Elton John retires from touring after farewell concert in Stockholm — ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ was final song.
Elton John concluded his record-breaking ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ on Saturday and retired from touring in a highly emotional event at Sweden’s Tele2 Arena.
The performance in Stockholm was the 330th of the tour and symbolized the end of 50 years on the road for the legendary performer.
“Every step of the way, my fans have been there. They have stuck with me, they have supported me, they have been patient, and they have kept turning out for every single last show,” John said after leaving the stage.
“Tonight has been magical. I’m trying to process it, and I don’t think it will sink in for a while yet that I’m finally finished touring. I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss the fans and how much their support has humbled me — it will stay with me forever,” he added.
The Grammy Award-winner has toured relentlessly since 1970. After playing almost 4,600 shows in 80 countries, he decided in 2017 that he would come off the road and dedicate more time to his family after one final tour.
For his last touring performance, there was a live video link-up with Coldplay, who were performing live in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the same time and called in to deliver a message of gratitude.
“Elton, from all of us here, from all the bands and artists you’ve helped and inspired, we love you so much,” said Chris Martin, the band’s lead vocalist.
“We are so grateful for everything you’ve done for the AIDS Foundation, anytime you’ve been kind to anybody. For everything you’ve done for LGBTQ … We love you so much, we’re going to miss you so much,” Martin added.
John’s setlist in Stockholm included his hits “Bennie and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Philadelphia Freedom” and “Your Song.”