Madonna celebrated the end of the European leg of her mammoth world tour in London, but admitted that she had “been through hell” with her knee.
Addressing fans on stage at the London O2 on Wednesday, the Like A Virgin hit-maker, 65, who was wearing a leg brace, became emotional as she recalled the terrifying health scare she experienced earlier this year.
There was even a question mark at one point over whether the music icon would be able to do the tour, which consists of 78 shows spanning 15 countries.
She was forced to postpone the start of her tour, with it eventually kicking off at London’s O2 Arena on October 15th and will conclude in Mexico City in April next year.
In June, Madonna it was reported that she was found unresponsive in her home, resulting in her being rushed to hospital with a serious bacterial infection and needing to spend several days in ICU (intensive care unit).
Bacterial infections can affect any part of the body including the skin, blood, brain and lungs. These types of infections can lead mild symptoms and illness, but in severe cases can lead to serious complications including sepsis which is life-threatening.
She sparked further concern when she admitted just seven days into the tour that she was still not feeling 100 per cent.
In Belgium, she became emotional as she recounted her recent ordeal and reflected on how ill her mother Madonna Louise Ciccone was before she passed away from breast cancer at age 33.
“I had this strange thought,” she said. “I suddenly had sympathy and empathy for my mother. About how lonely she must have felt in the hospital, knowing that she wasn't going to live. And I was given another chance.”
Madonna added: “So I'm very grateful for that.”
“I must tell you, I don't feel very well right now. But I can't complain because I'm alive,” she added.
“Thank God for my children and all of you, and all of your love and support. I really appreciate it.”
“Less than four months ago I was in a hospital, and I was unconscious and people were thinking – predicting – that I might not make it,' she told the audience in another clip posted by a fan.“It's a f**king miracle that I'm here right now. My mother, God bless her, she must be watching over me, she said, ‘Girl, it's not your time to go.’”
Madonna previously struggled with hip and knee injuries during her Madame X Tour back in 2020.
