![]() Elton John is nothing if not an old-fashioned grafter. ![]() In recent years, solo albums have been interspersed with stage musicals, soundtracks and before he announced his “retirement” his annual quota of 120 live shows a year. Folkie types will savour the wide-eyed beauty of his early ‘70s albums, while those schooled in outrageous glam rock will cherish the sparkly superstar of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic… The next decade would bring stadium bravado, straw boaters and an MTV smash in that most ‘80s of anthems I’m Still Standing, before a new raft of music fans found their way to his music via a 1994 Disney movie about big cats and the untimely death of Diana, Princess Of Wales. Today, each generation has its own favourite Elton John. But then when the 20-year-old Reginald Kenneth Dwight met lyricist Bernie Taupin and was reborn as Elton John, it seemed unlikely that he was ever going to do anything by half. Not bad for a Middlesex pub pianist with a penchant for Jerry Lee Lewis and Mrs Mills. Nine studio albums in six years, with seven consecutive US Number 1s, more than 50 hit singles, innumerable shoes, specs and flowers, and total record sales in excess of 250 million. His music speaks for itself, securing his place as a true legend.The statistics are staggering. While gimmicks and guest appearances are entertaining, Elton has proven that he doesn’t need them to captivate an audience. The climax of the night came with the inevitable rendition of “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time).” Elton and his band delivered an extended version, showcasing their instrumental prowess and ending the show with a dazzling fireworks display.Įlton John's last ever live show at Glastonbury was a testament to his undeniable talent. The absence of rumored guests such as Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, and Paul McCartney did not overshadow the incredible performance. ![]() ![]() However, his loyalty to his collaborators and his enthusiasm for promoting new artists have contributed to his longevity in the music industry.Īlthough there were guest performances during Elton’s set, including Brandon Flowers from The Killers and Rina Sawayama, the focus remained on Elton and his own talent. Some songs, like “ Bennie And The Jets,” with its hypnotically stark piano riff, make one wonder if Elton could have achieved a cooler image if he had embraced a less-is-more approach. While Elton’s loyalty to his band members is commendable, there is room for experimentation. The emotional transparency of the Glastonbury audience made these songs even more poignant.Įlton paid tribute to his late friend George Michael when he performed the unforgettable ballad, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” The crowd responded with immense waves of support, visibly moving the singer. Hits like “I’m Still Standing” and “I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues,” which some may consider post-canonical, have transcended generations and become cultural treasures. The crowd, well acquainted with Elton’s best songs, enthusiastically sang along, cherishing these timeless classics. This was evident in his renditions of “Are You Ready For Love” and “Sad Songs (Say So Much),” both accompanied by the talented Jacob Lusk from the band Gabriels, and the powerful backing vocals of the London Community Gospel Choir. Despite any criticisms of his voice, Elton’s aged singing possesses a lived-in grit and soulful growl that younger artists often lack. His opening song, “ Pinball Wizard,” set a standard for piano-bashing intensity and emotional resonance. With respect to the day’s other headliners – including Queens Of The Stone Age, Phoenix and Rickie Lee Jones – why would you come to Glastonbury in 2023 and not go and see Elton John?Īccording to a report by, Elton’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. With 210,000 the official number of attendees, it always felt that a unifying moment could create an unprecedented surge in one area of the site, and the Pyramid arena is fuller than most festival veterans remember seeing a full hour before the show is due to start.Įlton’s pre-publicity, focusing on the likelihood that this is his last ever live show in the UK, has focused minds and girded loins. Sunday afternoon is often the point when tents start to dwindle, but there’s no evidence of that this year. Within hours, Elton John’s Sunday headline set on the Pyramid Stage will be confirmed, with 7.3 million viewers, as the most watched performance ever in the history of the BBC’s broadcast coverage of the festival, but it’s already clear that something special is happening.
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