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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Alan Johnson

Elton John fans slam Piers Morgan as he criticises Glastonbury performance

Fans of Sir Elton John have hit out at Piers Morgan after the Talk TV presenter accused the singer of using a lyrics sheet to remind himself of the words to songs during his headline Glastonbury appearance on Sunday night.

Elton, 76, performing at the festival for the first time in his illustrious career that has spanned more than five decades, belted out 21 of his hits on the Pyramid Stage, including Crocodile Rock, I'm Still Standing and Rocket Man.

Although the set went down a storm with the audience, disgruntled Piers, who quit Good Morning Britain in a huff in 2021, couldn't help but nitpick the pop superstar's show.

Taking to Twitter, he asked his followers: "Is Elton having to read the words to all his own songs?"

Elton's fans were quick to strike back, meanwhile, responding in their droves to put the former Britain's Got Talent judge in his place.

Hundred of Elton's fans hit out at Piers Morgan on Twitter (Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock)

"He’s 76 and has recorded 464 songs Piers," declared one user. "He also has to play the piano whilst doing it. You’ll notice he’s not got any sheet music out for that. Maybe give the guy a break. He’s absolutely smashing it. World class musician. Get back in your corner."

Another wrote: "Not an uber fan of Elton but such a cheap dig from someone who wishes they had an ounce of the talent Elton John has."

A third explained: "Piers he's 77, he been sex, drugs and rock and rolling it for over 50yrs. If anyone deserves some help doing a 2hr concert, with some small reminders he can!"

And a fourth accused Piers of being somewhat hypocritical: "Mate, you had to read the questions from a card on Life Stories."

Elton, meanwhile, used his platform to pay tribute to his late pal George Michael on what would have been his 60th birthday.

George, who died in December 2016, famously sang a live duet with Elton on Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, which rocketed to number one in the UK and the US in the early 90s.

As the day fell on George's birthday, Elton took a moment to pay tribute to his late friend while performing on stage.

"Today would have been his 60th birthday, I want to dedicate this song to the memory, and all the music which he left us with which is so gorgeous. This is for you George," an emotional Elton told the crowd before performing Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.

A version of the song recorded live as a duet between Elton and George reached number one in the UK in 1991. The pair had famously performed the track together for the first time at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1985.

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