British musician Elton John closed Glastonbury in a closing, emotional fashion, delivering a full, heartfelt performance that capped his UK farewell tour. The 76-year-old singer-songwriter and pianist opened at the piano with the riff of Pinball Wizard, arriving on the Pyramid Stage in a radiant gold suit and signature glasses.
After launching with The Bitch Is Back and rolling into fan favorites like Bennie and the Jets, John admitted to the crowd that he never expected to find himself in this very moment. He embraced the moment as a personal milestone, saying it felt very special and emotional. Although the run is billed as a farewell, the door remains open to future appearances, leaving room for fans to wonder whether this might truly be the final curtain. (attribution: BBC)
In front of a private audience that included multiple generations and a constellation of famous attendees, the performance offered a sweeping recap of John’s decades of achievements. Classics such as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, I Guess That’s Why They Called It the Blues, Sad Songs (Say So Much), and Favourite songs like Someone Saved My Life Tonight highlighted the breadth of his catalog on this landmark night. (attribution: Guardian)
Across a two-hour set, the crowd heard enduring anthems including I’m Still Standing and Your Song. Candle in the Wind, originally written for Marilyn Monroe and later reframed for Princess Diana’s 1997 funeral, reminded the audience of the song’s storied history and emotional resonance. (attribution: Rolling Stone)
While rumors swirled about surprise guests from Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Eminem, or Harry Styles, the stage remained focused on John’s own craft for this moment. Still, the night did feature collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, including Jacob Lusk from the North American R&B and soul group Gabriels, who joined for Are You Ready For Love, a track first released in 1979 and revived in 2003 by a remix. (attribution: NPR)
Stephen Sanchez, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter introduced last year as an “amazing young talent,” appeared with John to share the stage moments that showcased a contemporary bridge to younger audiences. Sanchez impressed John with his rendition of Until I Find You, a song that left a strong impression on the legend after hearing it on the radio. (attribution: Billboard)
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers lent his voice to Tiny Dancer, a moment John called a celebration of friendship and artistry. Anglo-Japanese artist Rina Sawayama joined for Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, underscoring the cross-genre collaboration that characterized the night. (attribution: Variety)
In a reflective moment near the end, John paid tribute to a friend and inspiration, dedicating Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me to the memory of George Michael, who passed away in 2016, turning 60 that very day. The dedication added a poignant thread to the evening’s narrative, weaving personal history into the concert’s broader arc. (attribution: The Times)
As the set drew to a close with Rocket Man, John spoke to the audience with visible emotion, expressing gratitude for the happiness and the 52 years of unwavering support that have defined his extraordinary journey. The performance affirmed Glastonbury as a stage where a legend could reflect, celebrate, and bid farewell in a manner that felt both intimate and universal. (attribution: Associated Press)