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Music

09th Jul 2023

Elton John caps off his final live tour performance with emotional message

Simon Kelly

Farewell Yellow Brick Road.

Musical icon Elton John brought the curtains down on his final farewell tour last night in Stockholm after an incredible 52 years.

The 76-year-old singer clocked in nearly 4,600 performances worldwide over his career as he finally capped off his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour, a show he’s been touring since 2018.

“It’s been my lifeblood to play for you guys, and you’ve been absolutely magnificent,” he told the audience at Sweden’s Tele2 Arena.

The 5 time Grammy winner told the crowd: “I’ve had the most wonderful career, beyond belief. Fifty-two years of pure joy playing music, how lucky am I to play music?

“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.”

John has performed the tour to millions of his fans worldwide and, despite setbacks during Covid, it reportedly reached ticket sales of $900m (€820m), according to Billboard magazine.

One of the highlights of the tour included the singer’s performance at Glastonbury last month, which reportedly attracted one of the biggest crowds in the festival’s history.

In the middle of the emotional performance in Sweden, Coldplay’s Chris Martin appeared on the big screen in a live call from the band’s show in Gothenburg on the other side of the country.

“We want to say from all of us here, all the artists you’ve loved and inspired and helped – we love you so much,” said the British band’s frontman. “We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”

“We love you so much, happy retirement and we’re going to miss you so much.”

During the show, the Rocket Man singer confirmed that he would not be touring again. He did, however, mention that he might do a “one off thing” in the future, but it would be “miles away”.

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Elton John