Elton John, who is on his farewell tour, was diagnosed with Walking Pneumonia, an illness which made it difficult for him to sing.
There is nothing ordinary about Sir Elton John, the original rocket man. Whether it's his dramatic performances, his beautiful voice, or the colorful life he's lived, he's never been one to do anything traditionally. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, he took a stage name for himself before reaching the stardom he did in the 1970s. He has never looked back but the 72-year-old singer might be slowing down now. Although, this thorough professional wouldn't ever disappoint fans even at great personal cost.
While other artists try to slow down as they age, John waited until now to say farewell to performing. "After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career that has redefined the cultural landscape and seen him claim his place as a true global icon, Elton has announced via an exclusive VR180 Live Stream on YouTube, details of his final tour called 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road'," said his official website.
During this farewell tour, when he was in Auckland, New Zealand recently, the performer had to cut short one of the gigs because he couldn't go on singing. At one instance, he slumped on the stool and a medical professional had to attend to him. But, he still continued on after this incident.
It was when he tried to sing Daniel that he realized that he could not sing anymore. He had no voice left and had no option but to end the show earlier than planned. A tearful and frustrated John was seen being helped off the stage. "I've just completely lost my voice. I can't sing. I've got to go. I'm sorry, so very sorry," a sobbing John told the crowd, according to NZHerald. He completely broke down on stage and couldn't control his tears. After all, what can feel worse to a performer of his stature than being unable to sing on his last tour ever?
"I'm so sorry'
— Tim McCready 🇳🇿 (@Tim_McCready) February 16, 2020
And he was gone.#EltonJohn #EltonFarewellTour pic.twitter.com/lHPoLJrT4N
He apologized to the crowd profusely in person and also in a message on his Instagram. He also revealed more details about why he had been unable to go on. "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," said the Bennie and the Jets singer.
"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," he concluded.
The performer has decided to go ahead with the tour even though he was diagnosed with a lung infection. This only shows how dedicated he is to his work, his fans, and how much he values those who come to see him perform.
Even though, he had to stop midway through his performance, the fans at the stadium cheered the Tiny Dancer singer by clapping for him. He performed for the Oscars, where he and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin won best original song for (I'm Gonna) Love Me Again from his biopic starring Taron Egerton, according to USA Today. "My priorities have changed," John had told CNN's Anderson Cooper as he announced he won't tour anymore, according to USA Today.
We wish him all the best as he battles his health struggles.
References:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12309031
https://www.eltonjohn.com/stories/farewell-yellow-brick-road
