‘It’s been my lifeblood’: Elton John takes his last bow before retirement

After 50 legendary years and over 100 million singles sold worldwide, Elton John has officially said goodbye to the yellow brick road.

The 76-year-old, who has been travelling around the globe since 2018 for his monumental farewell world tour, is now on the road to retirement after wrapping up his last-ever show on Saturday night, July 8.

During the two-and-a-half house set, Elton performed 23 of his iconic songs, opening with Bennie And The Jets before wrapping up the setlist with an emotional rendition of Your Song and ending with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. 

 

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The five-time Grammy-winning artist also took a moment to reflect on his life and career, calling his fans his “lifeblood” and “soul”.

“I’ve had the most wonderful career, beyond belief. Fifty-two years of pure joy playing music, how lucky am I to play music?” Elton said.

“But I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for you. You bought the singles, albums and CDs and, more importantly, you bought the tickets to the shows and you know how I love to play live.

“It’s been my lifeblood to play for you guys and you’ve been absolutely magnificent – thank you.

“I will never forget you guys. I’ve played so many concerts, how could I forget? You’re in my head, and my heart and my soul and I thank you so much.”

Elton also confirmed that he will “never be touring again,” adding he may do the occasional “one-off thing” but stressing that it would be “miles away” in the future.

 

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Ahead of his final world tour, Elton revealed his decision to draw his life on the road to a close so he could focus on his family. The musician, who has two sons with husband David Furnish, said it was about time to “fully embrace the next important chapter of [his] life.”

“After the tour finishes, I’m very much looking forward to closing off that chapter of my life by saying farewell to life on the road. I need to dedicate more time to raising my children,” he said.

Fans who were unable to make it to any of Elton’s farewell tours can still experience the magic of this legacy through his upcoming documentary titled Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend.