British singer Winehouse scraps concerts, citing 'health issues'
2 hours, 38 minutes ago
British soul singer Amy Winehouse, in rehabilitation reportedly coping with drink and drug problems, has scrapped her forthcoming concerts for health reasons, her spokeswoman said Friday.
The 23-year-old, whose drinking habits have been well documented in British newspapers, has pulled out of this weekend's V Festival, one of Britain's biggest, Tracey Miller said.
Winehouse, named best British female solo artist at the Brit Awards in February, will also miss France's Rock en Seine festival, where she was scheduled to perform Thursday.
"Amy Winehouse is putting all her touring commitments for this month on hold until further notice in order to address her health issues," Miller said in a statement.
"Amy will now not be performing at this weekend's V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire. Her family has requested that the media respect Amy's privacy at this time."
The singer was taken to hospital last week for what her record company called "severe exhaustion".
Reports alleged she had taken a ****tail of alcohol and various hard drugs.
Winehouse, whose best-known hit "Rehab" is about her refusal to attend an alcohol rehabilitation centre, was then reported to have checked into a treatment centre costing 10,000 pounds (19,700 dollars, 14,700 euros) per week.
She went home Wednesday but insisted Thursday it was simply to collect a guitar.
"I'm fine. I've put on half a stone (three kilogrammes) and I feel fine," she told BBC radio outside her native north London home.
Asked if reports of her drug abuse were correct, she said: "I wouldn't say so, no."
Her husband Blake Fielder-Civil admitted Thursday she had "a few problems."
"It's been a difficult time for me and Amy, the fact is we are still together and going back to the place tonight," he said.
"The main thing is that me and Amy are getting better. Don't worry, she's being looked after. We're going back to this retreat. She's determined to get well.
"It's not as bad as everyone thinks but she's fine, she's loved and looked after."
Winehouse has been nominated for best newcomer and female artist of the year at the MTV Video Music Awards, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 9.
The singer is scheduled to tour Canada and the United States next month and Europe in October.
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