Elton John paid a heartfelt tribute to the late George Michael on what would have been his 60th birthday during his Sunday night headline performance at Glastonbury.
The Rocket Man hitmaker was left emotional when he dedicated his performance of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me to the legendary performer, who passed away in 2016.
“It’s a very, very special day today and I wonder how I’m going to approach it,” he said. “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.”
It was one of a number of surprises Elton had in store for the massive crowd, opening his set with Pinball Wizard before playing The Bitch Is Back
“I never thought I would ever play Glastonbury and here I am,” he admitted. “It’s a very special and emotional night for me because it might be my last show ever in England, so I had better play well, and I had better entertain you, you’ve been standing there so long, and I really appreciate all the outfits and everything.”
Elton was joined by Jacob Lusk of Gabriels and The London Community Gospel Choir for Are You Ready For Love?, while Stephen Sanchez for a rendition of Sanchez’s song Until I Found You.
Meanwhile, The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers took to the stage to help him perform Tiny Dancer – the track he recently reworked with Britney Spears – while Rina Sawayama took the place of Kiki Dee on Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
His set also included classics such as I’m Still Standing, Crocodile Rock and Candle In The Wind, with footage of Marilyn Monroe playing in the background.
