Awaiting the return of the Rocket Man

It was September 6, 1997. The who’s who had gathered at Westminster Abbey to bid farewell to Princess Diana at her funeral. And here was Elton John at his best with the re-written version of Candle in the Wind by Bernie Taupin, performing at the funeral, while tears dropped down from every single eye watching with this emotional rendition. To give a live performance like this, play it flawlessly, and sing without breaking down — and in front of perhaps half the world watching is incredible. I too watched it then. Almost after 26 years of this rendition, this song evokes the same emotion that it did then.

Cut to July 9, 2023. Concluding a remarkable journey spanning over half a century, the 76-year-old legendary singer-songwriter Sir Elton John — he was Knighted on February 24, 1998, at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II — has bid farewell to his touring career. His final concert took place at the ‘Tele2 Arena’ in Stockholm, Sweden, according to his website.

On Saturday, July 8, he marked his last performance at the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’. Announcing his retirement, Elton John shared a video montage on Instagram on Saturday, captioning it with, “What a journey this tour has been, and we find ourselves at the end of it. Tonight is the final night.”

The ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ — in Elton’s Instagram post — has featured 330 shows and has been attended by more than 6 million fans across the globe. He has performed some of his greatest music, such as Bennie & The Jets, Philadelphia Freedom, Rocket Man, and the all-time favourite, Candle In The Wind. It has been considered to be the highest-grossing tour on Billboard’s box score, as the tour earned over $900 million.

Throughout his remarkable journey spanning over five decades, Sir Elton John has not only entertained millions of fans but also transformed the landscape of popular music. His talent, showmanship, and dedication have granted him an unmatched place in the pantheon of music legends.

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, Elton Hercules John’s journey began with a childhood immersed in music. His prodigious talent was evident from a young age, earning him a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. However, it was his collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin that would set the stage for his meteoric rise.

His debut album, Empty Sky (1969), marked the emergence of a new force in popular music. With his piano-driven melodies, distinctive voice, and flamboyant stage presence, the British singer captivated audiences around the world. Hits like Your Song and Rocket Man showcased his ability to combine heartfelt lyrics with captivating melodies, establishing him as a bona fide superstar, where he fearlessly pushed boundaries and embraced diverse musical genres. From rock to pop, from ballads to disco, Elton John’s versatility was unparalleled.

His album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) exemplified his musical prowess, featuring timeless classics such as Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, which became a magnum opus, showcasing Elton John’s ability to effortlessly shift between rock anthems and introspective ballads.

His collaborations with artistes like Kiki Dee (Don’t Go Breaking My Heart) and George Michael (Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me) showcased his ability to connect with other musicians, fostering a collaborative spirit that has shaped the industry.

Beyond his musical achievements, Sir Elton John also became an influential figure in advocating for social change and championing the rights of marginalised communities. His openness about his own struggles with substance abuse and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have had a lasting impact on society. His autobiographical single, Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975), not only showcased his vulnerability but also inspired countless individuals grappling with personal crises. Through his music, he conveyed a message of hope and resilience, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal level.

In 1992, Sir Elton John established the ‘Elton John AIDS Foundation’ for raising awareness and funding HIV/AIDS research. It has saved countless lives and made a significant impact on public health.

Speaking about this genius singer-musician, the late Queen Elizabeth II said, “Elton John is a musical genius whose songs have become an integral part of our cultural fabric. His ability to connect with audiences and his dedication to philanthropy make him a true icon.”

Sir James Paul McCartney, musician and former Beatles singer rightly remarked that “Elton is a true original, a musical chameleon who has reinvented himself time and time again. His fearlessness and artistic vision have set the standard for generations of musicians to come.”

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the US said that “Elton John has shown us all that it’s possible to overcome adversity, stay true to yourself, and create beautiful music that touches the hearts of millions. His talent and his generosity have made him a true inspiration.”

With this announcement by Elton John, there will be a void in missing this melody and finesse that he always created. But as they say, the power of music is that it evolves constantly. Music lovers across the world who have heard or followed this unparalleled musical genius will wait for the five-time Grammy winner Sir Elton John to return from this ‘sabbatical’ again like a ‘Rocket Man’.

The hope continues.