Bassey Backs Out of Mandela Concert

Singer Dame Shirley Bassey - who underwent stomach surgery last month - must back out of a concert for Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, BBC News reports.

The concert is set to take place this Friday in London's Hyde Park, and while the 71-year-old star, who lives in Monaco, is said to be recovering nicely, doctors have advised her not to travel.

"On the advice of her surgeon, Dame Shirley Bassey will now not be able to perform as scheduled at the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert," reveals the singer's spokesman, Paul Carey. He also adds: "Dame Shirley has been advised not to travel at the present time, so as to aid her continued full recovery following surgery last month."

The singer - whose hits include "Big Spender" and "History Repeating" - is sorry that she cannot attend the concert, which includes several other star performances.

"The Dame is hugely disappointed and was looking forward to the show immensely," adds Carey.