Elton John was billed as one of the biggest stars to perform at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant - but fans were left baffled after his slot was screened as a pre-recorded performance.
Fans of the Rocket Man singer raised concerns about his health but the singer was in fact unable to perform live at the concert due to fulfilling his European leg of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour.
The tour, dubbed his last before retiring from live performances, kicked off in 2018 but has suffered a string of set backs due to the Covid pandemic as well as the singer’s hip injury.
One fan posted on social media: "So gutted Elton John isn’t there and performing live! I thought he was :-( lovely song though, just not the same recorded."
Another added: "Wonder how long ago Elton recorded? He looks in bad shape.."
A third chipped in: "Elton has pre recorded because his voice isn't what it used to be. He needs help from technology and can no longer perform live without it. It's easier for him to pre record. Still an icon though."
The Tiny Dancer singer was recently spotted looking frail as he arrived at Leipzig Airport on his way home to Nice.
Fans were concerned when the singer, suitably stylish in a matching blue monogrammed Gucci tracksuit, was pushed around in a wheelchair.
But the 75-year-old was suffering mobility issues but told it was allow him to rest his hip after doing a show.
Elton wrote: ''After another rousing 2.5 hour show, we arrived at Leipzig airport just before curfew, to find part of the airport had closed.
'It was an extremely long walk to get to the plane, so my team kindly laid on a wheelchair so I could rest my hip after doing the show. That's all folks.''
Despite Sir Elton's lack of physical presence, his pre-recorded segment saw his instantly recognisable image projected on to iconic Buckingham Palace for his performance.
The star also shared with followers on his Instagram, writing that he was 'thrilled and honoured' to take part in the Jubilee festivities.
He penned: ''I was thrilled and honoured to be asked to be part of the Platinum Party at the Palace. I hope you enjoy the special performance, I can't wait for you to see it.''
The lyrics of the song were also projected while a live orchestra accompanied the footage.
