Elton John bid an emotional farewell to performing in the UK at the Glastonbury festival, joined by a lineup of special guests and watched by the legendary Paul McCartney. Concluding the UK leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, Elton’s extensive journey has spanned the globe, amassing a staggering $887 million in ticket sales.
Elton John Performed at Glastonbury
The 76-year-old music icon graced Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, potentially marking his final full live U.K. show. The performance featured guest appearances from Jacob Lusk, Brandon Flowers, Stephen Sanchez, and Rina Sawayama, with Paul McCartney observing from the wings. Taron Egerton, renowned for portraying Elton John in the biopic Rocketman, was also rumored to be in attendance.
Elton, Jacob, and a gospel choir united to deliver a soul-stirring rendition of the beloved hit “Are You Ready for Love”. The charismatic frontman of The Killers, Brandon Flowers, joined Elton on stage for a captivating performance of “Tiny Dancer”. Rina Sawayama, assuming the role of Kiki Dee, shared a duet with Elton, enthralling the audience with their rendition of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. Stephen Sanchez had the extraordinary honor of performing his own composition, “Until I Found You”, alongside the music legend.
The Legend’s Last UK Performance
Throughout his set, Elton also took a moment to pay tribute to the late George Michael on what would have been his 60th birthday. He dedicated “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” to his cherished friend. While the song was originally released in 1974, a live duet between Elton and George reached number one on the U.K. charts in 1991.
As the concert drew to a close, Elton delivered a spectacular performance of “Rocket Man” and took his final bow on the U.K. stage, visibly moved by the momentous occasion. The crowd was left captivated and emotionally charged, witnessing the culmination of a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
While Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will continue with a few remaining dates in mainland Europe, his performance at Glastonbury stands as a poignant testament to the enduring legacy of a true musical icon.