Everything You Need to Know about Elton John's Last UK Gig

Glastonbury 2023 promises to go out with a bang, as Sir Elton John headlines the festival at his last-ever UK show.

Despite his career spanning seven decades, this year marks John’s first time attending – let alone headlining – the festival.

In a recent interview, “Rocket Man” disclosed that this is the first time he’s ever been asked to play the festival.

The 76-year-old, who is currently playing the final leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, will perform at the Pyramid Stage on Worthy Farm on Sunday, June 25.

The performance will stretch just over two hours, from 9 pm until 11.05 pm.

Performing before him are Yusuf/Cat Stevens in the Sunday afternoon Legends slot, followed by Blondie, and rapper Lil Nas X.

Throughout his career, John has played a few festivals. He and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin used to attend the Isle of Wight together but recently said: “It’s too many people for me. I don’t like crowds. I have played festivals and I’ve really enjoyed them. But of course, Glastonbury is the crème de la crème.”

Speaking about the gig, the pianist told Radio 2: “To be honest with you, it’s the first time I’ve been asked to play it, I haven’t turned it down before. But it’s just come at the right time. I’m a great believer in serendipity and fate and this is the most wonderful way to sign off in England and Great Britain.”

John released his first record in 1969. He has put out a staggering 31 studio albums throughout his sparkling musical career, working with Taupin.

Despite his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, the singer’s career has had a lasting career and has been sober since the Nineties.

He is famous for hits “I’m Still Standing”, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Bennie and the Jets” and “Your Song”.

In recent years, John has become a champion for new artists, collaborating with the likes of Lil Nas X, Years and Years, and Rina Sawayama.

In 2021, he collaborated with Dua Lipa on “Cold Heart”, a duet remixing his songs “Rocket Man”, “Kiss the Bride”, “Sacrifice”, and “Where’s the Shoorah?”.

While it is unknown who will join him on stage at Glastonbury, John has teased that his show will be star-studded, and feature a different setlist to his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

Following 10 nights at London’s O2 Arena, John is currently playing across the UK and Europe with his touring goodbye show, which has been delayed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve got a different setlist to the tour, it’s going to be much different,” he said.

“I’ve got guests and I can’t tell you who they are, but it’s going to be wonderful. I’m really looking forward to it.”

However, even legends like John get nervous about a Glastonbury gig.

Speaking about the festival, the father-of-two told BBC London: “I’m a little, not frightened, but I’m a little intimidated by it because I haven’t played there, I haven’t been there.”