Diana Krall Struggling With Effects of Pneumonia, Postpones Album Release & U.S. Tour
By Lars Brandle
Diana Krall has postponed her scheduled new album release and nixed her U.S. fall tour due to illness.
The Grammy-winning artist has “on-going complications brought on by a case of pneumonia,” according to her reps, meaning her new album Wallflower (Verve Records) will be pushed back to early 2015 and her U.S. tour dates are now on ice.
Diana Krall's 'Pop' Album to Include New Paul McCartney Song
“Diana’s condition has become much more chronic than first anticipated,” a statement from her publicist reads, “and she is unable to travel or engage in any promotional or touring activities for at least another 6 weeks to 2 months.” Her reps assure its the “only course of action available to her at this time to ensure a full recovery.”
Krall’s new studio album Wallflower (Verve Records) was slated for a North American release on Oct. 21, but is now scheduled to drop on Feb. 3, 2015. The U.S. leg of her Wallflower World Tour was due to kick off in Phoenix, AZ on Nov. 7, though those dates have been canned, for the time being at least. Krall suggests new shows will be announced in the coming weeks and slotted in for 2015.
“I’m deeply saddened that I will have to postpone the release of my new album ‘Wallflower' and the 'Wallflower U.S Fall Tour' until next year,” Krall says in a statement. “I’ve been battling a severe case of pneumonia and am under doctor’s orders to rest for the next few months in order to regain my strength and good health.”
Backbeat: Diana Krall Performs Material From New Album With Macklam Feldman, Verve Execs
She continues, “Performing is both a privilege and a joy for me. When I go out on stage I want to be able to give it everything. Taking this time to rest and recuperate will allow me to do that. It is frustrating to be so close to the record release and have to delay but I am very proud of this record and want to be able to give you all my very best when we finally present this music to you. Thank you so much for your understanding.”
Wallflower is Krall’s first studio effort since 2012's Glad Rag Doll, produced by T Bone Burnett, which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Jazz Albums chart. Produced by David Foster, Wallflower is a collection of songs from the late 60’s to present day that inspired Krall in her early years. The tracklist includes Krall’s take on such classics as The Eagles’ “Desperado,” The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin,” Elton John’s, “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” and Harry Nilsson’s and “Everybody’s Talkin’.”
