Sir Elton John's European tour cancelled

Sir Elton John's summer Red Piano tour in Europe has been cancelled by the promoter.

The Red Piano company, which organised six dates in Venice, Berlin, Moscow, Paris and Seville, said it cancelled because it "could not guarantee to put the shows on".

The artist's other shows in the summer, along with Red Piano shows in Las Vegas later this year, are still due to go ahead.

A spokesman for the organiser commented: "We do of course appreciate that Elton's fans will be disappointed at this news, and we are already looking into the possibility of returning to the affected cities in the very near future."

The Red Piano shows, which feature ambitious stage designs of video screens and huge inflatables, originated for the singer's regular gigs in Las Vegas.