Sir Elton’s farewell tour a true celebration
As music legend Sir Elton John kicked off his 11-date farewell tour around Victoria on Saturday night, his triumphant show was more celebratory than sentimental.
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Sir Elton John began the first of an 11-date farewell through Victoria on Saturday night with a triumphant show that was more celebratory than sentimental.
Of course, Sir Elton, 50 years in show business, and doing one last lap of the world before permanently retiring for the sake of family, could be forgiven for a dewy-eyed nostalgia trip.
Instead, his epic Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour honoured an incredible career of classic songs, a larger-than-life personality, and unmatched showmanship, with bright smiles and big energy.
Sir Elton played at Mt Duneed Estate, for A Day On The Green, near Geelong, last night.
He will do 10 more shows in Victoria, at wineries and arenas, before his final bow in Melbourne at AAMI Park in February.
“Good evening, Geelong. It’s a bit cold tonight,” Sir Elton told the crowd.” We’ll try to warm things up for you.”
He opened with Bennie And The Jets, still resplendent with its plodding piano line, and rock-steady beat beneath.
Then the hits came, one after another – Your Song, I’m Still Standing, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Candle In The Wind, and much more – amid costumes changes, dazzling production, and a super-tight backing band, which includes long-time collaborators Davey Johnstone (guitars), Nigel Olsson (drums) and Ray Cooper (percussion).
Unexpected highlights was the rock and soul workout, Levon, with incredible solos, and the dark rock opera, Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.
The crowd reflected the many stages of Sir Elton’s career, from day-one fans to younger followers, probably scarred (in a good way) by their parents record collection, or the hit biopic, Rocketman.
Sir Elton is clearly enjoying this swan song.
He strolled across the stage, waving and blowing kisses at the crowd, and shared poignant stories about his multi-platinum partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and proud achievements of the Elton John Foundation.
Near the end of the show, the inevitable came. Sir Elton acknowledged this was his last hurrah in Geelong.
It’s been a remarkable journey ... a miracle, and I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it,” he said.
“I’m extremely grateful and proud and lucky to be able to play music for a living.
“This is my last ever tour,” he added. “The reason is … I have a family, and I need to be with them. I want to be with them.
“I’ve travelled enough and had enough applause for a million lifetimes. But I want to thank you, from this Englishman to all the wonderful Aussies out there.
"Thank you for the love, support, kindness, and generosity. I will never forget you, ever, ever, ever.”
Sir Elton John performs at Rod Laver Arena on December 10, 11, 14 and 15, Hanging Rock on January 25 and 26, All Saints Estate, Rutherglen, on January 29, Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, on January 31 and February 1, and AAMI Park on February 22.
Newly-released tickets are available for most of the shows.
Originally published as Sir Elton’s farewell tour a true celebration