Elton John says he's 'ashamed' of the UK as he goes on anti-Brexit rant during tour

Sir Elton John has said he’s “ashamed” of the UK government for tearing people apart with Brexit, while performing in Verona, Italy as part of his ongoing Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

From his piano, the legendary songwriter told the audience that he is “sick to death of politicians, especially British politicians.”

“I am sick to death of Brexit,” he added. “I’m ashamed of my country for what it has done. It’s torn people apart.”

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Before launching into a rendition of his 1995 hit Believe, the 72-year-old appeared to take a swipe at those who voted to leave the European Union.

“I am a European. I am not a stupid, colonial, imperialist English idiot,” he raged, before lightening up the mood somewhat with a joke about shipping costs.

“I may have to pay f**king import duty on flowers I get flown over.”

John was set to perform in Verona for a second time on Thursday 30 May, but was forced to cancel the gig after his vocal chords became inflamed due to a bad cold.

An events page on Facebook revealed the news, explaining: “He was struggling with his warm-ups before last night and it was touch-and-go if he would be able to complete the show.

“The cold conditions at the outdoor arena exacerbated the condition and unfortunately, after a night's work with a doctor today, his voice has gone. As such, it with a heavy heart that we have announce that tonight's show in Verona is cancelled.”

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The prepared statement went on to add that with rest and “prescribed medication,” the I’m Still Standing hitmaker should be well enough to resume his tour in Wiesbaden, Germany on Saturday 1 June.

John - whose life is the subject of Dexter Fletcher’s Rocketman - previously revealed that his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will be his last. He said he wants to retire from touring because he wants to spend more time with his husband, David Furnish, and their two sons.

He kicked off the three-year stretch in Allentown, Pennsylvania on 8 September 2018 and will complete around 300 shows before the tour ends in London in December 2020.