Billy Joel has pulled out of a concert in California on Tuesday night due to medical reasons - just as his touring partner Elton John was due back onstage after recovering from a nasty bout of influenza.

The Rocket Man was struck down with severe flu symptoms and an E. coli infection last month and scrapped his entire U.K. tour, as well as a gig in Ireland. He also had to cancel a string of U.S. dates on his Face 2 Face trek with Joel in order to recover, most recently pulling out of Saturday's show in Oakland, California.

The 62 year old had hoped to be back onstage at the HP Pavilion in San Jose on Tuesday - but touring partner Joel has now pulled out of the gig due to mystery medical reasons.

A statement on the Brit's website reads, "Live Nation and Another Planet Entertainment, as well as HP Pavilion at San Jose, were informed today that Billy Joel is unable to tour due to medical reasons. Organizers of the concert are working to establish a new concert date."

"Both Billy Joel and Elton are disappointed to be postponing the November 17 concert, and are looking forward to announcing a new concert date, once the availabilities have been worked out by all parties."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)