Elton John Wraps Up 5-Year ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ World Tour in Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden – After an impressive run of 333 shows spanning nearly five years, Elton John has officially concluded his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ world tour in Stockholm. The music icon bid farewell to his fans with a memorable performance at the Tele2 Arena on Saturday night, where he delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude for the support he has received throughout his illustrious career.
To conclude the tour, John chose to sing the tour’s semi-title track, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,’ leaving the audience captivated. Prior to his performance, he addressed the reported 45,000 fans in attendance, expressing his deep appreciation for their unwavering support.
In his final speech, Sir Elton John shared, “I’ve had the most wonderful career… beyond belief. Fifty years of pure joy playing music… how lucky am I? I wouldn’t be sitting here… it wasn’t for you. You bought the singles, the CDs, the albums, the cassettes… [and] more importantly, you bought the tickets to the shows. You know how much I love to play live. It’s been my lifeblood to play for you guys. You’ve been absolutely magnificent.”
John’s tour, which kicked off in September 2018 at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, took him across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Unfortunately, the tour experienced a significant setback in March 2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and John’s hip injury, which necessitated surgery and a prolonged recovery period.
However, after a hiatus of almost two years, the tour resumed in January 2022 with a show at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. From there, John embarked on a consistent string of performances over the next 18 months, culminating in his final show at the revered Glastonbury Festival in the UK. The Glastonbury performance featured special guests such as Brandon Flowers and Rina Sawayama, adding extra flair to the memorable event.
In a remarkable achievement, the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour was officially recognized in May 2023 as the highest-grossing world tour of all time, solidifying Elton John’s legendary status in the music industry. The tour’s success, coupled with the overwhelming response from fans and critics alike, is a testament to John’s enduring impact and the timeless appeal of his music.
‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,’ originally released in 1973, has become one of Elton John’s most iconic songs, reaching the top ten on numerous charts worldwide. The track has been performed live approximately 1475 times over the past five decades, serving as a staple and the set closer for the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour.
As the curtains close on this unforgettable chapter of Elton John’s career, fans and music lovers worldwide reflect on the immeasurable contributions he has made to the industry. The ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit and incomparable talent of one of music’s greatest icons.