Sir Elton John postpones retirement tour due to hip injury

Sir Elton John has been forced to reschedule a long-awaited retirement tour due to a hip injury.

The 74-year-old star has revealed that he “fell awkwardly on a hard surface”, and despite physio and treatment he will be unable to go ahead with his planned Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

The shows intended to be his last UK dates before retiring from touring had been due to run in 2020, and after being postponed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic will now be pushed back again to 2023.

Sir Elton, who was last year forced to cancel shows due to pneumonia, has apologised to fans and said he understands their “frustrations”.

A statement from the singer read: "At the end of my summer break I fell awkwardly on a hard surface and have been in considerable pain and discomfort in my hip ever since.

“Despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving.

"I know how patient my incredible fans have been since Covid halted touring last year, and it breaks my heart to keep you waiting any longer.

“I completely feel your frustrations after the year we've had. I promise you this - the shows will return to the road next year and I will make sure they are more than worth the wait.”

Sir Elton has announced that he has been advised to have an operation as soon as possible, and will be undertaking a programme of physiotherapy.

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was conceived as Sir Elton's final worldwide tour. The singer's announcement has so far indicated UK and European dates have been pushed back to 2023.

The star said that despite his injury he will take part in a Global Citizen event on September 25 as he will not “ let a charity down”, and the five songs planned for the event are manageable compared to the toll of touring.