Elton John has never been to Glastonbury despite headlining festival this year

19 June 2023 , 23:00
1196     0
Sir Elton John has never set foot inside Glastonbury
Sir Elton John has never set foot inside Glastonbury's Worthy Farm before (Image: PYMCA/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Sir Elton John may be a headliner at this year’s Glastonbury Festival but he’s never set foot inside Worthy Farm before.

He will take to the Pyramid Stage this weekend just as he reaches the end of his epic five-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which has seen him perform 333 shows across the globe, making him the highest-earning solo star of all time in the process.

But speaking of the Westcountry festival, which launched in 1970 – the year he released Your Song – he admitted: “I’ve never played it and I’ve never been.”

His confession will surprise many because he’s an avid supporter of new artists and new music.

“It’s the only really important festival for me in the world, to be honest,” he explained in Radio Times. “It’s all about music. Some American ones are good, but some are a bit posey. Glastonbury gives new acts a chance.

Harry Cobden says winning Cheltenham ride on Il Ridoto did not deserve ban eiqeuikdidqzinvHarry Cobden says winning Cheltenham ride on Il Ridoto did not deserve ban
Elton John has never been to Glastonbury despite headlining festival this yearElton will headline the iconic festival's Pyramid stage (Getty Images)

“You can see anything. If you like all sorts of music, there’s something for you there. Everyone has said, ‘You’re gonna love it,’ because there’s such a feeling of love and togetherness.”

He said that the prospect of performing in front of the 200,000-strong audience – with millions more watching on the BBC – was “thrilling”.

“Glastonbury is different. It’s special. It’s a challenge – and life should be full of challenges. I’ve always liked a challenge, and I’ve usually always risen to them.”

If you can't see the poll, click here

Sir Elton, 76, is quitting the road in order to focus on his two sons with husband David Furnish; Zachary, 12, and 10-year-old Elijah.

The whole family will be down to cheer him on as he performs on Sunday – but he says that none of them are packing wellies, even spangly ones.

“No wellies required,” he insists, saying he’s checked the forecast and it looks good in terms of no rain and therefore no mud. “Well, you never know, it might be f***ing knee-deep! But no, I think we’re going to have a really hot summer this year.”

As he looks forward to the next chapter of his life, Sir Elton claims he is the “happiest I’ve ever been”.

Nicola Methven

Festivals, Elton John, Glastonbury Festival

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 18:32 • News
Truck Festival announces epic 2023 lineup with headliners Royal Blood and Alt-J
07.02.2023, 08:40 • Sport
Honeysuckle to swerve Champion Hurdle to bow out in the Mares' Hurdle
07.02.2023, 15:16 • Sport
Edwardstone recovering from bruised foot but on target for Champion Chase
09.02.2023, 09:57 • World
Leonardo DiCaprio's chaotic dating history – Gisele Bundchen to teen Eden Polan
09.02.2023, 13:00 • Sport
France's Cleeve Hurdle winner Gold Tweet to be supplemented for Cheltenham
09.02.2023, 17:04 • Sport
Legendary staying hurdler Baracouda dies at J P McManus' stud at the age of 28
11.02.2023, 16:50 • Sport
Jonbon demoted from Arkle Chase favouritism by El Fabiolo after hard-fought win
14.02.2023, 11:03 • Sport
Council wages "war on wee" to deter public urination during Cheltenham Festival
14.02.2023, 20:00 • Sport
Dan Skelton slams handicapper's "offensive" response to British National entries
16.02.2023, 13:55 • Sport
King Charles 'loved' updates on his only racehorse in training in Australia