The White House will become a concert venue Friday evening when Elton John performs. The event is called “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,” a reference to a poem by Seamus Heaney that President Joe Biden often quotes.

The concert comes just a few days after Sir Elton John announced he would be taking a break from live concerts from next year. He told Hits Radio Breakfast show with Fleur East on Thursday that when he completes his globe-spanning farewell tour, he would be ready to take a step back from music.

While appearing on the show, the “Rocket Man” singer, 75, shared that he’s going to take a break once his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour wraps for good in Sweden in July 2023.

“After next year when I finish in Stockholm, I’ll go on a bit of a hiatus and figure out what I’m going to do next,” he said.

The white House concert on the South Lawn is being organised with A+E Networks and the History Channel. According to the White House, the audience will include teachers, nurses, students, gay rights advocates and others. Biden and first lady Jill Biden are also scheduled to speak.

Workers have been erecting a large stage on the South Lawn of the White House to prepare for the concert. Although stars like John had steered clear of the White House while President Donald Trump was in office, Biden has occasionally featured musical guests.

Most recently, James Taylor played a few songs at last week’s event commemorating the passage of legislation that tackles prescription drug prices, climate change and other issues.

Though John may still be working out what’s next, he already has some idea of how 2023 is shaping up: a documentary titled Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend will hit Disney+.

The R&B star also announced that he’ll be part of a theatre adaption of the life of Tammy Faye Messner and her first husband, Jim Bakker. Tammy Faye will premiere in October at the Almeida Theatre in London.

“I probably won’t release anything next year, but who knows?” the five-time Grammy Award winner teased. “I might do something on someone else’s record, but not on mine.”

• A Tell / Agencies report