When it comes to discussing the biggest music artists in the world, one man who simply has to be mentioned is Elton John. The man formerly known as Reginald Dwight is among the most successful artists of all time, with his global record sales thought to stand at around 300 million.
However, now 71, the legendary singer and pianist has decided to call time on touring, with his much-anticipated farewell run of shows including a stop in Glasgow next year. The concerts will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion and a landmark moment in what has been a remarkable career.
An incredible life
While he had played piano from an early age, Elton’s career truly began when he met his long-time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin in 1967. His debut album Empty Sky was not a hit, but he rose to attention with his second self-titled record and its key single, Your Song. Following that, his career went from strength to strength, with a countless number of his songs becoming a core part of the fabric of popular music. From the wistful elegance of Rocket Man to the feel-good Crocodile Rock and the brash I’m Still Standing, his back catalogue must be one the most admired in the industry.
Elton’s career has been about more than just pop, however, as he has notably worked on the scores for musicals such as Aida and Billy Elliot. Perhaps one of his greatest successes was his collaboration with Tim Rice on The Lion King, with the songs becoming a huge hit alongside the Disney film. Furthermore, as this infographic from Betway shows, his Las Vegas residency at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is one of the most successful ever. The average revenue per show of over $400,000 for his seven-year residency puts him only behind Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion when it comes to the most successful stays in Sin City.
Considering his incredible career, it is perhaps no surprise that his life is set to be immortalised on the big screen in the biopic Rocketman. Set to be released later this year, the film will see Taron Egerton take on the role of Elton, with the likes of Richard Madden and Jamie Bell also among the cast.
Glasgow’s love of live music
But when can we expect to see Elton in Glasgow? Well, he is set to perform as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour at the SSE Hydro on both Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November in 2020. While that may seem like some time away, bear in mind that this is a mammoth run of more than 300 shows, which actually begins in the US in September this year and finally comes to an end in 2021.
The shows in Glasgow are sure to be a huge hit and could finally see Elton added to the list of famous names who have performed landmark gigs in the city through the years. As Wow247 outlines, there have been a host of notable performances in Glasgow across the decades from Bowie at the Barrowlands in 1997 to Fleetwood Mac at the Apollo shortly after the release of their landmark LP, Rumours. Of course, any reference to famous Glasgow gigs cannot pass without a mention of the Oasis performance at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in 1993, which ultimately led Alan McGee to sign them to Creation Records.
To put it simply, Glasgow and music have always fit together perfectly, and the city’s enduring relationship with live performance is perhaps highlighted by how the SSE Live Awards were once again recently calling on fans to pick their favourite performances at the SSE Hydro across 2018. Among the famous names to grace the stage last year were Paul McCartney, local legends Simple Minds, and Florence & the Machine.
A lot to look forward to
It is, of course, a bit of a wait until Elton John finally hits the stage of the SSE Hydro next year, but there are plenty of other shows set to take place in Glasgow between now and then. The Riverside Festival is set to return to the city for a seventh year in May, with the likes of Denis Sulta, Daniel Avery and Jon Hopkins expected to perform.
Furthermore, the SSE Hydro is welcoming another stellar selection of names, from contemporary pop artists like Shawn Mendes and CHVRCHES to the easy-listening charm of Michael Buble. Anyone looking for bonafide icons won’t be disappointed either, with Cher and Rod Stewart also set to perform at the venue later in the year.
But while of all of these are sure to be big shows, it is hard to think many will surpass Elton’s final gigs for excitement and emotion. His tour is bringing an end to an incredible success story, and the shows in Glasgow will simply be unmissable.