Elton John forced to cancel remaining NZ shows, concerts rescheduled for next year

Elton John has been forced to cancel his two remaining Auckland shows.

A statement released by John's tour promoter said John's two Auckland shows on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour have been rescheduled until January 2021.

"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 statement said.

"I'm incredibly disappointed to have to reschedule my remaining Auckland dates and I want to send my sincerest apologies to my amazing fans for any inconvenience caused", said John.

READ MORE: The moment emotional Elton John stops NZ concert after losing his voice from pneumonia

"I always want to be able to give one hundred per cent 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."

Promoter Michael Chugg said "Elton's a performer, he puts everything into his live shows, and as you can imagine he's just devastated at having to postpone his Auckland dates.

"He has to listen to his doctors and recover properly right now. But don't worry, you better believe he'll be back and better than ever in January next year."

Due to Elton John's international Farewell Yellow Brick Road dates filling the remainder of the calendar year, the performer will return at the earliest possible opportunity; January 2021.

View this post on Instagram

I want to thank everyone who attended tonight’s gig in Auckland. 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. Love, Elton xx 📷 @bengibsonphoto

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Feb 16, 2020 at 1:30am PST

Tickets for Elton's Wednesday 19th February (previously Tuesday 18th February) concert will be valid for Friday 15th January 2021.

Tickets for the Thursday 20th February show will be valid for Saturday 16th January 2021.

Those unable to attend the rescheduled shows next year can contact Ticketmaster to request a refund.

At this stage, all remaining Australian shows will go ahead as planned.

This article was first published on NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.

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