Elton John returns to Manchester for his touring farewell this week - and it's set to be an emotional one for fans. Sir Elton plays three huge gigs at the AO Arena on May 31, June 2 and June 3.
The piano-playing superstar first announced the "Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour" back in 2018 in New York and it has since played over 333 dates across five continents.
Marking his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road, it will naturally include his most famous songs and signature showmanship.
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In 2023 it was named the highest grossing tour of all time and the U.S. leg of the tour concluded with 3 sell out shows at Dodger Stadium in November 2022 which was live streamed on Disney + in every single territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first.
Elton will headline Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, in what will be his final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concludes. As he plays the final UK shows of the tour in June, Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour will be remembered as one of the most epic global music tours in history.
If you're heading along to the AO Arena gigs, here's what to expect.
Stage times
Doors open at 6pm for the Elton John shows, and fans are advised to get in early. The official start time for the show is 7.30pm.
There is no support act on this tour.
Setlist
Setlists are always liable to change, but here's the songs that Elton has been playing on the most recent dates of the Farewell to Yellow Brick Road Tour.
Bennie and the Jets
Philadelphia Freedom
I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues
Border Song
Tiny Dancer
Have Mercy on the Criminal
Rocket Man
Take Me to the Pilot
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Levon
Candle in the Wind
Funeral For A Friend
Burn Down the Mission
Sad Songs
Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me
The Bitch Is Back
I'm Still Standing
Crocodile Rock
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
ENCORE
Cold Heart
Your Song
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Seating plan
Is there parking at the AO Arena?
Yes, there is a large multi-storey car park based next to the AO Arena, with access through the car park to the main entrance of the venue. Be aware though that after the shows, Trinity Way will be closed southbound between Great Ducie Street and Cheetham Hill Road for up to one hour, to allow concert-goers to safely exit the venue.
If you’re parking at the arena car park, you will still be allowed to exit during this closure but you will have to turn right and follow local diversions.
There are some 7,000 parking spaces at car parks within a short walk to the arena as well.
Are tickets still available?
While the shows immediately sold out on going on sale, further tickets have recently been released for the June 2 and June 3 gigs. Although you're looking at prices around £150.
What are the public transport options?
The AO Arena is within the Manchester Victoria Train Station complex, which serves both mainline trains and a tram stop. But anyone travelling into the city needs to be aware of upcoming train strikes, and to plan ahead according.
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