Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated1687852670

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

Elton John steps out onto Pyramid stage at Glastonbury 2023

Your support helps us to tell the story

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Head shot of Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

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.

1687720379

Here’s what on right now...

The Other Stage: The War on Drugs 19:45 – 20:45

West Holts Stage: Candi Staton 20:00 – 21:00

The Park Stage: Thundercat 19:45 – 20:45

Woodsies: Caroline Polachek 20:00 – 21:00

The Acoustic Stage: Gilbert O’sullivan 20:00 – 21:00

Arcadia: Dubkasm 20:15 – 21:00

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 20:12
1687719838

Caroline Polachek at the Woodsies stage

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: if you’re watching from home, tune into Caroline Polachek on at the Woodsies stage now.

And if you’re at Glastonbury – run!

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 20:03
1687719574

A final twerk...

Lil Nas X and his dancers give the crowd one final twerk and bow before exiting the stage after what has been one of the most lively, and surprising shows of Glastonbury 2023.

(Leon Neal/Getty)
Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:59
1687719403

Surprise!

It’s Jack Harlow, who arrives on stage for a speedy appearance, singing his verse in the smash hit “INDUSTRY BABY”.

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:56
1687719189

Xoxo

Before launching into “LOST IN THE CITADEL”, Lil Nas X appears to kiss one of his dancers on stage. Pucker up!

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:53
1687718983

Heads up

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:49
1687718743

“THAT’S WHAT I WANT"

Lil Nas X is bringing peak summer vibes with his 2021 smash hit “THAT’S WHAT I WANT” and the crowd are absolutely loving it. There’s not a voice in the crowd who isn’t singing along to every word.

(Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)
Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:45
1687718631

Am I hallucinating?

Or has a massive, shaggy white bull wearing a gold chest plate just strolled on stage, sceptre in hand?

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:43
1687718401

Lil Nas X is back!

And the outfit change was well worth the wait...

A vision in electric blue, Lil Nas X is wearing a monochromatic look featuring the shaggiest shaggy boots, knee pads (safety first!), and a shiny sheath of sorts with a bull’s head around the waist.

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:40
1687718130

If you’re as obsessed with these dancers as we are... read up!

Meet the Dancers Who Slayed Lil Nas X's 'Long Live Montero' Tour

These talented dancers helped make the Grammy winner's most recent tour one of the best shows of the year!

Annabel Nugent25 June 2023 19:35

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in