Elton John Forced by Pain To Have Appendix Removed in Monaco

Entertainer Elton John is resting at his home in Nice in France after surgery in Monaco to have his appendix removed. The singer avoided surgery for months using antibiotics but pain forced him to relent to the surgery on Aug. 1.

John, 66, was forced to cancel concert dates last month after he was diagnosed with appendicitis, according to the Huffington Post. The star is scheduled to be back on stage in September after the successful 45-minute surgery, The Mirror reported.

Missed summer concert dates included stops in in Italy, Germany and London’s Hyde Park, according to the Mirror.

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"Elton is back in Nice playing with the boys now," a source told The Mirror. "He is a lot better and very positive after the operation. He still has to rest up but is determined to get back on the road next month and can’t wait to see his fans who have sent thousands of get well soon messages."

John said during an interview with The Sun that the pain eventually became unbearable.

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

The Mirror reported that John has set his sights on accepting the new BRITs Icon Award in London on Sept. 2. The newspaper said John also plans to appear at the opening of the new First Direct Arena in Leeds on Sept. 4.

John is also planning a return to Las Vegas for an extended residency at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace, according to The Mirror.

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The Daily Mail said John thanked fans for their support on his official website.

"I would like to thank the literally thousands of people who have sent me get well cards and messages over the past two weeks," John wrote on the website. "Your well wishes have touched me deeply and will play a big part in my recovery. I cannot wait to see you all and thank you in person when I resume my concert schedule later this year."

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