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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Simon Coyle

Elton John moves Glastonbury viewers to tears with moving tribute

Elton John brought Glastonbury fans to tears as he belted out one of his famous tracks during his Pyramid Stage headline slot.

Towards the end of his two-hour set Sir Elton gave a heartfelt tribute to George Michael as he prepared to sing Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.

The duo performed a version of the song together in 1991. George tragically died on Christmas Day 2016 and tonight would have been the popstar's 60th birthday.

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Speaking to the crowd before playing the song Sir Elton said: "This is a very special day today, I wondered how I was going to approach it. One of Britain’s most fantastic singers and songwriters was George Michael.

“He was my friend, he was an inspiration, and today would have been his 60th birthday, so I want to dedicate this song to his memory.

“All the music he left us with is so gorgeous. This is for you George.”

The moving dedication and tribute brought those watching at home on BBC to tears.

@jadedwalls tweeted: "The George Michael tribute, the Elton montage behind him, the tears in my EYES" while @CanIScreamNow wrote: "He did it, he paid homage to you George, am in tears."

@McSouness added: "This man is in tears after watching Elton John pay homage to George Michael. The power of music." while @_Azzawon tweeted: "Tears in my eyes at Elton dedicating don’t let the sun go down on me to George Michael."

Sir Elton was closing the 2023 festival with a show that has been billed as the final UK gig of his farewell tour.

He opened his set with Pinball Wizard before dipping into his extensive back catalouge. During the night he introduced a number of special guests including Brandon Flowers, Rina Sawayama and Stephen Sanchez.

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.

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