SUN SETS ON ELTON JOHN

LONDON. – The sun set on one of the greatest careers in British music history, as Elton John played the last UK show of his farewell tour at Glastonbury.

The 76-year-old legend treated fans to a masterclass in song and stage craft, delivering a two-hour set in which every song was a greatest hit.

He was watched by a vast crowd, estimated to be over 120,000 people.

Meanwhile, a huge audience of 7.3 million tuned in to watch live on BBC One, according to overnight ratings.

In comparison, in 2022 Diana Ross was the most-watched star with 3.1 million and Paul McCartney’s headline set was seen by 2.7 million, overnight figures showed.

Elton told all those watching: “I’m so happy to be here. I won’t ever forget this.”

The singer burst onto the stage shortly after 21:00 BST with Pinball Wizard – as promised, a song he hadn’t played in over a decade – following it up with a raucous romp through The Bitch Is Back.

Pausing to catch his breath, he drank in the crowd and stretched out his arms in gratitude. “I never thought I’d play Glastonbury – and here I am,” he said.

“It’s a very special and emotional night for me as it may be my last show in England, in Great Britain.”

“I’d better play well and I’d better entertain you because you’ve been standing there so long,” he added,

In the audience, a fan hollered their encouragement: “Go on, you old sausage.”

The show came toward the end of Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour – now officially the highest-grossing tour of all time, with box office receipts of US$887m.

After Glastonbury, there are just seven dates left, with the final show in Stockholm on 8 July.

It puts to rest a touring career that has seen Elton go from a young upstart rocking the Troubador in Los Angeles, to a beloved fixture of the rock establishment.

Over the years, he’s gained a reputation for flamboyant excess – feather boas, platform heels, elaborate headdresses and pianos that burst into flames.

“I don’t move around the stage,” he reasoned. “I’ve got to attract attention somehow!”

But by Elton’s standards, Glastonbury was an understated show that focused purely on his love of music. – BBC.