Vancouver was viewed through bedazzled glasses this past weekend. Elton John played his final Canadian concert at BC Place on Saturday. Fans, old and new, broke out their finest sequence and feathered boas to mark the special occasion. Generations of fans, from around Canada, made the pilgrimage to B.C. Place. With a massive catalogue of hits, dating back to 1969, it was no surprise to see this level of fan dedication.
After more than 50 years performing, Elton John is on the road for the last time. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour is scheduled to end in 2023, but this was his final stop North of the 49th parallel. The tour was originally scheduled to begin in 2020 but was postponed until restrictions eased.
This Vancouver show perfectly bookends Elton’s Northern experience. His first show in Canada was at Vancouver’s Agrodome Theatre on April 23, 1971. Here is footage of the 24-year-old Elton’s first Canadian gig, shot on 8mm film and sadly without audio: