Glastonbury 2023 – latest: Elton John says thank-you to festival audience after farewell UK performance

Elton John performed what will go down as one of the greatest headline shows in Glastonbury history last night (Sunday 25 June), to one of the biggest crowds the festival has seen in years.

Lil Nas X was the final artist to take to the main stage before the 76-year-old at Worthy Farm, Somerset, after a joyful Yusuf/Cat Stevens entertained fans with songs including “Wild World” and “Father and Son”.

The revered folk singer-songwriter performed with his band in the coveted Legends Slot, a gig previously handed to artists including Lionel Richie, Kylie Minogue and Dolly Parton. He also gave superfan/comedian Ricky Gervais a shout-out on his birthday, before playing his song “Tea for the Tillerman”.

At 9pm, John launched his performance with some of his best-known songs, including his 1975 cover of “Pinball Wizard” and “Benny and the Jets”. From the moment he sat down at the piano, the show was a pure blast of euphoria from one of the world’s greatest living entertainers, with surprise guests including The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, and Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk.

Glastonbury 2023 highlights

• In pictures: Elton John’s breathtaking headline set on the Pyramid Stage

• What the audience is saying - reactions to Elton John’s set

• Who is Stephen Sanchez? Meet Elton John’s second musical guest

• Meet Elton John’s first surprise guest of the night

• The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers joins Elton for ‘Tiny Dancer'

Backstage video shows moment Lana Del Rey fans sing ‘Video Games’ after set cut off

08:57 , Isobel Lewis

Pianist Rob Grant has shared an amazing clip from backstage at Glastonbury of the moment Lana Del Rey’s set was cut off.

The singer began her set 30 minutes late, performing for 15 minutes beyond her scheduled closing time before her microphone was cut off.

However, Del Rey led the crowd in a sing-a-long of her hit “Video Games”, which she hadn’t been able to play.

Watch: Love and marriage at Worthy Farm

08:00 , Peony Hirwani

The sun is going down on the Glastonbury golden oldie – we may never see Elton’s like again

07:30 , Peony Hirwani

From Elton to Debbie Harry, this was a festival where the most intensely emotional moments came courtesy of artists in their autumn years, writes Helen Brown.

Goodbye Glastonbury’s golden oldies – we may never see their like again | Helen Brown

Watch the highlights from Glastonbury 2023

07:00 , Peony Hirwani

Glastonbury highlights: Elton John’s last UK show to Lana Del Rey booed off stage

‘What a farewell’: Elton John’s thank-you after final UK performance

06:00 , Peony Hirwani

Elton John has shared a heartfelt message following last night’s headline set at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the 76-year-old star thanked the festival and the audience for taking part in his acclaimed performance, billed as his final-ever show in the UK.

“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,” John wrote. “You will be in my heart and soul forever.

“UK, what a farewell. I love you,” he concluded, adding emoji of a hand waving and the Union Jack.

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

05:09 , Tom Murray

Whether you were down at Worthy Farm or watching from home, there are plenty of readers currently thinking about how they can be a part of the action next year.

Megan Graye has the lowdown on how to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024:

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Watch: Glastonbury's big clean-up underway as thousands pick up rubbish at Worthy Farm

04:10 , Tom Murray

‘The sun is going down on the Glastonbury golden oldie – we may never see Elton’s like again'

03:12 , Tom Murray

In her comment piece for The Independent, Helen Brown reflects on Elton John’s special headline set.

“From Elton to Debbie Harry, this was a festival where the most intensely emotional moments came courtesy of artists in their autumn years,” she writes.

Read more:

Goodbye Glastonbury’s golden oldies – we may never see their like again | Helen Brown

Blondie review

02:11 , Tom Murray

Debbie Harry led the rock band to a smashing third-ever set at Glastonbury on Sunday afternoon with a set that featured timeless hits such as “One Way or Another” and “Heart of Glass”.

Here’s Ben Bryant’s full, four-star take:

Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review

Lewis Capaldi review

01:13 , Tom Murray

Lewis Capaldi was seen struggling with tics during his Sunday (25 June) performance on the Pyramid Stage.

The 26-year-old Scottish crooner revealed he had been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome last September.

While he continued with the set, and was enthusiastically supported by the crowd, he struggled to make it through the final songs, and ultimately ended up cutting his set short.

In his three-star review for The Independent, music critic Mark Beaumont wrote: “Early in his most iconic hit ‘Someone You Loved’ [Capaldi’s voice] collapses completely. But this is an emotion-charged singalong of everyman heartache that carries itself – as Capaldi roams the stage dejected, convinced he’s blown the biggest show of his life, 200,000 voices offer him support in one of the most moving moments in recent Glastonbury memory.”

Read more:

Watch: Spectacular fireworks bring close to Elton John's final UK performance

Tuesday 27 June 2023 00:00 , Nicole Vassell

Arctic Monkeys accused of ‘butchering’ Glastonbury set: ‘Just play your belters!’

Monday 26 June 2023 23:30 , Nicole Vassell

Despite receiving a full five stars from The Independent’s reviewer Jazz Monroe, Arctic Monkeys’s Pyramid Stage set on Friday night didn’t work for everyone.

The Sheffield band drew a mixed reaction from the Glastonbury crowd and viewers at home due to the lack of songs from their earlier albums, which include Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Louis Chilton and Tom Murray have the full report:

Arctic Monkeys accused of ‘butchering’ Glastonbury set

Elton John’s farewell at Glastonbury breaks festival record for viewing figures

Monday 26 June 2023 23:00 , Nicole Vassell

And if the conversation around Elton John’s set couldn’t get better, it has now been announced as the most-watched broadcast in Glastonbury history, raking in more than 7 million viewers across the BBC.

The viewership for his performance far beats that of Guns N’ Roses on Saturday (just above 1 million) and Arctic Monkeys on Friday (1.5 million).

Full report here:

Elton John’s farewell at Glastonbury breaks festival record for viewing figures

‘What a farewell’: Elton John’s thank-you after final UK performance

Monday 26 June 2023 22:30 , Nicole Vassell

Elton John has shared a heartfelt message following last night’s headline set at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the 76-year-old star thanked the festival and the audience for taking part in his acclaimed performance, billed as his final-ever show in the UK.

“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,” John wrote. “You will be in my heart and soul forever.

“UK, what a farewell. I love you,” he concluded, adding emoji of a hand waving and the Union Jack.

Lil Nas X review, Glastonbury 2023: Grammy-winner injects some needed oomph into a mostly sedate weekend

Monday 26 June 2023 22:00 , Nicole Vassell

Lil Nas X returned to Glastonbury for a stunning set on Sunday afternoon.

Ben Bryant gave the Georgia rapper’s show four stars – here’s why:

Lil Nas X injects some needed oomph into a pretty sedate Glastonbury weekend – review

Watch: Rick Astley, Lizzo and Guns N' Roses light up Pyramid Stage on Saturday

Monday 26 June 2023 21:30 , Nicole Vassell

Watch the highlights from Glastonbury 2023

Monday 26 June 2023 21:00 , Nicole Vassell

Here’s your speedy look at all the best bits from Glastonbury 2023:

Glastonbury highlights: Elton John’s last UK show to Lana Del Rey booed off stage

Glastonbury cleanup – the results

Monday 26 June 2023 20:30 , Nicole Vassell

Volunteers were on the Glastonbury Festival site early this morning to get Worthy Farm back in top condition.

Here’s how it started...

And here’s how it ended:

Legends supporting legends

Monday 26 June 2023 20:00 , Nicole Vassell

If you’ve ever thought you needed to see a clip of Paul McCartney taking a video of Elton John from the side of the Pyramid Stage... your wish is our command.

Glastonbury attendees share their favourite pictures

Monday 26 June 2023 19:30 , Nicole Vassell

With so much to look at and experience over five days, Glastonbury is the perfect spot to get some impressive pictures that you’ll look back on for years to come.

Festival fan account “Glastobation” (ahem) issued a call-out for some of the best photos from the 2023 event, and the responses did not disappoint...

Watch: Love and marriage at Worthy Farm

Monday 26 June 2023 19:00 , Nicole Vassell

Rick Astley plays AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ in impressive drum cover

Monday 26 June 2023 18:00 , Nicole Vassell

If you thought Rick Astley’s only talent is making a catchy, generation-spanning Eighties hit, you’d be very wrong.

Here’s the “Never Gonna Give You Up” star’s impressive drum cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” as performed on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday.

Rick Astley covers ‘Highway to Hell’ on the drums during impressive Glastonbury set

Elton John: Full setlist for his astonishing Glastonbury headline show

Monday 26 June 2023 17:30 , Nicole Vassell

If post-Elton blues are kicking you in the shins right now, here’s a helping hand for you to collate your own playlist of the night’s bangers – the set list, in full, courtesy of Annabel Nugent:

See the full setlist for Elton John’s aston

Watch: Fans serenade Lana Del Rey with ‘Video Games’ after Glastonbury set cut short

Monday 26 June 2023 17:00 , Nicole Vassell

Blondie review, Glastonbury 2023: Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of set

Monday 26 June 2023 16:40 , Nicole Vassell

Debbie Harry led the rock band to a smashing third-ever set at Glastonbury on Sunday afternoon with a set that featured timeless hits such as “One Way or Another” and “Heart of Glass”.

Here’s Ben Bryant’s full, four-star take:

Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review

Kelis review, Glastonbury Festival 2023: A sublime, genre-hopping performance that is more party than show

Monday 26 June 2023 16:20 , Nicole Vassell

Kelis’s first headline set at Glastonbury went down a right treat on Friday, as she brought all the boys (and girls, and everyone else) to the yard of the West Holts Stage.

With performances of bangers including “Milkshake”, “Caught Out There” and “Bossy”, the 43-year-old popstar and professional chef had the audience in the mood for a party.

Read Kate Hutchinson’s review below:

Kelis delivers a sublime Glastonbury set that is more party than show – review

Watch: Rina Sawayama appears to call out The 1975 frontman Matty Healy over podcast controversy

Monday 26 June 2023 16:00 , Nicole Vassell

Lewis Capaldi devastated as he suffers vocal issues during Glastonbury Pyramid Stage set

Monday 26 June 2023 15:45 , Nicole Vassell

ICYMI: Lewis Capaldi performed on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday afternoon, but became visibly frustrated after he began to suffer vocal issues.

The Scottish singer-songwriter told the audience he was beginning to lose his voice ahead of performing his No 1 hit, “Someone You Loved”. Capaldi was also experiencing a series of physical tics.

Luckily, the audience was on hand to sing along in his place while he rested, resulting in one of the most moving moments of Glastonbury 2023.

Louis Chilton reports:

Lewis Capaldi devastated as he suffers vocal issues during Glastonbury set

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Monday 26 June 2023 15:30 , Nicole Vassell

Whether you were down at Worthy Farm or watching from home, there are plenty of readers currently thinking about how they can be a part of the action next year.

Megan Graye has the lowdown on how to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024:

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Watch: Elton John brings out Brandon Flowers as third special guest

Monday 26 June 2023 15:15 , Nicole Vassell

Home time

Monday 26 June 2023 15:00 , Nicole Vassell

Most Glastonbury-goers have made their way homebound now – here are some of those who travelled via train, arriving at London Paddington today.

‘You will be in my heart and soul forever’: Elton John’s thank-you after farewell performance

Monday 26 June 2023 14:35 , Nicole Vassell

Elton John has shared a heartfelt message following last night’s headline set at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the 76-year-old star thanked the festival and the audience for taking part in his acclaimed performance, billed as his final-ever show in the UK.

“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,” John wrote. “You will be in my heart and soul forever.

“UK, what a farewell. I love you,” he concluded, adding emoji of a hand waving and the Union Jack.

‘Read the room’: Elton John fans infuriated by Piers Morgan’s Glastonbury commentary

Monday 26 June 2023 14:15 , Nicole Vassell

Never one to sit out a cultural moment, Piers Morgan has shared his thoughts on Elton John’s Pyramid Stage set.

“Is Elton having to read the words to all his own songs?” he asked online, much to the ire of John’s fans.

Here’s Megan Graye with the full report:

Elton John fans infuriated by Piers Morgan’s Glastonbury commentary

Elton John’s farewell at Glastonbury breaks festival record for viewing figures

Monday 26 June 2023 13:45 , Nicole Vassell

And if the conversation around Elton John’s set couldn’t get better, it has now been announced as the most-watched broadcast in Glastonbury history, raking in more than 7 million viewers across the BBC.

The viewership for his performance far beats that of Guns N’ Roses on Saturday (just above 1 million) and Arctic Monkeys on Friday (1.5 million).

Full report here:

Elton John’s farewell at Glastonbury breaks festival record for viewing figures

Yusuf / Cat Stevens and The Chicks review, Glastonbury 2023

Monday 26 June 2023 13:30 , Nicole Vassell

Though everyone loved Elton, he wasn’t the only act to dazzle on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday.

Yusuf, otherwise known as Cat Stevens, and The Chicks also performed to a large crowd – here’s the official review on both:

Cat Stevens comes across as a folk Nile Rodgers in legendary Glastonbury set– review

Watch: Blondie performs ‘One Way or Another’ at Glastonbury 2023

Monday 26 June 2023 13:15 , Nicole Vassell

Too cool to love these acts 10 years ago? This year’s Glastonbury is for you

Monday 26 June 2023 13:00 , Nicole Vassell

Adam White, a person whose Glastonbury experience goes back to his single-digit ages, returned to the festival this year for the first time since he was seven.

For him, it was a weekend (and some change) full of nostalgia – and perfect for guests old enough to have shrugged at the headliners 10 years ago.

Too cool to love these acts 10 years ago? This year’s Glastonbury is for you

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

Monday 26 June 2023 12:40 , Nicole Vassell

If you caught Elton John’s Pyramid Stage performance on TV last night and were taken aback by the sheer size of the crowd, you were not alone.

People on social media were wowed not only by the fabulous showcase from the Rocket Man himself, but by just how many people were present to watch John give his farewell UK performance.

Annabel Nugent reports:

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

Billy Nomates asks BBC to take down Glastonbury footage after wave of ‘personal abuse’

Monday 26 June 2023 12:20 , Nicole Vassell

ICYMI: Singer-songwriter Billy Nomates asked the BBC to remove footage of her Glastonbury 2023 set after being hit with a wave of online abuse.

The 33-year-old performer, real name Tor Maries, played on Park Stage on Friday afternoon (23 June). Yet, when footage of the set was posted online, it wasn’t long before she requested it to be taken down after she was trolled by social media users.

Louis Chilton has the story in full:

Billy Nomates asks BBC to take down Glastonbury footage after ‘personal abuse’

Guns N’ Roses review, Glastonbury 2023: Frontrunners for the worst Glasto headline set of all time

Monday 26 June 2023 12:00 , Nicole Vassell

ICYMI: Yikes – Guns N’ Roses’s headline set on the Pyramid Stage didn’t go down well with some audiences, including The Independent’s reviewer Mark Beaumont.

Axl Rose’s voice was a particular point of harsh criticism, as Beaumont said the rocker’s verbal enunciation sounded “as if chronically constipated”.

He added: “He flips between a lower register that resembles a clogged lawnmower and a higher one that sounds like Barry Gibb suffering the mother of all wedgies.”

Review in full here:

Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review

Lana Del Rey review, Glastonbury 2023: A promising performance with a devastating end

Monday 26 June 2023 11:45 , Nicole Vassell

Oh, Lana. The California-based vocalist’s set started well... but ended with her mic being cut off mid-run, due to her running out of time.

Sadly, what began with promise wound up a disappointment – here’s Ben Bryant’s take in full:

Lana Del Rey’s Glasto set was a promising performance with a devastating end - review

A dedication to Elton

Monday 26 June 2023 11:30 , Nicole Vassell

You know you’ve done something right when you get an All On The Board tribute – and today, that honour goes to Elton John.

The Twitter account, which shares pictures of heartfelt messages written on noticeboards at London tube stations, posted a special message in recognition of John’s set at Glastonbury last night – his farewell UK performance.

Check it out below:

Watch: Elton John superfans queue up at 4am to get front row for his Glastonbury set

Monday 26 June 2023 11:15 , Nicole Vassell

People wasted no time in securing their spot for Elton John’s headline set last night – some even started queuing at 4am – a good 17 hours ahead of time!

Lil Nas X review, Glastonbury 2023: Grammy-winner injects some needed oomph into a mostly sedate weekend

Monday 26 June 2023 11:00 , Nicole Vassell

The “Old Town Road” star took the Pyramid Stage by storm on Sunday as the penultimate performer of the evening.

According to our reviewer Ben Bryant, Lil Nas X more than lived up to his reputation for an exciting and inventive show.

Here’s his four-star review in full:

Lil Nas X injects some needed oomph into a pretty sedate Glastonbury weekend – review

Watch: Rina Sawayama sings ‘Don't Go Breaking My Heart’ with Elton John

Monday 26 June 2023 10:45 , Nicole Vassell

The Rocket Man has long been a supporter of Rina Sawayama, so it didn’t come as a massive surprise when he invited her to join him on stage for this fabulous cover of his 1976 hit, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”.

Glastonbury 2023 – the highlight reel

Monday 26 June 2023 10:30 , Nicole Vassell

From Lana’s lateness to the glitz and glamour of Elton John’s on-stage retirement party, Glastonbury 2023 was one to remember.

Here’s a rundown of the highlights from this year’s fun at Worthy Farm:

Glastonbury highlights: Elton John’s last UK show to Lana Del Rey booed off stage

Glastonbury clean-up begins as thousands leave Worthy Farm

Monday 26 June 2023 10:15 , Nicole Vassell

Every year, hundreds of volunteers participate in a post-Glastonbury clean-up drive dedicated to ensuring that the working farm in Somerset is completely free of litter and debris left behind by campers.

Now that the festival’s officially over, the clean-up has begun.

Peony Hirwani has more:

Glastonbury clean-up begins as thousands leave Worthy Farm

Sophie Ellis-Bextor review, Glastonbury 2023: Pop singer dispenses disco bangers and sequinned vibes

Monday 26 June 2023 10:00 , Nicole Vassell

There was no shortage of sequin fabulosity when Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday afternoon.

In his review, Adam White said she embodied the spirit of your favourite primary school teacher who just happens to moonlight as a pop star – pretty darn delightful.

Here’s his take in full:

Sophie Ellis-Bextor dispenses disco bangers and irresistible sequinned vibes – review

Time to say goodbye...

Monday 26 June 2023 09:45 , Nicole Vassell

...and here’s some official advice for all those driving home from the festival.

Glastonbury big clean-up underway as thousands pick up trash at Worthy Farm

Monday 26 June 2023 09:30 , Nicole Vassell

And after the party’s over... comes the clean-up.

Blondie review, Glastonbury 2023: Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of set

Monday 26 June 2023 09:00 , Peony Hirwani

Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review

Rick Astley brands Glastonbury crowd the ‘loveliest’ ever

Monday 26 June 2023 08:30 , Peony Hirwani

ICYMI: Rick Astley has called Glastonbury revellers the “loveliest crowd” he has ever played in front of, but joked even his debut performance at the festival could not make him “cool”.

Read more:

Rick Astley brands Glastonbury crowd the ‘loveliest’ ever

Elton John review, Glastonbury 2023: The glitziest, most high-energy retirement party the world has ever seen

Monday 26 June 2023 08:00 , Peony Hirwani

People were ready for a spectacle and the Rocket Man delivered.

Kate Hutchinson writes.

At Glastonbury, Elton John throws the world’s greatest retirement party – review

All the best fashion at Glastonbury 2023

Monday 26 June 2023 07:30 , Peony Hirwani

Glastonbury 2023: All the best fashion at the biggest UK festival of the year

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Monday 26 June 2023 07:00 , Peony Hirwani

If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year, here’s how you can be in with a chance of securing them in 2024.

How to get tickets for Glastonbury 2024

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

Monday 26 June 2023 06:30 , Peony Hirwani

Viewers at home have been left in awe of the size of the crowd who gathered to watch Elton John’s headline performance at Glastonbury.

Read more:

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

ICYMI

Monday 26 June 2023 06:00 , Peony Hirwani

A man in his 40s died at Glastonbury after a “medical incident” on the festival site in the early hours of Sunday morning (25 June).

Read more:

Man dies at Glastonbury Festival after ‘medical incident’

Surprise guests and all the hits: Elton John closes out Glastonbury 2023 with a spectacular farewell show

Monday 26 June 2023 05:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John closes out Glastonbury 2023 with a spectacular farewell show

Elton John pays tribute to late George Michael on his birthday during Glastonbur

Monday 26 June 2023 05:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Lizzo review, Glastonbury 2023: Life-affirming performance leaves you baffled as to why she wasn’t a headliner

Monday 26 June 2023 04:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Lizzo’s Glastonbury set leaves you baffled as to why she didn’t headline – review

Steven Sanchez announced by Elton John as second special guest for Glastonbury set

Monday 26 June 2023 04:25 , Peony Hirwani

Elton John introduces Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk as his first special guest

Monday 26 June 2023 03:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Lana Del Rey review, Glastonbury 2023: A promising performance with a devastating end

Monday 26 June 2023 03:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Lana Del Rey’s Glasto set was a promising performance with a devastating end - review

Guns N’ Roses review, Glastonbury 2023: Frontrunners for the worst Glasto headline set of all time

Monday 26 June 2023 02:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Guns N’ Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time - review

Elton John brings out Brandon Flowers as third special guest

Monday 26 June 2023 02:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Arctic Monkeys review, Glastonbury 2023: Alex Turner croons his way through crowdpleasers and subversive showmanship

Monday 26 June 2023 01:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Arctic Monkeys at Glastonbury was a masterclass in subversive showmanship – review

Elton John: All the guest acts invited for bumper Glastonbury set

Monday 26 June 2023 01:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John’s full setlist for his Glastonbury 2023 performance

Monday 26 June 2023 00:30 , Roisin O'Connor

Full setlist for Elton John at Glastonbury 2023

Rina Sawayama sings ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ with Elton John

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:58 , Roisin O'Connor

The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers joins Elton John at Glastonbury for rousing performance of ‘Tiny Dancer’

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:41 , Roisin O'Connor

Brandon Flowers joins Elton John at Glastonbury for ‘Tiny Dancer’

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:22 , Roisin O'Connor

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

I am speechless

Sunday 25 June 2023 23:07 , Roisin O'Connor

Partly at the audacity of the crowd chanting “one more song”. You want one more song after THAT?! Come on guys, what do you think he was going to follow with? Honestly. But what a show, what a showman. Kate Hutchinson is reviewing Elton for us tonight, and we’ll have that with you very shortly. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and soak in the gloriousness that was Elton John’s headline show on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Let’s get some more reactions in

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:52 , Roisin O'Connor

And we have 15 minutes to go...!

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:49 , Roisin O'Connor

“I’ve had the most incredible time, and I will never forget you in my heart and in my soul,” Elton tells the audience. “Thank you so much Glastonbury.”

I rest my case

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:47 , Roisin O'Connor

This is categorically one of the greatest Glastonbury sets in history

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:31 , Roisin O'Connor

I can’t believe there’s only 30 minutes left of Elton’s two-hour set - it feels as though it’s only been 10 seconds?! And you know why that is, right? Because he doesn’t give you a second to feel bored, not one moment. This is a masterclass in entertainment, I hope the other Glastonbury headliners are watching carefully and taking notes.

This Hell is better... without you?

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:21 , Roisin O'Connor

A certain 1975 frontman is probably feeling mighty uncomfortable right now, given Sawayama called him out (not by name, by it was clear who she was referring to), during her set yesterday:

Rina Sawayama publicly calls out Matty Healy at Glastonbury Festival

Rina Sawayama joins Elton John for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart"

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:20 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John brings out Rina Sawayama, who played a belter of a set on the Woodsies stage last night, for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. Elton has supported her basically since her career first began, so it’s no surprise that she should be one of his guest stars.

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John’s Pyramid Stage concert

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:17 , Roisin O'Connor

Viewers at home have been left in awe of the size of the crowd who gathered to watch Elton John’s headline performance at Glastonbury.

On Sunday evening (25 June), the musician played the Pyramid stage, delighting his audience with performances of hit songs including 1973’s “Benny and the Jets” and “Your Song”.

The 76-year-old is the last of three headliners to play at Worthy Farm, Somerset this weekend. His show follows sets from Guns n’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys, who played on Saturday (24 June) and Friday (23 June), respectively.

My colleague Annabel Nugent reports:

Glastonbury viewers stunned at ‘insane’ crowd size for Elton John concert

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:14 , Roisin O'Connor

The next musical guest is The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers!

Sunday 25 June 2023 22:13 , Roisin O'Connor

This is amazing, so Brandon Flowers, whom Elton met in Las Vegas back in 2005, is joining him on stage right now for “Tiny Dancer”.

Elton John’s next guest is... Stephen Sanchez!

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:59 , Roisin O'Connor

OK so “save for one person”, Elton’s musical guests are younger artists, a display of his utter dedication to new music, which is one of my favourite things about him.

So the next guess is US musician Stephen Sanchez, who delivers quite a beautiful tribute to Elton’s kindness and generosity (I teared up) before beginning a rendition of his song “Until I Found You”, one of the best singles of 2022 and, quite recently, a viral sensation on TikTok.

Elton John introduces Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk as his first special guest

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:49 , Roisin O'Connor

A sublime performance from Jacob Lusk, who looked as though he was bricking it in those first few moments

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:44 , Roisin O'Connor

Dressed in his resplendent hot pink suit, Jacob Lusk did look VERY nervous as he looked out at the (100,000? more) people in the audience. I thought he might have been half a beat or so behind but he swiftly caught up, and then got into the swing of things for a tremendous gospel-backed finish.

First surprise guest revealed!

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:39 , Roisin O'Connor

And Elton’s first guest is Jacob Lusk of the band Gabriels, along with a gospel choir, here to sing “Are You Ready For Love”! What an astonishing moment for Lusk, whose band have been on the rise for the past year or so. If you needed anything to help boost your popularity, this would do it.

Let’s see what you’re all saying about Elton’s performance on Twitter

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:38 , Roisin O'Connor

There’s a lot of noise about the crowd size:

Spotted: Elton John’s husband watching with their sons, Zachary and Elijah, plus Lewis Hamilton and director Sam Taylor-Johnson

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:32 , Roisin O'Connor

Elton John’s full setlist for his Glastonbury 2023 performance

Monday 26 June 2023 00:13 , Roisin O'Connor

Full setlist for Elton John at Glastonbury 2023

Some pictures of the absolute scenes unfolding right now

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:28 , Roisin O'Connor

The sun is going down but no one’s going to bed anytime soon

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:22 , Roisin O'Connor

I’m working from home in Folkestone and I’m convinced I can hear the rapturous applause from here. John is on absolutely superb form: his voice has a wonderfully rich timbre to it, the keys on his piano sound bright and sharp, and the band are loving life, soaking up the adulation from the crowds.

Thunderous applause for Elton John as he greets his audience

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:14 , Roisin O'Connor

“Oh wow, I never thought I’d ever play Glastonbury. But here I am, and it’s a very emotional night for me, because it might be my last ever show in Britain... so I’d better play well,” John says, before careening into “Benny and the Jets”!!

The biggest fomo I’ve ever experienced

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:10 , Roisin O'Connor

Genuinely, I’m already close to tears at the euphoria we’re witnessing tonight. John has kicked off with a sizzling rendition of “Pinball Wizard”, his 1975 cover of The Who’s track.

Is everyone sitting comfortable?

Sunday 25 June 2023 21:03 , Roisin O'Connor

Here we go! I’m already convinced that this is going to be one of the best Glastonbury sets in living memory. Come on, Rocket Man!

What a crowd!

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:59 , Annabel Nugent

It seems everyone has come to see the Rocket Man’s last-ever show!

Not long now...

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:52 , Annabel Nugent

Just eight more minutes until these Elton fans get their fill!

T-minus 26 minutes until Elton John takes the stage!

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:34 , Annabel Nugent

Roni Size at midnight?

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:23 , Annabel Nugent

Mark Beaumont on Cat Stevens, and Adam White on The Chicks

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:18 , Annabel Nugent

Cat Stevens comes across as a folk Nile Rodgers in legendary Glastonbury set– review

ICYMI

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:17 , Annabel Nugent

Here’s Ben Bryant with a four-star review of Blondie...

Debbie Harry whips the crowd into a frenzy with this best-of-Blondie set – review

Here’s what on right now...

Sunday 25 June 2023 20:12 , Annabel Nugent

The Other Stage: The War on Drugs 19:45 – 20:45

West Holts Stage: Candi Staton 20:00 – 21:00

The Park Stage: Thundercat 19:45 – 20:45

Woodsies: Caroline Polachek 20:00 – 21:00

The Acoustic Stage: Gilbert O’sullivan 20:00 – 21:00

Arcadia: Dubkasm 20:15 – 21:00

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website