April 28, 2008 10:27

James Blunt in emergency finger operation - Tabloid Hell

Singer needs the digit fixed so he can 'party'

James Blunt is facing emergency surgery on an injured finger after he was mobbed by crazed fans at a gig in Asheville, North Carolina last month, reports The Sun.

Doctors need to break then reset the finger before putting it in plaster or he will never play the piano properly again.

Blunt said: "I need it to be right but the idea of having them take a hammer and smash my finger into two isn't so thrilling.

"I jumped off stage at the end of the gig and was chased by women, and even some men, in the crowd. I started running and the next thing I knew I had broken my finger.

"It was a funny moment being chased, but when I got back on stage it was nerve-racking looking down and realising the finger was pointing the wrong way."

Blunt admitted that if faced with a similar situation he would not act the the same.

He added: "Upon reflection, it was dumb to jump into the crowd but in a way it was my own fault. I had leather-soled shoes on and just slipped."

Blunt is currently on tour, which means he cannot get the urgent surgery he needs. He will play shows in Japan, New Zealand and Australia while waiting for a gap in his schedule to get things fixed, with a friend standing in on keyboards.

Blunt said: "I need it fixed. I need all my fingers to work properly. Not just for performing but for partying."