Elton John, who has pneumonia, performs ‘Bennie And The Jets’ and ‘Tiny Dancer’ at Mt Smart Stadium in February 2020. Video/Chris Tarpey
English singer Elton John continues to adhere to strict measures to minimize exposure to Covid-19 while touring.
The 75-year-old singer began his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour – which will end in 2023 – in 2018 and the Covid-19 pandemic has made things ‘difficult’ behind the scenes on the spectacular stage as everyone involved has to be in a “bubble” to minimize the risk of a wave of the virus sweeping through production.
Elton’s husband and manager David Furnish said: ‘Covid is still in the world. It is always a health risk for our team and for Elton and the group.
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“We have implemented a very strict testing protocol. We hit the road again last January with a steady cadence of testing, keeping everyone up to date on vaccines and reminders. We kept it all in place.
“We have people on the tour in separate bubbles. Elton feels really bad, but he couldn’t mingle with his group. His group travels in a bubble. He and his assistants, the people who accompany him, his hairdresser and the people in safety, they are in his bubble.
“It was very difficult for Elton, because he always likes to be with his band before he goes on stage. He always sits with them and talks and laughs with them. It was not possible.
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And even when Elton – who has sons Zachary, 11, and Elijah, 9 with his wife – has time off from touring, he can’t go out freely because of the risks.
David added to Billboard, “While he’s at home, between shows or in hotels, he has to self-isolate. Everyone who supports him at home is also tested regularly – all household staff.
The 60-year-old businessman thinks it’s good for people to go out to see concerts again after so much isolation due to the pandemic.
He said: ‘Fortunately Covid hospitalizations have fallen massively and there are more medical treatments than there were at the start, so people can make the decision as to what medical risk is right for them and still come see a show.
“Lockdown has been very difficult for most people. It was very isolating, and nothing brings people and the world together like music. It’s emotionally, mentally and spiritually very healthy for people to go out and see shows again.
“We just had to get back on the road as safely as possible, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
