The Elton John Mexico City farewell run opened Oct. 2 with the first of two “Farewell to Mexico” concerts at Estadio Banorte. The 79-year-old returned to the stadium 34 years after his 1992 performances there and to Mexico for the first time since 2012.
The Elton John Mexico City shows are not part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which ended in 2023. Instead, he curated a special career-spanning setlist for fans in Mexico, according to his official announcement.
Why Elton John returned to Mexico City
John has said the pandemic kept him from touring Latin America during his farewell run. “Mexico City has always held a special place in my heart,” he said in the announcement. He called the return “especially meaningful.”
His last Mexico City shows were “Elton & Ray Cooper” concerts at Auditorio Nacional in 2012. Cooper, the percussionist, joined John’s band again this time, per Mexican press reports.
Elton John Mexico City setlist and standout moments
The Elton John Mexico City show ran about two hours. John opened with “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” then moved into “Bennie and the Jets” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.”
Other highlights included “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” “Crocodile Rock” and “I’m Still Standing.” He played “Cold Heart,” his collaboration with Dua Lipa, late in the night and closed with “Your Song.”
During “Crocodile Rock,” the video screens showed scenes tied to Mexico. Rain fell during parts of the night, including during “I’m Still Standing,” MVS Noticias reported.
John performed at the piano in a white suit, and percussionist Ray Cooper accompanied him throughout, MVS Noticias reported.
The stadium did not fill to capacity, MVS Noticias reported.
Other veteran acts are also marking big live moments, from Metallica’s Sphere residency to The Chicks’ tour opener and Alan Jackson’s last show.
What’s next for Elton John in Mexico City
Elton John will play the second and final “Farewell to Mexico” show on Oct. 3 at the same stadium. Tickets went on sale to the public July 16, according to Consequence.
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