Elton John Plays 24-Song Concert & Settles His ‘Debt’ to Brazil at 2026 Rock in Rio

With tickets sold out, the concert drew more than 100,000 people on Monday despite a grim weather forecast.

When Elton John decided to move his Rock in Rio performance up by 65 minutes on Monday (Sept. 7), many assumed he simply wanted to get to bed earlier. After all, thunderstorms had battered the City of Rock for the previous three days, and a man nearing 80 could hardly be blamed for wanting to avoid a late-night downpour.

But the real reason was different. The British superstar wanted to take the stage early enough to deliver a full concert: 24 songs over two hours and 15 minutes, considerably longer than a typical festival set.

Even the rain seemed to cooperate, letting up in time to hear him sing.