Listen To The Article
In a union of adoration and nostalgia, fans from across the globe congregated in Stockholm on Saturday to partake in the final official concert of Elton John’s career, concluding a prolific journey spanning over half a century on the road.
Basking under the resplendent sun, ardent devotees had begun gathering around the vicinity of the Tele2 Arena during the afternoon hours, eagerly awaiting the grand spectacle scheduled to commence at 20:00 (18:00 GMT).
“This evening is going to be exceptionally poignant,” shared Kate Bugaj, a 25-year-old Polish student who had deferred her master’s examinations in order to follow the tour of her musical paragon. “I have been an ardent fan for two decades. My love affair with his music began when I first witnessed The Lion King,” she added, a hint of nostalgia gleaming in her eyes.
Likewise, Jeanie Kincer, a 50-year-old enthusiast from Kentucky, USA, had journeyed across continents to be a part of this musical milestone. “I desired to be present at the conclusion since I was too tender in age to be there at the genesis,” she elucidated.
For the occasion, Kincer was adorned in an almost perfect replica of the outfit Elton John had sported during his inaugural concert in Stockholm in 1971–a red pair of dungarees and a tee shirt colored in shades of red, yellow, and brown. “Elton has been an integral part of my life since I was five or six years old. Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player was the first album I ever received, and that was the inception of my enamorment with his music,” the amiable academic added with a fond smile.
The daily newspaper Expressen proclaimed that with this final curtain call, “a significant chapter in the annals of rock ’n’ roll history is concluding.”
Speculation ran high among the crowd as well. Hans Christian, a Danish fan swathed in green, voiced his anticipation: “I am curious to see if there will be any special guests given that it is his final performance.”
Saturday marked the second consecutive evening that the arena, at full capacity, hosted the British superstar for the final leg of his final tour–a journey that began five years prior and had witnessed interruptions due to the global Covid-19 pandemic and hip surgery in 2021.
Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comprised 330 performances before culminating in Stockholm and spanned across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
“For the most lucrative tour in world history, Farewell Yellow Brick Road is surprisingly austere,” observed the daily Dagens Nyheter, whilst also praising the contagious enthusiasm of the performer, credited with over 300 million record sales. “Criticism is easily overlooked when Elton John, garbed in a harlequin sequin blazer and grinning from ear to ear, plays his grand piano as though his life depends on it.”
In total, the 76-year-old artist performed in front of 6.25 million fans during this final tour. “I am saddened by his retirement, but it’s gratifying that he can enjoy his golden years,” contemplated his American admirer.
However, her spirits seemed undeterred. “I know he will still perform occasionally and create new music, so there is still much to look forward to,” she confidently affirmed.
With AFP
