Sir Elton John saw the curtain come down on what was his final concert at an arena in the Swedish capital of Stockholm on Saturday. With it comes to an end, a career that has moved the polity and the royalty alike.
"You know how much I like to play live. It's been my lifeblood to play for you guys, and you've been absolutely magnificent," he told the audience at his last-ever concert.
Wearing a tailcoat accented with rhinestones and a red pair of his trademark large glasses, the 76-year-old pop superstar performed a final show with rendition after rendition of his greatest hits.
After opening with "Bennie and the Jets", the singer, songwriter and solo performer continued with "Philadelphia Freedom" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" to a rapt audience, many of whom were wearing sparkling blue or red glasses.
In a show that lasted for more than two hours, John took the time between songs to thank not only his fans but also his band and his crew, some of whom have been with him for more than 40 years.
"I want to pay tribute to these musicians... They're really incredible, they've been with me so long, some of them. And they are the best, I tell you, the best," he said.
Shortly after a rendition of "Border Song", which he dedicated to Aretha Franklin, John's "I'm Still Standing" brought the 30,000 fans at the Tele2 Arena to their feet.
He then brought his more than 50-year music career to a close with the apt song, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".
Apart from his music that helped the genre of pop and rock evolve, Elton John and his music will always be associated with the British royal family. From singing at both, the weddings of princes and the funeral of Lady Diana and Queen Elizabeth.
"You know how much I like to play live. It's been my lifeblood to play for you guys, and you've been absolutely magnificent," he told the audience at his last-ever concert.
Wearing a tailcoat accented with rhinestones and a red pair of his trademark large glasses, the 76-year-old pop superstar performed a final show with rendition after rendition of his greatest hits.
After opening with "Bennie and the Jets", the singer, songwriter and solo performer continued with "Philadelphia Freedom" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" to a rapt audience, many of whom were wearing sparkling blue or red glasses.
In a show that lasted for more than two hours, John took the time between songs to thank not only his fans but also his band and his crew, some of whom have been with him for more than 40 years.
"I want to pay tribute to these musicians... They're really incredible, they've been with me so long, some of them. And they are the best, I tell you, the best," he said.
Shortly after a rendition of "Border Song", which he dedicated to Aretha Franklin, John's "I'm Still Standing" brought the 30,000 fans at the Tele2 Arena to their feet.
He then brought his more than 50-year music career to a close with the apt song, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".
Apart from his music that helped the genre of pop and rock evolve, Elton John and his music will always be associated with the British royal family. From singing at both, the weddings of princes and the funeral of Lady Diana and Queen Elizabeth.