Exclusive | Tom Jones reveals he almost died in return to stage following serious mystery illness

Music legend Tom Jones admitted he thought he was going to die after being rushed to the hospital by paramedics last week.

The 86-year-old “What’s New Pussy Cat” singer triumphantly took the stage at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday night and revealed to the crowd that he was rushed to UCLA Medical Center after contracting pneumonia.   

“I thought this was it, you had a wonderful life Tommy but it’s over now,” the singer told the crowd.

What Jones thought was a case of the flu turned into pneumonia, “And then they had to get the paramedics in, and I was like I can’t breathe,” Jones said of the horrific moment.

The crooner was rushed to UCLA where he said he was in the ICU for two days. “UCLA did a wonderful job, so I’m here,” he continued.

After being in the hospital for a week the doctors asked what do you want to do according to Jones, who responded “I have to get back on the stage, that’s where I belong,” to which his adoring fans erupted.

The iconic Jones then reflected on the first time he played the Greek which was in 1969 before launching into his first number one hit “It’s Not Unusual”

“This song really changed my life,” he said.

Jones’ original Los Angeles concert was set to kick off on October 26th at The Greek Theatre, but was rescheduled for Wednesday night. 

“I’ve had a great time these last few weeks, completing 20 shows and singing for wonderful audiences across the USA, but unexpectedly I’ve been hit with a bad case of the flu,” Jones wrote in a post. 

The singer took the stage in front of a sold out audience and belted out his greatest hits including “Sex Bomb”, “She’s a Lady”, and “Delilah”

Jones is currently in the middle of his “Come Gather Round” tour.

The North American leg launched September 18 in Highland Park, Illinois, after Jones kicked off his worldwide tour in England back in June.

He plays at Yaamava Resort and Casino in Highland, CA. on Friday.

Jones was knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2006. 

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