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Elton John is content to walk away from performing. The musician has confirmed that he’s truly done with touring after his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. The iconic musician played his final show in Stockholm, Sweden last July.
Many fans have hoped that it was a false conclusion and that the opportunity to see the Rocket Man himself take the stage will come again. If you ask Elton and his family, those days are far behind them. It’s hard for others, but the four couldn’t be more excited about it.
Time for Family Is Important to the Couple
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Elton and husband David Furnish shared their joy for this new era of life. It’s the first time that the singer’s career can take a backseat to family in a major way. The couple share sons Elijah, 11, and Zachary, 13.
We’ve got our sons, you know, they’re getting into their teenage years now. We don’t want to miss anything. We want to be present for that. It’s sort of a key decade, I think, in a child’s life. He’s been [touring] for 60 years.
David Furnish, Entertainment Tonight
Elton Took Time at His Final Show to Reflect on His Career
Elton John putting touring behind him is crushing for fans — both those who had the pleasure of seeing them and those who never made it. The singer called his career “wonderful beyond belief” in a speech to the audience before performing the final song of his final show.
Fifty-two years of pure joy playing music. How lucky am I to play music? But you know, I wouldn’t be sitting here and talking to you if it wasn’t for you. You bought the singles, the CDs, the albums, the cassettes, but 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.
I will never be touring again, but I may do something in the future — a one-off thing — but that’s miles away. I want to appreciate my family, my sons, my husband, everything. I’ve earned it. And I don’t regret it tonight. I want to thank the band, the crew, everybody. I will miss you guys so much, but I’ll see you much sooner than you think. I love you guys!
Elton John, final show
Elton Is a Proud and Committed Father
In a TIME essay in celebration of his 75th birthday in 2022, Elton John wrote an open letter to his sons. Looking back at his career, his legacy, and his journey as a gay man, Elton celebrated the chapter that began when he and David Furnish decided to build their family.
I have had an incredibly fortunate 75 years. I’ve had my share of adventures, and I’ll tell you about some of the wilder ones another time. But know this: the most rewarding journey in my life has been the one I began 12 years ago with your Papa, when we decided to start a family.
Zachary and Elijah, you two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given. You have filled my heart with love and my life with purpose and meaning in ways I didn’t think were possible. You are my proudest achievements, and I love you both so, so much.
When the lockdown put my tour on pause, my world got smaller, and I started to see life in a different way. I’ll always love to travel and play music for my fans, but you showed me I could have just as much fun at home with you playing UNO, or going to Pizza Express.
Elton John, TIME
Elton’s sons are the stars of this new era in his life. The family of four seems their happiest for it. It’s nice to see the singer thrive in this way and explore what he can do with his career with his newly set boundaries.
