Elton John Cancels New Zealand Tour Dates Amid Pneumonia Battle

Elton John is prioritizing his health over all with the news that he's canceled his two remaining New Zealand shows.

On Tuesday (February 18), the icon, 72, broke the news, detailing that the "Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour" shows have been rescheduled for 2021. In a statement, John said he was "incredibly disappointed" and sent his sincerest apologies to those concert attendees. No word on whether his ongoing pneumonia diagnosis will impact the other dates on his trek, which is scheduled to move on over to Australia.

Word of the nixed dates comes after John was forced to call off a weekend show mid-set. "I've completely lost my voice — I'm so sorry," he told the crowd during his performance of "Daniel." "I can't sing. I've got to go. My voice is shot." Additionally, fan-shot video depicts John standing up from the piano and taking a modest bow as the audience rises in ovation. He was also seen crying as he departed the stage, alongside crew members.

While tour promoters Chugg Entertainment initially predicted that the chart-topper would be able to resume his tour as planned besides pushing the next gig back by one date, a new statement indicates different plans have been made. "Despite the best efforts of a performer who never wants to disappoint his fans, upon further consultation from doctors and specialists, it has this evening been decided that Sir Elton John’s two remaining Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, performances will be rescheduled to Friday 15th and Saturday 16th January 2021," the release read.

Meanwhile, John was apologetic via a statement obtained by the New Zealand Herald. "I always want to be able to give 100% and I’m afraid that, right now, I’m not able to do that. I am grateful for the love and loyalty I have been shown by all of you and I can’t wait to return in January next year to perform my final New Zealand shows," he said.

Photo: Getty Images


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