Sir Elton told the crowd it was his last performance at the venue, meaning he may be one of the few artists who is really telling the truth about a "farewell tour."

Elton made it clear ... his children take priority over touring, and that's the way it's gonna be.

Now, here's the weird part ... he gets on what looks like a cross between a walker and a funicular and it creeps up a ramp and then disappears.