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Sir Elton John postpones UK and Europe tour dates to 2023 after fall

Elton John performs a concert live on stage during Rock in Rio 2015 held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 20, 2015. (Photo by Antonio Cicero / Fotoarena) *** Please Use Credit from Credit Field ***
Elton John is postponing his tour dates. (Fotoarena)

Sir Elton John has announced he is postponing the 2021 dates of his tour in Europe and the UK after hurting his hip in a fall.

The Rocket Man singer, 74, said he is in “considerable pain and discomfort” after taking a tumble this summer and has been told that he needs an operation.

Sir Elton told fans on Instagram that it broke his heart to have to push the dates back to 2023.

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“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am forced to reschedule the 2021 dates of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Europe and the UK to 2023,” he said.

“At the end of my summer break I fell awkwardly on a hard surface and have been in considerable pain and discomfort in my hip ever since.

“Despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving.

“I have been advised to have an operation as soon as possible to get me back to full fitness and make sure there are no long-term complications. I will be undertaking a program of intensive physiotherapy that will ensure a full recovery and a return to full mobility without pain.”

File photo dated 11/09/16 of Sir Elton John performing at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park, in Hyde Park, London. Sir Elton John will play his final London tour date at the BST Hyde Park festival in 2022, it has been announced. Issue date: Friday September 3, 2021.
Sir Elton John on stage. (PA)

The star said he would still take part in the Global Citizen event he has lined up on 25 September as he did not want to let a charity down.

“Being just five songs it’s a very different physical undertaking to the demands of playing for close to three hours every night on tour and travelling overnight between countries,” he said.

Sir Elton said he would then have the surgery to make sure the tour could carry on in January 2022 in New Orleans.

“I know how patient my incredible fans have been since COVID halted touring last year, and it breaks my heart to keep you waiting any longer," he said.

"I completely feel your frustrations after the year we’ve had.

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“I promise you this – the shows will return to the road next year and I will make sure they are more than worth the wait.”

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