Joan Jett has cancelled two scheduled US performances after undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebra, with the rock veteran stepping back from the stage so she can “begin the necessary healing process”.

The 67-year-old musician was on had been due to return to the US stage next month following Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ first UK headline tour in 16 years, with appearances scheduled at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, California, on 5 September and the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville, Kentucky, on 24 September.

Both shows have now been cancelled on the advice of her doctors.

In a statement made on her social media, her team confirmed that she had recently undergone surgery.

“Following a recent injury, Joan Jett has undergone orthopaedic surgery on a fractured vertebrae and will begin the necessary healing process,” the statement posted on her Instagram. “In close consultation with her doctors, Joan will not be able to perform at her forthcoming September scheduled shows in Costa Mesa, CA on September 5th and in Louisville, KY on September 24th.”

“While Joan hates to disappoint fans, she will be taking this time to focus on physical therapy and healing. She’s looking forward to delivering tremendous concerts for many years to come,” the statement added.

No further information on her injury had been provided.

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts recently completed a five-date UK headline run, which began at Glasgow's O2 Academy on 2 July before travelling to Manchester, Leeds, Wolverhampton, and London. The tour also included a support slot for My Chemical Romance at Wembley Stadium, marking Jett’s return to UK stages after a 16-year absence from headlining the country.

The “I Love Rock 'n Roll” singer recently opened up on why she still performs her cover of disgraced singer Gary Glitter’s hit “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)”. Jett recorded her version of the 1973 song on her 1980 solo debut, Bad Reputation, seven years after Glitter’s original release.

Convicted of downloading child sexual abuse material in 1999, Glitter largely disappeared from public life. He was subsequently found guilty of committing obscene acts with two girls, aged 10 and 11, in 2006, and in 2015 was convicted of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of having sex with a girl under 13.

“Of course it bothers me. But that’s not the context in which I’m singing it,” she told The Telegraph in June this year, when asked whether “what we now know about Glitter” affects her.

“I’m not condoning it at all,” Jett said. “And if you listen to the words I sing. I’m singing different words from what he’s saying. I try to make it my own. But am I going to drop it after the fact, after I’ve had my own career with the song? No.”

She continued: “And if people want to come at me for that, do it. I’ve been come at for [more].”