Rolling Stone reports:
At an emotional New York press conference Wednesday, Elton John announced that he will retire from the road after a lengthy farewell tour. “I’m not going to be touring anymore,” he told moderator Anderson Cooper at New York’s Gotham Hall. “I’m not going to be touring and traveling the world. My priorities have changed. I have young children.”
Before he finishes, however, he will spend three years on the road saying goodbye to his fans with a 300-date tour he’s dubbed Farewell Yellow Brick Road. “That doesn’t mean I won’t still be creative,” he said. “But I won’t travel any more…I don’t want to go out with a whimper. I want to go out with a bang…It’ll be the most produced, fantastic show I’ve ever done.”
Many acts – including Cher, Kiss and Ozzy Osbourne – have launched farewell tours only to return to the road just a few years later. But Elton insisted this if for real. “I’m not Cher,” he said. He did say that after a long break following the conclusion of the tour in 2021 he will continue to write and record. “I’m 71. I can’t physically do the traveling anymore. I want to be at home. I really want to spend time with my children at home. I’ve had an incredible life, but life is all about change.”
I’m overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response to my last ever tour. Unfortunately, so is my website! https://t.co/Obt7e4fi35 will be fully back online as soon as possible. Deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused. Ex #EltonFarewellTour pic.twitter.com/1zlQ2rKF5X
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) January 24, 2018
The yellow brick road leads to… The #EltonFarewellTour!
Get tickets for Elton’s final tour and watch the incredible Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour launch video at https://t.co/fEQsOiiRjO. pic.twitter.com/pyiPP3KHuN
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) January 24, 2018
NEW: Legendary pop star Elton John announces retirement tour. “My priorities now are my children, and my husband, and my family…the time is right to say thank you to all my fans around the world, globally, and then to say goodbye.” https://t.co/nfMMvA21Q9 pic.twitter.com/X7BF7hq7qj
— ABC News (@ABC) January 24, 2018