Elton John is currently at home after a stint in an intensive care unit. The legendary British singer reportedly fell ill, prompting a lengthy stay in a hospital and the cancellation of several scheduled performances. Reports suggest a bacterial infection acquired while traveling was the cause of his health problems, with a statement from Elton John's representatives confirming as much.
Hospitalization and intensive care
After a show earlier in April in Santiago, Chile, a flight back to the United Kingdom did Elton John in. According to a statement from his representatives, the star acquired a bacterial infection considered "harmful and unusual," becoming extremely ill during his flight.
The representatives made a point to note just how serious the infection was, claiming that it could have been deadly were it not spotted and removed by a team of medical staff as soon as Elton John touched down in the UK.
The treatment needed for Elton John was harrowing, though. He spent two nights in an intensive care unit and around 12 days in the hospital fighting off the infection. He was not released from the hospital until April 22 and has been resting at his home since then. This is also not the first medical scare for the sensation recently, as he suffered a bout with the flu back in December, cancelling a performance in Dubai.
Performance cancellations
Elton John's two week hospital stay forced numerous cancellations in his performance schedule.
"The Million Dollar Piano," his residency show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, has been canceled through the months of April and May. He also canceled a performance scheduled in Bakersfield, California for May 6. Live performances will resume on Saturday, June 3, when he performs in Twickenham, England.
As part of the official statement, Elton John expressed his gratefulness to the medical staff that helped him while apologizing to those who bought tickets to see one of his shows.
He is one of the hardest working entertainers in the business, but his latest medical setback may signal a time for him to slow down. He isn't getting any younger, as the legendary singer turned 70 years old last month.
