Elton John cancels Las Vegas concerts over illness

Elton John is suffering from a serious respiratory infection and has cancelled three Las Vegas performances on doctors' orders.

In a statement on his website, the Piano Man saidbecame ill after his performance last Sunday at The Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

He grew worse and sought treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Doctors prescribed antibiotics and told him not to perform for a week.

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday performances of The Million DollarPiano, the show John began last September for a three-year run, are being cancelled.

The British entertainer apologized to fans and told them he hoped to be performing soon.

"It feels strange not to be able to perform these Million Dollar Piano concerts at The Colosseum. I love performing this show and will be thrilled when we return to The Colosseum in October to complete the eleven concerts soon to be scheduled," he said.

The singer, whose hits include Rocket Man, Bennieand The Jets and Candle in the Wind, will be departing Las Vegas next week and heading to Europe for a slate of summer concerts. His tour is scheduled to begin June 1 in Germany and his engagements include a performance at Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.