Elton John has postponed a raft of North American dates on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Rocketman musician was due to return to kick off a third North American leg of his farewell trek in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 26, 2020, but on Monday (March 16th) pulled all dates up to and including the May 2nd, due to fears over the spread of the disease.
A statement from Elton’s team reads: “After serious consideration, it is with deep regret that Elton John will postpone a portion of upcoming North American dates on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour from March 26 through May 2, 2020.”
Explaining the move, they add: “This tough decision has been made with the safety and well-being of his fans put to the fore, at a time when health services are under increased pressure and with the concern that these gatherings risk accelerating the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).”
All dates from May 22nd until 8 July 8th are currently scheduled to go ahead as planned.
The 72-year-old Your Song singer was already facing having to postpone several gigs, with authorities in many U.S. states and cities banning large gatherings of people or issuing advice to cancel major events.
The spread of the virus has caused chaos in the worlds of music, film TV, and theatre, with concerts, productions, premieres and releases all canceled to try and halt the spread of Covid-19, which has infected more than 174,000 and killed more than 6,680 since it emerged in China late last year.
