Elton John Retiring? Touring is Already 'Difficult' for Legend, Guitarist Reveals

Elton John
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 19: Elton John performs during the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour at Smoothie King Center on January 19, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Erika Goldring/Getty Images

The guitarist for Elton John has stated that he no longer consumes alcohol or drugs while on tour; instead, vitamins and herbal teas keep him going.

The 75-year-old singer is presently on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, and his guitarist, Davey Johnstone, stated that traveling for shows is a "tough business" for elderly musicians.

"I drink healthy tea, it's supposed to be amazing for your system. It tastes like s*** but it seems to work. Touring is a difficult business. Elton is 75 and I just turned 71, it gets difficult on your body," he revealed.

Davey stated that he and Elton are both prepared for retirement after decades in the music industry.

He said, "This time next year we will do our very last shows, smaller arena shows and, quite honestly, we are both ready. Elton is ready for the same reason. You can't keep doing it for ever. It's a job for guys in their 20s and 30s."

Elton announced last month that he was ready to resume his tour after taking a pause to heal from a 'awkward fall.'

He announced on Instagram that he will return to the stage after a "refreshing break at home" to end his lengthy run of farewell performances.

He wrote that after relaxing aat his home, he's more than prepared to resume his tour.

Earlier this month, he was also seen in a wheelchair as he arrived at Leipzig Airport before departing for Nice.

Davey originally joined The Elton John Band in 1971, and the group has since performed 3,800 times.

If a major member of the band contracts Covid, a performance may be canceled.

Davey is in a COVID-19 bubble with The Elton John Band, while Elton is in one with his security guard, driver, and hairdresser.

Davey described how, in order to keep things moving smoothly, band members strive to avoid interacting with each other off stage.

Since 1990, after overcoming a cocaine addiction, Elton has remained abstinent, and Davey no longer drinks.

Davey stated that Elton is the same as when he first met him, despite the fact that he will shortly stop travelling, and described him as a "unique individual."

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour began in 2018 and is slated to conclude in Stockholm, Sweden in July 2023.

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