Elton John will perform at Rock In Rio next year despite retiring from touring nearly a decade ago. He will headline the Palco Mundo (World Stage) on September 7 next year and is his only show scheduled to take place in Brazil.
Previously, Elton John had confirmed that would not be touring again after his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour ended in July 2023, but he then later said he would perform “the odd show”, giving fans the chance to see the music icon perform once more. These have included the 50th annual Candelight Concert in the US last December and the opening of the Stonewall National Momument Visitor Center last summer.
In response to the news of Elton John performing at Rock In Rio, the creator and president of the festival Roberto Medina said, “Rock in Rio was born to create unforgettable memories. We’re not just bringing Elton John back — we’re bringing a living legend. Having him on our World Stage is an honour. His journey, legacy, and the power of his music embody everything Rock in Rio stands for: emotion, connection, and the transformative force of art. 2026 will be an emblematic year — and we’re thrilled to welcome one of the greatest artists of all time.”
The pop icon kicked off his Farewell tour back in 2018, and it became one of the most popular events in music history. Spanning over several continents worldwide, the tour showcased Elton Johns’ timeless hits and emotional storytelling. The tour celebrated his five-decade legacy and was a vibrant tribute to this music, impact, and fans who embraced his music over time.
As of January 2023, it became the highest-grossing tour of all time, being the first tour to surpass the $800 million (£649.1 million) mark. It was estimated that by the 330th and final show, the tour hit the $1 billion (£800 million) mark.
Ticket sales for the Rock In Rio Card, which guarantees access to the festival before the full lineup is announced, will open December 9 through Ticketmaster Brazil. Tickets for the event can be found here.
