Elton John Postpones Tour To Undergo Surgery

An announcement on the singer’s website points out that staying off the road isn’t something that he takes lightly. The 66-year-old star “regularly performs in excess of 120 concerts per year.” But, appendicitis is no joke. After falling ill during his European tour, Elton’s medical team in the U.K. ordered a number of exploratory scans and blood tests and he was diagnosed with “appendix abscess surrounding retrocaecal appendicitis.”

The crocodile rocker is now taking a course of intensive antibiotics and is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks. Before the surgery takes place, doctors have to make sure toxins within the inflamed appendicitis site have been sufficiently reduced.

Elton’s doctors and surgical team have advised him to “postpone all forthcoming shows from his current European tour.”

Gigs that were scheduled this month included July 12 at London’s Hyde Park as part of the “Barclaycard British Summer Time” as well as headline shows and festival appearances in Italy, Germany, Russia, France, Spain and Monaco.

Although his spokesman said the singer won’t return to the stage until he’s fully recovered from the surgery and any damage from appendicitis, a statement indicates Elton hopes to play his early September shows.

A spokesman said, “Elton is incredibly disappointed to postpone these tour dates. To know that he made such super-human efforts and continued to perform to thousands through his illness only confirms his dedication to his European fans. He is eager to be back on top form and return to play the remaining shows starting in early September 2013.”

Elton’s September itinerary includes a Sept. 4 gig in Leeds, England; Sept. 5 in Berlin; Sept. 7 in Magdeburg, Germany; and a Sept. 8 appearance at Bestival at Isle Of Wight, England. After that he’s due in Las Vegas for a residency at The Colosseum At Caesars Palace.

Fans with tickets to the Hyde Park show should head over to Bst-HydePark.com for more information.

And click here for Elton John’s website.