Elton John Ends U.K. Touring Career With Record-Breaking Final Performance

Elton John is done with touring in the U.K. but he went out with a bang as only the Rocketman himself could. John turned 76 this spring, and when he ascended Britain’s famous Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, it was famously billed as his very last U.K. performance. Fortunately, based on reviews, he more than stuck the landing.

John’s global Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was billed as one unlike any other, spanning continents and generations. According to a press release, the shows were designed to “take his audience on a magical journey through his incredible 50-year career with never-before-seen-photos and videos, all set to the tune of some of Elton’s most beloved songs from his legendary catalogue.” For the conclusion, John left audiences on a powerful note.

Elton John welcomes a record-breaking crowd as he wraps up touring in the U.K., possibly forever

When John ascended the stage on Sunday, he was greeted by 120,000 people – and that’s just the number who attended live. Overnight ratings indicate that 7.3 million people turned their tellies to BBC One to watch a live recording of his final show touring in the U.K.

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John was all too aware of the significance of this occasion. It may be an ending, but it was also something totally new for him. “I never thought I’d play Glastonbury – and here I am,” he shared grandly. “It’s a very special and emotional night for me as it may be my last show in England, in Great Britain. I’d better play well and I’d better entertain you because you’ve been standing there so long.”

Ending things in the biggest way possible

Of course, John is no stranger to grandeur, from his iconic wardrobe to his sense of pageantry when he performs. This historic performance was just as spectacular and boasted impressive numbers. His was the biggest overnight audience for a Glastonbury set, according to BBC One. Also, even some of the biggest names couldn’t reach John’s numbers, with Paul McCartney attracting 2.7 million, and Diana Ross having 3.1 million viewers.

John announced the impending end to his life on the road back in 2018, saying, “It’s time to come off the road so I can fully embrace the next chapter of my life.”

Even so, concluding touring in the U.K. will be bittersweet for John. “The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will take us to many places that have meant a lot to me over the last 50 years, but these UK shows will be incredibly special,” he said, adding, “The UK is home, and where my heart will always be.”

For this occasion, John threw out all the hits, opening with “Pinball Wizard,” before launching into the likes of “The Bitch is Back,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” and many more. Have you ever heard these masterpieces performed live? John may be done touring in the U.K., but the show’s not entirely over yet!