Elton John spends time in intensive care

Sir Elton John has axed his forthcoming Las Vegas shows after spending time in intensive care to be treated for an "unusual bacterial infection".

The 70-year-old musician will no longer perform any of his scheduled gigs at Caesars Palace in April and May after he contracted the infection during his recent tour of South America.

The 'Rocket Man' hitmaker returned home to the UK on Saturday (22.04.17) and is now "resting at home" on the advice of doctors after having the infection, which made him "violently ill" removed.

Elton is expected to make a "full recovery" in time for his performance at London's Twickenham Stadium on June 3.

A lengthy statement issued to BANG Showbiz reads: "Elton John "The Million Dollar Piano" performances at Caesars Palace for the months of April/May and Bakersfield, California performance May 6 are cancelled.

We regret to inform you that due to medical reasons, Elton John is forced to cancel his entire performance schedule for the upcoming April/May run of "The Million Dollar Piano" at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.  Elton is also cancelling his scheduled performance for Bakersfield, California for Saturday May 6.

During a recent, successful tour of South America, Elton contracted a harmful and unusual bacterial infection.  During his return flight home from Santiago, Chile he became violently ill.  Upon returning to the UK, Elton's Doctors admitted him to hospital, where he underwent immediate treatment to remove the infection.  After spending two nights in intensive care followed by an extended stay in hospital, Elton was released from hospital on Saturday, April 22 and is now comfortably resting at home per doctors advice.  Infections of this nature are rare and potentially deadly.   Thankfully,  Elton's medical team identified this quickly and treated it successfully.  He is expected to make a full and complete recovery.  

"Elton will be returning to his schedule of live performances in Twickenham, England on Saturday June 3rd. 

Elton John, Caesars Palace and AEG apologise for any inconvenience this causes ticket holders. (sic)"

The 'Tiny Dancer' singer has praised the medal staff keeping an eye on him and has apologised for letting his "loyal fans" down.

He said: "I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologise for disappointing them. I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well." 

Those with tickets to the cancelled shows will be able to get a full refund.