Elton John will not set off on his highly-anticipated Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour this year.

In a letter posted to social media, the Rocket Man revealed that he recently “fell awkwardly on a hard surface” and he’s been plagued by pain ever since.

“I have been advised to have an operation as soon as possible to get back to full fitness and make sure there are no long-term complications,” John explained. “I will be undertaking a program of intensive physiotherapy that will ensure a full recovery and a return to full mobility without pain.”

He will perform a charity gig on Sept. 25, but the rest of the tour will now kick off in January 2022 in New Orleans, with his European dates being pivoted to 2023.

John closed the statement, writing, “I know how patient my incredible fans have been since Covid halted touring last year, and it breaks my heart to keep you waiting any longer,” he concluded his message. “I completely feel your frustrations after the year we’ve had. I promise you this – the shows will return to the road next year and I will make sure they are more than worth the wait.”

Read John’s full message below: