Ailing Elton John scraps concert dates

LONDON, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Elton John's publicist says the pop star was forced to cancel two concerts in his native England during the weekend because he was suffering from the flu.

The BBC said the 62-year-old singer scrapped last Saturday's performance at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena and Friday's concert at Sheffield Arena because he hadn't been feeling well.

"Elton is bitterly disappointed at missing tonight's Red Piano concert in Newcastle ... one of his favorite areas to perform," the BBC quoted the recording artist's spokesman as saying Saturday. "The crowds are always great music fans and not being able to put on this special show for Newcastle is upsetting."

John is scheduled to perform at London's Wembley Arena Tuesday and Liverpool's Echo Arena Wednesday, the BBC said.