Sir Elton John has promised special guests and a different setlist when he performs at Glastonbury in his last-ever UK gig next month, while admitting he feels “intimidated” to be headlining the famous festival.
The 76-year-old singer is due to headline on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, on Sunday 25 June.
On Tuesday, Sir Elton spoke to BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills, sharing details about his upcoming set and describing the coming show as the “crème de la crème.”
He said: “I have played festivals, and have really enjoyed them.
“But of course Glastonbury is the crème de la crème.
“To be honest with you, it’s the first time I’ve been asked to play it.”
Sir Elton said the festival has come at the “right time” and that it was the perfect way to “sign off”.
He continued: “It’s just come at the right time. I’m a great believer in serendipity and fate – this is the most wonderful way to sign off in England.
“They’ve been wonderful. Emily’s [Eavis, festival co-organiser] been fantastic.”
‘I’m a little intimidated’
The artist also admitted that he was “a little intimidated”.
“I’m a little, not frightened, but I’m a little intimidated by it because I haven’t played there, I haven’t been there,” he said.
The music legend also said his Glastonbury performance would include surprise guests and a “much different” setlist to the rest of his farewell tour.
Sir Elton was confirmed as the first headliner in December 2022.
At the time of the announcement, Glastonbury co-organiser Ms Eavis said in a statement: “It gives me enormous pleasure to let you know that the one and only Elton John will be making his first ever Glastonbury appearance, headlining the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday night next year.
“This will be the final UK show of Elton’s last ever tour, so we will be closing the Festival and marking this huge moment in both of our histories with the mother of all send-offs.”
She added: “We are so very happy to finally bring the Rocket Man to Worthy Farm!”
What songs might Sir Elton John play at Glastonbury this year?
Well, it might be hard to predict which songs the legend will play – but here are some of his previous setlists according to Setlist FM.
During his Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour at the O2 Arena in London, here are the songs Sir Elton performed recently:
• Bennie and the Jets
• Philadelphia Freedom
• I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues
• Border Song
• Tiny Dancer
• Have Mercy on the Criminal
• Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)
• Take Me to the Pilot
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
• Levon
• Candle in the Wind
• Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
• Burn Down the Mission
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
• Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
• Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
• The Bitch Is Back
• I’m Still Standing
• Crocodile Rock
• Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting
Encore:
• Cold Heart
• Your Song
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
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The singer’s 300-plus date worldwide run is due to conclude this summer and will mark his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road.
“As the end of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comes into view, there is no more fitting way to say goodbye to my British fans,” The Rocket Man singer said, after his Glastonbury announcement.
“They have been beyond brilliant, and have supported me through all the highs and lows of my career.”
“Every week I speak to new artists on my radio show and Glastonbury is often cited as a pivotal moment in launching their careers – the festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired,” he added.
