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Elton John bags U.S. shows after catching rare infection in South America

"I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans," the legendary singer said Monday.

By Doug G. Ware
Iconic singer Elton John has canceled several U.S. shows set for April and May due to a rare infection he picked up in South America during a string of recent performances, representatives said Monday. File Photo by Daniel Gluskoter
Iconic singer Elton John has canceled several U.S. shows set for April and May due to a rare infection he picked up in South America during a string of recent performances, representatives said Monday. File Photo by Daniel Gluskoter | License Photo

April 24 (UPI) -- Iconic British singer Elton John has canceled eight U.S. shows this month and next due to an unusual and potentially harmful infection he picked up in South America, representatives said Monday.

John decided to cancel all his Million Dollar Piano shows at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and a May 6 show in Bakersfield, Calif., due to the illness, which became evident as the singer was on a return flight from Chile.

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"We regret to inform you that due to medical reasons, Elton John is forced to cancel his entire performance schedule for the upcoming April/May run of The Million Dollar Piano at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Cancelled show dates are April 25, 26, 28, 29 and May 1, 3, 4, 5," Caesar's Palace said in a statement Monday.

"During his return flight home from Santiago, Chile, he became violently ill," the statement continued. "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."

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The nature of the infection was not initially disclosed.

John's publicists said the singer's two-day stay in a British hospital included time in the intensive care unit. He was discharged Saturday.

John, 70, was in South America for his Wonderful Crazy Night Tour which included four shows in Brazil and one in Chile. One of the best-selling musicians in the world, the singer intends to return to the stage at a British show in Twickenham on June 3, reps said.

"I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologize for disappointing them," John said in a statement. "I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well."

In a career that spans more than 50 years, John has had nine No. 1 hit songs, more than 50 in the Top 40 and once had seven consecutive No. 1 albums on the U.S. charts.

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