Sir Elton playing for his beloved Watford
ELTON John has announced two surprise shows on his final tour – at Vicarage Road, the home of his belovedWatford FC.
The singing legend will play at the football ground in July as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
Sir Elton, 74, serves as honorary life president of the Premier League club and first became chairman in 1976.
After appointing Graham Taylor as manager of his boyhood team, he and fellow fans enjoyed a golden era of success at the club.
The Candle In The Wind singer has played the venue three times previously, having first appeared there in 1974 dressed as a hornet, in tribute to the club’s nickname.
Announcing the shows, Sir Elton said: “I simply had to play Vicarage Road a final time as part of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
“My relationship with the club, with the fans, the players and the staff over the years has meant the world to me.
“Through the good times and the bad, Watford has always been a huge part of my life. I love the club so dearly, and have had some of the best days of my life in those stands.
“These shows are going to be so incredibly emotional, and to spend them surrounded by my fellow Watford fans will be wonderful.
“We’ve been on quite the journey together.”
The shows will take place on July 3 and 4 and will finish the 2022 European tour.
Elton and Taylor, who went on to become England chief, transformed the club.
The star invested large sums of money earned from his multi-million album sales and sell-out tours.
And Watford rose three tiers into the old First Division, and even finished as runners-up in the table to Liverpool in 1983. The Hornets also reached the FA Cup Final at Wembley in 1984, losing 2-0 to Everton.
Elton sold the club in 1987, but could not bring himself to leave it – and remained Watford president. Ten years later, the singer repurchased the club and once again became chairman.
He stepped down in 2002, but his presidency lives on.
The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour began in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2018. It is intended to be Elton’s final tour and will consist of more than 300 concerts worldwide.
Elton has previously said he is “raring” to perform after his recent hip operation, having postponed some dates after undergoing surgery. ●●Ticket sales for theVicarage Road concert begin on Thursday, December 2, at 10am.