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Elton John reschedules Orlando performance after last-minute cancellation

By Monique Valdes, Jason Kelly, and Kevin Williams
By Monique Valdes, Jason Kelly, and Kevin Williams

ORLANDO, Fla. — Superstar singer and songwriter Elton John has rescheduled his Orlando concert after canceling his performance Tuesday night 20 minutes after it was supposed to start.

The singer had to cancel his Orlando performance due to an ear infection, officials said.

The 71-year-old singer-songwriter was scheduled to perform as part of his Elton John Farewell Tour at 8 p.m. An announcement was made almost 30 minutes later that he would not be able to perform. Fans learned later the singer had an ear infection.

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Amway Center announced Thursday that the show has been rescheduled for Monday, March 18, 2019. Concert tickets for the originally scheduled show will be honored on the new date.

Amway Center told Channel 9 on Wednesday that there is no clear policy for performers canceling. The decision about canceling -- and rescheduling -- are up to the artist and promoter.

"The decision was made by [Elton John]," said Allen Johnson, Chief Venues Officer for Amway Center. "You can't make someone go on stage who doesn't feel like they can give their best."

Amway Center said fans can hold onto their ticket for the rescheduled show or check with the place they purchased it about a refund. Food and drinks will not be refunded, but the city said it is looking into refunds for city-owned garages and parking lots.

Amway Center officials told Channel 9 on Wednesday afternoon the singer was dressed and ready to go on stage when he and a doctor decided it was best not to perform.

"The rescheduled Orlando date will be announced in the near future," the venue said in a statement Tuesday. "Please save your concert tickets and receipts/passes for any Amway Center parking lots, as they will be honored for the new performance."

"I waited 43 years for this," concertgoer Barbara Watkin said. "I was wanted to go see him in 1975, and I was sick and I couldn't see him. And now, he's sick."

Fans were asked to leave the venue.

Venue officials responded to unhappy concertgoers on Twitter, saying that John was in the building and that they made the announcement as soon as they learned he would not be able to perform.

Tampa's Amalie Arena tweeted Tuesday evening that John's show scheduled for Wednesday has also been canceled and will be rescheduled. Those who bought tickets for the Tampa show may use the tickets to attend the rescheduled concert or they may request a refund if they are unable to attend it.

Cox Media Group

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