Elton John, ‘I could have died at any time’

Sir Elton John says he is grateful to be alive.
The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer played several European tour dates in excruciating pain.

The legendary performer was unaware he had appendicitis. The Sun newspaper quoted the 66 year old musical legend as saying he thought he had food poisoning.

"I was a ticking time bomb. I guess I could have died at any time. I feel so lucky and so grateful to be alive. I played nine gigs and the White Tie and Tiara Summer Ball in agony." - Elton John

He canceled a Tuesday show in London's Hyde Park.  Other summer dates are on hold while he is treated for an inflamed appendix and surrounding abscess. Elton will have surgery in the next few weeks after treatment with antibiotics.

Elton John's new album, The Diving Board, is scheduled for a September release.