Elton John forced to can Auckland shows, concerts rescheduled for next year

An "incredibly disappointed" Elton John has been forced to postpone his two remaining Auckland shows.

A statement released by the tour promoter said John's two Auckland shows on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour have been rescheduled for January 2021.

He had not been able to recover from walking pneumonia to perform the last two of three shows on Wednesday and Thursday night.

John apologised to fans in a statement tonight announcing the cancellations.

"I'm incredibly disappointed to have to reschedule my remaining Auckland dates and I want to send my sincerest apologies to my amazing fans for any inconvenience caused", the superstar said.

"I always want to be able to give one hundred per cent and I'm afraid that, right now, I'm not able to do that. I am grateful for the love and loyalty I have been shown by all of you and I can't wait to return in January next year to perform my final New Zealand shows."

The promoter said: "Despite the best efforts of a performer who never wants to disappoint his fans, upon further consultation from doctors and specialists, it has this evening been decided that Sir Elton John's two remaining Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, performances will be rescheduled to Friday 15th and Saturday 16th January 2021."

John was forced to cut his show midway through his performance on Sunday evening, suffering pneumonia and losing his voice.

John, 72, left the stage in tears.

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Medical staff had earlier rushed to give John oxygen on stage as he told them he felt dizzy. He eventually had to end the show after hammering out 16 of the 25 songs on his set list.

His next show at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium was rescheduled to Wednesday, with another show on Thursday.

Promoter Michael Chugg said: "Elton's a performer, he puts everything into his live shows, and as you can imagine he's just devastated at having to postpone his Auckland dates.

"He has to listen to his doctors and recover properly right now. But don't worry, you better believe he'll be back and better than ever in January next year."

Due to Elton John's international Farewell Yellow Brick Road dates filling the remainder of the calendar year, the performer will return at the earliest possible opportunity; January 2021, the statement said.

Tickets for Elton John's concert this Wednesday will be valid for the January 15 concert next year.

Tickets for this Thursday's show will be valid for January 16 2021.

Those unable to attend the rescheduled shows next year can contact Ticketmaster to request a refund.

All remaining Australian shows on the current tour will go ahead as planned.

Air New Zealand announced tonight that those who had booked flights for this week's concerts could claim a credit for the fares.

"As a gesture of goodwill, concert-goers no longer requiring travel to Auckland in the coming days can have the value of their fare held in credit for up to 12 months," the airline said.

Fans did not need to contact the airline urgently to confirm their credit.

"Customers affected by the change in show dates can reach out to Air New Zealand via our social messaging channels or call our contact centre over the coming week."

The airline will waive service fees but any fare difference when booking new flights will apply.