'I will never forget you guys': Elton John bids farewell to fans at end of final tour

'I will never be touring again': Elton John's heartfelt goodbye to a lifetime of live music

Sir Elton John told his fans they will remain in his "head, heart and soul" as he closed the final show of his farewell tour - after more than 50 years on the road.

Fans who flew from far and wide to Stockholm to witness what Sir Elton said would be the final show of his last ever tour, described the evening as a "bittersweet" moment.

The megastar's farewell to live performance on Saturday came after he played his last UK date at Glastonbury festival last month with a star-studded set of guest performers.

After an emotional rendition of Your Song at the Tele2 Arena, and before his final track Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Sir Elton told the thousands in the crowd: “The last one and we’re ending it in the beautiful city of Stockholm in Sweden.

"My very first (show) Sweden was July 7, 1971, so more or less 52 years ago to the day.”

He thanked his superfans, who have seen him dozens - or even hundreds - of times, adding: “You have no idea how much that means to me.” Reflecting on his life, he said: “I’ve had the most wonderful career, beyond belief. Fifty-two years of pure joy playing music, how lucky am I to play music?

"But I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for you. You bought the singles, albums and CDs and more importantly you bought the tickets to the shows and you know how I love to play live. “It’s been my lifeblood to play for you guys and you’ve been absolutely magnificent – thank you. I will never forget you guys. I’ve played so many concerts, how could I forget? You’re in my head, and my heart and my soul and I thank you so much.” He confirmed that he will “never be touring again”, but revealed he may do a “one-off thing” sometime in the future – adding that would be “miles away”.

Ahead of Sir Elton’s encore, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sent a message from their show in Gothenburg to thank the musician for all he has done for other artists throughout his career. In what appeared to be a video call from the middle of the rock band’s show across the country, Martin said: “We want to say from all of us here, all the artists you’ve inspired and help – thank you so much.” The singer also praised him for his work with his Aids foundation, supporting the LGBT community and for his contribution to the world of fashion. Afterwards, the London-born performer said: “How sweet is that, thank you so much.” The veteran musician’s anthem Crocodile Rock had the crowd in Stockholm cheering along and chanting the classic chorus. As he gave an energy-fuelled rendition of Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting, golden confetti was shot into the crowd and rained down upon Sir Elton.

After he signed off the last notes and the singer and his band took a bow, chants of “encore” and “Oh Elton” could be heard ringing through the crowd. The singer ensured he would not disappoint on his last tour date as he returned to the stage in a black robe with red patterned detailing on the collar for another few songs, telling the crowd: “Thank you so much.” Sir Elton took a moment in the midst of his Sweden show to thank his band and crew who have supported him on his mammoth farewell tour, dedicating his hit song Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me to them and his family. The veteran musician said he had had a lot of supporting bands across his lengthy career, but hailed his current group as his “favourite” as he feels they “kick ass” every night. He told the crowd in Stockholm that after finishing his 330 shows of this tour he is “going to go away for a while but I want to pay tribute to these musicians because they have been incredible”. Sir Elton wished them and the crew, some of whom have been with him for more than 40 years, a “great rest”.

He added: “I wish you so much love, I hope I see you soon, I love you very much,” he added.

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