7News in Australia reports international pop star Elton John had to cancel a performance mid-show Sunday night in Auckland when he abruptly lost his voice.
Experiencing difficulties in the middle of the show, he left the stage to be examined by a medic. He returned, but after two songs he told the audience in a raspy voice, “I can’t sing. I’ve just completely lost my voice. I’ve got to go, I’m so sorry.”
The ‘I’m Still Standing’ singer became emotional and paused to lean on his piano before he was escorted offstage.
John later tweeted his apologies to his fans: “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,” he added in follow-up tweets. “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.”
John is currently in the middle of his multi-year ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour.
.@eltonofficial has broken down on stage in Auckland after losing his voice in the middle of a sold-out concert. https://t.co/b3MLzLk9VF #EltonJohn #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/ofN5r2FjNc
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) February 16, 2020
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
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
📷: Ben Gibson
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) February 16, 2020
"I'm so sorry'
And he was gone.#EltonJohn #EltonFarewellTour pic.twitter.com/lHPoLJrT4N— Tim McCready (@Tim_McCready) February 16, 2020
Sir Elton John – you gave it everything you had – so sad you had to finish your concert in Auckland an hour early after your voice gave out. Hope you feel better soon 🌹 pic.twitter.com/3UPkICeIdp
— Lesley Warwick (@warwick_lesley) February 16, 2020