Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
THE SHOW MUST GO ON SAYS ELTON
Organisers insist Airdrie gig is secure
Sir Elton John is determined to keep his June date with Monklands music fans – despite spending two days in intensive care fighting a “potentially deadly” illness.
The “unusual bacterial infection” has forced the 70-year-old music icon to cancel a series of shows in the United States but he is expected make a full recovery in time for his only scheduled Scottish performance at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium on Saturday, June 24.
Stadium boss Paul Hetherington, who has been instrumental in bringing the megastar to Monklands, told the Advertiser: “Like everyone else, I was shocked to learn of Sir Elton’s illness and wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“As far as the Excelsior show
is concerned, everything will still go ahead as planned.
“He has cancelled dates for this month and next in America, including his Las Vegas residency.
“However, as we all know Sir Elton has an incredible work ethic and performs more than 100 shows each year, so I’m sure he’ll be desperate to get back on that stage.
“The plan is he’ll resume his UK tour dates on June 3, and will end with the hugely anticipated Airdrie performance on June 24.”
According to a statement released on Sir Elton’s behalf, he contracted the “harmful” bug during his recent sell-out tour of South America.
The star became “violently ill” during the long flight home from Chile and was admitted to hospital when he touched down in the UK and underwent treatment to remove the infection. He is now recovering at home. The statement continued: “After spending two nights in intensive care, followed by an extended stay in hospital, Elton was released on Saturday and is now comfortably resting at home as per doctors advice.
“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.”
Sir Elton said: “I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologise for disappointing them.
“I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well.”
Mr Hetherington is scheduled to meet with representatives from Sir Elton’s management team today to discuss preparations for the show which is now just eight weeks away.
He said:“The closer it gets the more I’m looking forward to it.”