Elton John sparks concerns among fans with 'bedridden hospital pictures'

Sir Elton John has sparked panic among his devoted fanbaseafter sharing a photograph of himself seemingly bedridden in hospital, draped in a glittering cast. However, it was all just to publicise his appearance in the upcoming Spinal Tap II sequel.

The 78-year-old music legend uploaded a series of images to Instagram showing him apparently incapacitated in a hospital gown, sporting rhinestone-encrusted leg casts and a neck brace, whilst surrounded by floral arrangements and fellow cast members.

The pictures prompted numerous supporters to assume John had been admitted to hospital, with messages flooding in expressing hopes for his swift recovery.

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"Get better soon with the Favor of God, Sir Elton John," penned one concerned follower.

A second fan commented: "Sending you love. Your music got me through a lot of dark times.", reports the Mirror US.

However, John made it clear in his caption that the entire scenario was fabricated for promotional purposes.

"Rocked too hard... ended up in a cast! Backstage with Spinal Tap," he explained.

"The new film, Spinal Tap II, and album are out today, featuring me on 'Listen To The Flower People' and 'Stonehenge.' Thanks for having me be a part of it!"

The upload also featured behind-the-scenes clips revealing camera monitors, a film set, and footage of the sparkling casts being removed, confirming the hospital environment was merely part of the production.

The original photograph deceived thousands of viewers. Certain supporters confessed they were briefly petrified.

"ELTON DON'T SCARE US LIKE THAT," declared one response.

Another remarked: "Scared me for a minute there. So glad you're ok."

Meanwhile, other followers grasped the prank straight away. "That's just the Majesty of Rock!" the official Spinal Tap account commented, quoting a line from the film.

The 1984 mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap, directed by Rob Reiner, parodied rock band culture through fictional characters and manufactured behind-the-scenes chaos.

The follow-up, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, chronicles the band members reuniting for one last performance after being separated for 15 years.

The soundtrack features numerous original compositions, including tracks with John's involvement.

Both the film and album became available on Friday. John, who recently concluded his farewell tour, has appeared publicly on several occasions in recent months but hadn't previously revealed his appearance in the production.

By Friday evening, the post had garnered over 210,000 likes.

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