In what he asserts to be the culmination of his touring career, Elton John delivered a resounding performance on Saturday night, signifying the end of an era. The iconic and acclaimed musician took to the stage in Stockholm, Sweden, purportedly for the last time as a touring artist, as stated on his official website.
Sharing his sentiments in an Instagram video published on Saturday, the British music legend reflected on the profound journey of his final tour. “What a journey this tour has been, and now we find ourselves at the end of it. Tonight is the final night,” John wrote in the caption. The video also included a clip from a 2018 interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, during which the musician announced his retirement from touring, affirming that it would be his last time performing and traveling the world.
Originally slated to conclude in 2021, the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour” embarked on its musical voyage in 2018. However, due to the global disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the tour experienced postponements. Nevertheless, it persevered as a symbolic final chapter in John’s illustrious career, having spent over five decades on the road.
The remarkable tour boasted more than 300 shows that captivated audiences of over 6 million fans across the globe, as revealed in John’s Instagram video. The 76-year-old maestro’s farewell tour reached its climax as he headlined the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, marking his last performance in the United Kingdom.
During his 2018 conversation with Cooper, Elton John attributed his decision to retire from the nomadic lifestyle of touring to his unwavering dedication to his family. The musician, alongside his husband David Furnish, has two sons. Reflecting on their life-changing impact, John revealed, “We had children and had changed our lives, and in 2015, we sat down with their school schedule and we said I’m going to miss too much of this.” While bidding adieu to life on the road, the tireless artist emphasized his commitment to continuing his creative journey and producing new music.