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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He’s reportedly joining Blossoms for an unannounced set this evening.
Aside from word of mouth, news about who the performers might be is often shared via the Twitter account @Secretglasto, which claims to notify followers of suspected performances a few hours before they start.
For a complete guide to all the secret sets at Glastonbury 2023, check out The Independent’s guide here:
Glastonbury secret sets 2023: Rumours and how to find out who will play
Who are the ChurnUps and the other rumours for secret sets at this year’s festival?
Astley is genuinely having the time of his life. And it’s obvious to everyone watching.
Astley out on the Pyramid Stage now... and absolutely loving it
Couple of on-the-ground tidbits from people at the festival:
Princess Beatrice was spotted in the DJ booth at the Rabbit Hole’s backstage party last night.
The compère at Woodsies just asked the crowd if they liked the change of name (the stage was formerly the John Peel stage), and was “loudly booed”.
The stage was renamed this year amid a controversy over the stage’s late namesake’s relationships with underage girls.
Rick Astley on BBC Breakfast earlier. The “Never Gonna Give You Up” singer is heading onto the Pyramid stage in about 15 minutes.
He’s also rumoured to be playing a secret set this evening with Blossoms.
A “Rickastonbury” indeed...
A flashback, for those feeling nostalgic.
The best performances in Glastonbury history:
The 22 greatest Glastonbury performances ever
Ahead of the festival’s return to Worthy Farm, Mark Beaumont picks some of Glastonbury’s greatest ever music moments
Loads of people voicing support for Billy Nomates (real name Tor Maries) on social media after her statement.
Really puts into perspective the kind of harm that a vocal minority can wreck – her set seems to have gone down a storm with most people.
It’s the fashion roundup!
All the best looks from this year’s festival. Everything here from matching group outfits, to flower crowns, to... some kind of extravagant wingsuit.
See them all here...
Glastonbury 2023: All the best fashion at the biggest UK festival of the year
Revellers descend on worthy farm in feathers and leathers
In one of the more depressing turns of events at this years festival, yesterday afternoon’s set from avante garde musician Billy Nomates prompted a wave of “personal abuse” aimed at the musician online.
She’s been flooded with support this morning, from voices including Billy Bragg, Robin Ince and Edith Bowman.
Read more:
Billy Nomates asks BBC to take down Glastonbury footage after ‘personal abuse’
Revelation prompted an outpouring of support on social media
What’s the weather looking like for the remainder of the festival?
Festivalgoers would be pleased to learn that the forecast is warm and mostly dry – and with only two days left to go, it’s hard to see any major changes from that.
Read more here:
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