Glastonbury 2023 – latest: Elton John says thank-you to festival audience after farewell UK performance
Rocket Man bids farewell as he played what could be his final live show in the UK, with a jaw-dropping, career-spanning set of his greatest songs
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Your support makes all the difference.Elton John performed what will go down as one of the greatest headline shows in Glastonbury history last night (Sunday 25 June), to one of the biggest crowds the festival has seen in years.
Lil Nas X was the final artist to take to the main stage before the 76-year-old at Worthy Farm, Somerset, after a joyful Yusuf/Cat Stevens entertained fans with songs including “Wild World” and “Father and Son”.
The revered folk singer-songwriter performed with his band in the coveted Legends Slot, a gig previously handed to artists including Lionel Richie, Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton. He also gave superfan/comedian Ricky Gervais a shout-out on his birthday, before playing his song “Tea for the Tillerman”.
At 9pm, John launched his performance with some of his best-known songs, including his 1975 cover of “Pinball Wizard” and “Benny and the Jets”. From the moment he sat down at the piano, the show was a pure blast of euphoria from one of the world’s greatest living entertainers, with surprise guests including The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, and Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk.
‘This doesn’t look bad’: Glastonbury clean-up team say site left better than ever
Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
Elton John review, Glastonbury 2023: The glitziest, most high-energy retirement party the world has ever seen
Lewis Capaldi announces indefinite break from touring after Glastonbury performance
Sad news post-Glastonbury from Lewis Capaldi, who has announced that he is taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future after his performance on the Pyramid Stage.
The Scottish singer told the crowd during his set that he was starting to lose his voice and was seen experiencing a series of tics as a result of Tourette’s syndrome.
On Tuesday (27 June), Capaldi shared a text post announcing his break from live shows, explaining that he was taking a rest to focus on getting his mental and physical health in order.
Nicole Vassell reports:
Lewis Capaldi announces break from touring ‘for the foreseeable future’
Backstage video shows moment Lana Del Rey fans sing ‘Video Games’ after set cut off
Pianist Rob Grant has shared an amazing clip from backstage at Glastonbury of the moment Lana Del Rey’s set was cut off.
The singer began her set 30 minutes late, performing for 15 minutes beyond her scheduled closing time before her microphone was cut off.
However, Del Rey led the crowd in a sing-a-long of her hit “Video Games”, which she hadn’t been able to play.
Watch: Love and marriage at Worthy Farm
The sun is going down on the Glastonbury golden oldie – we may never see Elton’s like again
From Elton to Debbie Harry, this was a festival where the most intensely emotional moments came courtesy of artists in their autumn years, writes Helen Brown.
Goodbye Glastonbury’s golden oldies – we may never see their like again | Helen Brown
Watch the highlights from Glastonbury 2023
Glastonbury highlights: Elton John’s last UK show to Lana Del Rey booed off stage
‘What a farewell’: Elton John’s thank-you after final UK performance
Elton John has shared a heartfelt message following last night’s headline set at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.
In an Instagram post on Monday, the 76-year-old star thanked the festival and the audience for taking part in his acclaimed performance, billed as his final-ever show in the UK.
“The energy last night was like nothing else, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the crowd and the people watching at home for all your love and support,” John wrote. “You will be in my heart and soul forever.
“UK, what a farewell. I love you,” he concluded, adding emoji of a hand waving and the Union Jack.
How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024
Whether you were down at Worthy Farm or watching from home, there are plenty of readers currently thinking about how they can be a part of the action next year.
Megan Graye has the lowdown on how to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024:
Watch: Glastonbury's big clean-up underway as thousands pick up rubbish at Worthy Farm
‘The sun is going down on the Glastonbury golden oldie – we may never see Elton’s like again'
In her comment piece for The Independent, Helen Brown reflects on Elton John’s special headline set.
“From Elton to Debbie Harry, this was a festival where the most intensely emotional moments came courtesy of artists in their autumn years,” she writes.
Read more:
Goodbye Glastonbury’s golden oldies – we may never see their like again | Helen Brown
Blondie review
Debbie Harry led the rock band to a smashing third-ever set at Glastonbury on Sunday afternoon with a set that featured timeless hits such as “One Way or Another” and “Heart of Glass”.
Here’s Ben Bryant’s full, four-star take:
