Elton John announces next two Auckland concerts are to go ahead despite having pneumonia

Elton John's next two Auckland concerts are to go ahead despite having to call off last night's performance due to walking pneumonia.

The distraught performer, 72, had to leave stage midway through the performance at Mt Smart.

The superstar, who earlier needed medical assistance while on stage, broke down in tears and needed to be assisted from the stage after attempting to launch into 'Daniel'.

A statement released through a publicist this morning said: "Elton John was disappointed and deeply upset at having to end his Auckland concert early last night.

"He is resting today, and doctors are confident he will recover.

"At this stage, all remaining shows will go ahead as planned."

Photo / Supplied

He is to play his second and third Auckland concerts on Tuesday and Thursday.

He earlier played two concerts at Mission Estate Winery in Napier - jetting back for the Oscars in Los Angeles in between.

John reached out to fans on social media an hour after last night's show was called off.

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"I want to thank everyone who attended tonight's gig in Auckland. I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia earlier today, but I was determined to give you the best show humanly possible. 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."

He signed the message off saying "Love, Elton xx".

Walking pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria that primarily affects an individual's lower and upper respiratory tract.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.