KEY POINTS:
A finger injury will force James Blunt to use a stand in pianist for his shows in New Zealand in Wellington tonight and tomorrow night in Auckland.
Blunt, known for his lovey dovey ballads, broke his finger after he jumped into the crowd during a concert in Asheville, North Carolina, last month.
The singer is still able to play guitar, but will need surgery to re-set his finger before returning to his piano stool.
"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," Blunt told The Sun newspaper.
Of the accident, he said: "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. I don't even know how I did it or what made me do it. "
With shows planned in NZ, Australia and Japan, Blunt will continue touring until a gap in schedule allows time for surgery on his injured digit. A friend will step in to play keyboard for the remainder of the tour.
Blunt, often photographed in London clubs with a flock of adoring women, told The Sun there is another reason he needs his finger fixed: "I need all my fingers to work properly. Not just for performing but for partying."
James Blunt on tour:
Tonight: TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
Wednesday: Vector Arena, Auckland
