Elton John forced out of show

Elton John has been forced to pull out of a second major UK show after his flu symptoms failed to improve.

The musician had been due to play at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena tonight as part of his Red Piano tour, but doctors have said he is too ill to perform.

He had to cancel a show last night in Sheffield after he came down with the bug.

He had hoped to feel better following a night’s rest, said a spokesman, but doctors who visited him today said he was no better.

A spokesman for the singer commented: “Elton is bitterly disappointed at missing tonight’s Red Piano concert in Newcastle, it remains one of his favourite areas in the country to perform, the crowds are always great music fans and not being able to this special show for Newcastle is upsetting.”

John now has several days to recover before his next scheduled show on Tuesday at London’s Wembley Arena.

Promoter Marshall Arts said that ticket holders for both cancelled shows should retain tickets and an announcement about the concert would be made on Monday.