Usher performing live
Usher has scrapped more tour dates after an injury in rehearsals (Picture: Kaitlyn Morris/WireImage)

Usher has postponed the beginning of his Past Present Future Tour after suffering a nasty neck injury.

The 45-year-old R&B icon had been due to kick of his live shows in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, but the concert was called off just hours before he was set to take to the stage.

Now, the Confessions Part II singer has pulled two more dates planned for the city’s State Farm Arena, and he revealed the gigs have been scrapped under doctor’s orders.

In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: ‘Earlier this week, I suffered an injury to my neck while rehearsing to provide my fans with the greatest Usher show of all time.

‘My hope was that with physical therapy and medical treatment, I would be able to overcome the injury and be ready for opening night.

‘Unfortunately, the injury has not healed yet, and my doctors have instructed me not to perform any shows this week.’

However, the singer did assure fans he’s still hoping to be well enough to kick off the tour in Washington, D.C. on August 20, if he takes the time for ‘appropriate rest and treatment’.

‘The good news is that the doctors are saying that with appropriate rest and treatment, I should be ready to commence the tour in Washington DC on August 20th,’ he continued.

He thanked his fans for their ‘understanding’, insisting that he need to be at full fitness to give them the ‘excellence’ they’ve come to expect from his performances.

Usher performs at the Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas
The singer has thanked fans for their understanding and support (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/REX/Shutterstock)
Usher performs on stage at Lovers & Friends Festival, Las Vegas
Usher wants to give fans ‘100 per cent excellence’ (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/REX/Shutterstock)

He added: ‘I love my fans and thank you for understanding that this injury must be healed so that I can give you the 100 per cent excellence that you expect from an Usher show and that I will be on stage in your city very soon.’

Luckily for fans, the three postponed shows on August 14, 16 and 17 have been rescheduled for December 9, 10, and 12.

After cancelling the first show of the tour this week, Usher voiced his disappointment in a post on his Instagram Stories.

Usher dances on stage at Lovers & Friends Festival, Las Vegas
The scrapped shows have been rearranged for later in the year (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/REX/Shutterstock)

He wrote: ‘You’re still going to get a bit of the past, some of the present, and a unique look into the future on the rescheduled date but you’ll also be getting 100 per cent of me.

‘The last thing I want to ever do is disappoint you, the fans who have been eagerly waiting for this tour to start.

‘However, I wouldn’t be the entertainer that I am if I can’t physically give you my best. I can’t wait to celebrate this legacy with you.’

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