Photo: WENN
Sir Elton John has spoken out about the illness which has forced him to cancel his scheduled Hyde Park gig this week, claiming he believes his appendicitis could have killed him.
The music legend was scheduled to perform at Hyde Park on Friday 12 July 2013, topping the bill ahead of Elvis Costello and Ray Davies - but yesterday, his performance was scrapped and his European summer dates postponed after details of his illness emerged.
Today, The Sun newspaper printed an interview with the 'Rocket Man' star where he spoke of his dice with death.
''I was a ticking time bomb," said Sir Elton. "I guess I could have died at any time. I feel so lucky and so grateful to be alive. I played nine gigs and the White Tie and Tiara Summer Ball in agony.''
Another source told the newspaper: "Elton is over the worst but is still very sick. It's been a horrible ordeal. 'He hates not being able to do gigs he was booked for. But there's no way fans will blame him considering the ordeal he's just been through."
Elton John has cancelled his performance this Friday (12 July, 2013)
The Hyde Park show will now be a free event - and ticket holders will be refunded the price of tickets purchased for the show.
"We certainly wish Elton a speedy recovery and know that he would have hated for us to cancel the whole day’s events because of this," says Rob Hallett, President, International Live Touring, AEG Live. "In the beautiful surroundings of Hyde Park and the incredible weather we are having, our show goes on! And there’s no better way to enjoy the start of our final weekend with a free event for all to enjoy with some excellent headline artists topping off even more great entertainment in our 10-day event."
"Following a number of exploratory scans and blood tests with his medical team in the UK, a diagnosis of appendix abscess surrounding retrocaecal appendicitis has been confirmed," said a spokesperson for the star.
"Sir Elton is currently undergoing a course of intensive antibiotics and is expected to undergo surgery in the UK in the coming weeks, once doctors can be confident they have sufficiently reduced toxins within the inflamed appendicitis site."
"Elton is incredibly disappointed to postpone these tour dates," the rep continues. "To know that he made such super-human efforts and continued to perform to thousands through his illness only confirms his dedication to his European fans.
"He is eager to be back on top form and return to play the remaining shows starting in early September 2013."
Elton John has also been announced as another headliner at this year's iTunes festival along with Arctic Monkeys and The Pixies. He is also scheduled to headline this year's Bestival.
Rescheduled dates for Elton John's European tour are yet to be announced.
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