Elton John, the flamboyant icon of rock and pop, has captivated audiences for over five decades with his dazzling performances, unforgettable melodies, and larger-than-life persona. His farewell tours have become almost as legendary as his music. But with so much talk about “final” performances, it’s easy to get lost in the confusion. So, how many “final” tours has Elton John actually undertaken? Let’s dive into the facts and separate the legend from reality.
The First Farewell: A Shocking Announcement
In 2018, Sir Elton John made a monumental announcement: he would be embarking on a farewell tour, a grand send-off to his fans worldwide. This announcement sent shockwaves through the music industry and ignited a frenzy among fans eager to witness his final performances. The tour was aptly named the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, a poignant reference to his iconic 1973 album, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
The initial plan was ambitious and comprehensive. The tour was slated to span three years and encompass over 300 shows across five continents. The intention was clear: to give fans a final chance to experience the magic of Elton John live before he retired from touring to dedicate more time to his family.
Why Retire From Touring?
Elton John openly cited his desire to spend more time with his husband, David Furnish, and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah, as the primary reason for his retirement from touring. He expressed a longing to be more present in their lives and to experience the joys of fatherhood without the constant demands of a touring schedule. He felt he’d missed a lot of Zachary’s and Elijah’s early years and didn’t want to miss any more.
Moreover, the physical demands of touring had begun to take their toll. At 71 years old when the tour began, Elton John acknowledged that the rigors of travel and performance were becoming increasingly challenging. He wanted to leave the stage on his own terms, while he was still at the top of his game.
The Initial “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” Plan
The “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour was designed to be a celebration of Elton John’s remarkable career. The setlist included a selection of his greatest hits, from “Your Song” to “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer” to “Crocodile Rock.” The stage production was elaborate and visually stunning, featuring dazzling costumes, immersive video projections, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
Tickets for the tour sold out almost instantly, demonstrating the immense popularity and enduring legacy of Elton John. Fans from all walks of life flocked to see him perform, eager to bid farewell to a musical legend.
Pandemic Interruptions and Rescheduled Dates
Just as the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, throwing the world into chaos and bringing the live music industry to a standstill. In March 2020, Elton John was forced to postpone the remaining dates of the North American leg of the tour due to the escalating health crisis.
The pandemic caused significant disruptions to the tour schedule, with numerous shows being canceled or rescheduled multiple times. Uncertainty loomed over the future of the tour, as it became increasingly difficult to predict when live music events would be able to resume safely.
Health Challenges and Further Delays
Adding to the challenges, Elton John faced his own health issues during this period. In September 2021, he announced that he would be postponing the European and UK legs of the tour due to a hip injury that required surgery. This news was a disappointment to fans who had been eagerly anticipating his return to the stage.
The surgery was successful, but the recovery process was lengthy and required extensive rehabilitation. Elton John was determined to return to the stage as soon as he was physically able, but he also recognized the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being.
The Rescheduled and Extended Tour
As the pandemic subsided and restrictions eased, Elton John was finally able to resume the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour in January 2022. The rescheduled dates were met with enormous enthusiasm, as fans eagerly awaited the chance to see him perform live once again.
However, the tour had now been extended significantly beyond its original three-year timeframe. The pandemic and Elton John’s health issues had added considerable time to the schedule, pushing the final dates further into the future. This led to some confusion and questions among fans as to when the “final” performance would actually take place.
The “Final” Dates and Subsequent Performances
Throughout 2022 and the first half of 2023, Elton John continued to tour extensively, performing across North America, Europe, and Australia. He consistently reiterated that these were indeed his final performances, emphasizing his commitment to retiring from touring and spending more time with his family.
The official “final” date of the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour was set for July 8, 2023, at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. This show was widely promoted as the culmination of his touring career, a historic moment that would mark the end of an era.
The Stockholm Show: A Historic Finale?
The Stockholm concert was an emotional and celebratory affair. Elton John delivered a powerful performance, showcasing his incredible musical talent and his enduring connection with his fans. The setlist included a mix of classic hits and fan favorites, and the stage production was as spectacular as ever.
At the end of the show, Elton John delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking his fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have shared his music with the world and reiterated his commitment to retiring from touring. The concert concluded with a moving rendition of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” leaving many in the audience in tears.
What Happened After Stockholm?
Despite the widely publicized “final” date in Stockholm, Elton John has continued to perform live on several occasions since then. He made a surprise appearance at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in October 2023, joining Paul McCartney onstage for a rendition of “Let It Be.”
He also performed at a private event in Monaco in November 2023 and at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2023, which he dubbed his “final UK show.” Most recently, he performed at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
So, How Many “Final” Tours?
Given the circumstances, it’s fair to say that Elton John has had one official “final” tour, the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. This tour was designed and promoted as his grand send-off, and it culminated in the Stockholm concert in July 2023.
However, the subsequent performances since then have blurred the lines somewhat. While these appearances have been sporadic and often for special occasions, they have nonetheless raised questions about the true meaning of “retirement” from touring.
Understanding the Nuances of “Retirement”
It’s important to understand the nuances of Elton John’s “retirement” from touring. He has made it clear that he is stepping away from the grueling schedule of regular touring, which involves constant travel, rehearsals, and performances. He is no longer interested in undertaking lengthy tours that take him away from his family for extended periods of time.
However, he has also left the door open to occasional performances for special events or charitable causes. These performances allow him to continue sharing his music with the world without the pressures of a full-time touring schedule. He retains the freedom to choose when and where he performs, allowing him to prioritize his personal life and well-being.
A Shift in Priorities
Elton John’s “retirement” represents a shift in priorities rather than a complete cessation of performing. He is now focusing on other aspects of his life, such as spending time with his family, supporting his charitable foundation, and pursuing other creative endeavors.
He has also expressed an interest in mentoring young artists and using his platform to advocate for social justice issues. His “retirement” from touring allows him to dedicate more time and energy to these important causes.
The Legacy Continues
Elton John’s musical legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. His countless hits, his flamboyant performances, and his unwavering commitment to his fans have cemented his place as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Even though he may no longer be touring regularly, his music will continue to be played and enjoyed around the world. His influence on popular culture is undeniable, and his impact on the music industry will be felt for decades to come.
In conclusion, while Elton John technically embarked on one official “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour culminating in a “final” show in Stockholm, his subsequent performances highlight a nuanced approach to retirement. He’s stepping away from the demanding life of constant touring while still embracing opportunities to perform selectively. The “final” tour was truly a farewell to the rigorous demands of a touring musician, not a complete ceasing of musical appearances.
Was the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour Elton John’s first retirement tour?
No, the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, which began in 2018 and concluded in 2023, was not Elton John’s first attempt at a farewell tour. He had previously announced a retirement from touring in 1977. This announcement was followed by a significant reduction in his touring schedule, though he did still perform sporadically.
While the 1977 declaration wasn’t marketed with the same fanfare as “Farewell Yellow Brick Road,” it still represented a conscious decision to scale back touring commitments. Therefore, while “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” might be his most extensive and widely publicized farewell tour, it’s not his initial foray into the idea of retiring from live performances.
Why did Elton John decide to retire from touring?
Elton John’s decision to retire from touring was primarily driven by a desire to spend more time with his family. He has often spoken about the importance of being present in the lives of his children and wanting to dedicate more of his time to them as they grow up. The extensive travel required for global tours made it difficult to maintain the level of involvement he desired.
Furthermore, he also expressed a wish to explore other creative avenues and focus on different aspects of his career. Stepping back from the demands of constant touring allows him to dedicate more energy to songwriting, recording, and other projects, without the pressures of a demanding performance schedule.
How long did the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour last?
The “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour officially commenced in September 2018 and concluded in July 2023. The tour spanned over five years, encompassing hundreds of concerts across five continents. Its duration was extended due to unforeseen circumstances, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused numerous postponements and rescheduling of dates.
Initially intended to last for three years, the tour’s longevity became a testament to Elton John’s enduring popularity and commitment to fulfilling his touring obligations. The extended timeframe allowed him to perform for fans in a wider range of locations and make the farewell truly comprehensive.
Did Elton John really mean his farewell tour was his last?
While the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour was explicitly marketed as Elton John’s final tour, it’s important to acknowledge the history of retirements in the entertainment industry. Musicians sometimes return to performing after initially announcing their retirement. Whether Elton John will completely abstain from live performances in the future remains to be seen, although he has expressed intentions to only perform sporadically for special events.
Despite the possibility of future appearances, the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour was undoubtedly a significant milestone, signaling a major shift in his career focus. He has expressed a desire to prioritize family and other projects, suggesting any future performances would be limited and on a much smaller scale than his large-scale tours.
What was unique about the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour?
The “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour was distinguished by its elaborate production values and immersive stage design. The shows incorporated stunning visuals, dynamic lighting, and cutting-edge technology to create a truly spectacular concert experience. It was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of Elton John’s musical legacy.
Furthermore, the tour was particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive coverage of Elton John’s extensive catalog. He performed many of his greatest hits, alongside deeper cuts and fan favorites, providing a retrospective journey through his remarkable career. The setlists were carefully curated to provide a fulfilling experience for long-time fans.
Will Elton John still make music after his farewell tour?
Yes, Elton John has indicated that he will continue to write and record music even after concluding his farewell tour. He has expressed a desire to explore new musical avenues and collaborate with other artists. Retirement from touring doesn’t necessarily equate to retirement from music altogether.
He is still very passionate about creating music and plans to remain active in the music industry, just in a different capacity. Expect more studio albums, collaborations, and possibly even film soundtracks in the future. His focus will simply shift from performing live shows to creating new music and exploring different artistic expressions.
How many concerts did Elton John perform during his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour?
Elton John performed approximately 330 concerts during his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. This impressive number reflects the tour’s ambitious scope and its prolonged duration. The tour spanned five continents and brought his music to millions of fans around the globe.
This extensive itinerary underscores the scale of his undertaking and his dedication to providing a memorable farewell experience. The “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour stands as one of the most extensive and widely attended concert tours in music history, marking a significant chapter in Elton John’s illustrious career.