Music legend Elton John was forced to leave the stage in tears after being unable to sing due to illness.
Elton, 72, had been performing in Auckland, New Zealand as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour when his voice gave in.
After pushing on for as long as possible, the visibly distressed star was left with no choice but to call it quits.
Fighting back tears, the Oscar winning singer managed a heartfelt ‘sorry’ before being helped back to his dressing room.
According to fans online, Elton reportedly said: “My voice has completely gone, I’m so sorry.”
As he did, the understanding crowd cheered and supported him.
Taking to Twitter to explain his situation, Elton wrote: “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.
“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.”
The I’m Still Standing singer added in a later post: “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”
Walking pneumonia is a less severe version of pneumonia.
The illness is a bacterial infection that is often found in an individual’s lower and upper respiratory tract.
In total, Elton cut the show short by an hour due to the illness.
He is still set to play two more gigs in Auckland, one Tuesday and Thursday.
(Image: WireImage)
The mammoth global trek is will see Elton play 270 dates over two years.
The tour is due to reach the UK in November 2020.
In October last year, Elton was forced to cancel a show in Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis due to illness.
In a statement at the time, the venue said: “Due to illness, Elton John’s concert slated for tonight, Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2020.
“We do apologise for any inconvenience caused by this necessary change and wish Elton a speedy recovery.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk