Sir Elton John paid tribute to the “inspiring” musicians he has worked with during his long career and welcomed Dua Lipa’s surprise appearance on his final US tour.
Pyrotechnics, spectacular visuals, fireworks and confetti cannons were all featured at the music superstar’s show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, wrapping up his farewell tour of the Yellow Brick Road in North America.
The 75-year-old singer, wearing a jeweled jacket with sparkling lapels, told the crowd they were “making history with the first-ever global live broadcast”, warning it would be “a very exciting night “.
It also marks the first return to the venue in nearly five years, having last performed in 1975.
He opened with songs like “Bennie And The Jets” and “Philadelphia Freedom,” then bombarded with a string of hits including “Little Dancer,” “Rocketman” and “I’m Still Standing.”
In homage to Aretha Franklin’s “timeless genius and legacy,” Sir Elton Performed Border Song, telling the stage that the Queen of Soul cover helped launch his career in the US.
He described her meeting and performing with Franklin shortly before her death in 2018 as a “surreal experience”, adding that all the musicians he had worked with “inspired” him to “play better”. .
In addition to British superstar Dua Lipa, he also invited American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile and British singer Kiki Dee to join him on stage.
“I wish you love and prosperity”
He and Carlile sang Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Sir Elton’s tribute to the late members of the band.
Dee sang her 1974 chart-topping song, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, and the two duet in 1976.
The main event ended with Sir Elton John’s hit “Good Saturday Night”, but he returned to the encore shortly after leaving the stage.
Fans donned sparkly outfits for the show
Wearing a sparkly Dodgers-themed dressing gown reminiscent of the one he wore at the stadium in 1975, he invited Lipa to take the stage for their song Cold Heart.
Sir Elton said he would end his touring life so he could spend more time with his family before taking his husband David Furnish and his two sons Zachary, 11, and Emma, 9, with them. Leah came for further cheers.
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“I wish you love and prosperity,” he said as he began his final song, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
With his show in Los Angeles wrapped up, Sir Elton will next visit Australia and New Zealand before embarking on a European tour.
This July, Sir Elton became Chairman of Watford FC in 1976, will conclude with two special concerts at Vicarage Road, Watford FC’s home ground.