After a historic "final" performance at Glastonbury on Sunday night, Sir Elton John has issued a touching statement to fans.
Headlining the Pyramid Stage, the rock and roll icon closed out the weekend at Worthy Farm, calling it his last UK performance. The Rocketman has recently taken to stages across the globe as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour - and says it will mark his retirement from touring.
However, during his Glasto performance, Elton hinted that it may not be the last time he'll take to the stage. Afterwards, he took to Instagram to thank fans for an unforgettable night, which received thousands of comments filled with praise.
Writing alongside a carousel of Glastonbury snaps, Elton wrote: "Thank you Glastonbury! 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.
"You will be in my heart and soul forever. UK, what a farewell. I love you."
The Mirror reports John's post, which has been liked over 20,000 times in just several minutes, has been flooded with comments. They even included words from celebrity pals, like David Beckham who wrote: "No thank you @eltonjohn," alongside a red heart emoji.
A second music lover added: "You stole the show last night. I've not seen a crowd and atmosphere like that, since Queen at Live Aid. The word 'Legend' gets banded about all too often these days, but you Sir Elton John, are a LIVING LEGEND! - as a fan, I thank you for all your contribution to music. Your songs will live on for generations. God speed."
Meanwhile, a third typed: "Hey Elton, I want to personally say thank you for the magnificent shows you have put on and for allowing me to be part of your life from the crowd. I've been to three shows (two of which were the FYBR tour) and I have enjoyed every last minute of it, you have all been magnificent. Now go on and smash the remaining seven days of your tour."
The Rocketman's future
During his performance, Elton teased the potential of more shows, saying: "Ah wow, I never thought I'd ever play Glastonbury and here I am! It is a very special and emotional night for me because it may be my last show ever in England and Great Britain.
"So I better play well and I better entertain you. Because you have been standing there so long. I really appreciate all the outfits and everything."
Despite appearing to struggle with his walking as he took to the stage, the rocker certainly didn't disappoint the sold-out crowd or millions at home. Sir Elton’s highly anticipated set was billed as his final UK show before he retires from touring at the end of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
He treated fans to hit after hit during a “special and emotional” two-hour set. He also surprised the crowd with unexpected musical guests.
Instead of guests such as Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, Sir Elton was joined by friends and musicians he admires, starting with Jacob Lusk of Gabriels, who came on stage for Are You Ready For Love?
He was joined by US singer Stephen Sanchez to perform Sanchez’s song Until I Found You, while The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers came out for Tiny Dancer. His final guest was Japanese-British singer Rina Sawayama, who performed Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
Sir Elton paid tribute to late star George Michael as he launched into Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and closed the show with Rocketman, the song that lent its name to his biopic, with Taron Egerton playing the singer.
Glastonbury aftermath
On Monday, revellers were making their way home from Worthy Farm as festival organisers urged campers to leave no trace. A huge clean-up operation has been under way, with tonnes of rubbish expected to be collected.
The festival implored music fans to take everything home with them, writing on Twitter : “When you’re packing up your tent, please put your rubbish in the bin bags provided by campsite stewards and take home all of your belongings to use again next time! Thank you. Love the farm, leave no trace!”
Drivers were encouraged to leave the site before 7am on Monday to avoid queues and to have food, drink and supplies in their car in the event of long waits.
Advice for those with cars said: “From 8am until 5pm on Monday there are likely to be queues as our stewards work hard to help all the cars which arrived over three days to leave in one day.
“None of the staff can go home until you have, so please be calm, respectful and understanding.”
Avon and Somerset Police have recorded 120 incidents, a spokesman said. This included 27 thefts, 20 drug offences and seven sexual assaults, with a total of 35 arrests made.
The figures include incidents and arrests both on and off site, in areas around the perimeter and on approach roads and in the car parks.
The Met Office said the closest weather station to Glastonbury at Yeovilton, Somerset, saw temperature highs of 26.1C on both Saturday and Sunday.
The national weather service said festivalgoers making their way home on Monday could see a few “sporadic” light showers that will be “quite hit and miss”.
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