“One of the most significant musical acts in the UK”: Fans react to Sir Elton John’s final UK show at Glastonbury
Sir Elton John is confirmed to headline at next year’s Glastonbury Festival in his final ever gig in the UK on what has been billed as his farewell tour after more than 50 years on the road.
The ‘Rocket Man’ singer will play the Pyramid Stage on the last night of the sold-out event at Worthy Farm in Somerset, which runs from 21-25 June 2023.
John said in a statement he “couldn’t be more excited” to be appearing at Glastonbury, while festival co-organiser Emily Eavis has promised it will be “the mother of all send-offs.” The veteran megastar has been performing around the world as part of his marathon Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which began in September 2018 before it was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “As the end of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comes into view, there is no more fitting way to say goodbye to my British fans. They have been beyond brilliant and have supported me through all the highs and lows of my career.”
“Every week, I speak to new artists on my radio show and Glastonbury is often cited as a pivotal moment in launching their careers – the festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired. I’ve been talking to Emily Eavis about it over the last few weeks and I can’t wait to embrace the spirit of the greatest festival in the world. It’s going to be incredibly emotional,” he continued.
Eavis said: “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. We are so very happy to finally bring the Rocket Man to Worthy Farm.”
Fans on Twitter couldn’t contain their excitement, with one fan writing: “I’ve honestly never exclaimed a Glastonbury headliner with as much excitement as I just did. And this will be my 9th!”
“Cant argue with that – even if you subjectively don’t like his music, it’s one of the most significant musical acts in the UK ever and it’s his last ever show on these isles,” added another.
The singer’s 300-plus date worldwide run is due to conclude next summer and will mark his retirement from touring after 52 years. So far it has seen him perform across Europe with shows in Milan, Paris and Frankfurt, and he also recently ended the North American stage of the tour at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The final leg will include dates in Australia, New Zealand and European shows next year.
