Healing Wishes to Sir Elton John, Who Ended a New Zealand Gig Early After Walking Pneumonia Forced Him Off-Stage

Over the weekend, Sir Elton John came down with a case of walking pneumonia while on tour in New Zealand.

The 72-year-old didn’t let that keep him from taking the stage at one of the stops on his ongoing Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour. But while the legendary musician, riding high after a banner year that saw his Rocketman biopic released to rave reviews and Elton himself basking in the glow of an excellent Oscars performance (and win), gave it his best, he had to cut the concert short after losing his voice and feeling the effects of his medical situation.

After being helped off stage, Elton issued a heartfelt message to his fans on social media, apologizing for having to end the show early:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8n268KD7fD/

The message, in text form:

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. 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 📷 @bengibsonphoto

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-azUHClyAd8

It’s remarkable that Elton even took the stage, given the diagnosis he’d received earlier in the day. It’s admirable, sure — for some of these fans at the gig, this may have been their final chance to see him perform — and inspiring, given John’s age, the amount of heavy activity he’s been doing lately, and the number of farewell tour dates still on the schedule.

Here’s hoping he’s back to full health soon, Best wishes, Sir Elton John, on your recovery from walking pneumonia!