# Performances and meetings at Rock in Rio festival

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/performances-and-meetings-at-rock-in-rio-festival
> Updated: 2026-09-13T12:02:36.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Elton John is scheduled to perform at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil, marking a return to the stage following his massive ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. The 79-year-old singer had previously intended to retire from touring due to progressive vision loss and a desire to spend time with family.

During the festival, Brazilian singer Jão performed a set at the Pavilhão Itaú to preview his upcoming album, ‘Memórias Póstumas’. Following his performance, Jão met with Elton John in his dressing room. The meeting occurred after a social media exchange where Elton John praised Jão’s piano cover of ‘Rocket Man’. The two reportedly discussed Jão’s career, discography, and touring in Latin America and Portugal.

Elton John subsequently performed a concert lasting over two hours for approximately 100,000 spectators. To ensure the full program could be completed before potential rain, the performance was moved forward by 65 minutes. The 24-song setlist included hits such as ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Candle in the Wind’, and ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, concluding with ‘Your Song’. 

This appearance occurs three years after the conclusion of his farewell tour. Elton John stated he accepted the invitation because he had not performed at the festival during his farewell tour, noting he felt ‘a little guilty’ and wanted to thank the Brazilian public for their career-long support.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Elton John performs two-hour set at Rock in Rio

Elton John performed a two-hour, 24-song set for 100,000 fans at Rock in Rio, marking a special appearance following his farewell tour to thank his Brazilian audience.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elton-john-performs-two-hour-set-at-rock-in-rio

### 2026-09-12: Jão performs at Rock in Rio and meets Elton John

Singer Jão performed at Rock in Rio, previewing his new album ‘Memórias Póstumas’ and sharing details of an inspiring backstage meeting with Elton John.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jo-performs-at-rock-in-rio-and-meets-elton-john

### 2026-09-04: Elton John to perform at Rock in Rio following massive farewell tour

Despite his massive $939 million “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, Elton John is returning to the stage for a performance at Rock in Rio in Brazil.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elton-john-to-perform-at-rock-in-rio-following-massive-farewell-tour

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Cite as: Performances and meetings at Rock in Rio festival. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/performances-and-meetings-at-rock-in-rio-festival