Elton John returns to Brazil with a nostalgia-filled Rock in Rio set

Elton John returned to Brazil and filled Rock in Rio with nostalgia, performing for more than 100,000 people at a one-off show in Rio de Janeiro.

The 79-year-old British pianist and composer reunited with Brazilian fans after completing the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, a 330-concert farewell that lasted five years. He had not included Latin America in that final tour, making the Rock in Rio appearance a return that his audience had been waiting for.

"Good evening, Rio. Good evening, Brazil," Elton John told the crowd after opening with "Funeral for a Friend" and "Love Lies Bleeding." He also performed "Sacrifice," "Rocket Man," "Bennie and the Jets" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues."

“

Good evening, Rio. Good evening, Brazil.

The audience embraced the occasion with elaborate glasses and sequined outfits recalling some of the singer's most iconic looks. Concertgoers sang along with the videos shown behind the stage, while the cold was offset by the crowd's warmth and the rain that had troubled the previous day did not return.

Elton John's performance closed the festival's fourth day, which also featured Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil. At 84, Gil presented part of his Tempo Rei farewell tour after 65 years on stage. A veteran of the first Rock in Rio in 1985, he told the audience, "This may be my last performance here. I'm tired, we'll see." The crowd refused to accept the suggestion and heard classics including "Toda Menina Baiana," "Andar com Fé" and "Realce," along with songs by Bob Marley and Rita Lee.

“

This may be my last performance here. I'm tired, we'll see.