Sir Elton John’s final Melbourne shows the perfect ending to a stellar career
Sir Elton John has gone out in his farewell Melbourne shows the only way he knows how to – with charisma, passion and raw talent. And that is exactly how we should remember him.
Entertainment
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Everyone wants to go out on their own terms.
And Sir Elton John is doing the most British of farewell tours – an extended global victory lap where supply can barely meet demand.
That means spending three months in Australia.
His first Melbourne show was back in 1971; he’ll clock up 49 Victorian career shows by the time he leaves the stage at AAMI Park on February 22.
John said he believed he had toured Australia more than most international artists, and now wanted to spend his remaining years with his young sons.
“I can’t thank you enough, I will miss you. This is the last time I will be in Australia. 10 years ago I didn’t have a family, now I do. Thank you for the love loyalty, kindness and generosity.”
But he’s always has a soft spot for Rod Laver Arena.
“Love playing here, we’ve been playing outdoors and it’s been cold with dive bombing bugs,” John said at his first indoor Melbourne show last night.
He will have played the venue 19 times after Sunday’s final show at the arena – figures only John Farnham and Pink can compete with.
There’s obviously extra emotion on this farewell tour – fans seeing songs they’ve grown up with (or had passed down to them) for the last time.
And that emotion is tenfold for John. Some artists stop touring because their voice is shot or they’ve lost the passion. That’s not the case here; John and his sterling band are playing like men possessed.
From the iconic opening notes of Bennie and the Jets, it’s euphoric but never autopilot nostalgia that takes in timeless classics (Tiny Dancer, I’m Still Standing, Your Song, The Bitch is Back, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Candle in the Wind, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word) and lesser heard tunes (All The Girls Love Alice, Indian Sunset, Love Lies Bleeding/Funeral For a Friend) before the obvious curtain call Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
There’s literally another hour of Top 10 and even No. 1 hits John could have included on this tour, but he’s curated it as how he wants to be remembered.
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And while it may sound redundant, it’s only on stage you’re reminded that behind the tantrums and tiaras and the man is one seriously gifted pianist.
That, like the songs and the memories, won’t be forgotten.
Be warned: more people who bought tickets through Viagogo found they were invalid when they scanned them at the door. Punters should only buy through Ticketek or Ticketmaster.