Sir Elton John has announced that the remainder of his summer tour dates have been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The 73-year-old embarked upon his three-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in September 2018, taking in 300 dates around the world in what he promised would be his last ever tour.

The 'Bennie and the Jets' singer had already toured the US twice, Europe once and Oceania once by February and was due to return to the US for a third time last month.

The seriousness of the COVID-19 crisis forced him to postpone half of those dates, however, and now it has been confirmed that the remainder of the summer shows have also been put back.

In a statement on Twitter, Elton's representatives said: "It is with deep regret that Elton John must postpone the remainder of his upcoming North American 2020 dates on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour from May 22 through July 8. Previously postponed performances were from March 26 through May 2, 2020.

"Ticketholders of all 2020 postponed performances should hold onto their original tickets as new show date information for 2021 will be announced soon. All original tickets will be honored at the rescheduled performances.

"Elton promises to continue performing live for all his dedicated fans around the world again and thanks you for your endless support."

The second European leg of the tour, which includes 24 dates in the UK and Ireland, is scheduled to begin in September and has not yet been cancelled.