Elton John is about to headline his first Glastonbury show and last ever UK gig – the performer promises to be a blast.
A Glastonbury co-organizer said the performance will be “the mother of all farewell moments” and marks an important moment in both their histories.
In his Glastonbury announcement, John said: “As the end of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour draws near, there is no more appropriate way to say goodbye to my UK fans.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Elton John’s farewell performance.
Elton John performs in Las Vegas, Nevada, gesturing to the crowd as he sings Tiny Dancer
When will Elton John perform at Glastonbury?
On Sunday 25 June, Elton John will headline the festival, performing on one of the most famous festival stages in the world.
The 76-year-old is currently playing the final leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which ends in the UK on June 18.
He said the Glastonbury show will have a different setlist to the rest of the tour, telling BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills: “I’ve got guests, I can’t tell you who they are. But it’s going to be great, I’m really looking forward to it.’
Possible guests include Dua Lipa and Rina Sawayama, who worked on an album with John in 2021.
Elton John performing in concert at the Paulau Sant Jordi bullring in Barcelona in May 2023, during the final leg of his farewell tour
While John promises an ultimate performance with a varying setlist, his recent tour should give fans an idea of what to expect. He has recently performed:
- Bennie and the Jets
- Philadelphia Freedom
- I think that’s why they call it the blues
- Border song
- Little dancer
- Have pity on the criminal
- Rocket Man (I think it’s gonna be a long, long time)
- Take me to the pilot
- Someone saved my life tonight
- Levon
- Candle in the wind
- Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleed
- Burn down the mission
- Sad songs (say so much)
- Sorry seems to be the hardest word
- Don’t let the sun go down on me
- The bitch is back
- I’m still standing
- Crocodile Rock
- Saturday Night is good for fighting
His Encore songs include Cold Heart, Your Song and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Elton John and Dua Lipa (pictured above), John said he “worships” Dua Lipa and collaborated with her for the hit song Cold Heart
Elton John was able to bring a variety of guests on stage for his farewell performance, Rina Sawayama (pictured above) is just one of the many talented performers who worked with John
What time does Elton John perform?
John’s set will run for two hours, from 9:00 PM to 11:05 PM, one hour after Lil Nas X finishes his set.
Other artists set to take the main stage at Glastonbury this weekend include Aitch, Lizzo, Rick Astley, Lil Nas X, Blondie and Lewis Capaldi.
Glastonbury’s other headliners are Arctic Monkeys on Friday and Guns and Roses on Saturday.
The other stage is dominated by Wizkid, Lana Del Rey and Queens of the Stone Age on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What stage will Elton John perform on?
Bowie’s debut Worthy Farm performance was at the Glastonbury Fayre in 1971, he returned to the pyramid stage in 2000
Diana Ross took the iconic stage and gave an elaborate performance in 2022
The Pyramid Stage was started in 1971 by Michael Eavis with a few hundred people in attendance, it now attracts over 175,000 people
Elton John will perform on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm, the stage was first set up in 1971 and has seen some impressive acts.
Glastonbury Festival described the stage as ‘the most instantly recognized festival stage in the world’.
The iconic stage has had quite a lineup that includes: The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Shirley Bassey and many more.
David Bowie delivered one of the most memorable performances at Glastonbury in 2000 on stage.
In an interview with BBC London, John admitted he was ‘a little intimidated’ by the prospect of performing on stage.
He said, “I’m a little, not scared, but I’m a little intimidated by it because I haven’t played there, I haven’t been there before.”