Elton John on Health Scare: 'I'm Lucky to Be Alive'

As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, music legend Sir Elton John has been forced to cancel an upcoming concert at London's Hyde Park after having been diagnosed with appendicitis. Fran Curtis and Gary Farrow, spokespeople for the recording artist, confirmed the news, sharing that he is currently being treated with antibiotics before undergoing surgery in the next few weeks.

The New York Post today reports that the 66-year-old entertainer was forced to leave the stage last Friday after experiencing severe stomach pain. A scan later revealed the potentially-fatal appendix abscess. According to the Post, John told the UK's The Sun, "I'm lucky to be alive."

Doctors have since advised John to postpone upcoming performances on his European tour, including Friday's scheduled appearance at Barclaycard British Summer Time Festival.

Commented Farrow, "Elton is incredibly disappointed to postpone these tour dates. To know that he made such super-human efforts and continued to perform to thousands through his illness only confirms his dedication to his European fans. He is eager to be back on top form and return to play the remaining shows starting in early September 2013."

About Elton John:

In the early 1990s, Elton collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on the soundtrack for The Lion King, winning him an Academy Award. The album produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." The Tony Award-winning Broadway productions of The Lion King and Aida both won Grammys for Best Musical Show Album. Elton composed the music for Billy Elliot, which was nominated for a record nine Olivier Awards, winning Best Musical, among others. He garnered a top-five U.K. hit with the song "Electricity." Billy Elliot was nominated for a record-tying 15 Tony Awards and won ten including Best Musical. Elton was also one of the producers for Next Fall on Broadway. In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. In 1998, the Queen of England knighted him Sir Elton John, CBE. In 2004, Elton received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence through the performing arts.

In his four-decade career John has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history.

He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award.. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

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