Gig-goers who had arrived at the venue were told to go home just minutes before the show was due to start, and his managers offered an apology for the late notice, revealing the 69-year-old Roxy Music star had been ordered not to perform by his doctors.

A statement from Ferry's team reads, "It is with great regret that Bryan Ferry has been forced to cancel tonight's show at the Royal Albert Hall following medical advice due to a severe throat infection. Many apologies to all the fans for the late notice and inconvenience."

Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp was due to attend the show, and he sent a message to Ferry via Twitter.com after the gig was called off, writing, "Get well soon Bryan Ferry. I know what a painful decision these things are. All I had to cancel was a cab."