Jackson Browne cancels shows in Sydney and Melbourne this weekend due to a mystery illness

Famed singer-songwriter Jackson Browne has cancelled two major shows on his current Australian tour due to an unnamed illness.

The 74-year-old American music veteran announced he was too sick to perform only hours ahead of his scheduled gig at Sydney‘s Super Theatre on Saturday.

Jackson also postponed his Melbourne show at the Margaret Court Arena, which he was meant to play on Sunday.

Tour organisers have advised ticket holders that the shows will be soon re-scheduled.

The one-time 1970s pin-up made the announcement on Saturday morning, with a touching message to his fans.

Famed singer-songwriter Jackson Browne has cancelled two major shows on his current Australian tour due to an un-named illness. Pictured: Jackson in March 2022

The 74-year-old American music veteran announced he was too sick to perform only hours ahead of his scheduled gig at Sydney’s Super Theatre on Saturday. He also postponed his Melbourne concert which was scheduled for Sunday. Pictured: Jackson in 2021

‘Though I have been taking antibiotics,’ he explained, ‘and have had three days of vocal rest, that has not produced the results I was hoping for.

‘In fact, I don’t actually know what kind of infection I have,’ he continued.

‘This means I must postpone the rescheduled Melbourne show also. I’m very disappointed, because our shows have been going so well, and we have all been so excited to play for you.

‘I’m disappointed too, not to get to hear [supporting act] Liz Stringer. I promise to get back here at the first opportunity, and play these two shows.’

Known in his hey-day as a heart-throb, Browne appears to be moving ahead with his shows in New Zealand, which he will play next week.

On Tuesday, Jackson played a sell-out gig in Perth, Western Australia.

It comes after the singer has just finished a tour of both the U.S. and Japan.

Jackson, who rose to fame as solo artist in the 1970s with his hit album Running on Empty, was originally known as a hitmaker for other performers.

Tour organisers have advised ticket holders that the shows will be soon re-scheduled. Jackson appears to be moving ahead with his shows in New Zealand, which he will play next week. Pictured: Jackson performing his 70s/80s heyday when he was known as a hearthrob

Jackson pictured with his Australian wife, model Lynne Sweeney in 1977. They divorced in 1983

Among his classic tunes is the beloved hit by The Eagles, Take It Easy. 

Jackson, who was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall ofFame in in 2004, wrote the classic ballad Late for the Sky.

The song was later featured in the 1976 Robert de Niro film, Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese.

Meanwhile, Frontier Touring, organisers of Jackson’s current Australia and New Zealand shows have advised ticket holders that they will be contact individually for up dates.

Fans unable to get to the re-scheduled gigs will receive a refund. 

Jackson Browne and one-time girlfriend Daryl Hannah. The hitmaker dated the Hollywood star after divorcing Lynne in 1983