Getty Images
Elton John is in intensive care after being struck down by a ‘potentially deadly’ bacterial infection in South America.
The 70-year-old singer was on a flight back to Britain from Santiaho, Chile when he fell ‘violently ill’ and was rushed into emergency treatment in a UK hospital.
Doctors acted quickly to remove the infection and the ‘Tiny Dancer’ hitmaker is believed to have stayed in hospital for 12 days, two of which were on an intensive care ward, before being released home on 22 April.
This latest health issue has forced Elton to cancel a string of shows in Las Vegas in order to rest and is expected to make a full recovery.
His representative says in a statement: ‘During a recent, successful tour of South America, Elton contracted a harmful and unusual bacterial infection. During his return flight home from Santiago, Chile he became violently ill. Upon returning to the UK, Elton’s Doctors admitted him to hospital, where he underwent immediate treatment to remove the infection.
‘Infections of this nature are rare and potentially deadly. Thankfully, Elton’s medical team identified this quickly and treated it successfully. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery.’
John added: ‘I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologize for disappointing them. I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well.’
He has cancelled eight shows between April 28 and May 6 on his residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
He will return to the stage to perform at Twickenham stadium in England on June 3.
The British star has been perfroming in Vegas since 2011 and this is the lastest of many cancellations due to health concerns.
In July 2016, Elton cancelled a huge concert in Hyde Park after requiring immediate surgery for appendicitis.
In December, Elton also postponed a concert in Dubai due to ill health.
In a statement at the time, he said: ‘I am so looking forward to performing in Dubai with my band and want to assure my fans that giving me time to recover to my full strength and stamina will ensure the best and most memorable show on January 20th.’
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
