There are artists, there are entertainers, there are legends, and every once in a while, there’s a single star that embodies each of those characteristics and then some. In the case of Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known to the world as Elton John, he’s about as iconic and active as they come, spending the last half century perfecting his piano pop/rock blend of singer/songwriter stylings and flashy presentations.

When Elton John went into encore mode with “Your Song,” the reality of finality came into even sharper focus, but not before leaving absolutely everything he had on the stage and sending up a symbolic toast to the audience for its unwavering support of what wound up being a colossal career.

As much as he remains on top of his performance and occasional recording game, John is now 71 and rightfully deserving of a relaxing retirement. But before he fully focuses on family, faithful had one more chance to catch the superstar on the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” Tour at the Allstate Arena for his very last concert currently on the books in Chicagoland.

Thankfully Elton didn’t disappoint from the opening bounces of “Bennie And The Jets” to the grand finale “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” pouring all his soul and exuding gratitude throughout the nearly three-hour evening. And fans fawned in return, whether it was during the expected but exceptional “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)” or the less common yet equally absorbing “Indian Sunset,” “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” and “Burn Down The Mission.”

A top shelf band comprised of several longtime backers only added to the appeal, while jumbo screens showing classic clips and lyric interpretations added extra perspective to the undertaking. The substantial set was also stocked with several pinnacles from the ‘70s (“Philadelphia Freedom,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” “Levon,” “Don’t Let The Son Go Down On Me”), his most magnetic from the ‘80s such as “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” and “Sad Songs (Say So Much),” and to a lesser extent, “Believe” from the ‘90s as the newest.

While several of the selections took a contemplative tone, especially given the occasion, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer really revved up by “The Bitch Is Back,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Crocodile Rock” and “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.” When John went into encore mode with “Your Song,” the reality of finality came into even sharper focus, but not before leaving absolutely everything he had on the stage and sending up a symbolic toast to the audience for its unwavering support of what wound up being a colossal career.

For additional information on Elton John, visit EltonJohn.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Kelly Clarkson (Feb. 22): Disturbed (Mar. 8); Michael Bublé (Mar. 17); Eric Church (Mar. 22); Bad Bunny (Mar. 24); Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (Mar. 29); Marco Antonio Solís (Mar. 31); Blackpink (Apr. 24); The Original Misfits (Apr. 27); Banda MS (May 3-4); Wisin y Yandel (Jun. 7); New Kids On The Block (Jun. 14-15); Shawn Mendes (Jun. 27) and Michael Bublé (Jul. 20). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

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