Photos: Rocket Man Elton John Packs Pechanga Arena

Published January 30, 2019 • Updated on March 29, 2022 at 1:25 pm

Thousands of San Diego fans turned out to say farewell to Elton John's Yellow Brick Road.

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The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour kicked off at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 8 of last year and made its way to San Diego on Tuesday night.

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John's tour is expected to run into 2021.

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John, 71, announced his impending retirement from the road last year, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his husband and two young children.

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The platinum-sellling Grammy-winning star treated fans at the Pechanga Arena to a 24-song mega-set.

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The first notes of the opener, "Bennie & the Jets," were heard shortly after 8 p.m..

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John played all the hits, including "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," "Tiny Dancer," "Philadephia Freedom" ....

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... "Rocket Man," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Levon," "Cande in the Wind" ...

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... "Daniel," "Sad Songs (Say So Much)," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," "The Bitch Is Back" ...

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... "I'm Still Standing," "Crocodile Rock" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."

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John returned to the stage for rousing encore versions of " Your Song" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

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John first performed in San Diego in 1972.

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That show, too, was also performed at the Sports Arena.

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Tuesday's show at what is now known as Pechanga Arena was one of thousands that John has sold out during his career.

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Tuesday's crowd was a mix of fans both young and old.

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The crowd joined John for sing-alongs of his hits.

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John gave San Diego another unforgettable show -- and sadly, this time we can't say, "Hurry back," only "Happy retirement!"

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