Elton John Leaves Stage In Tears After Calling Off Concert Due To Pneumonia

After taking two uncharacteristic breaks during a concert in Auckland, New Zealand, this past weekend, Elton John called off the show, announcing that he was battling "walking pneumonia."

Elton performed more than half of his usual set but was unable to finish, "Daniel."

"I've completely lost my voice — I'm so sorry," he announced. "I can't sing. I've got to go. My voice is shot."

After giving the bad news, fan-shot video shows Elton standing up from the piano and taking a modest bow as the audience rises in ovation. Elton can be seen crying as he's led away by several crew members.

Reports from the concert note that Elton was checked by medics onstage at one point after slumping over at the piano.

After "Candle in the Wind" — three songs before "Daniel" — Elton informed the audience that his voice was beginning to go and he wasn't sure how much longer he could continue.

Elton followed up on social media later that evening, explaining that he had been diagnosed with the atypical form of pneumonia earlier in the day, but he was determined to perform as best he could for as long as possible.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer added his thanks to his fans for their "extraordinary support" in spite of the abbreviated show.

"I gave it all I had," he wrote.

Elton's 'Farewell, Yellow Brick Road' tour has two more concerts scheduled for this week in Auckland before moving on to Australia.

The singer has announced plans to retire from large-scale touring in 2021, citing his desire to watching his children grow up. While he hasn't ruled out future performances, he understandably wants to limit his travel going forward.

Get all of his tour dates here.

Photo: Getty Images