'Idol' winner Kris Allen in Utah on Tuesday

The new year began badly for "American Idol" winner Kris Allen.

He was in a car wreck Jan. 1 and had surgery on his wrist several days later, complicating matters since he was to begin a new tour shortly after.

But canceling was not an option, the 27-year-old Arkansas native said in a phone interview. He said he told fans he would tour, and he would do so. "I'm a man of my word," he said.

So while his guitar-playing skills will be limited, he joked that his band's other guitar player gave him a baby xylophone to compensate.

Touring behind his second album, "Thank You, Camellia," Allen talked about one of his most recent trips to Utah. The same night he was an opening act at Red Butte Garden in 2010, a fellow named Paul McCartney was headlining Rio Tinto Stadium in nearby Sandy. So, as soon as he finished his opening set, he and his band rushed over to Sandy to see Macca hit the stage. "It was amazing," he said. "I grew up a Beatles fan."

Didn't we all?

When • Tuesday, 7 p.m.Where • In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake CityTickets • $15 in advance, $17 day of, at SmithsTix