The Wanted stopped their show in Newcastle on Friday night to honour absent band member Tom Parker, who has been forced to miss the first few dates of their tour due to cancer treatment.
In October 2020, proud northerner Tom revealed the devastating news that he'd been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.
Since then Tom has been fighting hard against his cancer and, him being missing from Friday's show at the Utilita Arena was down to him receiving pioneering treatment in Spain.
READ MORE: The Wanted do Tom proud with pop masterclass in Newcastle
But, while he wasn't there in person, Tom was very much part of The Wanted's show, appearing on all the videos beamed onto the big screen at the back of the stage and given a special place in the show as his bandmates Max, Siva, Jay and Nathan paid tribute to him.
The very mention of his name saw the arena erupt into loud cheers and applause that went on for close to a minute, before Nathan gave a poignant statement, telling the crowd: "We are the biggest believers that love can do so much and your love, he will be feeling it right now."
Taking to Twitter to break the sad news he'd be missing from the start of The Wanted tour, Tom posted: "So, as most of you know, I’ve been out in Spain on a treatment programme for the past couple of weeks.
"It was only meant to last 20 days but due to a couple of logistical changes with tests and results it won’t be complete until the end of the week now which has delayed
"...our journey home.I’m obviously gutted that I’ll be missing the first few shows but as I’m sure you will understand, I have to complete my treatment cycle.I know that the show will be incredible and that my boys will hold the fort down until I’m back."
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
