London: British crooner James Blunt has broken his little finger and has to undergo an operation to be able to play the piano properly.

Thesun.co.uk reports that he hurt his finger when fans in North Carolina mobbed him last month. He is able to play the guitar properly, but is struggling with the piano.

He said: "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."

Recalling 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. I can't play the piano, but I can still play the guitar with my remaining fingers.

"It was a funny moment being chased, but when I got back on stage it was nerve-racking looking down and realising the finger was pointing the wrong way. Upon reflection, it was dumb to jump into the crowd, but in a way it was my own fault. I had leather soled shoes on and just slipped."