Radio Host Erroneously Claimed Elton John Canceled Orlando Concert Over Bomb Threat

Update | Don't believe everything you see on the internet, folks. After Elton John canceled his show in Orlando, rumors from a radio host alleged the singer nixed the date due to an apparent bomb threat. However, the "Rocket Man" has corrected the false narrative.

John, 71, had to back out of a stop at Orlando's Amway Center during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour after acquiring an ear infection. The "Tiny Dancer" crooner's infection was confirmed by his camp on Tuesday in a statement via Twitter. It led to the cancelation of his Tampa show on Wednesday as well.

"We are sincerely sorry to everyone due to attend the shows in Orlando last night and Tampa tonight. Elton has been on a course of antibiotics to combat an ear infection and it was expected that these would clear the infection in time to play the Orlando show," the statement read. "Elton has traveled to the venue but after further consultation with doctors before he took the stage, the decision had to be taken on their advice that unfortunately he still wasn't well enough to perform."

Mike Calta, a radio host for Tampa Bay's 102.5FM, initially tweeted about how a "credible bomb threat" was the apparent reason for the Orlando show's cancelation. However, Amway Center rejected such speculation by tweeting "there was never a bomb threat" and "all other explanations are unfounded."

Calta tweeted he received the information from Amway Security. "It's what they were telling people in the front row," he wrote Thursday.

The "Bennie and the Jets" crooner shared a more extensive update with fans on Instagram Wednesday. John apologized to fans for calling off his scheduled performances in Orlando and Tampa. He also thanked fans for their "patience and support" as he continues to battle an ear infection.

"I'm so deeply sorry to everyone attending the shows in Orlando last night and Tampa tonight," John began, "I have been on a course of antibiotics to combat an ear infection and it was expected that these would clear the infection up in time for me to play Orlando. I traveled to the venue in preparation for the show, but after further consultation with doctors before taking the stage, the decision had to be taken on their advice that I still wasn't well enough to perform."

John continued, "We always play 100% live and with impaired hearing and ear pain, I wouldn't have been able to deliver the performance that my fans deserve. I absolutely hate letting my fans down and it was an incredibly hard decision to take. I will take a couple of days rest to allow the infection to clear up fully, and both shows will be rescheduled as soon as possible."

In recognizing how the two Florida show's cancelation may prove to be an "inconvenience" for many fans, John promised he'd "be back to make it up to" them promptly. According to John's official website, tickets purchased for the canceled dates will be valid once they're rescheduled. John's team hasn't announced when said rescheduled dates would occur, but refunds will be made available to fans who're unable to attend.

John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will serve as the acclaimed singer's last concert venture out on the road. He's scheduled to perform in more than 300 dates worldwide that hit over five continents. The tour's first show commenced in Allentown, Pennsylvania on September 8. It will conclude in December 2020.

This story has been updated to reflect that Calta received the information from Amway Security, which is reportedly what they told people in the front row.