Ailing Elton John Escorted Off Concert Stage

Elton John is currently in the midst of his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour, said to be his final tour with international stops. During his show in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, he announced to the crowd that he had just been diagnosed with walking pneumonia, reports radio.com.

John, 72, took to social media with the news, thanking fans for attending the gig in Auckland and delivering his condolences for what may have been a less-than-perfect performance.

“I want to thank everyone who attended tonight’s gig in Auckland,” John began. “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.”

He continued, “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.”

Elton Instagram posting

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), walking pneumonia is caused by “atypical” bacteria in the lungs and is milder than pneumonia.

Tour promoters Chugg Entertainment said John was resting and doctors were confident he would recover. They said a concert planned for Tuesday in Auckland would be delayed until Wednesday on the advice of doctors.