Elton John Recovering From Appendectomy

Music legend is resting at his vacation home in Nice, France, after undergoing an operation that forced him off the road

Elton John is on the mend after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix.

The Rocket Man's publicist confirmed the news on Saturday to British media outlets, saying the 66-year-old John went under the knife at Monaco's Princess Grace Hospital last Thursday and is now recuperating at his home in Nice, France.

The "Sad Songs" singer was forced to scrap a series of European concert dates including a big gig in London's Hyde Park after being diagnosed with a nasty case of appendicitis. A statement on his website last month revealed he had an "appendix abscess" that required an operation as well as an intensive regimen of antibiotics to reduce the inflammation.

In a follow-up interview, John told The Sun that he suffered through 10 shows feeling agonizing stomach pain and was "lucky to be alive." He also revealed that his physicians told him he could have "died at any time" and was a "ticking time bomb" if he didn't cancel his trek because the illness put him at risk for blood poisoning.

Heeding doctors' orders, the legendary musician took to bed at his Windsor, England, residence to allow the swelling to go down before flying to Monaco for the surgery.

He subsequently posted a note thanking fans for their support.

"Your well wishes have touched me deeply and will play a big part in my recovery," he wrote. "I cannot wait to see you all and thank you in person when I resume my concert schedule later this year," he said.

According to the Daily Mail, John's first scheduled public appearance will be at the Brit Awards on Sept. 2, where he'll receive the Brits Icon Award honoring major figures in music. After that, he'll hit the stage and the piano with a concert in Leeds set for Sept. 4.