Elton John was hospitalized yesterday (May 23) in Los Angeles as a result of a serious respiratory infection, and has been forced to cancel four concerts in order to facilitate his recovery.

According to TMZ, the legendary pianist and singer checked into Los Angeles' Cesar-Sinai Hospital for a battery of tests early Wednesday morning. Although he has reportedly since been released, John was prescribed antibiotics and "complete rest," as well as being ordered to refrain from performing any shows for the next seven days.

That means he'll have to cancel the four weekend shows from his current Million Dollar Piano Las Vegas residency.  As Elton states, "All I can say to the fans is 'sorry I can't be with you'... I love performing the show and I will be thrilled when we return to the Colosseum in October to complete the 11 concerts."

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