ELTON JOHN HOSPITALIZED WITH ‘SERIOUS’ RESPIRATORY INFECTION

 Caesars Palace headliner Elton John has been hospitalized in Los Angeles with a serious respiratory infection, it was announced today.

Three shows -- today, Saturday and Sunday -- have been cancelled, according to Caesars Palace.

The condition surfaced during last Sunday's show and when it worsened this week, John, 65, was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at 6 a.m. Wednesday. After extensive testing, the attending Cedars-Sinai physician recommended that Elton not perform any concerts for approximately seven days.  The recommendation included complete rest and antibiotic treatment to cure his respiratory infection and prevent any damage, according to a Caesars Palace statement.

John was quoted as saying, "All I can say to the fans is sorry I can't be with you." He plans to return in October to complete the eleven concerts soon to be scheduled.
Ticket holders for the cancelled performance may exchange or refund their tickets at the original point of purchase.

  --NORM CLARKE, Vegas Confidential