Elton John's bout of appendicitis appears to be more serious than first assumed, with the legendary singer-songwriter suggesting he was close to death while performing 10 concerts on his recent European tour. Sir Elton has been forced to postpone a series of summer dates, including at London's Hyde Park this week.

Speaking to tabloid The Sun, Elton explained how he was in "agony" before calling in the doctors, "I was a ticking time bomb. I guess I could have died at any time," he said. In a statement on his official website, the singer said he is on a course of "intensive antibiotics" and is expected to undergo surgery "in the coming weeks."

Fans will be pleased to learn the singer plans to return to touring "starting in early September 2013," though he will concentrate his efforts on making a full recovering for the next month-and-a-half. 

The Hyde Park show - organized as part of the British Summer Time festival - will still go ahead with Elvis Costello and former Kinks frontman Ray Davies topping the bill, though ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Sir Elton is due back in the UK in September, performing at the First Direct Arena in Leeds and at Bestival, before heading to Las Vegas for a month-long residency at The Colosseum. 

Elton JohnElton John Performing At The Peace One Day Event at Wembley Arena

A spokesman for the singer said, "Elton is incredibly disappointed to postpone these tour dates. To know that he made such super-human efforts and continued to perform to thousands through his illness only confirms his dedication to his European fans."

We here at Contactmusic.com wish Sir Elton the very best in his recovery. 

Watch the trailer for Elton John's new album, The Diving Board: