The launch of the North American leg of David Bowie [ tickets ]'s world tour, dubbed A Reality Tour, had been delayed due to illness, according to his publicist.

The tour's first two shows--on Saturday (12/6) in Atlantic City, NJ, and Sunday (12/7) in Fairfax, VA--have been postponed because "doctors have ordered [Bowie] to remain in bed for a number of days until he shakes the flu," said a statement issued on Friday (12/5) by Bowie's camp. The dates will be rescheduled, and tickets for the previously scheduled performances will be honored at the rescheduled shows.

Bowie, who recently completed a series of dates in Europe, is now expected to open his North American tour on Tuesday (12/9) in Boston.

The British-rock icon is touring a mix of arenas and theaters behind his new album, "Reality." The album track "New Killer Star" is nominated for a GRAMMY^® in the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance category.

Bowie wrote and recorded "Reality" in New York City, and co-produced the set with longtime collaborator Tony Visconti. Visconti also contributed bass parts on the album, while Bowie--in addition to singing--played keyboards, guitar and sax.

"Reality" features nine original cuts, as well as cover versions of "Pablo Picasso"--a Jonathan Richman-penned song that Richman originally recorded with The Modern Lovers--and "Try Some, Buy Some," a lesser-known song by the late George Harrison.