On January 24, during a press conference announcing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, Elton John took a heartfelt moment to honor fellow music legend Neil Diamond. The timing was especially poignant, coming just one day after Diamond revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis—news that led him to cancel the remaining dates of his 50th anniversary tour in Australia and New Zealand.
Elton reflected on Diamond’s generosity early in his career, crediting him with a pivotal moment in his rise to fame. “He introduced me at the Troubadour in LA, simply because he liked my record,” Elton recalled. “He was a massive star then, and he still is now. I’ll be reaching out to him personally, but I want to say publicly—I love him and I can’t thank him enough for what he did for me.”
Alongside the tribute, Elton confirmed that this farewell tour would truly be his last. With a touch of humor, he quipped, “I’m not Cher,” referencing her famously repeated comeback tours. “This is the end.” The ambitious three-year global tour is scheduled to begin in the United States in September, before continuing through the UK in 2019 and 2020. Tickets are expected to go on sale later this year.
Speaking candidly about his decision, Elton emphasized that while performing live has always been one of his greatest joys, he feels it is now time to focus on his family. “Performing live has always fueled me,” he explained. “But after this tour, it’s time to close that chapter and focus on my family. I want to be there to raise my kids and enjoy life off the road.”
The back-to-back retirement announcements from Elton John and Neil Diamond mark a bittersweet turning point in music history. While both artists may be stepping away from the stage, their songs—and the memories they’ve given to millions—will continue to inspire and resonate across generations. Their legacies, built on decades of unforgettable performances and timeless music, remain unshakable.