Sir Elton John has announced the first UK dates of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour.
The ‘Rocket Man’ singer announced earlier this year that he is stepping away from live performing to spend more time with his family, and it’s now been revealed that fans in Wales and southern England, as well as Ireland, will be able to catch his final shows next June.
Elton will perform at Hove’s Central County Ground on June 9, before flying out to Dublin for two shows at the 3Arena on June 12 and 13, and returning for a fourth gig at Cardiff’s City Stadium on June 15.
He said of the dates: "I am very happy to announce the launch of my UK ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour with concerts in Hove and Cardiff.
"The audiences in the South Coast and Wales have always been some of the most welcoming and exciting I have played in front of over the past forty-two years and the band and I are so excited to say goodbye in the most fantastic way. It’s going to be amazing!"
Pre-sale tickets for the gigs go on sale early next week, ahead of general sale on September 14.
Elton – who has sons Zachary, seven, and Elijah, five with his husband David Furnish – previously admitted he’s embarking on his three-year tour then quitting performing because his kids will always come first.
He said: " want to make sure I’m there for my kids because they make me so happy. Every morning when I see them they make me beam… I’m going to make sure those kids have the best, best, best childhood.
"If I had to choose between music and my children, there’s only one winner, and that’s my children. I just want to be with them."
And the 71-year-old star is planning to bring the boys on tour because he can’t bear to be separated from them for too long.
He explained: "They’re going to come with me on a segment of the tour with a tutor so they can see different places – it’s all about them now."
Sir Elton John announces UK tour dates
