Elton John

Elton John declares love for 1D at iTunes Festival

By Sandra Waibl
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Elton John declared his love for One Direction during a storming iTunes festival performance watched by Harry Styles and Alexa Chung last night.

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"Thanks to the fabulous Harry Styles," the legendary singer/songwriter shouted between songs, giving a rambunctious, "I love 1 direction, f**k off," to the packed Roundhouse crowd, which also included Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Stephen Fry and Nick Grimshaw.

The One Direction star, who was indeed in the audience, later posted a snap of the pair backstage together via his Twitter account.

He wrote: "@eltonjohndotcom is a living legend."

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Twitter/Harry_Styles

In a happy and playful mood, John showcased a few songs from his eagerly awaited new album The Diving Board (out Monday 16 September); namely I Can't Stay Alone Tonight, Oscar Wilde Gets Out, Mexican Vacation and Home Again, the latter of which was supported by a choir and a brass ensemble from the Royal Academy Of Music during the encore.

With a band consisting of a drummer and guitarist who have played with him for 25 years, and backing singers that included Sly And The Family Stone founding member Rose Stone, Sir Elton's set was packed with classics like Bennie And The Jets, Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.

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There was a real sense of occasion in being able to see the legend in such a small and intimate setting. Elton seemed to relish it, even appearing emotional towards the end of the set as he declared himself lucky to have been able to make music for all these years.

No, Elton, we are lucky to have been on the receiving end of all these hits.

Elton John's new album, The Diving Board, is out on Monday 16 September 2013. He was supported by Tom Odell, whose debut Long Way Down shot to the top of the charts when it was released in June this year.

The iTunes Festival continues tonight with a special headlining set from Swedish house phenomenon Avicii.

SET LIST

  • The Bitch Is Back

  • Bennie and the Jets

  • Levon

  • Tiny Dancer

  • I Can't Stay Alone Tonight

  • Philadelphia Freedom

  • Oscar Wilde Gets Out

  • Mexican Vacation

  • Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

  • Rocket Man

  • Hey Ahab

  • Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word

  • Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

  • I'm Still Standing

  • Saturday

  • Home Again (Encore)

  • Your Song