Elton John enthralls Glastonbury in final UK show

AFP

Elton John enthralled a massive Glastonbury crowd on Sunday night in possibly his last show in Britain, delighting loyal fans but disappointing others who had hoped for star guest appearances.

The flamboyant British singer's performance followed two sun-drenched days at the famous music festival in southwest England, where tens of thousands of fans heard Guns N' Roses, the Arctic Monkeys, the Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Lewis Capaldi and others.

"Oh wow. I never thought I'd ever play Glastonbury. And here I am," John, who wore a glittery golden jacket and rose-tinted glasses, said during the start of his first appearance at Worthy Farm.

"It’s a very special and emotional night for me because it may be my last show ever in England and Great Britain."

He welcomed four guests at various stages of his show: singers Jacob Lusk, Stephen Sanchez and Rina Sawayama; and Brandon Flowers of rock band The Killers, with whom John performed Tiny Dancer to a rapturous crowd.

Some fans were expecting more star power after last year's Glastonbury, in which Paul McCartney was joined on the Pyramid stage by surprise guests Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl.

"As an Elton fan, I thought he was great, but maybe the guests could have been bigger," said Bex Whiting, 35, who was wearing a sparkly, rainbow-coloured jacket in tribute to John's trademark appearance.

"I hate to say that, since he championed some real, local people, like Rina Sawayama. But I think there was a lot of talk in the crowd that it's going to be Britney or Eminem or big names."

John, 76, is nearing the end of his final tour, of which Glastonbury was the last British show.

"I want to thank you all for dressing up in your costumes and your glasses and your outfits," he told the sea of humanity before him, which was punctuated by many in glittery outfits and glasses.

"I want to thank you also for 52 years of amazing love and loyalty that you've shown me. It's been an incredible journey, and I've had the best, best time."

More from Entertainment

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Score

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport.

  • The Music Mix

    9:00pm - 11:00pm

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!