History of Elton John in Timeline

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Elton John

Sir Elton John is a highly successful British singer, songwriter, and pianist renowned for his musical talent and flamboyant stage presence. His long-standing songwriting collaboration with Bernie Taupin has produced numerous hit songs. As a testament to his widespread impact, he has sold over 300 million records globally, securing his position as one of the best-selling music artists ever and achieving EGOT status.

1925: Stanley Dwight's Birth

In 1925, Stanley Dwight, Elton John's father, was born.

1945: Dwight Parents Marriage

In 1945, Elton John's parents, Stanley Dwight and Sheila Eileen Harris, married.

March 1947: Reginald Kenneth Dwight Born

In March 1947, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, later known as Elton John, was born in Pinner, Middlesex. He was the eldest child of Stanley Dwight and Sheila Eileen Harris.

March 1947: Elton John's Birth

In March 1947, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, who later became known as Elton John, was born. He would grow up to be a British singer, songwriter, and pianist.

1956: Discovery of Rock and Roll

In 1956, Elton John was immediately hooked on rock and roll when his mother brought home records by Elvis Presley and Bill Haley & His Comets.

1959: Cousin's FA Cup Final Goal and Injury

In 1959, Elton John's paternal cousin Roy Dwight, a professional footballer, scored for Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup Final before breaking his leg later in the same match.

1962: Formation of Bluesology

In 1962, Elton John and some friends formed a band called Bluesology, marking his early involvement in music.

1966: Bluesology backs Long John Baldry

In 1966, Bluesology became Long John Baldry's supporting band and played 16 times at the Marquee Club.

1967: Meeting Bernie Taupin

In 1967, Elton John answered an advertisement in New Musical Express and met Bernie Taupin. They recorded the first John/Taupin song, "Scarecrow", starting their decades-long partnership.

1967: Collaboration with Bernie Taupin Begins

In 1967, Elton John began writing with Bernie Taupin after answering an advertisement in New Musical Express.

1968: Performance of "Skyline Pigeon" at Ryan White's Funeral

Elton John performed his 1968 ballad "Skyline Pigeon" at Ryan White's funeral in April 1990 as a tribute.

1968: DJM Records Staff Songwriters

In 1968, Elton John and Bernie Taupin joined Dick James's DJM Records as staff songwriters, writing material for various artists.

1968: Recording of Regimental Sgt. Zippo

In 1968, Elton John recorded "Regimental Sgt. Zippo" as his debut album; however, it was shelved.

1968: "I've Been Loving You" Single Release

In 1968, Elton John released the single "I've Been Loving You", his first song to record for DJM.

1969: Eurovision Song Contest Contender

In 1969, Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote "I Can't Go On (Living Without You)" for Lulu as a contender for the UK entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, but it came sixth of six songs. John also played piano on Roger Hodgson's first single, "Mr. Boyd" by Argosy.

1969: "Lady Samantha" Single and "Empty Sky" Album Recorded

In 1969, Elton John recorded the single "Lady Samantha" and the album "Empty Sky".

1969: Debut Album Release

In 1969, Elton John released his debut album, "Empty Sky", marking the beginning of his professional music career.

April 1970: "Elton John" Album Release

In April 1970, Elton John released his self-titled album, "Elton John", establishing a formula for subsequent albums. The first single, "Border Song," peaked at 92 on the Billboard Hot 100.

August 1970: First American Concert

On August 25, 1970, Elton John performed his first American concert at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California, which was a success.

October 1970: "Tumbleweed Connection" Release

In October 1970, Elton John released the concept album "Tumbleweed Connection", reaching number two in the UK and number five in the US.

1970: First Gay Relationship with John Reid

In 1970, after his first US shows in Los Angeles, California, Elton John lost his virginity to and started his first gay relationship with John Reid, the Tamla Motown label manager for the UK, who later became John's manager.

1971: Soundtrack for the Film "Friends"

In 1971, Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the soundtrack to the film "Friends" and the album "Madman Across the Water" was released.

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January 1972: Name Change to Elton Hercules John

On January 7, 1972, Reginald Kenneth Dwight legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John.

1972: Davey Johnstone Joins the Band; Honky Château Release

In 1972, Davey Johnstone joined the Elton John Band, and the album "Honky Château" was released, becoming John's first US number one album and spawning the hit singles "Rocket Man" and "Honky Cat".

1972: Royal Variety Performance

In 1972, Elton John performed at the Royal Variety Performance, where he was upstaged by Larry Smith. Smith joined his second US tour and added bizarre elements to the performances.

1972: Honky Château Album Release

In 1972, Elton John released the album "Honky Château", further solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

October 1973: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Album Release

In October 1973, Elton John released the double-album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", gaining critical acclaim and topping charts. It contained hits like "Bennie and the Jets" and "Candle in the Wind".

November 1973: "Step into Christmas" Release

In November 1973, Elton John released "Step into Christmas" as a stand-alone single.

1973: "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player" Album Release

At the start of 1973, the album "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player" was released, reaching number one in the UK, the US, and Australia. It produced the hits "Crocodile Rock" and "Daniel".

1973: Original Release of "Candle in the Wind"

In 1973, Elton John and Bernie Taupin released the original version of the song "Candle in the Wind".

1973: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Album Release

In 1973, Elton John released the album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", which would be seen as iconic in his discography.

1974: Collaboration with John Lennon

In 1974, Elton John collaborated with John Lennon on his cover of The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and was featured on "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night". They performed together at Madison Square Garden.

1974: Formation of Rocket Record Company

In 1974, Elton John formed his own label, The Rocket Record Company, and signed acts like Neil Sedaka and Kiki Dee. He also signed an $8 million contract with MCA.

1974: "Candle in the Wind" Original Release

In 1974, Elton John originally released "Candle in the Wind", which he would later rewrite as a tribute to Princess Diana.

June 1975: New Line-up Introduced at Wembley Stadium

In June 1975, Elton John introduced his new band line-up at Wembley Stadium in London, England. This followed a decision reached with his manager John Reid to change the band's rhythm section.

August 1975: Named Outstanding Rock Personality of the Year

On August 9, 1975, Elton John was named the outstanding rock personality of the year at the first annual Rock Music Awards in Santa Monica, California.

October 1975: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In October 1975, Elton John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1975: Consecutive Number One Albums in the US

From 1972 to 1975, Elton John had seven consecutive albums reach number one in the US. This was a previously unattained feat.

1975: Part Owner of Los Angeles Aztecs

From late 1975 to 1976, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League.

1975: Rock of the Westies Album Release

In 1975, Elton John released the album "Rock of the Westies", adding to his catalog of successful studio albums.

1975: Release of "Philadelphia Freedom"

In 1975, Elton John released the song "Philadelphia Freedom" in tribute to his friend Billie Jean King's World Team Tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms.

1975: Financing Monty Python Film

In 1975, Elton John was among a group of musicians who helped finance the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

1975: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy Debuts at Number One

In 1975, Elton John's autobiographical album, "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy", debuted at number one in the US, remaining there for seven weeks. The album revealed John's personality and described his and Taupin's early days. The album's release also signaled the end of the original Elton John Band.

1975: Appearance in Tommy Film Adaptation

In 1975, Pete Townshend asked Elton John to play the "Local Lad" in the film adaptation of Tommy and perform "Pinball Wizard".

1975: Cocaine Overdose and Bulimia

In 1975, the pressures of stardom led to a cocaine overdose and the development of bulimia.

May 1976: "Here and There" Live Album Release

In May 1976, the live album "Here and There" by Elton John was released.

1976: Elton John's Most Successful Period and Number One Success

1970-1976 marked Elton John's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed period. During this period, he had six singles reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

1976: Part Owner of Los Angeles Aztecs

From late 1975 to 1976, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League.

1976: Watford Football Club Chairman

In 1976, Elton John became the chairman and director of Watford Football Club, a role he held until 1987.

1976: Chairman and Director of Watford

In 1976, Elton John became the chairman and director of Watford, after supporting the team since his youth.

1976: Coming out as Bisexual

In 1976, Elton John came out as bisexual in an interview with Rolling Stone.

November 1977: Retirement Announcement

In November 1977, Elton John announced his retirement from performing.

1978: A Single Man Album Release

In 1978, Elton John released the album "A Single Man" with lyricist Gary Osborne. The album produced "Part-Time Love" and "Song for Guy" which were released in the UK and both made the top 20, with the latter reaching the top 5.

May 1979: Concerts in the Soviet Union

In May 1979, Elton John performed eight concerts in the Soviet Union, with four dates in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) and four in Moscow.

1979: Tour of Soviet Union and US Top Ten Return

In 1979, Elton John, accompanied by Ray Cooper, toured the Soviet Union and Israel. Also in 1979, he returned to the US top ten with "Mama Can't Buy You Love".

September 1980: Free Concert on The Great Lawn in Central Park

On September 13, 1980, Elton John, with Olsson and Murray back in the band, performed a free concert to an estimated 400,000 fans on The Great Lawn in Central Park in New York City. He played part of the set dressed as Donald Duck.

1980: "21 at 33" Album Release and Collaboration with France Gall and Michel Berger

In 1980, Elton John released "21 at 33", which featured the hit "Little Jeannie". Also, John collaborated with France Gall and Michel Berger on the songs "Donner pour donner" and "Les Aveux".

1981: "The Fox" Album Release

In 1981, Elton John's album "The Fox", which included collaborations with Tom Robinson and Judie Tzuke, was released.

December 1982: Performance with Kiki Dee

Elton John performed "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee for the first time since the Hammersmith Odeon on December 24, 1982.

1982: "Jump Up!" Album Release

In 1982, Elton John released the album "Jump Up!", with "Blue Eyes" as its biggest hit.

October 1983: Controversy at Sun City

In October 1983, Elton John caused controversy by breaking the United Nations' cultural boycott on apartheid-era South Africa by performing at Sun City.

1983: Reunion with Taupin and "Too Low For Zero" Album

In 1983, Elton John and Bernie Taupin reunited and collaborated on the album "Too Low For Zero".

1983: Watford Finished Runners Up

In 1983, Watford finished runners up in the First Division.

February 1984: Marriage to Renate Blauel

On February 14, 1984, Elton John married German recording engineer, Renate Blauel, in an extravagant wedding ceremony at St Mark's Church, Darling Point, Sydney, Australia.

1984: Cried at Cup Final

In 1984, Elton John cried at the Cup Final, saying "At the 1984 Cup Final, the song 'Abide with Me' was played and that's why I cried. The song evokes my memory of childhood."

1984: Marriage to Renate Blauel and "Breaking Hearts" Album Release

In 1984, Elton John married Renate Blauel on Valentine's Day. He also released the album "Breaking Hearts", which featured the song "Sad Songs (Say So Much)".

1984: FA Cup Final Appearance

In 1984, Watford reached the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

1985: Recording "That's What Friends Are For"

In 1985, Elton John joined Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder to record the single "That's What Friends Are For", with profits donated to the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

1985: Live Aid Performance and "Nikita" Release

In 1985, Elton John performed at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium, playing "Bennie and the Jets," "Rocket Man," and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee. He also released "Nikita" from the album "Ice on Fire".

1986: The Phantom of the Opera Previous Record

In 1986, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" musical production held the record previously surpassed by The Lion King.

1986: "That's What Friends Are For" and Live Orchestral Version of "Candle in the Wind"

In 1986, Elton John collaborated with Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder on "That's What Friends Are For", which reached number one in the US and raised funds for HIV/AIDS research. A live orchestral version of "Candle in the Wind" also reached number six in the US. In the same year, Elton John also played piano on two tracks of the heavy metal band Saxon's album Rock the Nations.

1986: Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music

In 1986, Elton John received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

1986: Release of "Don't Give Up"

In 1986, the Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel duet "Don't Give Up" was released, which Elton John later credited for helping him get sober.

1986: Involvement in Charity Fundraising Events

Since 1986, Elton John has been involved in charity fundraising events.

1987: End of First Watford Football Club Chairman Tenure

In 1987, Elton John ended his first tenure as chairman and director of Watford Football Club.

1987: Sale of Watford to Jack Petchey

In 1987, Elton John sold the Watford Football Club to Jack Petchey but remained president.

1987: Libel Case Against The Sun

In 1987, Elton John won a libel case against The Sun, which published false allegations that he had had sex with rent boys.

1988: Divorce from Renate Blauel

In 1988, Elton John and Renate Blauel divorced.

1988: Madison Square Garden Shows and Memorabilia Auction

In 1988, Elton John performed five sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York, bringing his career total to 26. Also in 1988, 2,000 items of John's memorabilia were auctioned off at Sotheby's in London.

1989: Sleeping with the Past Album Release

In 1989, Elton John released the album "Sleeping with the Past", one of his 32 studio albums.

April 1990: Support for Ryan White

In April 1990, Elton John traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to be by the side of Ryan White, a teenage haemophiliac whom he had befriended and whose health was deteriorating.

1990: Diet Coke Commercials

Beginning in 1990, Elton John appeared in commercials for Diet Coke.

1990: First Solo UK Number One Hit with "Sacrifice"

In 1990, Elton John achieved his first solo UK number one hit single, with "Sacrifice" (coupled with "Healing Hands"), which stayed at the top spot for five weeks.

1990: Sobriety Achieved

In 1990, Elton John achieved sobriety after struggling with a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol from the late 1970s to the late 1980s.

1990: Death of Ryan White

In 1990, Elton John's friend Ryan White died.

1991: Grammy Win and Brit Award

In 1991, "Basque" won the Grammy for Best Instrumental. A guest concert appearance at Wembley Arena John made on George Michael's cover of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was released as a single and topped the charts in both the UK and the US. At the 1991 Brit Awards in London, John won Best British Male.

1991: Becomes Fan of Atlanta Braves

In 1991, Elton John became a fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team after moving to Atlanta, Georgia, where he maintains a part-time residence.

1991: Brit Award for Best British Male

In 1991, Elton John received the Brit Award for Best British Male.

1991: Death of Freddie Mercury

In 1991, Elton John's friend Freddie Mercury died.

1991: Death of Stanley Dwight

In 1991, Stanley Dwight, Elton John's father, passed away.

April 1992: Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

In April 1992, Elton John performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium, singing "The Show Must Go On" with Queen and "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Axl Rose and Queen.

1992: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1992, Elton John and Bernie Taupin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1992: Elton John AIDS Foundation Establishment

In 1992, Elton John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over £300 million since its inception.

1992: The One Album Release

In 1992, Elton John released "The One" album, contributing to his status as a cultural icon.

1992: "The One" Album Release and Publishing Deal

In 1992, Elton John released the album "The One", his first album recorded entirely sober, featuring the hit song of the same name. He also released "Runaway Train", a duet with Eric Clapton, and signed a music publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music.

1992: Declaration of Being Gay

In 1992, Elton John told Rolling Stone in another interview that he was "quite comfortable about being gay".

1993: Jaguar XJ220 Included in Auction

In 1993 a Jaguar XJ220 was included in a sale in June 2001 for £234,750.

1993: Beginning of Relationship with David Furnish

In 1993, Elton John began a relationship with David Furnish, a former advertising executive and now filmmaker originally from Toronto, Canada.

1993: Annual Academy Award Party

In 1993, Elton John began hosting his annual Academy Award Party to raise money for his AIDS charity.

1993: Duets Album Release and "The Bunbury Tails" Soundtrack

In 1993, Elton John released "Duets", featuring collaborations with 15 artists, including "True Love" with Kiki Dee. He also contributed "Up The Revolution" to "The Bunbury Tails" soundtrack.

1994: The Lion King Musical Score

In 1994, Elton John composed music for "The Lion King", marking his success in musical films and theatre.

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1994: Academy Award and Golden Globe for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"

In 1994, Elton John received the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King, shared with Tim Rice.

1994: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses.

1994: The Lion King Soundtrack and Academy Award Win

In 1994, Elton John wrote the songs for Disney's "The Lion King" with Tim Rice. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".

September 1995: Appearance on Randy Newman's Faust

In September 1995, Elton John appeared as Angel Rick on the original studio album of Randy Newman's musical Faust.

1995: Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music

In 1995, Elton John received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

1995: Appointment as CBE

In 1995, Elton John was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

1995: Caribou Re-release

In 1995, the album Caribou was re-released in a remastered edition.

January 1996: Property Spending

In January 1996, Elton John spent more than £9.6 million on property.

December 1996: "Live Like Horses" Release

In December 1996, Elton John's duet with Luciano Pavarotti, "Live Like Horses", reached number nine in the UK.

January 1997: 50th Birthday Party and Performance with Queen

In January 1997, Elton John held a 50th birthday party and performed with the surviving members of Queen in Paris at the opening night of Le Presbytère N'A Rien Perdu De Son Charme Ni Le Jardin De Son Éclat.

September 1997: Performance of "Candle in the Wind 1997" at Diana's Funeral

In September 1997, Elton John performed "Candle in the Wind 1997" live at Princess Diana's funeral in Westminster Abbey. The song became the fastest-selling and biggest-selling single of all time, selling over 33 million copies globally, raising approximately £55 million for Diana's charities.

September 1997: Flower Spending

In September 1997, Elton John spent £293,000 on flowers.

September 1997: Performance at Music for Montserrat Charity Concert

On September 15, 1997, Elton John performed at the Music for Montserrat charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He sang three songs solo and finished with "Hey Jude" alongside other artists.

December 1997: Appearance in Spice World Film

In December 1997, Elton John appeared as himself in the Spice Girls film Spice World.

1997: Presentation of Empire Inspiration Award

At the 2nd Empire Awards in 1997, Elton John presented the comedy group Monty Python with the Empire Inspiration Award.

1997: Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales

In 1997, Elton John performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey.

1997: "Candle in the Wind 1997" Release

In 1997, Elton John released "Candle in the Wind 1997", a tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales. It became the best-selling chart single of all time, selling over 33 million copies worldwide.

1997: Second Watford Football Club Chairman Tenure

In 1997, Elton John returned as the chairman and director of Watford Football Club.

1997: The Lion King Musical Debuts on Broadway

In 1997, The Lion King musical debuted on Broadway.

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February 1998: Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II

On February 24, 1998, Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to music and charity.

1998: "Candle in the Wind 1997" Wins Grammy Award

In 1998, "Candle in the Wind 1997" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards.

1998: Met Tony Blair at the Brit Awards

In 1998, Elton John met Tony Blair at the Brit Awards, where Blair awarded him the Freddie Mercury Award for his charitable work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

1998: Knight Bachelor Appointment

In 1998, Elton John was appointed Knight Bachelor for his services to music and charity, a high honor recognizing his contributions.

1998: End of Management Relationship with John Reid

In 1998, John Reid stopped being Elton John's manager, ending the professional relationship.

1998: Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II

In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Elton John for his services to music and charity.

November 1999: "The Lion King" Certified Diamond

On November 10, 1999, "The Lion King" soundtrack was certified "Diamond" by the RIAA for selling 15 million copies.

1999: The Lion King Debuts in West End and Aida Composed

In 1999, The Lion King musical debuted in London's West End. Also in 1999, Elton John composed music for Disney's musical production Aida with lyricist Tim Rice.

2000: Spending Admission

In 2000, Elton John admitted to spending £30 million in just under two years, averaging £1.5 million a month.

2000: Criticism of the Roman Catholic Church

In 2000, Elton John characterized the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church on homosexuality as "ignorance" after a priest stated homosexuals engage in "a lifestyle that can never respond to the deepest longings of the human heart."

2000: Aida Musical Score

In 2000, Elton John composed music for "Aida", adding to his success in musical films and theatre.

2000: Tony Award for Aida

In 2000, Elton John received the Tony Award for Best Original Score for Aida, shared with Tim Rice.

2000: Inspiration from the film Billy Elliot

In 2000, Elton John was moved to write Billy Elliot the Musical after seeing the British coming-of-age film Billy Elliot.

2000: MusiCares Person of the Year

In 2000, Elton John was named the MusiCares Person of the Year for his artistic achievement in the music industry and dedication to philanthropy.

June 2001: Car Auction at Christie's

In June 2001, Elton John sold twenty of his cars at Christie's auction house, raising nearly £2 million. The sale included a 1993 Jaguar XJ220.

2001: Performance at the Grammy Awards and Concert for New York City

In 2001, Elton John performed "Stan" with Eminem at the Grammy Awards. One month after the 9/11 attacks, he appeared at the Concert for New York City, performing "I Want Love" and "Your Song" with Billy Joel.

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2001: Songs from the West Coast Album Release

In 2001, Elton John released the album "Songs from the West Coast", adding to his extensive discography.

2002: End of Second Watford Football Club Chairman Tenure

In 2002, Elton John ended his second tenure as chairman and director of Watford Football Club.

2002: Party at the Palace Performance

In 2002, Elton John performed at the Party at the Palace.

2002: Stepped Down as Chairman

In 2002, Elton John stepped down as chairman of Watford because the club needed a full-time chairman, but he continued as president.

2002: CNN Interview about Bulimia

In 2002, during a CNN interview with Larry King, Elton John confirmed that he and Diana, Princess of Wales both suffered from bulimia.

August 2003: "Are You Ready for Love" Tops UK Charts

In August 2003, Elton John's fifth UK number one single, "Are You Ready for Love", topped the charts.

October 2003: Signs Exclusive Agreement for Las Vegas Shows

In October 2003, Elton John announced an exclusive agreement to perform 75 shows over three years at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. The show was named The Red Piano.

2003: Sale of Holland Park Home Contents

In 2003, Elton John sold the contents of his Holland Park home, expected to fetch £800,000 at Sotheby's, to modernize the decoration and display his contemporary art collection.

2003: Inspiration from Love Actually

In 2003, the movie Love Actually came out. It later inspired the music video for "Merry Christmas", the duet single from Elton John and Ed Sheeran released for charity.

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February 2004: First "The Red Piano" Show

On February 13, 2004, the first of Elton John's shows, titled "The Red Piano", took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

2004: Kennedy Center Honor

Elton John received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2004.

2004: Opening of "Elton's Closet"

Since 2004, Elton John has opened a shop called "Elton's Closet", where he sells his secondhand clothes.

July 2005: Featured on Tupac Shakur's Posthumous Single

In July 2005, Elton John featured on rapper Tupac Shakur's posthumous single "Ghetto Gospel", which topped the UK charts.

December 2005: Civil Partnership with David Furnish

On December 21, 2005, Elton John and David Furnish were among the first couples to form a civil partnership in the United Kingdom, which was held at the Windsor Guildhall.

2005: Billy Elliot the Musical Score

In 2005, Elton John composed music for "Billy Elliot the Musical", adding to his success in musical films and theatre.

2005: Composes Music for Billy Elliot the Musical

In 2005, Elton John composed music for the West End theatre production of Billy Elliot the Musical with playwright Lee Hall.

2005: Civil Partnership with David Furnish

In 2005, Elton John entered a civil partnership with his long-term partner, Canadian filmmaker David Furnish.

2005: Concert at Vicarage Road

In 2005, Elton John held a concert at Watford's home stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated the proceeds to the club.

2005: Release of "Ghetto Gospel"

In 2005, Elton John released "Ghetto Gospel", his last number one song in the UK before "Cold Heart".

2005: Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2005, Elton John was awarded the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award.

2005: Hurricanes Affected Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Workers

In 2005, the Hurricanes affected Harrah's Entertainment Inc. workers.

February 2006: Performance with Celine Dion

In February 2006, Elton John and Celine Dion performed together at Caesars Palace to raise money for Harrah's Entertainment Inc. workers affected by the 2005 hurricanes.

May 2006: Lestat Closes After Negative Reviews

In May 2006, Lestat, Elton John's theatrical project with Bernie Taupin, closed after 39 performances due to negative reviews from critics.

October 2006: Named a Disney Legend

On October 9, 2006, The Walt Disney Company named Elton John a Disney Legend for his contributions to Disney's films and theatrical works.

2006: Disney Legends Award

Elton John received a Disney Legends Award in 2006.

2006: Touring band since The Captain & the Kid.

In 2006 Elton John first full album recorded with his touring band since The Captain & the Kid.

2006: Political Views and Labour Party Support

In 2006, Elton John stated he would be a Labour man and liked Tony Blair a lot. He also said he would definitely be a Democrat in America.

2006: Interview with The Observer

In a 2006 interview with The Observer, Elton John stated that he would "ban religion completely, even though there are some wonderful things about it" and that "religion has always tried to turn hatred toward gay people".

March 2007: 60th Birthday Concert at Madison Square Garden

In March 2007, Elton John performed at Madison Square Garden for a record-breaking 60th time for his 60th birthday. The concert was broadcast live and a DVD recording was released as Elton 60 – Live at Madison Square Garden. His back catalogue became available for legal paid download.

June 2007: Ninth Annual White Tie & Tiara Ball

On June 28, 2007, the ninth annual White Tie & Tiara Ball was held at Elton John's home in Old Windsor, Berkshire, raising £3.5 million for his AIDS charity through an auction and performances with Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey.

July 2007: Performance at Concert for Diana

On July 1, 2007, Elton John appeared at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, on what would have been her 46th birthday. John opened the concert with "Your Song" and closed it with multiple songs.

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2007: Elton John Charitable Trust Founded

In 2007, Elton John and his husband David Furnish founded the Elton John Charitable Trust, which has supported over 100 charities.

2007: Kanye West Sampled "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"

In 2007, Kanye West sampled Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" on his song "Good Morning".

June 2008: 200th Show at Caesars Palace

On June 21, 2008, Elton John performed his 200th show at Caesars Palace.

September 2008: Announcement of "Face to Face" Tour with Billy Joel

In September 2008, Elton John mentioned in an interview that he would be going on the road again with Billy Joel for the "Face to Face" tour next year.

November 2008: Release of The Red Piano DVD/CD Package

In November 2008, a DVD/CD package of The Red Piano was released through Best Buy.

2008: Praised Barack Obama's Victory

After Senator Barack Obama won the 2008 United States presidential election, Elton John called Obama's victory "incredibly moving."

2008: Preference for Civil Partnerships

In 2008, Elton John stated he preferred civil partnerships to marriage for gay people.

April 2009: Sunday Times Rich List Ranking

In April 2009, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Elton John's wealth at £175 million (US$265 million) and ranked him the 322nd wealthiest person in Britain.

September 2009: Collaboration with Alice in Chains

In September 2009, Elton John collaborated with Alice in Chains, playing piano on the song "Black Gives Way to Blue", a tribute to Layne Staley. The song was the title track and closing song of the album Black Gives Way to Blue.

2009: "Floating Voter" Description

In 2009, The Daily Telegraph described Elton John as a "floating voter" despite him being called "one of the Labour Party's most stalwart supporters".

2009: "Candle in the Wind 1997" Recognized by Guinness World Records

In 2009, the Guinness World Records recognized "Candle in the Wind 1997" as the biggest-selling single since UK and US singles charts began in the 1950s, with 33 million copies sold worldwide.

October 2010: Release of The Union

On October 19, 2010, Elton John released The Union, a collaboration album with Leon Russell. He stated that he did not have to make pop records anymore.

December 2010: Birth of Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John

On December 25, 2010, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, Elton John and David Furnish's elder son, was born via surrogacy in California.

2010: Concert at Vicarage Road

In 2010, Elton John held a concert at Watford's home stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated proceeds to the club.

2010: PRS for Music Heritage Award

In 2010, Elton John received the PRS for Music Heritage Award, which was erected on The Namaste Lounge Pub in Northwood, London, where he performed his first gig.

2010: Collaboration with Kanye West

In 2010, Kanye West invited Elton John to his Hawaii studio to play piano and sing on "All of the Lights".

2010: Criticism from Christian Groups

In 2010, some Christian groups in the US criticized Elton John after he described Jesus as a "compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems".

September 2011: New Show The Million Dollar Piano

On September 28, 2011, Elton John began his new show, The Million Dollar Piano, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

October 2011: 3000th Concert

On October 8, 2011, Elton John performed his 3000th concert at Caesars Palace.

2011: White Tie & Tiara Ball

In 2011, the White Tie & Tiara Ball raised £5 million for Elton John's foundation, bringing the total raised by the balls to £45 million. Guests included Sarah Ferguson, Elizabeth Hurley, and George Michael.

February 2012: First Concert in Costa Rica

On February 3, 2012, Elton John visited Costa Rica for the first time, performing at the National Stadium.

June 2012: Performance at Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert

On June 4, 2012, Elton John performed at Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, playing a three-song set.

July 2012: Release of Good Morning to the Night

In July 2012, the album Good Morning to the Night, containing remixes of songs recorded in the 1970s by Australian group Pnau, was released and reached number one in the UK.

2012: Support for Same-Sex Marriage

By 2012, Elton John had changed his position and become a supporter of same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom.

2012: Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert

In 2012, Elton John performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace.

January 2013: Birth of Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John

On January 11, 2013, Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John, Elton John and David Furnish's younger son, was born via the same surrogate.

February 2013: Duet with Ed Sheeran at Grammy Awards

In February 2013, Elton John performed a duet with Ed Sheeran at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

September 2013: Receives Brits Icon Award

In September 2013, Elton John received the first Brits Icon Award for his "lasting impact" on the culture of the United Kingdom. He performed a duet of "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" with Rod Stewart.

September 2013: Release of The Diving Board

In September 2013, Elton John's 31st album, The Diving Board, was released and reached number three in the UK and number four in the US.

2013: Brits Icon Award

In 2013, Elton John received the first Brits Icon award in recognition of his "lasting impact" on UK culture.

2013: The Diving Board Album Release

In 2013, Elton John released "The Diving Board" album.

2013: Resisted Russia Boycott

In 2013, Elton John resisted calls to boycott Russia in protest at the Russian gay propaganda law, but told fans at a Moscow concert that the laws were inhumane and isolating.

January 2014: Putin's Comments on Elton John

In a January 2014 interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Elton John to show that there was no discrimination against gays in Russia, calling him an extraordinary person.

March 2014: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in the UK

In March 2014, same-sex marriage became legal in the United Kingdom.

December 2014: Opening of the "Sir Elton John stand"

On 13 December 2014, Elton John appeared at Watford's Vicarage Road with his husband and sons for the opening of the "Sir Elton John stand".

December 2014: Marriage to David Furnish

On December 21, 2014, Elton John and David Furnish married in Windsor, Berkshire, on the ninth anniversary of their civil partnership.

2014: The Lion King Becomes Top-Earning Title

By 2014, The Lion King had grossed over $6 billion and became the top-earning title in box-office history for both stage productions and films.

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2014: Elton John Sports Fund Launched

In 2014, Elton John launched the Elton John Sports Fund to help citizens with training and competition costs for over 50 sports.

2014: Marriage to David Furnish

In 2014, Elton John married David Furnish after same-sex marriage was legalized in England and Wales.

2014: Jesus' stance on same-sex marriage

In 2014, Elton John said Jesus would have been in favor of same-sex marriage.

2014: Interview about Sobriety

In a 2014 interview, Elton John attributed his sobriety to the Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel duet "Don't Give Up" from 1986.

May 2015: Met President Obama at the White House

In May 2015, Elton John met President Barack Obama in the White House.

September 2015: Putin's Call and Invitation to Meet

On 24 September 2015, the Associated Press reported that Vladimir Putin called Elton John and invited him to meet in the future to discuss LGBT rights in Russia.

October 2015: Announcement of Wonderful Crazy Night

In October 2015, it was announced that Elton John would release his 32nd studio album, Wonderful Crazy Night, on 5 February 2016. The album's first single, "Looking Up", was released in the same month.

December 2015: Billy Elliot's Success

As of December 2015, Billy Elliot had been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people worldwide, grossing over $800 million and winning over 80 theatre awards internationally.

February 2016: Release of Wonderful Crazy Night

In February 2016, Elton John's 32nd studio album, Wonderful Crazy Night, was released. This marked John's first full album recorded with his touring band since 2006's The Captain & the Kid.

April 2016: Billy Elliot the Musical Closes in London

In April 2016, after 4,566 performances, the London production of Billy Elliot the Musical closed.

2016: Supported Hillary Clinton's Campaign

During the 2016 presidential election, Elton John supported Hillary Clinton's campaign, performing at Clinton's fundraiser concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

2016: Support for Remaining in EU

In 2016, Elton John announced his intention to vote Remain during the UK's European Union referendum on Instagram, sharing an image with the words "build bridges not walls".

January 2017: Declined Trump Inauguration Invitation

In January 2017, Elton John declined an invitation to attend Donald Trump's inauguration, citing his British nationality.

January 2017: Composing for The Devil Wears Prada Musical

On January 26, 2017, it was announced that Elton John would compose the score for the Broadway musical version of The Devil Wears Prada.

April 2017: Hospital Discharge after Bacterial Infection

In April 2017, Elton John was discharged from hospital after two nights of intensive care for contracting a bacterial infection during his return flight home from a South American tour in Santiago, Chile.

May 2017: Show Cancellations

Due to a bacterial infection contracted in April 2017, Elton John was forced to cancel all of his shows scheduled for April and May 2017.

June 2017: Appearance in The American Epic Sessions

In June 2017, Elton John appeared in The American Epic Sessions, recording "Two Fingers of Whiskey" live on the restored first electrical sound recording system from the 1920s.

September 2017: Trump's Reference to "Rocket Man"

In September 2017, Donald Trump referred to North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un as "Little Rocket Man" during his first address to the United Nations.

September 2017: Role in Kingsman: The Golden Circle

In September 2017, Elton John played a major role as himself in the action movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

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November 2017: 50-year partnership

In November 2017, Elton John commented on his 50-year partnership with Bernie Taupin.

2017: Appearance in Kingsman: The Golden Circle

In 2017, Elton John appeared as a fictionalized version of himself alongside Taron Egerton in the film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

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2017: Death of Sheila Eileen

In 2017, Sheila Eileen, Elton John's mother, passed away.

January 2018: Announcement of Retirement from Touring

On January 24, 2018, Elton John announced his retirement from touring and a three-year farewell tour, citing family reasons.

May 2018: Visit to Armenia

In May 2018, Elton John visited Armenia and was overwhelmed with the kindness and humanity shown to him by the Armenian people.

September 2018: Farewell Tour Begins and Signs Agreement with UMG

In September 2018, Elton John's farewell tour began in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He also reportedly signed an agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG) to represent his new music and work from the last 50 years.

2018: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour Start

In 2018, Elton John began his final tour, "Farewell Yellow Brick Road", which later became the highest-grossing tour ever at the time.

2018: John Lewis Christmas Advert

In 2018, Elton John's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert, titled "The Boy & The Piano", was shown in the UK. It shows him reminiscing about his life and career in reverse, culminating with Christmas Day in the 1950s when he received a piano for Christmas from his mother.

May 2019: Rocketman film release

In May 2019, Paramount Pictures released Rocketman, a biopic about Elton John's life from his childhood to the 1980s. Dexter Fletcher directed the film, starring Taron Egerton as Elton John.

July 2019: Sober for 29 Years

In July 2019, Elton John stated in an Instagram post that he had been sober for 29 years.

October 2019: Release of Autobiography "Me"

In October 2019, Elton John released "Me", which he described as his first and only autobiography. Taron Egerton narrated the audiobook version, with Elton John reading the prologue and epilogue.

2019: Golden Globe and Academy Award for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again"

In 2019, Elton John received the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again", shared with Bernie Taupin.

2019: Release of "Me: Elton John Official Autobiography"

In 2019, Elton John released "Me: Elton John Official Autobiography", which was later the subject of a lawsuit from Renate Blauel in 2020.

2019: Ashamed of Brexit Handling

In 2019, Elton John said the Brexit vote and the way it had been handled had made him ashamed.

2019: Chevalier of the Legion of Honour

In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Elton John a chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Also in 2019, John was featured on a series of UK postage stamps issued by the Royal Mail.

2019: Rocketman Biopic Release

In 2019, the biopic "Rocketman", dramatizing Elton John's life and career, was released.

2019: Autobiography "Me" and Death Threats

In his 2019 autobiography Me, Elton John stated that he had received many death threats as a result of his statements on religion. Neal Horsley was arrested for making terrorist threats but the charges were dropped.

2019: Wealth Estimation in the Sunday Times Rich List

In the 2019 Sunday Times Rich List, Elton John was estimated to have a fortune of £320 million, making him one of the 10 wealthiest people in the British music industry.

February 2020: Show Cut Short Due to Pneumonia

On February 16, 2020, Elton John's first show at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand was cut short due to walking pneumonia. He lost his voice during the show but was cleared to perform the next show on February 19.

October 2020: Called Attention to Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

In October 2020, Elton John called attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in an Instagram post.

2020: Financial Assistance to Linda Woodrow

In 2020, Elton John helped pay for his former fiancee, Linda Woodrow's, medical fees upon her request. They had lost contact 50 years previously.

2020: Elton John Recalls Sober Album Recording

In 2020, Elton John reflected on recording his 1992 album "The One" sober, noting it was a difficult but ultimately successful experience.

2020: Appointment to Order of the Companions of Honour

In 2020, Elton John was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, further recognizing his services to music and charity.

2020: Lawsuit from Renate Blauel

In 2020, Renate Blauel sued Elton John for writing about their relationship in his 2019 autobiography Me: Elton John Official Autobiography. The case was settled later the same year.

2020: Collaboration on "Ordinary Man" and "Sine from Above"

In early 2020, Elton John played piano on Ozzy Osbourne's rock ballad "Ordinary Man", released on Osbourne's album of the same name. On May 29, 2020, his duet with Lady Gaga, "Sine from Above", from her album Chromatica, was released.

June 2021: Release of "Regimental Sgt. Zippo"

On June 12, 2021, Elton John released "Regimental Sgt. Zippo". Recorded in 1968 as his debut album, it was shelved in favor of 1969's Empty Sky and released vinyl-only for Record Store Day.

August 2021: Release of "Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)"

On August 13, 2021, Elton John released "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)", a collaboration with Dua Lipa, as the first single from the album The Lockdown Sessions.

September 2021: Contribution to The Metallica Blacklist

In September 2021, Elton John contributed to the charity tribute album "The Metallica Blacklist" by backing Miley Cyrus on a cover of the Metallica song "Nothing Else Matters".

September 2021: Announcement of The Lockdown Sessions album

On September 1, 2021, Elton John announced his new collaboration album, "The Lockdown Sessions", made during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The album would be released in October 2021.

October 2021: "Cold Heart" Peaks at Number One in the UK

In October 2021, "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)" peaked at number one in the UK, marking Elton John's first UK number one in 16 years since 2005's "Ghetto Gospel". This achievement made him the first solo artist to have top 10 singles in the UK in six different decades.

October 2021: Hip Surgery

In October 2021, Elton John required hip surgery after falling awkwardly on a hard surface.

October 2021: Named in Pandora Papers

In October 2021, Elton John was named in the Pandora Papers, which alleged a secret financial deal of politicians and celebrities using tax havens to avoid paying owed taxes.

October 2021: Release of The Lockdown Sessions album

On October 22, 2021, Elton John released the collaboration album "The Lockdown Sessions". Artists featured on the album include Eddie Vedder, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Gorillaz, Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Stevie Wonder, Rina Sawayama, Charlie Puth, and Stevie Nicks.

November 2021: "Cold Heart" Peaks at Number One in Australia

In November 2021, "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)" also peaked at number one in Australia. At 74 years, 7 months and 14 days, Elton John became the oldest artist to top the ARIA Singles Chart.

November 2021: Release of "Merry Christmas" with Ed Sheeran

On November 29, 2021, Elton John and Ed Sheeran released "Merry Christmas", a duet single for charity, drawing inspiration from the 2003 film Love Actually. The UK profits from the song were donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation.

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2021: UK Top 10 Singles Across Six Decades

In 2021, Elton John became the first solo artist with UK top 10 singles across six decades, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2021: Collaborative Album "The Lockdown Sessions"

In 2021, Elton John collaborated with young artists on the album The Lockdown Sessions and interviewed them on his Apple Music radio show Rocket Hour.

2021: The Lockdown Sessions Album Release

In 2021, Elton John released "The Lockdown Sessions" album, adding to his extensive discography.

2021: Ignored Requests to Meet Boris Johnson

In 2021, Elton John said that his requests to meet with Boris Johnson regarding Brexit and touring visas for musicians were ignored.

January 2022: Resumption of Farewell Tour

In January 2022, Elton John continued his farewell tour for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with his first show back taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana.

January 2022: COVID-19 Diagnosis and Tour Postponement

In January 2022, Elton John temporarily postponed two shows of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Dallas, Texas after testing positive for COVID-19 and experiencing mild symptoms. He later resumed the tour after making a full recovery.

March 2022: Performance at Shane Warne's Memorial Service

In March 2022, Elton John performed "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at the memorial service for Australian cricketer Shane Warne.

March 2022: Release of remastered Diamonds album

In March 2022, to celebrate his 75th birthday, Elton John released a digitally remastered version of his Diamonds compilation album on streaming platforms.

June 2022: Platinum Party at the Palace Projection

On 4 June 2022, Elton John was projected on to the facade of Buckingham Palace playing "Your Song" (pre-recorded at Windsor Castle) at the Platinum Party at the Palace to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

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August 2022: Collaboration with Britney Spears on "Hold Me Closer"

In August 2022, Elton John collaborated with Britney Spears on the song "Hold Me Closer", which marked Spears' first new musical release in six years. The song achieved commercial success upon release.

September 2022: Tribute to Elizabeth II

After the death of Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, Elton John paid tribute to her during a show, praising her leadership.

October 2022: Opening of "Tammy Faye" Musical

In October 2022, the musical "Tammy Faye", for which Elton John wrote the music, opened at the Almeida Theatre in London, England. The book was written by James Graham and the lyrics by Jake Shears.

November 2022: Appearance in "If These Walls Could Sing"

In November 2022, Elton John was among the people interviewed for the documentary film If These Walls Could Sing, directed by Mary McCartney, about the recording studios at Abbey Road.

December 2022: Left Twitter

On 9 December 2022, Elton John left Twitter, following changes to its rules made by new owner Elon Musk, citing concerns about misinformation.

2022: Indianapolis Concert

At a 2022 concert in Indianapolis, Elton John credited the family of Ryan White for helping him get sober.

2022: Awarded National Humanities Medal

In 2022, after Elton John performed at the White House, President Joe Biden surprised him by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal.

February 2023: Donation to United24

On February 23, 2023, The Elton John AIDS Foundation donated $125,000 via United24 to purchase ten biochemistry analysers to help ensure Ukrainians living with HIV can access quality care and treatment.

June 2023: Comments on Phillip Schofield Affair

On 20 June 2023, Elton John said the reaction to Phillip Schofield's secret affair with a younger colleague was "totally homophobic."

June 2023: Glastonbury Festival Headline Performance

On June 25, 2023, Elton John headlined the Glastonbury Festival, closing the festival with a two-hour performance on the Pyramid Stage. During the show, "Pinball Wizard" was played live for the first time in over 10 years. The performance drew the festival's largest-ever TV viewing figures in the UK.

July 2023: Defense Witness at Kevin Spacey Trial

On 17 July 2023, Elton John gave evidence as a defense witness at Kevin Spacey's sexual assault trial.

July 2023: Final Concert of the Farewell Tour

On July 8, 2023, Elton John performed the final concert of his farewell tour in Stockholm, Sweden, at the Tele2 Arena. At the time, the tour was the highest-grossing tour ever.

July 2023: Farewell Tour Ends in Stockholm

On July 8, 2023, Elton John's farewell tour ended in Stockholm, Sweden.

2023: Addressed Politicians on Eradicating AIDS

In 2023, Elton John addressed a cross-party gathering of politicians at Westminster and said that the winner of the next general election could help to eradicate AIDS worldwide by the end of the decade.

2023: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour End

In 2023, Elton John's final tour, "Farewell Yellow Brick Road", concluded, having become the highest-grossing tour ever at the time.

October 2024: Surprise Performance at Documentary Premiere

On October 1, 2024, Elton John made a surprise appearance at the United States premiere of his documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. He performed "Tiny Dancer", marking his first public performance since the end of his retirement tour.

December 2024: Opposition to Marijuana Legalization

In December 2024, Elton John made public his opposition to marijuana legalization, describing it as one of the greatest mistakes of our time, noting his own past drug use.

December 2024: New Wax Work at Madame Tussauds

In December 2024, Madame Tussauds revealed a new wax work of Elton John, featuring him in his 1970s heyday, suspended mid-air over his rhinestone piano in his signature handstand move.

December 2024: Revealed Loss of Eyesight

On December 1, 2024, Elton John revealed that he had lost his eyesight due to a severe eye infection contracted in July, leaving him blind in his right eye and with limited vision in his left.

2024: Assisted Biden at Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center Opening

During the 2024 United States presidential election, Elton John assisted Joe Biden at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York.

2024: EGOT Status Achieved

In 2024, Elton John became the 19th person to achieve EGOT status after winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.

2024: Endorsement of Keir Starmer

In 2024, Elton John returned to publicly supporting the Labour Party at the general election, endorsing the party's leader Keir Starmer to become prime minister.

2024: Time Magazine's Icon of the Year

In 2024, Elton John was named Time Magazine's Icon of the Year.