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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Connie Rusk

Elton John, 75, pushed in a wheelchair while Rod Stewart rehearses ahead of Jubilee show

Elton John looked frail as he arrived at Leipzig Airport in Germany in a wheelchair on Sunday as he headed back to home to Nice after his show.

The singer, 75, sparked concern from fans as he was pictured being pushed by one of his team into the terminal, ahead of his flight.

It comes just days before Elton is due to star alongside Queen and Diana Ross for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert on Saturday.

The music icon will sing in a pre-recorded performance for the star-studded show.

Elton was casually-clad in a Gucci blue tracksuit and wore a black face mask as he got out of the car and into the wheelchair to head into the airport with his entourage.

Meanwhile, Rod Stewart, 77, was pictured on Wednesday rehearsing in front of Buckingham Palace, as excitement grows for Party at the Palace.

Elton John looked frail as he arrived at Leipzig Airport in a wheelchair on Sunday (SplashNews.com)
The singer, 75, was pushed by one of his team into the terminal (SplashNews.com)

The rocker wore a patriarchal blue and red tartan blazer for the occasion and appeared in high spirits as he practised his set to stunned Londoners who were passing by.

Sir Rod said after it was announced he will perform: "Queen Elizabeth has given incredible service to the United Kingdom over the last 70 years and I’m delighted to be able to join her in celebrating her Platinum Jubilee with the Party At The Palace.

"She has demonstrated to the world what a special person she is and how lucky we are to have her. This will be a momentous occasion."

Meanwhile, Rod Stewart, 77, was pictured on Wednesday rehearsing in front of Buckingham Palace (Ben Cawthra/LNP)
Rod was blown up on the big screen (Ben Cawthra/LNP)

Despite his 75-years, Elton shows no signs of slowing down over the next few months as not only will he perform for Her Majesty's Jubilee, but he will continue to tour in June.

Dates include shows for his Farewell tour in Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands and France.

Elton has been pictured in a wheelchair in previous years.

Elton is due to perform alongside Queen and Diana Ross for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert (SplashNews.com)
Elton got out of the car and into the wheelchair as his team arrived at the airport (SplashNews.com)

Back in 2019, the music legend revealed he was using a wheelchair after suffering a sprained ankle.

He told fans at the time as he visited the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy: "Not even a sprained ankle could keep me away from seeing one one of the most beautiful museums in the world."

Mirror Online has contacted Elton's representative for comment.

The music legend wore a Gucci tracksuit with staff carrying his hand luggage (SplashNews.com)
Preparations are well under way for the performance (REUTERS)

And while Elton has a busy month ahead, he has previously spoken about his hopes of slowing down to spend more time with his family.

In 2018, Elton announced he was ready to say goodbye to the touring as he 'had enough' of it.

He said on This Morning: "I'm looking forward to saying goodbye. It's not a publicity stunt because I am saying goodbye to touring, I've had enough."

The rocker wore a patriarchal blue and red tartan blazer (Ben Cawthra/LNP)
The Victoria Memorial has been transformed into a huge stage (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

He continued: "To be honest with you I want to move on and do different things."

Speaking about his sons Elijah, nine, and Zachary, 11, Elton said: "They're thriving, they're great kids. They're funny, they keep us amused.

"That's why I'm coming off the road after the world tour – I need to be there for them. I need to spend the time with them. I miss them so much when I'm not with them."

Back in 2019, the music legend revealed he was using a wheelchair after suffering a sprained ankle (Instagram)
Elton pictured in 2015 with son Zachary and husband David Furnish (Fern Sharpshooter / Splash News)

The singer will play his final London tour date at the BST Hyde Park festival.

BST Hyde Park, which has been cancelled for two years in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, will host the London performance of the farewell tour on June 24 2022.

Queen + Adam Lambert will open the BBC’s Platinum Party At The Palace concert with a special performance marking the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

It will come 20 years after guitarist Brian May performed God Save The Queen on Buckingham Palace’s roof during a show marking the Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Elton pictured in February in New York during his tour (Getty Images)
Diana Ross is also due to perform at the Jubilee (Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Alicia Keys, Nile Rodgers and Andrea Bocelli will also play during the three-stage, two-and-a-half-hour event on Saturday June 4.

The line-up will also include Duran Duran, Bond composer Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, Mabel, Elbow and George Ezra.

The event will conclude with a performance by soul legend Diana Ross – her first UK live performance in 15 years.

She said: "I have had the honour of meeting the Queen many times throughout my life, including when I was with my family.

"Her Majesty has and continues to be such an incredible inspiration to so many across the world and I was absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous and historic occasion."

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