After a very long and successful career, Elton John has announced his retirement.   For the past 60 years, John has been splitting his time between the road and the studio making music.   Despite being known as a musician of our parents’ generation, he has accumulated a large younger audience, and regardless of age, Gen-Z and boomers alike appreciate his music and celebrate all he has done for the industry.   Following a life of sold-out shows, activism, and fashion statements, he feels it is time for him to step back and spend time with his family.  To commemorate the end of a prosperous career, John is going on a farewell tour around the world.  

Even after more than 50 years in the music industry, John’s hits are still topping the charts.  In 2021, he collaborated with Dua Lipa on their song, “Cold Heart”  and with Ed Sheeran on Christmas song, “Merry Christmas.”  When his farewell tour got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, John wasn’t planning on making any new music. 

“I’ll be 76 years of age when I stop touring in 2023.  I want to do something different with the rest of my life,” said John for CBS News.  

But when younger artists such as Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, and Charlie Puth, began reaching out in aspirations of collaborating, he  made a 17-track collaborative album, titled The Lockdown Sessions. 

In addition to his successful music career, John has also been instrumental in activism for gay rights.  He first came out as bisexual in 1972 to Rolling Stones magazine, and then as gay in 1992.  Moreover, John started the Elton John AIDS Foundation to help raise money/awareness for AIDS, a disease that commonly affects members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Since then, he has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the cause through hosting galas and big parties with extensive guest lists of high-profile celebrities.  He has also used his large platform to spread awareness about the disease and remove the stigma from it. 

 “I think it is amazing how much he has stepped up and helped people in the LGBTQ+ community.  He has done such a great job at raising awareness for AIDS and I know that his activism has made an impact,” said freshman Helena Franchetti. 

 Additionally, John has acted as a fashion icon ever since his debut in the music industry.   He always managed to satisfy his “maximalist” aesthetic, especially when it came to his elaborate costumes.   Most recognizable of these costumes is his iconic bedazzled baseball ensemble, which is still memorable to this day.  Whether it be his feather jackets or his patch-covered denim, he has paved the way for younger musicians, such as Harry Styles, who continue to break gender norms and stereotypes through fashion.  

Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour kicked off on Jan. 19, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He then toured the rest of the United States, finishing his five shows in the New York area at four different arenas.  

“I went to Elton John’s show on Mar. 5 at Nassau Coliseum.  The music was very loud and the atmosphere was so much fun! And even though I didn’t know most of the songs, I still had a great time,” said freshman Emma Goldberg. 

It may sound strange to some: why is a star as huge as Elton John doing shows in such small arenas?  Why not stadiums?  Over the summer, though, he is doing another leg of his tour, this time at stadiums. He is scheduled to perform at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 23, 2022.  

After so long in the spotlight, the 74-year old has made his final decision to stop touring.  He explains he longs for the ability to stay home with his husband and two young sons.   he will no longer be performing live , he is still set to be making records and hosting his own radio show.  Nonetheless, fans are looking forward to what comes next for icon Elton John.