Elton John to perform in parliament to raise HIV awareness

The pop legend has raised over $500 million to combat the disease

Sam Moore
Updated ·2 min read
dpatop - 27 April 2023, Bavaria, Munich: Singer and pianist Elton John sits on stage at the Olympic Hall during a concert as part of his
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Elton John is set to perform in the UK's Houses of Parliament later this year.

The pop legend will put together a special live set in a bid to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.

According to PoliticsHome, John will play the baby grand piano in Speaker's House, which is currently the official residence of Lindsay Hoyle.

Read more: Elton John's farewell tour becomes highest grossing tour ever

John has been a campaigner for HIV prevention and care for people living with the disease since he set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 11: George Michael and Elton John perform onstage during The Concert Benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation at Madison Square Garden on October 11, 1992 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
George Michael and Elton John perform ing during The Concert Benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, 1992. (Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

The charity, which hosts the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party, has raised over $500 million since its inception.

The foundation funds education programmes, direct treatment and support to people living with HIV and AIDS in 55 countries around the world.

John had previously announced that his last ever gig on UK soil would be at this year's Glastonbury, where he closes the festival as the Sunday night headliner.

It is the first time the Rocket Man singer has played the iconic music festival and he will headline alongside Arctic Monkeys and Guns n Roses.

ANTIBES, ENGLAND - JULY 24: Taron Egerton and Sir Elton John attend the first
Taron Egerton and Sir Elton John at Elton's 2019 'Midsummer Party' for the Elton John Aids Foundation. (Getty Images for EJAF)

The performance will also conclude his farewell tour in the UK. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour has grossed over $800 million worldwide on its way to becoming the highest grossing tour in music history.

John initially began the tour in 2018 but due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic – which cancelled dates in 2020 and 2021 – will only conclude later this year.

After his UK dates finish up, John is still scheduled to tour Europe with his final dates being across France, Switzerland and Denmark before concluding in Sweden. By the time the farewell tour is over, John will have played over 300 gigs for his fans in the last stretch of his live career.

Watch below: Manchester City serenade Sir Elton John at airport after FA Cup final win.