Elton John Performs Last Ever UK Show at Glastonbury With Surprise Guests

The rocketman officially landed in Worthy Farm! Elton John took to the pyramid stage to headline Glastonbury festival on 25 June for his last ever live performance in the UK – and what a finale it turned out to be. Kicking off his set with The Who's song "Pinball Wizard" (which John performed in the 1975 film adaptation of "Tommy"), he stepped out in a gold metallic suit to perform in front of thousands of festival-goers – and celebrities – dressed in sequins, feathers, and, of course, flamboyant glasses in tribute to the iconic singer.

Speculation had been growing in the lead-up to his set around which surprise guests he would be inviting to share the stage. The first was Jacob Lusk from Gabriels, along with a gospel choir, to belt out a rendition of 1976 hit "Are You Ready for Love?" Half an hour later, he introduced US artist Stephen Sanchez who performed his own track, "Until I Found You", which was also the song Sofia Richie walked down the aisle to at her wedding in April. His next special guest was Brandon Flowers of The Killers to help sing "Tiny Dancer" before Rina Sawayama met him for the karaoke classic "Don't Go Breaking My Heart".

John also paid tribute to the late George Michael whose 60th birthday would have landed on the same day. After a short speech honouring the musician, he dedicated the 1991 duet "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to his old friend, who died in 2016. As his set continued, John played all of his biggest hits. From "I'm Still Standing" to "Your Song", and ending on "Rocket Man", fans were taken on a nostalgic music journey to close the door on his epic career. Due to some rescheduled pandemic dates, the actual last show on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will take place on 8 July in Sweden, but the Glastonbury performance marks his last show on home turf. Surprisingly, John had never played the iconic festival before, but he certainly made an impact with his one and only appearance. As fireworks filled the sky, he thanked the crowd for their "love and loyalty" over the last 52 years, before the rocket man took his final bow.