Facebook.com/EltonJohnOn Saturday, Elton John's annual Winter Ball, which raises money for his AIDS Foundation, takes place in London, but Elton himself won't be there...and it's all George Michael's fault.

The former Wham! vocalist was supposed to be touring Australia this month and next, but he pulled out of the gigs, citing his doctors' advice for "complete rest" and "post-traumatic counseling" after nearly **** from pneumonia last year.  John has kindly stepped in to fill the concert dates, but as the Irish Independent reports, that means ***** miss the annual charity bash.

Still, all is not lost -- Elton's replacement will be fellow Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey.  Spacey will co-host the event with John's partner, David Furnish, and welcome about 600 guests to London's famed Battersea Power Station for an evening of music, dining and a silent auction.

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