Sir Elton John has been diagnosed with appendicitis and thus all his forthcoming shows have been postponed. The singer, 66, will soon undergo surgery and is currently being treated with a course of intensive antibiotics.

According to a statement posted on his Web site, the singer had fallen ill during his recent European tour and had called in doctors. After a number of exploratory scans and blood tests, "a diagnosis of appendix abscess surrounding retrocaecal appendicitis has been confirmed." His doctors have advised him to postpone all forthcoming shows of his current European tour.

Sir Elton told the leading British tabloid, The Sun: "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."

According to Fox News, Elton John had to cancel several U.S. tour dates, last year after he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection. The singer, 66, was scheduled to perform at London's Hyde Park on Friday.

Organisers of British Summer Time festival, AEG Live, are not axing the Hyde Park gig; they plan to go ahead with Elvis Costello and former Kinks frontman Ray Davies, BBC reports. The organisers plan to provide a full refund to existing ticket-holders.

The singer won't be touring till he has fully recovered from surgery and any damage caused by the appendix abscess, according to his spokesperson.

"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. He is eager to be back on top form and return to play the remaining shows starting in early September 2013," the spokesperson said.

Sir John's new solo album 'The Diving Board', produced by T Bone Burnett, is slated for September, 24, 2013 release. It is his first solo album since the release of The Captain and the Kid in 2006.