A look back at some of Elton John's most iconic performances

His career has spanned more than five decades

Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 31st Aug 2024

Music legend Elton John has captured the attention of the world throughout his incredible career, so it came as no surprise that the singer became the first artist to secure a Top 10 UK single across six different decades. After his last ever UK show at Glastonbury 2023, we thought we'd take a look back at some of the singer's most iconic performances ever.

From kicking off his first world tour in 1970, to his epic 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour - which he started way back in 2018 - Elton has given us some of the most memorable live performances of all time. Re-live the magic as we recap some of the most famous...

Take a look at some of Elton John's iconic performances:

Elton John - 1970s

In 1970, Elton John embarked on a world tour to support his self-titled second album.
Elton started the tour in March and finished in December 1970.


Watch Elton John performing in 1970.

Elton John - 1974

Elton John on his North American Tour in 1974.
Despite having a year 'off' in 1973, Elton and his band launched their biggest American tour yet, which was his eighth in just four years.


Watch Elton John performing in December 1974.

Elton John - 1974

In 1974, his tour set list included:
'Funeral For A Friend'/'Love Lies Bleeding'
'Candle In The Wind'
'Grimsby'
'Rocket Man'
'Take Me To The Pilot'
'Bennie And The Jets'
'Daniel'
'Grey Seal'
'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'
'Burn Down The Mission'
'You're So Static'
'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds'
'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'
'Honky Cat'
'All The Girls Love Alice'
'Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)'
'Crocodile Rock'
'Your Song'
'The B--h Is Back'

Elton John and John Lennon at Madison Square Garden, NYC

Two iconic singers, Elton John and John Lennon, are pictured here at The Record Plant, NYC, where they recorded their track 'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night' - two days before the Madison Square Garden show on 28th November 1974.


Watch Elton John and John Lennon perform at Madison Square Garden in 1974.

Elton John - 1976

Elton John gave a spectacular performance at the Capitol Center, Washington DC, in July 1976.

Elton John at Princess Diana's funeral - 1997

Following the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Elton John re-wrote his iconic song 'Candle in the Wind' and performed it at her funeral which was held at Westminster Abbey.


Watch Elton John perform at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.

Elton John - 2006

In 2006, Elton John was on tour in Europe, performing a string of 19 shows in Ireland, Germany and France with the majority in England.


Watch Elton John performing in 2006.

Elton John - 2008

After finishing his European tour in 2006, Elton went on to start an epic tour in September 2006, continuing until January 2008.
The tour called 'The Captain and the Kid Tour' saw him performing in the USA and Canada before going on to Europe and then to South Africa.

Elton John and Lady Gaga stop traffic in West Hollywood - 2016

The Elton John stopped traffic in California in 2016 performing at a pop-up concert where he brought out Lady Gaga as a special guest.
Performing a whole host of hits including 'Rocket Man' and 'Saturday' Elton John held the concert to thank the city of West Hollywood for supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation and its Academy Awards Viewing Party over many years.


Watch Elton John and Lady Gaga perform together in 2016.

Elton John and Olly Alexander - 2021

Elton John took to the stage alongside Years & Years star Olly Alexander at the 2021 BRIT Awards, with the pair performing a rendition of Pet Shop Boys' hit song 'It's A Sin'.


The star-studded performance reportedly came about after Elton was inspired by Olly's performance as Ritchie Tozer in Channel 4's hard-hitting drama It's A Sin earlier this year.


Watch Elton John and Olly Alexander perform together in 2021.

2023: Glastonbury Festival

Sir Elton gave the performance of a lifetime at Glastonbury 2023 - somehow having never played there before! The incredible two-hour set marked Elton's final live performance in the UK, featuring all his classics as well as some duets with other artists.

Watch Elton John perform 'Rocket Man' at Glastonbury 2023.

Read more:

Elton John: The man who gave us 'Sacrifice' and 'Your Song'

Elton John announces brand new documentary featuring an unheard original song

A collection of Elton John's biggest career moments

How to listen to Greatest Hits Radio:

Listen to Greatest Hits Radio on the free Rayo app, online or on your DAB digital radio. You can also listen on your smart speaker by saying “Play Greatest Hits Radio”.