★Farewell Yellow Brick Road: Memories of My Life on Tour. Elton John. Hyperion Avenue. Sept. 2024. 256p. ISBN 9781368099165. $55. MEMOIR

This companion piece to John’s farewell world tour is the ultimate concert program for one of the most popular musical artists of all time. Filled with wonderful images from the final tour, along with rare photos documenting John’s 50+ year career, the book shines with its full display of nostalgic imagery. John covers many of the key venues and concerts of his final tour, which lasted from 2018 to 2023, with several COVID-related interruptions. His narrative entries discuss not only those concerts but also a multitude of memories of specific venues throughout his career. John discusses the highs and lows of touring life, the physical rigors and ailments that can arise (and did), his passionate involvement in several causes—the Elton John AIDS Foundation, for example—and how certain songs resonate in particular countries. Interspersed throughout the book are brief sections featuring John’s band, his legendary costumes, the stage show, tour merchandise, celebrity tributes, and even fan memories. What comes through most of all is John’s undying love and appreciation for the fans who made his career possible. VERDICT A must-have for fans and a fitting tribute to an amazing artist.