In the opening days of July, Elton John concluded his illustrious touring career with a momentous performance, reportedly his final show of the farewell tour. Taking center stage in Stockholm, Sweden, the iconic and acclaimed musician bid farewell as a touring artist, as stated on his official website. Sharing a video on his official Instagram account, the British music legend reflected on the incredible journey of the tour, acknowledging that the end had arrived. The video also featured a segment from a 2018 interview in which Elton disclosed his decision to retire from touring.
Initiated in 2018, Elton John's highly anticipated "Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour" was originally slated to conclude in 2021. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, the tour had to be postponed. With over five decades of constant touring behind him, this final tour has been widely promoted as the last chance to witness the legendary artist in action.
According to the Instagram video shared by John, the tour encompassed an impressive repertoire of over 300 shows, captivating the hearts of more than 6 million fans worldwide. As the culmination of his journey, the 76-year-old musician chose to grace the stage of the renowned Glastonbury Festival for his farewell performance in the United Kingdom.
During his 2018 conversation with Anderson Cooper, the artist unveiled his reasons for retiring from life on the road, citing his desire to prioritize his family. With husband David Furnish, the musician shares the joy of fatherhood, and in 2015, they made a conscious decision after considering their children's school schedule. John expressed his concern about missing out on significant moments in his children's lives.
Although bidding farewell to touring life, Elton John affirmed his commitment to creating new music, indicating that he will continue to channel his artistic talents into fresh projects. What’s more, in recent years, Elton John has continued to make a significant impact in the music industry and beyond. As mentioned earlier, he embarked on his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour in 2018, which was originally planned to conclude in 2021. The tour aimed to be a grand farewell to his touring career, showcasing his vast catalog of hits to fans around the world. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the tour had to be rescheduled, extending the final shows beyond the original timeframe.
Philanthropy and Activism: Elton John has been an active philanthropist and advocate for numerous causes. He is particularly known for his involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS through his Elton John AIDS Foundation, which he established in 1992. The foundation has raised significant funds for research, prevention, and support for individuals affected by the disease. Elton John has also been involved in other charitable efforts, including supporting cancer research and LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2019, Elton John released his autobiography, "Me," which delves into his personal life, struggles, and musical journey. The memoir provides an intimate look into his experiences, relationships, and the challenges he faced throughout his career. It garnered positive reviews and became a bestseller. Since then, the artist has continued to collaborate with various artists in recent years, demonstrating his enduring influence. He teamed up with artists such as Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Gorillaz, among others, for collaborative projects and performances. Additionally, he released a collaborative album titled "The Lockdown Sessions" in 2021, featuring new recordings made during the Covid-19 lockdown period. In 2019, the biographical musical film "Rocketman" was released, showcasing Elton John's life and career.