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Thursday, July 8, 1999 Published at 16:20 GMT 17:20 UK

Entertainment

Sick Elton shelves more shows

Sir Elton John: Is under treatment for an infection

Pop superstar Sir Elton John has been forced to cancel two more concerts because of a viral ear infection.

He says he will not be recovered in time for two concerts in Leeds, West Yorkshire, next weekend.

Yesterday Sir Elton had to postpone three huge concerts at Leeds Castle, Kent, this weekend.

The Yorkshire and Kent shows were to have been his only UK dates this year.

The 52-year-old is still suffering from the same illness that forced him to cancel a performance at Spice Girl Victoria Adams' marriage to David Beckham last weekend.

Sir Elton said: "I am very disappointed that I have had to unavoidably reschedule these dates.

"I really don't think that I could give my full 100% at the moment, which is what the fans deserve."

Publicists say he is suffering from a "serious viral infection of the middle ear".

He has also had to pull out of two shows elsewhere in Europe, and now work on a special arena on the Leeds Castle site has been abandoned.

Organisers have now re-arranged the Leeds Castle shows for 3-5 September, although refunds will be available for ticket holders who cannot make the new dates.

A statement from the show's promoters said: "His tremendous touring schedule and future commitments require him to respect the advice of his doctors and take immediate rest in order to effect a speedy recovery."