Elton John isn’t quite ready to take his final bow. The singer who retired from touring last year when he wrapped his epic Farewell Yellow Brick Road outing on July 8 announced on Wednesday (Jan. 24) that he will chronicle his half-century on the road in a book entitled Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour.
“I am incredibly excited to announce my new book, Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life On Tour, which goes behind the scenes on my final tour, from Allentown, PA, to Stockholm, Sweden and everywhere in between,” John wrote in an Instagram post revealing the technicolor cover, which finds him standing next to a psychedelic piano in a trippy forest.
“It’s been a beautiful journey creating this book and remembering the people and places that shaped an incredible chapter in my life,” he added. “As well as the stories and memories, not just from this tour but from throughout my career, I’ve included unreleased photography and memorabilia that I hope give you never-before-seen insights of my life on the road.” The 256-page book also includes behind-the-scenes pictures of the show’s stage design, John’s bespoke Gucci-designed wardrobe, snaps of celebrity guests and official tour photography.
A description promises that, “Readers will go on an epic visual journey through the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour while Elton reaches back in time to reflect on key moments in his astounding touring history and reminisces about the beginning of his career. Fans also get a rare glimpse at Elton’s personal archive of posters, sketches, and never-before-seen photographs and postcards.” The poignant forward was written by John’s husband and manager, David Furnish, CEO of the singer’s Rocket Entertainment and the creative director of the tour.
The book from Disney publishing imprint Hyperion Avenue is out on Sept. 24, with Rocket Club fan club members and anyone ordering the book through John’s official store slated to receive it two week early; click here to pre-order.
John’s farewell tour wrapped five years after launching — and being delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, illness and injury — with grosses of $939.1 million and 6 million tickets sold over 330 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore. The 76-year-old singer has said that he does not want to tour again, but noted he might play sporadic shows in the future.
The final North American show at L.A.’s Dodger Stadium was live streamed on Disney+ and featured guests Dua Lipa, Brandie Carlile and Kiki Dee and released as a concert film, Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium. The movie recently earned John an Emmy for outstanding variety special (live), which earned the singer the coveted EGOT.
Check out John’s announcement below.