A look back at some of Elton John's most iconic performances
His career has spanned more than five decades
Legendary singer Elton John has captured the attention of the world throughout his incredible career, over the last 50+ years. Elton became the first artist to secure a Top 10 UK single across six different decades and it's not surprising as he's now released more than 70 songs.
From releasing 'Your Song' and kicking off his first world tour in 1970, Elton has given us some of the most memorable live performances of all time, including his fantastic performance at Glastonbury 2023, where he brought out several special guests. Now as the singer has re-released his iconic autobiographical album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy', let's relive the magic of his performances as we recap some of the most famous concerts...
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 1970, performing around London before moving on to America, where he performed at the Troubadour Club in West Hollywood. He finished the tour in December 1970, returning to London for his final night.
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.
In 1974, his tour set list included songs such as 'Candle In The Wind', 'Rocket Man', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', 'Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)' and many more of his hits released in previous years.
Watch Elton John performing in December 1974.
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 as part of his 'Louder Than Concorde Tour'. The tour saw him performing across the world starting in the UK in cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Preston, before moving on to London, Glasgow and Cardiff.
He then started the US leg of his tour, where he performed in many cities, ending in New York City four months after he started his tour.
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. This is the only live performance of that version of the song that he's done publicly.
Watch Elton John perform at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.
Elton John - 2006
In 2006 between May and September, Elton John was on tour in Europe, performing a string of 19 shows in Ireland, Germany and France with the majority in England. The setlist featured many of his biggest hits such as 'Rocket Man' and 'Tiny Dancer'.
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 that 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, as part of his 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' tour, 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's 'Captain Fantastic (50th Anniversary Edition)' is out now
A collection of Elton John's biggest career moments