AUCKLAND, New Zealand (NEWS 1130) — Elton John is apologizing to fans in New Zealand after he was forced to cut a show short because of health problems.
The singer-songwriter, who’s on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, had taken two breaks during his show in Auckland Saturday night before finding himself unable to finish his 14th song.
Video on social media shows John upset after announcing the show was ending early, leaning over apparently in tears, before being helped off stage.
He later took to Twitter to reveal that he had been diagnosed with walking pneumonia earlier in the day, adding “played and sang my heart out, until my voice could sing no more. I’m disappointed, deeply upset and sorry.”
I want to thank everyone who attended the #EltonFarewellTour gig in Auckland tonight.
I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia earlier today, but I was determined to give you the best show humanly possible. pic.twitter.com/5hBSJNqWl1
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) February 16, 2020
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.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) February 16, 2020
After leaving the stage, members of the audience and fans around the world tweeted out their support and love for the ‘Rocket Man’ singer.
The ultimate professional – he sang until his voice wouldn’t let him sing any more. Elton you were superb – best wishes for a speedy recovery #EltonFarewellTour pic.twitter.com/YGJ4Pedw1n
— Amy Wadwell (@amywadwell) February 16, 2020
We love you Elton! What a belter to play a show like that when you should have been recovering at home… Rest up and get well soon #EltonFarewellTour #NZlovesElton #sendinglove pic.twitter.com/yooNIWvOh0
— Laura Sutherland (@kiddr_7) February 16, 2020
Elton, tonight you were incredible. To perform the way you did, was just indescribable – the fact you continued to push through and sing (and sing incredibly) even when you couldn’t talk is just phenomenal. Thank you for everything, you are a true inspiration
— cait (@caitIinmargaret) February 16, 2020
John responded to his fans by tweeting out another message which read, “thank you so much for your extraordinary support and all the love you showed me during tonight’s performance.”
Thank you so much for your extraordinary support and all the love you showed me during tonight’s performance.
I am eternally grateful.
Love, Elton xx
[Photo by] Ben Gibson
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) February 16, 2020