Sir Elton John to shut Glastonbury with ‘completely unique’ set
G
lastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has teased particulars of Sir Elton John’s Pyramid stage present, saying the singer has been “carving out a set that’s going to be completely unique” to the competition.
The Rocket Man singer will give a historic efficiency to shut the 2023 competition on Sunday evening, with a present that has been billed as the ultimate UK gig of his farewell tour.
Speaking to the Glastonbury Free Press, the competition’s on-site newspaper, Eavis mentioned: “What a send-off that’s going to be. I cannot wait to welcome him in and show him what Glastonbury is all about.”
In an interview on Saturday, she advised the newspaper, which revealed editions on Thursday and Sunday, that Sir Elton had been “very involved”.
She mentioned: “We have so many artists playing here and often we don’t have much direct contact. But Elton has been very involved and we’ve worked really closely. He’s so excited and engaged with what Glastonbury is.”
Eavis revealed the singer had known as her “out of the blue” too, saying: “Which has been quite surreal. Standing there in the farmhouse chatting to Elton while trying to get the kids ready for school, or whatever. But he’s been absolutely lovely.
“He’s been carving out a set that’s going to be completely unique to Glastonbury.
“I love his love for doing that. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s going to be amazing.”
The veteran musician, 76, has promised followers a wholly new present that can function 4 “special guests” who’re but to be confirmed.
After travelling the globe on his marathon Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour over the previous few years, Sir Elton has mentioned Glastonbury could be a “fitting way” to say goodbye to his British followers.
Throughout the tour, the megastar has handled followers to elaborate exhibits stuffed with extravagant costumes, spectacular visuals and classics from his catalogue together with Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, and Your Song.
Speculation about his friends has been rife after his husband David Furnish revealed the news earlier this week, with followers theorising he could also be joined on stage by Harry Styles, Billy Joel, Ed Sheeran, and even US pop star Britney Spears.
Dua Lipa can be an possibility, having already appeared on stage throughout Sir Elton’s ultimate US present on the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium final yr, alongside Brandi Carlile.
Temperatures are attributable to keep excessive once more on Sunday, although Sir Elton’s headline efficiency could also be vulnerable to rain, with the Met Office warning of an “increasing risk of showers” into the night.
A spokesperson for the Met Office advised the PA news company circumstances could be “warm and largely dry, with sunny spells” for a lot of the day, and temperatures are anticipated to succeed in 25C.
Other acts enjoying on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday embrace Blondie, Lil Nas X and Yusuf/Cat Stevens, who can be filling the coveted tea-time legends slot.
South African band The Joy had been attributable to open the Other Stage on Sunday however have needed to pull out of their 11am slot on the final minute, with Mother Sky changing them.
Saturday noticed one other batch of big-name performers take to the stage, together with mainstage headliners Guns N’ Roses, who made their debut on the competition.
The US rockers, consisting of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, powered by way of their intensive catalogue throughout their two-hour-plus set enjoying hit tracks together with Live And Let Die, Knockin On Heaven’s Door, Sweet Child O Mine, and November Rain.
To shut the set they invited Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl on stage to assist play an explosive rendition of Paradise City.
Grohl had appeared earlier on Saturday as a visitor for The Pretenders, having additionally beforehand carried out a secret slot with Foo Fighters on Friday.
On The Other Stage, US singer Lana Del Rey was pressured to guide followers in an a cappella efficiency of her ultimate track Video Games after energy to her microphone was reduce.
Del Rey apologised profusely to followers, urging them to assist her sing the monitor after which happening to fulfill and greet them, after having began the set half-hour late.
The delay got here after experiences the Born To Die singer was not impressed she was not initially billed as the primary act on the stage for Saturday on the primary line-up poster.
The poster had been listed in alphabetical order, with Del Rey that includes additional down however not marking her out because the headline act for The Other Stage.
Del Rey was additionally beset with an obvious technical problem throughout her efficiency, which pressured her to restart her track White Mustang, and later passed over performing Venice Bitch.
Earlier on Saturday, Rick Astley opened the Pyramid Stage, performing a Harry Styles cowl and likewise displaying off his drumming expertise as he made his debut on the competition.
Tilda Swinton joined composer and pianist Max Richter on the Park Stage to offer spoken phrase alongside his classical set, and Labour’s shadow local weather secretary Ed Miliband appeared on a panel in a chat known as One Minute To Midnight: Can Politics Deliver On Climate Action?.