Elton John farewell tour: legendary star 'to go out with a bang'

We thought this day would never come (and neither did he, by the sounds of things), but Sir Elton John, the legendary hit-maker behind classics such as "Tiny Dancer", "Your Song", "Rocket Man" and many more besides, is to retire from touring after more than half a century on the road. 

"I always thought I was going to be like Ray Charles, BB King – on the road forever," Sir Elton said. "But my priorities have changed. We had children and it changed our lives. That doesn't mean to say I'm not going to be creative. But I'm not going to travel."

Speaking in New York, the star told reporters he would say goodbye to fans with a series of 300 dates spanning three years.

"I don't want to go out with a whimper, but a big bang," he said. "Performing live fuels me and I'm ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe. I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour."

After the tour, Sir Elton added that he might consider another residency – "like Kate Bush" – who played 22 dates at London's Hammersmith Apollo in 2014. In better news for fans, Sir Elton said he was not stopping music: "I'll hopefully be making more records. I'll be writing more musicals. But mostly, I'll be taking my kid to soccer academy – which is the most important thing."

Still one of the most entertaining and enthusiastic live acts in music, don't miss your chance to say goodbye to a musical legend, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming tour dates and buy tickets Elton John tickets at StubHub. 

Sir Elton John: five decades at the top

Elton John was the biggest pop star of the 70s who, along with writing partner Bernie Taupin, produced hit-after-hit for decades to follow. He charted a Top 40 hit single every year between 1970 and 1996, and has sold over 300 million records worldwide; making him one of the top five selling artists of all time. 

A childhood musical prodigy, Reginald Kenneth Dwight began playing piano at the age of four, and won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at 11. He fronted his first group Bluesology from 1962-1967, before releasing his debut album Empty Sky in 1969 under the name Elton John. In homage to two members of Bluesology – saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry – Dwight combined their names and took the moniker Hercules in homage to the horse in TV show Steptoe and Son.

His big break came in 1970 when he released two iconic albums – an eponymous effort (which often ranks as one of the greatest records of all time) and the timeless Tumbleweed Connection. By the end of the year, Elton was one of the most in-demand artists on the planet; an appeal that hasn't faded since. Owing much to his partnership with song writing companion Bernie Taupin – the pair have collaborated on over 30 albums in what is one of the longest and most established in music.

Those albums have brought Sir Elton worldwide fame and helped him become one of the most decorated musicians of all time with awards including: five Grammy Awards; five Brit Awards; an Academy Award; a Golden Globe; a Tony Award; and a Disney Legends award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of 100 influential musicians of the rock and roll era and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Having been named a Order of the British Empire in 1996, John was made a Knight Bachelor by Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services" in 1998.

Similar artists to Elton John

Few pop acts have endured as long – or as successfully – as Sir Elton John, but a few heroes of yesteryear are still rocking. Check out listings for Phil Collins and Billy Joel.