Throughout his five decade career the 71-year old singer-songwriter could rarely be described as the retiring type. And yet, here he is announcing a plan to visit Australia and New Zealand as part of a three year, 300 show farewell tour. Beginning in September 2018, this lengthy victory lap will see him perform in five continents before wrapping up in 2021. It’s a very large full stop on a story that has seen chart-topping performer endear himself to generations of fans around the world.
In addition to tracks from the deep songbook he and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin have assembled – the pair celebrated their collaboration’s 50th anniversary this year – we can probably expect John to revisit a few cuts from hit musicals like The Lion King. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will also include a new Gucci-designed wardrobe and video interludes looking featuring previously unseen footage looking back on John’s storied career.
“I always love coming back to Australia,” John says of the tour. “Ever since my first visit in 1971 it has held a very special place in my heart.”
After skipping Adelaide in 2017, John will visit South Australia at the start of the tour in December 2019, before spending much of Australia’s summer touring capital cities and regional centres. As far as retirement parties go it sounds frankly exhausting, but at least it will be sunny.
UPDATE: Elton John has added a handful of extra dates to cater to demand, with another Botanic Park show on Thursday, December 5.
Elton John Australia and New Zealand farewell tour dates
Perth
Saturday, November 30
HBF Park
Tickets
Adelaide
Wednesday, December 4
Thursday, December 5 – Just Announced
Botanic Park
Tickets
Melbourne
Tuesday, December 10
Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15 – Just Announced
Rod Laver Arena
Tickets
Brisbane
Wednesday, December 18
Tuesday, December 19 – Just Announced
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Tickets
Sydney
Saturday, December 21
ICC Sydney Theatre
Tickets
Monday, December 23
Thursday, January 9 – Just Announced
Qudos Bank Arena
Tickets
Hunter Valley
Saturday, January 11
Sunday, January 12 – Just Announced
Hope Estate
Tickets
Mount Cotton
Saturday, January 18
Sunday, January 19 – Just Announced
Sirromet Wines
Tickets
Bathurst
Wednesday, January 22
Carrington Park
Tickets
Woodend
Saturday, January 25
Sunday, January 26 – Just Announced
Hanging Rock
Tickets
Rutherglen
Wednesday, January 29
All Saints Estate
Tickets
Yarra Valley
Friday, January 31
Saturday, February 1 – Just Announced
Rochford Wines
Tickets
Dunedin
Tuesday, February 4
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Tickets
Hawke’s Bay
Saturday, February 8
Mission Estate Winery
Tickets
Auckland
Sunday, February 9
Mt Smart Stadium
Tickets
Get the latest from The Adelaide Review in your inbox
Get the latest from The Adelaide Review in your inbox