Elton John announces an absolutely massive one-off festival show for 2026

26 November 2025, 11:12

Elton John has quit touring but he's still standing (and performing).

Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was one of the biggest in music history.

Over six million tickets were sold for 330 gigs over nine legs in five years, with things wrapping up at Tele2 Arena in Sweden on July 8, 2023.

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But Elton made it pretty clear that while he had officially quit touring after 60 years on the road, he would still be playing the occasional gig when the mood took him.

So he's played a sprinkling of shows since that swansong, taking in usually small-scale gigs, private concerts and special one-offs.

But Sir Elton has now announced what is surely his most high profile concert since the end of that goodbye tour.

Elton John - Rocket Man (Live At Estadio Do Flamengo, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil / 1995)

The legendary singer-songwriter has been announced as the first headliner of next year's Rock in Rio, and will take to the Palco Mundo on September 7, 2026.

"I've always had a fantastic time whenever we've played in Brazil," Sir Elton said.

"I didn't manage to get to South America for the farewell tour, so when Rock In Rio asked me to play, I said yes immediately."

He added: "I love my Brazilian fans, they hold such a special place in my heart.

"The energy these big one-off shows have been giving me since I stopped touring is unbeatable.

"As a band, we’re playing brilliantly and we're sounding as good as we ever have, and, importantly, we're still really loving playing together.

"I really cannot wait to return to Brazil next summer."

Tickets go on general sale on December 9 via Ticketmaster Brasil.