Elton John apologises before being escorted off stage at his Auckland performance.

A distraught Elton John had to call off his first Auckland concert last night because he lost his voice.

He was about to sing 'Daniel' but told the crowd "I'm so sorry", and was in tears as he had to be helped off the stage. Sir Elton has been diagnosed with "walking pneumonia" and had earlier told his fans at Mt Smart Stadium "my voice is shot".

He later tweeted an apology for the early exit.

Credit: Lisa Owen