LOS ANGELES — The sun has set for Elton John’s final North American gig at Dodger Stadium, where it all began.
“Tonight is a very special night, a very emotional night for me,” John said after playing “Philadelphia Freedom” on the grand piano in a dazzling jacket with tails and sunglasses. “It was a long journey.”
John, 75, wrapped up his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in North America on Sunday. Dodger’s stadium was the famous setting for his 1975 John’s Breakout Stadium his concert, which made the goodbye all the more poignant.
More than 47 years ago, John’s two electrifying concerts in sequined attire at the historic ballpark cemented his status as a rising star.
“Elton John Live: Goodbye from Dodger Stadium” Live Stream on Disney+
“We’re making history tonight. This is the first-ever global stream on Disney+,” said John. “And hello Dodger Stadium!”
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John, still suffering from a hip injury that forced him to postpone his tour in September 2021, couldn’t even jump across the stage as comfortably as he did in 1975, let alone leap onto the piano.
But, as the long riff at the end of “Levon” shows, his piano-thumping number never gave up. After finishing the song, John collapsed at the piano in (possibly) exaggerated fatigue and rose to a standing ovation.
The departing superstar had the help of a musical guest. Brandi Carlisle sang the role of George Michael with John on “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. Carlyle with the gold mic never lost her dizzying look about being on stage. British singer Kiki Dee joined John to sing their classic duet.”Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” 47 years since the two played the same number.
“We decided to recreate that incredible moment,” said John.
Dua Lipa and John sang their hit remix of “Cold Heart” (the same night the song won the American Music Award for Best Collaboration).
An executive of Hollywood stars attended the pre-concert, including Jojo Siwa (wearing the devil suit from “Rocketman”), Heidi Klum, Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Kirsten Dunst, John Stamos, Connie Britton and “Top”. Some people walked the red carpet of Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller. Jude Law, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Neil Patrick Harris were in the audience.
Britney Spears, who recently collaborated with John on the single “Hold Me Closer,” didn’t show up.
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For his encore song, John returned to the stage in an outfit reminiscent of his classic dizzying (and snug) Dodgers baseball uniform. It was a shiny silver Dodgers robe with a hood on it. The bright blue baseball cap was the same as the 1975 version.
John brought singing partner Bernie Taupin on stage (“If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing here”) before calling on the family to join in.
“I want to spend time with my family. I’ll be 76 by the time I stop touring next year,” John said as partner David Furnish brought along his 11-year-old son Zachary and 9-year-old Elijah. I’m here to show you exactly why I’m retiring. ”
Originally propelled by Los Angeles audiences, the music superstar was grateful for the vital support of his local audience.
“You made me. Without America, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “Thank you for your love and generosity over the years. I wish you health, love and prosperity.”
“Be nice to each other,” John added. “And goodbye.”
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John closed out the final concert of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with his classic ‘Goodbye Yellowbrick Road’. At the end of the song, he ditched his silver robe to reveal his tracksuit and stepped onto a lift that took him onto the stage.Animated John was projected onto the stage’s screen, a heavenly yellow brick his load. was walking
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