Emotional Elton John halts New Zealand gig after pneumonia diagnosis
A visibly upset Sir Elton John has been forced to cut short a concert in New Zealand after falling ill with walking pneumonia.
The musician, 72, lost his voice mid-way through his set at Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, BBC News reported.
"I've just completely lost my voice. I can't sing," Sir Elton told the crowd. "I've got to go. I'm sorry."
Sir Elton appeared to break down in tears as he leaned on his piano and shook his head.
The audience gave the English singer a rapturous ovation as he walked gingerly off stage, helped by several assistants.
Earlier in his set, Sir Elton told the sold-out crowd he had been diagnosed with walking pneumonia on Sunday.
The concert was one of a number of New Zealand shows on Sir Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
Shortly after leaving the stage, Sir Elton apologised to his fans in an emotional Instagram post.
"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," he wrote.