Glastonbury 2023 – latest: Elton John says thank-you to festival audience after farewell UK performance
Rocket Man bids farewell as he played what could be his final live show in the UK, with a jaw-dropping, career-spanning set of his greatest songs
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Elton John performed what will go down as one of the greatest headline shows in Glastonbury history last night (Sunday 25 June), to one of the biggest crowds the festival has seen in years.
Lil Nas X was the final artist to take to the main stage before the 76-year-old at Worthy Farm, Somerset, after a joyful Yusuf/Cat Stevens entertained fans with songs including “Wild World” and “Father and Son”.
The revered folk singer-songwriter performed with his band in the coveted Legends Slot, a gig previously handed to artists including Lionel Richie, Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton. He also gave superfan/comedian Ricky Gervais a shout-out on his birthday, before playing his song “Tea for the Tillerman”.
At 9pm, John launched his performance with some of his best-known songs, including his 1975 cover of “Pinball Wizard” and “Benny and the Jets”. From the moment he sat down at the piano, the show was a pure blast of euphoria from one of the world’s greatest living entertainers, with surprise guests including The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, and Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk.
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The sun is going down but no one’s going to bed anytime soon
I’m working from home in Folkestone and I’m convinced I can hear the rapturous applause from here. John is on absolutely superb form: his voice has a wonderfully rich timbre to it, the keys on his piano sound bright and sharp, and the band are loving life, soaking up the adulation from the crowds.
Thunderous applause for Elton John as he greets his audience
“Oh wow, I never thought I’d ever play Glastonbury. But here I am, and it’s a very emotional night for me, because it might be my last ever show in Britain... so I’d better play well,” John says, before careening into “Benny and the Jets”!!
The biggest fomo I’ve ever experienced
Genuinely, I’m already close to tears at the euphoria we’re witnessing tonight. John has kicked off with a sizzling rendition of “Pinball Wizard”, his 1975 cover of The Who’s track.
Is everyone sitting comfortable?
Here we go! I’m already convinced that this is going to be one of the best Glastonbury sets in living memory. Come on, Rocket Man!
What a crowd!
It seems everyone has come to see the Rocket Man’s last-ever show!
Not long now...
Just eight more minutes until these Elton fans get their fill!
T-minus 26 minutes until Elton John takes the stage!
Mark Beaumont on Cat Stevens, and Adam White on The Chicks
Cat Stevens comes across as a folk Nile Rodgers in legendary Glastonbury set– review
Cat Stevens more than earns his place in the Legends slot, while country rebels The Chicks pick their covers wisely
ICYMI
Here’s Ben Bryant with a four-star review of Blondie...
Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review
The Glastonbury crowd is happy to lend a huge helping hand on the rare occassion Harry’s voice falters
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