Paul McCartney has left thousands of fans in Japan disappointed.

The former Beatle has been forced to postpone the start of his Out There Japan Tour after becoming ill from a virus.

McCartney took to his own website to issue an apology to concertgoers who were expected to attend his show at Tokyo's National Stadium on Saturday night (May 17th).

"Thank you for such a beautiful and warm welcome to your country," the statement, printed in English, read.

"I've unfortunately had to postpone tonight's show in Tokyo," he wrote. "I came down with a virus on Friday and following a visit from doctors, I've been told not to perform tonight. I am very sorry to all my fans as I was greatly looking forward to the concert, but the situation is out of my hands."

"Along with the doctors, I'm doing all I can to ensure I will be better for tomorrow night's show and the rest of my time in Japan," McCartney added. "We are planning to replay this show on Monday. I really hope you can make it."

The Associated Press reports, the concert's organiser's initially said tickets for Saturday's show can be used for Monday, or a refund would be available.

However, on the following day (May 18th) it seems the 71 year-old musician didn't not feel any better as he cancelled two additional shows that were scheduled for May 18th & May 19th at the same venue.

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"Thank you so much for your kind messages of support," the new statement said. "I'm so very touched. Unfortunately my condition has not improved overnight. I was really hoping that I'd be feeling better today. I'm so disappointed and sorry to be letting my fans down."

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McCartney will be hoping to be able to perform on the two remaining scheduled shows, Tokyo's Nippon Budokan hall on Wednesday (May 21st) and Yanmar Nagai stadium in Osaka on Saturday (May24th).

Paul McCartney
McCartney arriving at Narita International Airport in Tokyo