Max George is back in hospital days before The Wanted 2.0 hits the road for a United States tour, the singer confirmed in a brief social post that showed him awaiting medical attention in a hospital bed. The 37-year-old, who received a pacemaker in December 2024 after a heart block was detected during emergency surgery, has been in and out of hospital for checkups and follow-up procedures as he recovers from multiple heart surgeries.
In the latest update, George posted a snap from a hospital bed on Thursday, pouting for the camera and flashing a peace sign as he waited to be seen by doctors. He added that the pause was temporary, joking that he needed “a bit of oil” before tour and signaling the first U.S. date would be in Orlando on October 10, when The Wanted 2.0 will begin its U.S. trek with bandmate Siva Kaneswaran. The update comes after the group previously had to cancel a Manchester Cathedral show in February due to Max’s heart problems.
Earlier this year, The Wanted 2.0 announced that a Manchester gig scheduled for February 27 had been postponed because of George’s health. In a video posted to the band’s Instagram account, he said he was “gutted” that he wouldn’t be able to perform on the date as planned and that he and Kaneswaran would work out a new date soon. He explained that the second heart operation had delayed his recovery and that he would not be well enough in time for the February show. The post emphasized the band’s commitment to returning to the stage once he was able.
George’s pacemaker was installed after doctors identified a heart block during December 2024 emergency surgery. He later revealed that the leads from the device were inserted too deeply, prompting a second operation that lasted about two hours. He has described the experience as a setback but confirmed that the procedure was ultimately a success and that a lengthy recovery would follow as his heart inflammation, or myocarditis, subsided. In a March update from the hospital, he shared a photo on the operating table and a look at his scar, saying doctors had let him listen to Oasis during the procedure. He underscored that while he faced months of recovery ahead, recovery was still on track and that he was grateful for fans’ support.
Relatives and fans have rallied around him since the diagnosis and ongoing treatment. He has credited his girlfriend, Maisie Smith, and his mother, Babs, with providing support throughout the ordeal, including during the difficult days after the pacemaker insertion and the follow-up surgery. In his social posts, George has expressed hope that the inflammation will subside and that he will return to the stage once his health permits. Doctors have cautioned that myocarditis can take weeks to months to improve, but the singer has remained focused on his scheduled return to performing.
The Wanted 2.0’s U.S. dates are scheduled to begin October 10 in Orlando, with future stops across the country. The group has repeatedly stressed their intention to bring the show to fans as soon as George is medically cleared. Prior to the health setbacks, the band had planned a broader tour and had hinted at a new chapter for The Wanted 2.0, with the U.S. leg representing a key milestone in reintroducing the group to American audiences.
As George continues to recover, fans and industry observers closely monitor his progress and the status of his heart condition. The band has remained engaged with fans through social media, sharing regular updates on rehearsals and travel plans as they adjust the schedule to accommodate George’s health. While the immediate focus is his recovery, the broader narrative for The Wanted 2.0 remains the resilience of a group that has weathered health scares and lineup changes to bring its music to an international audience.