Elton John announced Wednesday that he will be retiring from the road after his upcoming three-year global tour, capping nearly 50 years on stages around the world.

"I've been touring since I was 17 with various bands," the 70-year-old British singer said at an event in New York. "I thought the time is right to say thank you to all my fans around the world and then just to say goodbye."

John's final tour dubbed "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" starts in September. It will consist of 300 shows across five continents. Tickets will go on sale beginning Feb. 2.

"I can't physically do the traveling anymore," he said. "I want to be at home. I really want to spend time with my children at home. I've had an incredible life, but life is all about change."

His hits include "Your Song" and "Candle in the Wind." He has won five Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe for "The Lion King" and a Tony Award for "Aida." He is the recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor.