It is hard to believe that I have been alive long enough to remember when Elton John debuted on our music scene. But I can honestly say from my childhood to adulthood, I have enjoyed every era of this musician’s life and his contribution to our music scene but also our world through his work in raising awareness during the AIDS world crisis (and during a time when few would lend their voices).
Elton John is a man who needs no introduction at this point and on Monday, October 15, fans will flock downtown when he arrives in Grand Rapids for the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour — the musician’s final music lap as he heads into retirement.
The tour started on September 8, 2018, and will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents from North America to Europe to Asia to South America and finally Australia at the end in 2021.
This all-new stage production will usher fans into a musical tribute of his 50-year career of greatest hits. It is rumored to be unlike any other tour the artist has performed to date … and I am old enough to recall the performances in which Elton dressed in a duck suit in the late 1970s.
“Performing live fuels me and I’m ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe,” says 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 closing off that chapter of my life by saying farewell to life on the road. I need to dedicate more time to raising my children.”
Tickets range from $49.50 to $224.50. But honestly, the chance to see him one last time locally is priceless.
For those wanting to get in the mood before the show, the Van Andel Arena has released a
special playlist for fans. "I hope you don't mind..."