Marianne Faithfull cancels concerts after breaking her back

Marianne Faithfull pictured in March 2013 (Getty Images)

Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull is recovering after breaking a bone in her back in an accident.

The 66-year-old, who famously dated Sir Mick Jagger in the 1960s, has had to cancel shows in Lebanon and the US as a result of her injuries.

Faithfull, known for top 10 hits such as "As Tears Go By", fractured her sacrum on the first day of a holiday in the US, following a visit to California for shows and a TV appearance.

Her injury happened last month but has only just come to light after she announced she was unable to perform.

Faithfull - who starred in films such as Girl On A Motorcycle and a number of stage productions - spent four weeks in hospital but has now returned to her home in Paris to continue her recovery.

She said she was "sad" to have to cancel the performances and apologised for her no-show. The period of healing will also mean recording of her next album will be delayed.

In a letter to fans in Beirut, to explain the cancellation, she said: "I am so sad I won't be able to sing for you on Saturday.

"I broke my back in July and hoped and prayed I would be better enough to be able to do the performance on 17th August, although it's not very long, but my recovery was going well. Alas.

"I have never been to the Lebanon though I know it through books. It looks like one of the most beautiful places in the world."

She said she was longing to see Beirut and went on: "I still hope to be able to come one day not too far away when I'm completely healed and have my dream to sing in Beirut come true."

In addition to solo shows in New York and Chicago next month, she has also had to axe an appearance at a tribute to Edith Piaf in New York.

Faithfull, who had drug problems in the late 60s and during the 70s, has bounced back from a number of health problems.

She was taken to hospital with exhaustion in 2004 and two years later was treated for breast cancer. Faithfull also has hepatitis C.

PA