Brutal Aussie weather forces Elton John off stage mid-performance

He is one of the world’s most famous musicians, having performed for royalty and in some of the most exotic locations around the world, but Sir Elton John got more than he bargained for during his latest show as freak weather forced him off the stage.

The 72-year-old was left with no choice but to cut his show short after wild Aussie weather lashed Victoria’s Yarra Valley, where Elton was performing at Rochford Wines’ ‘A Day on the Green’ event as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

According to a post on the event organiser’s page, rain and hail began to fall around an hour and a half into Elton’s performance and damaged the equipment on stage, meaning the show had to be called off. The storm came after a day of blistering heat, as temperatures reached over 40 degrees in the Yarra Valley.

“Unfortunately due to tonight’s short but heavy downpour that occurred 95 minutes into Elton John’s set resulting in damage to musical instruments and monitors on stage, the show could not continue,” the post read. “We too are upset about the impact of the weather on tonight’s show.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-02GJDxjr/

Dramatic images and footage of the downpour were also shared by those in the crowd on social media, with one image appearing to show rain falling horizontally onto the stage where Elton was seated behind his grand piano.

While another clip showed an employee running onto the stage to throw a waterproof tarp over the iconic performer as he continued to play despite the heavy downpour. However the poster confirmed that the show was cancelled just moments later.

This is the moment the storm hit and someone threw a tarp over #EltonJohn. Moments later the show was cancelled. #MelbWeather #MelbourneWeather #MelbStorm pic.twitter.com/z1fhfgxbwN

— Leon Sjogren (Fifi, Fev & Nick – Fox FM) (@Leonsjogren) January 31, 2020

While fans were disappointed the the halted performance, Elton has confirmed that, if they hold on to their tickets, all attendees will be contacted in due course with information regarding another performance.

Many who attended the gig saw the bright side on social media however, and praised the ‘Rocketman’ hitmaker for persevering through the blistering heat, then hail and rain, for as long as he did.

One person wrote: “Great show! Had a ball even with the weather disruption. Hope all is goes well drying out the equipment and Sir Elton.”

Another commented: “All the respect for Sir Elton and his band – they absolutely gave it all they had. It was so hot that just sitting around drinking was a struggle, let alone belting out iconic tunes in a three piece suit. We love you Elton!”

While another happy fan said: “I think if no equipment failure, Sir Elton John will standing and performing even under heavy rain. Such a Legend! 95 min under 43 degrees, non-stop and full of energy, that’s the Man of Action.

“Sir Elton John, your punctuality is so impressive!!! Thank you A Day on the Green! And hope, we would lucky to have another shot with Sir Elton John. Unforgettable.” [sic]

Elton John battled on but the rain was all a bit much really. pic.twitter.com/w6jLZFLnSr

— Ben Phi (@benjaminphi) January 31, 2020

Event organisers have so far said that tonight’s second show at Rochford Wines is expected to go ahead as planned, however the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning on Saturday morning for intense rainfall.