“So goodbye yellow brick road
Where dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough....”
The iconic Sir Elton John decided to end his impressive musical career with his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour which has certainly found a place in the history books. That he was an extraordinary musician, pianist, and vocalist is hard to be denied. Elton John kicked off his Australian tour on December 1 at the HBF Park in Perth. He performed 25 of his mega-hit songs including Tiny Dancer, Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man, Candle In the Wind, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues and more. Even though he was emotionally disturbed, he never let that detract from his singing or piano artistry.
He told the audience in Perth, “I could never ever have imagined it would turn out like this. I’ve had the best time. I’ve been so lucky, so fortunate to have had a chance to play music for a living and it has brought me so much happiness. As you know this is the last time I’ll be coming here because my life has changed... my family needs me and I need them. From the bottom of my heart I will never forget you guys.
You’re in every part of my body, my soul, my heart, every fibre of my being. I’ve had enough applause to last me a million life times, but I want to say Thank You”. If that was not packed with emotion tell me what is.
The audience too were equally emotionally disturbed but they gave him a standing thunderous ovation – one that he will never ever forget and one that has now gone in the books as history.
He spoke to the audience throughout the concert – sharing anecdotes about Aretha Franklin, his song writing style with lyricist Bennie Taupin and his AIDS charity work.
During the final 40 mts he had everyone in the stadium on their feet, singing and dancing, and he concluded the show with chart toppers Your Song and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
On December 7, Elton John performed at Mt Dundee Estate, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, and then yesterday (December 14) he performed at the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne and today (December 15) too. His other performances are on December 18 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, on December 21 and 23 at the ICC Sydney Theatre. This year 2019 his last performance is on December 23 and in 2020 he will perform till January 31 and his final performance will be on February 1.
While still at the top of his career Sir Elton John the legend bows out. How does a musician wrap up his career in a fitting manner that offers a sense of conclusion? This was certainly the thought that ran through the minds of the critics and the audience.
Elton John was by no means the run of the mill concert performer, but his career was a celebration of a musical life that will no doubt find a place in the history books. He was the consummate professional and I’d like to wrap up with his own words from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road lyrics which were written by him...
“Back to the howling old owls in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I’ve finally found my future lies
Beyond the Yellow Brick Road....”