Elton cancels European tour dates

Elton John's European 'Red Piano' tour has been cancelled, it was announced today.

The star was scheduled to perform in Venice, Berlin, Moscow, Paris and Seville this summer. But the shows will now not go ahead because of a wrangle with the promoter.

His upcoming appearance in Cork's 'Live at the Marquee' series of concerts, scheduled for July 9, is unaffected, however.

"We regret to announce that Elton John's European Red Piano shows have been cancelled," a statement from the star's management said.

"The promoter has been unable to guarantee to put on the shows, resulting in us having to take this very difficult decision.

"We do of course appreciate that Elton's fans will be disappointed at this news, and we are already looking into the possibility of returning to the affected cities in the very near future."

Elton had planned to take his Las Vegas Red Piano Show to some of Europe's most famous locations, include the Palace of Versailles and Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Details on replacement dates will be announced later.

In December, he begins a solo tour of Australia.