Elton John was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Wednesday after falling ill with a serious respiratory infection.

The Rocket Man checked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the early hours and was subjected to a series of tests. Elton was told he needed "complete rest and antibiotic treatment to prevent damage" and doctors ordered him to take seven days off from performing.
 
As a result, he's scrapped this week's upcoming shows in Las Vegas.
 
The star tells TMZ.com, "It feels strange not to be able to perform these Million Dollar Piano concerts at the Colosseum... I love performing the show and I will be thrilled when we return to the Colosseum in October to complete the 11 concerts."

"All I can say to the fans is, 'Sorry I can't be with you.'"

The website reports Elton has since been released from the hospital.

Slideshow: The Eccentric Elton John