British music legend, Elton John on Sunday thrilled a crowd estimated to be over 120,000 people while playing the last UK show of his farewell tour at Glastonbury.
One of the most successful composers in the history of musical theatre also delivered a two-hour set in which every song was a greatest hit.
His masterclass in song and stage craft, also attracted a huge audience of 7.3 million tuned in to watch live on BBC One, according to overnight ratings.
In comparison, in 2022 Diana Ross was the most-watched star with 3.1 million and Paul McCartney’s headline set was seen by 2.7 million, overnight figures showed.
Elton told all those watching:”I’m so happy to be here. I won’t ever forget this.”
The 76-year-old pianist burst onto the stage shortly after 21:00 BST with Pinball Wizard – as promised, a song he hadn’t played in over a decade – following it up with a raucous romp through The Bitch Is Back, BBC reports.
Pausing to catch his breath, he drank in the crowd and stretched out his arms in gratitude.
He said, “I never thought I’d play Glastonbury – and here I am”
“It’s a very special and emotional night for me as it may be my last show in England, in Great Britain.”
“I’d better play well and I’d better entertain you because you’ve been standing there so long,” he added,
In the audience next to me, a fan hollered their encouragement: “Go on, you old sausage.”
Interestingly, It puts to rest a touring career that has seen Elton go from a young upstart rocking the Troubador in Los Angeles, to a beloved fixture of the rock establishment.
