singer, 73, was due to perform as part of producer David Gest's Legends of Soul tour, but was hospitalised before a concert in Stockport, England.

According to Britain's The Sun newspaper, Gest told the audience, "Percy won't be with us tonight, I'm afraid. He's in hospital with liver cancer. I know we are all going to pray for him."