Appendicitis sidelines Sir Elton John

Sir Elton John faces surgery
soon for appendicitis that has
derailed his European tour, a
spokesman for the singer said
Tuesday.
John, 66, was diagnosed with
"appendix abscess surrounding
retrocaecal appendicitis" after falling ill
during the tour, publicist Gary Farrow
said in a written statement.
The surgery will be performed in the
United Kingdom in "the coming
weeks" after he undergoes an
intensive course of antibiotics and
"doctors can be confident they have
sufficiently reduced toxins within the
inflamed appendicitis site," Farrow
said.
The remaining shows in his tour have
been canceled, including Friday's
headline show at London's Hyde Park,
he said. The concert will still happen
with Ray Davies, Elvis Costello,
Gabrielle Aplin and Nick Lowe
performing.
"Elton is incredibly
disappointed to postpone
these tour dates," he said.
"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."
Touring will resume only after "he has
fully recovered from both the planned
surgery and any damage caused by
the appendix abscess," the statement
said.