Elton John to headline Rock In Rio in rare one-off performance following retirement: “I really cannot wait to return to Brazil”
Elton John has announced a one-off appearance in Brazil at Rock In Rio festival.
Since retiring in 2023 following the conclusion of his epic Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which amassed over 300 dates and took five years to complete, John has continued to play occasional live shows.
This year, he performed at the Singapore Grand Prix, paid tribute to the late Brian Wilson at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, and headlined a charity fundraiser in San Diego.
In 2026, John has confirmed his return to Brazil after a decade, and will headline the closing night of Rock In Rio on September 7th.
In a statement, John acknowledged leaving Brazil from his farewell tour, and hopes this show will make up for the lost time, sharing, “I’ve always had a fantastic time whenever we’ve played in Brazil. 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. I love my Brazilian fans, they hold such a special place in my heart.”
John continued, “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.”
At this stage, no further acts have been announced for Rock In Rio 2026.
Although he still plans to play the occasional live date, John confirmed in February during an interview on BBC Radio 2 that he remains retired from touring and vowed never to return to the road.
“I don’t miss playing live at all. I do not miss playing live. Fact. I do not miss it one iota. I’ve done some private shows where I, you know, to keep my chops ready, and that’s been great,” he told host Scott Mills.
The ‘Rocket Man’ continued: “But no, I don’t miss it, I dread it. I have to keep playing music and I will make other records and I will be doing different sorts of records […] It is the end of the live music, yes.”
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