Elton John to perform ’emotional’ last ever UK gig at Glastonbury 2023
Sir Elton John set to headline Glastonbury 2023. (Getty)
Sir Elton John has announced his final ever UK show will be as headliner at Glastonbury Festival 2023.
The 75-year-old “Rocket Man” singer embarked on his 350 date farewell tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road in 2018.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and following a hip injury, half a decade later Elton John will close his tour in style on Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
The pop star will be performing on Sunday, 25 June and said in a statement: “There is no more fitting way to say goodbye to my British fans,
“I can’t wait to embrace the spirit of the greatest festival in the world. It’s going to be incredibly emotional.”
Saying “he couldn’t be more excited”, he added: “The festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired.”
Festival organiser Emily Eavis said of Elton’s headline slot: “It gives me enormous pleasure to let you know that the one and only Elton John will be making his first ever Glastonbury appearance, headlining the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday night next year.
“This will be the final UK show of Elton’s last ever tour, so we will be closing the Festival and marking this huge moment in both of our histories with the mother of all send-offs.”
The BBC Glastonbury team teased the announcement by posting an image of Glastonbury stadium with a rocket in the sky.
They captioned it: “We caught a stunning shot of Glastonbury on our webcam yesterday”, while Elton John took to his Instagram story to tease “one more date.”
With the show set to be one of his most spectacular ever as fans send him off on the biggest music stage in the world, many are excited.
“This is going to be such a magical f**king close to #Glastonbury 2023.” one fan wrote.
“Fantastic choice. A very fitting way to end Glastonbury and Sir Elton’s career. Absolute legend,” another wrote.
While someone else said: “What a way to end your tour, with a final UK show closing Glastonbury! I can already sense the atmosphere that will be that night.”
Sir Elton John already ended the last leg of his US tour with a bang at LA’s Dodgers stadium., with fireworks and a recreation of his bejewelled baseball uniform from 1975.
Speaking to Variety about bringing his live shows to an end, Elton John said: “The tour is everything I possibly wanted it to be and more — I can honestly say that at 75, I’m happier than I’ve ever been,
“I’m not going to tour anymore, but I’m certainly going to make records — and I’m certainly, hopefully, going to collaborate with more people.”
