Elton John aims for return to stage after illness

Elton John is recovering in hospital from a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and influenza that forced him to cancel a string of concerts, but he hopes to return to the stage soon, a spokesman said today.

British pop star John, 62, postponed five gigs in England and Ireland starting with an Oct. 23 date in Sheffield, and has also pulled out of three U.S. concerts scheduled for Nov. 4, 7 and 10 at which he was to appear with Billy Joel.

His spokesman Gary Farrow confirmed that the singer of hits including "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Rocket Man" was in hospital for his condition but that he was "absolutely fine."

He added that John, one of the most successful recording artists with album sales estimated at more than 200 million, hoped to be back on the road and rejoining Joel on Nov. 14. Joel is due to perform on that date at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.