The entertainer spoke about his health as he went into the annual benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which honored former US president Bill Clinton and Sharon Stone among others.

"The worst thing about being in the hospital was that, actually, it's the first time I've been in bed for about nine days in the whole of my life, except for maybe when I had my tonsils out," John said.

"So, I was all right. I had a good rest. I didn't expect it. The worst thing was having to cancel shows. I hate that. But I'm back on my feet and I'm bouncing around now."

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The benefit in New York honored Evelyn and Leonard Lauder and Lily Safra as well as Clinton and Stone.

The foundation in part aims to fund innovative HIV prevention programs and to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.

John said the economic crisis makes the task harder. "We are in a bad time economically, and everybody's vying for attention," he said.

"We mustn't let AIDS get onto the back seat. It's very important that it stays in the forefront of our attention."

Stone said that John is a "spectacular person" but "not always easy because he's true and honest."

She told the audience: "Look down at your shoes. If you're wearing those shoes, you've got twice as much to give." ASSOCIATED PRESS