Elton John postpones farewell tour after fall leaves him in 'considerable pain'

Sir Elton John has been forced to reschedule a long-awaited retirement tour due to a painful hip injury.

The 74-year-old said it is with "great sadness and a heavy heart" that he has had to push back his upcoming European and UK tour dates to 2023 after suffering a fall.

Sir Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour had already been rescheduled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and had been due to kick off the UK and European leg later this year.

It is now due to recommence in January 2022 in New Orleans and will run until summer 2023.

The Rocket Man singer said in a statement: “At the end of my summer break I fell awkwardly on a hard surface and have been in considerable pain and discomfort in my hip ever since.

“Despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving.

“I have been advised to have an operation as soon as possible to get me back to full fitness and make sure there are no long-term complications.

“I will be undertaking a programme of intensive physiotherapy that will ensure a full recovery and a return to full mobility without pain.”

Listen to Unscripted - ITV News' entertainment podcast

Sir Elton said he will still perform at the upcoming charitable Global Citizen event on September 25.

He added: “Being just five songs it’s a very different physical undertaking to the demands of playing for close to three hours every night on tour and travelling overnight between countries.

“After this I will be having the operation to ensure the tour can get back on the road in January of 2022 in New Orleans.

“I know how patient my incredible fans have been since Covid halted touring last year, and it breaks my heart to keep you waiting any longer.

“I completely feel your frustrations after the year we’ve had.

“I promise you this, the shows will return to the road next year and I will make sure they are more than worth the wait.”

It was previously announced that the I'm Still Standing singer will play his final London tour date at the BST Hyde Park festival in 2022.

BST Hyde Park, which has been cancelled for two years in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, will host the London performance of the farewell tour on June 24 2022.

Sir Elton also recently announced a new album titled The Lockdown Sessions this week.

The collection of 16 songs were recorded remotely with other artists over the last 18 months.

It will feature collaborations with musicians including Dua Lipa, Gorillaz, Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Stevie Wonder and Stevie Nicks.

The album will be released on October 22.