Elton John is reportedly set to quit touring after 50 years on-stage amid claims he will make an official announcement at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Mirror report that the 70-year-old star is bowing out of stage performances following a bout of poor health.
Insiders claim the news will be announced ‘imminently’, after last year he was left in intensive care when he was struck down with a ‘potentially deadly’ bacterial infection while touring South America.
Quit: Elton John is reportedly set to quit touring after 50 years on stage
Sir Elton – who started his touring career in 1970 and holds a residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas – admitted that he could have “easily died” after the devastating incident if he didn’t go under the knife following the shock illness.
He shared: ‘I knew I was sick but I didn’t know I had such a dangerous thing inside of me until I had a scan, which was after nine shows, 24 flights and a summer ball.’
In March last year, Elton himself revealed he planned to make a decision about his touring future in “the next six months”.
The music icon admitted that he was keen to spend more time with the sons he shares with husband David Furnish – Zachary, seven, and Elijah, five.
The big reveal: Insiders claim the news will be announced ‘imminently’, after last year he was left in intensive care after being struck down with a ‘potentially deadly’ bacterial infection while touring South America
Way back when: Last year, the Rocket Man singer announced 27 new Vegas performances of The Million Dollar Piano, his residency show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, between October 11, 2017 and March 2, 2018 (pictured in 1973)
At the time, he explained: ‘There will be a decision made in the next six months, probably. I will want to stop touring – not playing, but touring. 70 isn’t 60, it’s not 50. I want to spend time with my boys.’
Last year, the Rocket Man singer announced 27 new Vegas performances of The Million Dollar Piano, his residency show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, between October 11, 2017 and March 2, 2018 before the illness struck.
A lengthy statement issued following his sudden illness read: ‘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.
A true showman: Sir Elton – who started his touring career in 1970 and has also held a residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas – subsequently admitted that he could have “easily died” if he didn’t go under the knife
‘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.
Happy couple: Despite the news, in November last year, Elton’s husband and manager David (pictured together in March last year) said: ‘Without question, Elton must never stop performing. We all have things that kind of keep us alive in life
‘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. (sic)’
Despite the news, in November last year, Elton’s husband and manager David said: ‘Without question, Elton must never stop performing. We all have things that kind of keep us alive in life.
‘Some people relish the idea of a retirement where they do nothing [but] for Elton that would be purgatory. Playing to live audiences is going to be something he always needs to do.’
MailOnline has contacted Elton’s representatives for comment.