Sir Elton Hercules John, CH CBE. What a name, what a man. He’s a national treasure, a pop hero and one of Glastonbury’s most anticipated 2023 headliners. His Sunday-night Pyramid Stage slot has been billed as his last-ever live show on British soil, which means it’s probably going to be pretty special (the weather is looking like it will hold up, too).
The Worthy Farm festival is packed with secret sets (who are the mysterious band ‘The Churnups’?), a line-up of more than 3,000 acts, as well as plenty of activities – from yoga and dancing workshops to panel talks and circus. And even if you didn’t get your hands on one of those prized tickets, you can still lap up all of the fun by watching the whole thing on TV, including Elton John’s full show.
The much-anticipated headline slot will mark the final date of his 300-show ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour’. Want to know more about Elton John’s Glastonbury show? Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Elton John headlining Glastonbury 2023?
Elton John will be performing on Sunday, June 25 from 9pm to 11.05pm on the Pyramid Stage, following Lil Nas X, Blondie and Cat Stevens/Yusuf.
Are there any clues about the setlist yet?
In a recent interview with BBC Radio One, Elton John revealed a few details. He said: ‘I’m starting with a song I haven’t played for about ten years, so we’ll see how it goes.’
He also noted that fans shouldn’t expect to hear the same songs he’s performed on his most recent tour: it’s pretty much a brand-new show, conceived especially for the festival.
‘It’s a different show to what people have been seeing,’ John said. ‘On Farewell Yellow Brick Road, there’s quite a lot of deep cuts, it’s not all hits, and you’ve got to keep people interested.’
Will guests be joining Elton John at Glastonbury?
The star also confirmed he will have special guests joining him. There are a handful of rumours about who this might be, ranging from Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga to Lil Nas X and Rina Sawayama.
John said: ‘I’ve got guests and I can’t tell you who they are, but it’s going to be wonderful. I’m really looking forward to it.’
Has he ever played at Glastonbury before?
Surprisingly, Elton John has never played the festival, despite his career spanning more than 50 years. Apparently, he intends to retire from touring after his Glastonbury set.
ICYMI: Hudson Mohawke on the club that made him.
Plus: How to get tickets for Taylor Swift’s 2024 UK Eras Tour.