Music icon Elton John has officially concluded his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour, marking the end of an era after five years and 330 performances worldwide. The final show took place in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday, July 8, 2023, where a grateful John addressed the crowd, expressing his deep appreciation for his fans' unwavering support throughout his extensive career. He acknowledged the significant role they've played, stating their encouragement has truly humbled him.
The tour, which originally commenced in 2018, faced an unforeseen two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming only in 2022. Over 6.25 million people attended the concerts globally, witnessing John perform his iconic hits such as "Benny and the Jets," "Tiny Dancer," "Rocket Man," and "Candle in the Wind."
A commemorative video shared on John's Instagram account captured highlights from the tour, including images of fans in costume and even two marriage proposals that occurred during the performances.
During the final concert, Coldplay's Chris Martin delivered a heartfelt video message, expressing gratitude for John's influence on fellow artists and his philanthropic work with the Aids Foundation. John himself, in a statement, reflected on the journey, acknowledging the unexpected turns and challenges faced during the tour's five-year span. He emphasized the constant presence and loyalty of his fans, who remained dedicated throughout.
John affirmed his decision to retire from touring, prioritizing family time with his husband and sons. He admitted the finality of the tour hadn't fully sunk in and that he would deeply miss the interaction with his fans. The "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour has become one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history, amassing $900 million in ticket sales, according to Billboard.
