Elton John has appendicitis, cancels concert tour

LOS ANGELES, July 9 (UPI) -- British rock 'n' roll icon Elton John announced on his website Tuesday he has appendicitis and must cancel a string of concerts while he undergoes treatment.

"Elton is incredibly disappointed to postpone these tour dates," a message on his website said. "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."

The 66-year-old pop star fell ill during his recent European tour. Exploratory scans and blood tests showed he was suffering from an appendix abscess surrounding retrocaecal appendicitis. He is taking intensive antibiotics and expected to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom in the coming weeks.