Kiwi fans of Elton John are wishing the music legend a speedy recovery after his recent Auckland show was cut short due to a diagnosis of walking pneumonia.
For the last few months, Elton John has found himself residing down under, with the Australian and New Zealand legs of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour keeping him busy since the local shows kicked off in late November.
Though the shows have seen the performer saying goodbye while at the top of his game, fans in New Zealand were undoubtedly left somewhat disappointed after his recent Auckland show was cut short.
Performing at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday night, Elton managed to get through 16 songs of the set before his performance of “Daniel” had to be halted.
“I’ve just completely lost my voice. I can’t sing,” the BBC reported Elton as saying. “I’ve got to go. I’m so sorry.”
Clearly feeling overwhelmed by the situation, Elton could be seen breaking down in tears before being escorted offstage. Taking to social media later, the musician apologised for the cancellation, explaining that he had previously been diagnosed with walking pneumonia; a mild form of pneumonia which affects the respiratory tract and typically doesn’t require hospitalisation.
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“I want to thank everyone who attended tonight’s gig in Auckland,” he explained. “I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia earlier today, but I was determined to give you the best show humanly possible.
“I played and sang my heart out, until my voice could sing no more. I’m disappointed, deeply upset and sorry. I gave it all I had. Thank-you so much for your extraordinary support and all the love you showed me during tonight’s performance. I am eternally grateful.”
Though Elton still has two remaining shows scheduled in New Zealand before his final run of Australian dates, the six-week recovery time for his illness undoubtedly raised some questions about the fate of his upcoming appearances.
However, as The New Zealand Herald reports, a statement from Elton’s publicist confirmed that these upcoming shows will not be affected by his recent diagnosis.
“Elton John was disappointed and deeply upset at having to end his Auckland concert early last night,” the statement read. “He is resting today, and doctors are confident he will recover.
“At this stage, all remaining shows will go ahead as planned.”
