Farewell Yellow Brick Road Memories of my life on tour

In this lavish and colorful chronicle of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, Elton John begins by remembering the first time he performed before a live audience in 1964, "when I was a schoolboy of sixteen." He played an out-of-tune upright piano in a pub, singing Jim Reeves and Cliff Richard on weekends for over a year. He decided to change his name from Reginald Dwight to a more rock 'n' roll-sounding moniker. When he met his erstwhile lyricist, Bernie Taupin, his future was set. As husband and manager David Furnish notes, the farewell tour was the largest and most extensive in John's career. It began in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2018 and took a break during COVID-19 before ending in 2023 in Stockholm (rather than Dodger Stadium in L.A., as originally planned, because of a hip injury). In addition to details on planning the tour, the book features fan remembrances and concert f lashbacks. But what makes this volume a standout are the images, especially the fabulous costumes John has worn over the decades (such as the famous Donald Duck costume by designer Bob Mackie). This fun and warmhearted celebration of a singular performer is as flamboyant and outrageous as Elton John himself.

This companion piece to John's farewell world tour is the ultimate concert program for one of the most popular musical artists of all time. Filled with wonderful images from the final tour, along with rare photos documenting John's 50+ year career, the book shines with its full display of nostalgic imagery. John covers many of the key venues and concerts of his final tour, which lasted from 2018 to 2023, with several COVID-related interruptions. His narrative entries discuss not only those concerts but also a multitude of memories of specific venues throughout his career. John discusses the highs and lows of touring life, the physical rigors and ailments that can arise (and did), his passionate involvement in several causes--the Elton John AIDS Foundation, for example--and how certain songs resonate in particular countries. Interspersed throughout the book are brief sections featuring John's band, his legendary costumes, the stage show, tour merchandise, celebrity tributes, and even fan memories. What comes through most of all is John's undying love and appreciation for the fans who made his career possible. VERDICT A must-have for fans and a fitting tribute to an amazing artist.--Peter Thornell