After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career that has redefined the cultural landscape and seen Elton John claim his place as a true global icon, the superstar today announced via an exclusiveVR180 live stream on YouTube, details of his final 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour.

Kicking off in the U.S. on September 8, 2018, the 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand before reaching its conclusion in 2021. These dates mark the superstar's last-ever tour, the end of half a century on the road for one of pop culture's most enduring performers. Elton's new stage production will take his fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits like no one has ever seen before.

"Performing live fuels me and I'm ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe," said Elton. "I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour. After the tour finishes, I'm very much looking forward to coming off the road so I can dedicate more time to raising my children."

For all announced FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD tour dates, visit www.eltonjohn.com 

Additional dates are to be announced

Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at www.eltonjohn.com

To register for further information about the forthcoming Australia and New Zealand FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD tour dates, please head to www.chuggentertainment.com

The news was announced to the world in the very manner that has defined Elton and his creative output over a dazzling career – innovative, daring and constantly taking bold strides into the future.

Centered around a marquee event at Gotham Hall in New York City, the announcement was live streamed globally exclusively on YouTube in VR180, and simultaneously transmitted to venues in Los Angeles and London. The immersive experience at the event – and all around the world thanks to YouTube's VR180 technology – allowed fans to revisit some of the defining moments that set Elton on his unstoppable path to global superstardom. Transformation, after all, is part of Elton's DNA, and he adeptly used the latest technology to help him defy space and time, connecting his past and future. Event footage along with additional 'behind the scenes' videos in VR180 tracking Elton's journey, supported by YouTube, will be available at www.youtube.com/eltonjohn.

Elton John is always up for doing things differently, using technology to push the boundaries of story-telling and reach fans in new ways. Last year, Elton's YouTube-supported project "The Cut" gave undiscovered talent the chance to create new music videos for his iconic hits, and now his final farewell tour announcement takes experimentation to the next level – "live streaming in VR," said Vivien Lewit, Global Head of Artist Services at YouTube. "We're honoured to deepen our relationship by supporting the exclusive live stream and 'behind the scenes' videos in VR for this special moment in pop music history."

It was also announced at today's launch that Gucci will be designing Elton's 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour wardrobe. Resplendent at Gotham Hall in a bespoke outfit, Elton discussed his passion for the Italian fashion house, which last year unveiled it's S/S 2018 collection – designed by Alessandro Michele and inspired by Elton's inimitable style, referencing original items taken from his iconic style archives.