“It’s time to come off the road so I fully embrace the next chapter of my life.”
Those were the words of Elton John as he announced via an exclusive VR180 live stream on YouTube, details of his final ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career that has redefined the cultural landscape and seen him claim his place as a true global icon, the superstar has plotted the end of half a century on the road.
Kicking off in the U.S. on 8th September, 2018, the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand before reaching its conclusion in 2021. These dates mark the last-ever tour for one of pop culture’s most enduring performers. Elton’s new stage production will take his fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits like no one has ever seen before.
“Performing live fuels me and I’m ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe,” said Elton. “I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour. After the tour finishes, I’m very much looking forward to coming off the road so I can dedicate more time to raising my children.”
The news was announced to the world in the very manner that has defined Elton and his creative output over a dazzling career—innovative, daring and constantly taking bold strides into the future. Centered around a marquee event at Gotham Hall in New York City, the announcement was live streamed globally, exclusively on YouTube in VR180, and simultaneously transmitted to venues in Los Angeles and London. The immersive experience at the event—and all around the world, thanks to YouTube's VR180 technology—allowed fans to revisit some of the defining moments that set Elton on his unstoppable path to global superstardom. Transformation, after all, is part of Elton's DNA, and he adeptly used the latest technology to help him defy space and time, connecting his past and future. Event footage along with additional 'behind the scenes' videos in VR180 tracking Elton's journey, supported by YouTube, will be available at www.youtube.com/eltonjohn.
Elton John is always up for doing things the non-traditional way, using technology to push the boundaries of story-telling and reach fans in new ways. Last year, Elton's YouTube-supported project "The Cut" gave undiscovered talent the opportunity to create new music videos for his iconic hits, and now his final farewell tour announcement takes experimentation to the next level—"live streaming in VR," said Vivien Lewit, Global Head of Artist Services at YouTube. "We're honoured to deepen our relationship by supporting the exclusive live stream and 'behind the scenes' videos in VR for this special moment in pop music history."
It was also announced that Gucci will be designing Elton's 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour wardrobe. Resplendent at Gotham Hall in a bespoke outfit, Elton discussed his passion for the Italian fashion house, which last year unveiled it's S/S 2018 collection—designed by Alessandro Michele and inspired by Elton's inimitable style, referencing original items taken from his iconic style archives.
Elton's career achievements to date are unsurpassed in their breadth and longevity. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 38 gold records and 31 platinum and multi-platinum albums, over 50 Top 40 hits, and he has sold more than 300 million records worldwide. He holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, "Candle in the Wind 1997," which sold over 33 million copies. 'Diamonds' the Ultimate Greatest Hits album, reached the Top 5 of the UK album charts on its release in November 2017, becoming Elton's 40th UK Top 40 album in the process, reaching Gold status before the end of the year. This release celebrated 50 years of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. He has also written the music for stage and screen successes Billy Elliot: The Musical, Elton John and Time Rice's Aida, and The Lion King, which was named the highest-grossing stage show or film release in the world. To date, Elton John has delivered more than 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.
Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are five Grammys, a Grammy Legend Award, a Tony and an Oscar, a Best British Male Artist Brit Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 14 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services." Only a few days ago, he received the Crystal Award for this long-standing fight against HIV/AIDS at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading non-profit HIV/AIDS organisations and has raised over $400 million to date in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
For all announced ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour dates, visit Elton John's official website. Additional dates are to be announced. Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at the website as well.
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