As the sun went down on Glastonbury on Sunday evening, Sir Elton John lived up to his legendary status with an incredible swansong that enthralled festival-goers.
Easily regarded as the best headliner of the weekend, the 76-year-old bid farewell during his last ever UK show with iconic hits such as Bennie and the Jets, Your Song, I’m Still Standing and Rocket Man, to name a few.
The performance marked a historic moment in British music history as Elton got ready to set down his mic from touring in the UK after 54 years, previously saying back in 2018: “It’s time to come off the road so I can fully embrace the next chapter of my life.”
Addressing the huge crowd at the Pyramid stage, he admitted: “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 ever show in England, so I better play well and entertain you as you’ve been standing there so long.”
Yet during his set, there were a number of surprising moments that fans might have missed because of his riveting performances…
Adorable proposal in the crowd
One couple made the most of Elton’s gig as a man got down on one knee during his duet with The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers for 1971 hit Tiny Dancer.
BBC cameras spotted the moment the man got down in front of his girlfriend, who looked shocked and delighted, as he popped the question in the middle of the crowd.
As other festival-goers pulled out their phones to film the moment, the pair embraced and celebrated in the moment.
Those watching at home tweeted about the proposal, woth one writing: “Was that an audience proposal during ‘Tiny Dancer? If so, cute.”
While another commented: “Oh god the proposal has sent me over the edge, getting a bit dusty in here #Elton #Glastonbury.”
Dua Lipa snub
Fans were left a little baffled after Dua Lipa failed to show up to perform her track Cold Heart with Elton on stage.
Instead, the songstress’ pre-recorded vocals played out as he sang along to the song alone.
The Guardian’s Laura Snapes wrote of the moment: “He sounds disappointed that Dua Lipa isn’t there to do their 2021 hit Cold Heart, however, and her pre-recorded vocals sound limp in the otherwise febrile atmosphere.”
Fans were not amused either, with one tweeting: “What could Dua Lipa possibly be doing that she had to pass up a guest slot to sing this song with him #EltonJohn.”
While another commented: “Jaysus…did Dua Lipa turn down #EltonJohn or did he not ask her?”
Elton’s wardrobe malfunction
Things didn’t entirely go to plan for the music legend as he addressed the crowd during a bit of an awkward moment.
Stepping out wearing a striking gold tracksuit, he later told the crowd: “Ok, my trousers are falling down, but never mind.”
George Michael tribute
Elton paid a touching tribute to late friend George Michael during his set, which was on what would have been his birthday.
George died aged 53 on Christmas Day in 2016, leaving the music world and millions of fans in mourning.
Honouring the former Wham! singer, Elton said: “This is a very special day today, I wondered how I was going to approach it.
“One of Britain’s most fantastic singers and songwriters was George Michael.
“He was my friend, he was an inspiration, and today would have been his 60th birthday, so I want to dedicate this song to his memory.
“All the music he left us with is so gorgeous, this is for you, George,” before performing Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me, which the pair collaborated on back in 1991.
Paul McCartney singing and filming his performance
It goes to show that one music icon can be starstruck by another music icon, if Paul McCartney’s excitement over Elton’s performance is anything to go by.
The Beatles legend, 81, was spotted watching to the side of the stage, singing and filming a video of the headliner.
Sharing the touching moment, one Twitter user wrote: “Paul McCartney taking a video of Elton John performing Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. This is PRICELESS.”
While another wrote: “Two music legends in one frame! This video is everything I needed to see today.”
Elton’s final farewell to crowd – but is it the end?
Sir Elton closed the show with Rocketman, the song that lent its name to his biopic, with Taron Egerton playing the singer.
He bade farewell to the crowd, saying: “I want to thank you all for dressing up in your costumes, your glasses and your outfits, it makes me feel so happy and so loved.
“I also want to thank you for 52 years of amazing love and loyalty that you’ve shown me. It’s been an incredible journey.
“I’ve had the best time, I will never forget you, you’re in my head and my heart and my soul, you’ve been amazing.
“You’ve been an incredible crowd tonight. I wish you love and health and happiness.”
But is it really the end? Elton previously said that he will still play “the odd gig” even after his farewell tour ended.
Nearing the end of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road five-year swansong, Elton confirmed in April: “I’m not going to tour again.”
But offering hope to fans who missed out, he added: “There may be the odd show…”
Sir Elton said he was looking forward to “a little bit of freedom” after the final Goodbye Yellow Brick Road concert, in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 8,
Credit: MIRROR.UK
