Sir Elton John performed what was set to be his last-ever UK show as he brought Glastonbury 2023 to a close.
The 76-year-old, dressed in a gold suit, played 'banger after banger' as he tinkled the ivories on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday night.
Hits including Pinball Wizard, Benny And The Jets, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me sent the crowds at Worthy Farm and watching along at home on BBC into a frenzy. During the night he introduced a number of special guests including Brandon Flowers, Rina Sawayama and Stephen Sanchez.
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After performing The Bitch Is Back, Sir Elton told the crowd: “I never thought I would ever play Glastonbury and here I am.
“It’s a very special and emotional night for me because it might be my last show ever in England, so I had better play well and I had better entertain you, you’ve been standing there so long and I really appreciate all the outfits and everything.”
Before closing his set with a lengthy rendition of Rocketman, Sir Elton bade farewell to the crowd, saying: “I want to thank you all for dressing up in your costumes, your glasses and your outfits, it makes me feel so happy and so loved.
“I also want to thank you for 52 years of amazing love and loyalty that you’ve shown me. It’s been an incredible journey.
“I’ve had the best time, I will never forget you, you’re in my head and my heart and my soul, you’ve been amazing.
“You’ve been an incredible crowd tonight. I wish you love and health and happiness.”
However many watching had been expecting the legendary performer to come back on stage for an encore - but instead, the BBC stream ended and cut to the news.
@lucyce02 tweeted: "Elton not doing an encore. Can’t go out like that" while @JakeCul43227802 wrote: "Sir Elton John was excellent tonight, one hit after another but a little disappointed no encore, especially as it was his final British performance."
Others praised the show but also expressed their disappointment that he did not come back out. @TRACEYBRO wrote: "Oh....I was waiting for an encore!!! What a fabulous set though from Elton.....thankyou" while @JWoods83 said: "Pleasantly surprised by Elton Johns Glastonbury performance- Excellent!!! Although no encore - bit odd!"
The show had been billed as his final UK gig, before he retires from touring at the end of his Farwell Yellow Brick Road tour.
Earlier on Sunday there were performances from Lil Nas X, Blondie, Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Sophie Ellis-Bexter. Headlining The Other Stage at the same time was Queens of the Stoneage, with Phoenix headlining Woodsies Stage.
