The Rocket Man bid farewell to the Las Vegas Strip on April 22, 2009 after five years and 241 shows at Caesars Palace — but said it won't necessarily be a long, long time before he returns.

Wearing a bright red shirt that matched his piano and a coat emblazoned with "Las Vegas Pirates" on its back and "Captain Elton" on its right sleeve, Elton John rolled through his hits and reflected on his time at the Colosseum, a stage he famously shared with Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Cher.

"The ex-home of Celine Dion ... and now it's the ex-home of Elton John as well," he said. Elton said later in the show that he'd like to see Dion play the venue again. "Who are you going to get to fill in our shoes now?" he said. "You've got Bette Midler, you've got Cher. It's gonna be the Village People next."

Elton initially signed on for 75 shows over three years when his run began in February 2004, but casino officials say the deal was expanded because of demand. "I really have enjoyed every single moment of this engagement," the five-time Grammy winner said after opening the show with "Bennie and the Jets."

Many audience members seated close to the stage Wednesday night gave Elton a standing ovation after each hit he played, including "Candle in the Wind," "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer."

"One day I might even see you in Vegas, OK? But until then, I love you," Elton said before ending the show with "Your Song" and kissing an audience member's hand as he exited the stage.

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