Happy Birthday to Elton John, who turns 71 today, (March 25th)!!! Back in January, the “Rocket Man” announced he’ll embark on a three-year, five-continent final trek called the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” which will eventually play over 300 shows. In the press release announcing the farewell tour, Elton explained, “Performing live fuels me and I’m ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe. I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour. After the tour finishes, I’m very much looking forward to closing off that chapter of my life by saying farewell to life on the road. I need to dedicate more time to raising my children.” Elton and David Furnish, who have been together since 1993, entered into a civil partnership in 2005 and married in 2014. They are the parents of two sons, seven-year-old Zachary and four-and-a-half-year-old Elijah.

Elton recently revealed that the upcoming remake of The Lion King will include four of the films classic songs, as well as a new track written with Beyonce and lyricist Tim Rice. Beyonce will voice the leading character, Nala with Danny Glover supplying the voice of a full-grown Simba. Recently released is Elton’s latest career-spanning compilation, called Diamonds. The set, which has been issued in single, double, and triple-disc editions, is also released as a limited-edition box set, double-LP heavy-weight gatefold vinyl, and on digital formats. Diamonds coincides with the 50th anniversary of Elton’s legendary songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin.