Sir Elton John’s farewell tour has officially earned him more cash than any other artist’s tour EVER.
The legendary British singer has grossed a whopping $817.9 million (£660.06 million) from the eight legs (278 shows) of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, according to Billboard Boxscore.
The shows, held between September 2018 and January 2023, have become the highest-grossing music tour.
Elton’s tour has smashed the record previously held by Ed Sheeran for his ÷ [Divide] tour, which earned $776.2 million (£631.3 million) from 225 shows.
The record has also previously been held by U2 and The Rolling Stones.
Elton’s third and final European leg of the tour is still to come, with 51 shows planned between March and July 2023 – meaning the amount he’s earned from it is set to increase.
His upcoming shows include a headline slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival on 25 June.
The show will be Elton’s last ever in the UK and it’s something he’s very much looking forward to.
Announcing the headline slot on Instagram, he wrote: “I couldn’t be more excited to be headlining the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2023 and celebrate the greatest festival in the world!!
“Every week I speak to new artists on my radio show and Glastonbury is often cited as a pivotal moment in launching their careers – the festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired. Thank you for having me Emily Eavis for my final UK show – it’s going to be emotional.”
Elton has also been excitedly posting about his last ever tour on Instagram.
Sharing a snap of himself on stage at his final US show, the superstar penned: “Last night, I played my 2001st and final US tour show ever. I can’t thank each and every person who was a part of it, at Dodger Stadium and watching at home, enough for the most incredible night. I love you all and you will forever be in my heart.”
As of January 2023, according to Billboard Boxscore, Elton has the highest gross in history with $1.863 billion (£1.503 billion), as well as having the highest attendance (19.9 million tickets sold).
Elton has many other Guinness World Records titles, including:
- Most successful British solo artist
- Most No.1 songs on US Adult Contemporary chart
- First Diamond certificate awarded to a US single and best-selling single (UK) – For Something About The Way You Look Tonight / Candle In The Wind
