EXCLUSIVE Heartbreaking story behind crying Glastonbury fan: Emotional festivalgoer who wiped away tears during Elton John’s Candle In The Wind was reminded of his dead mother who loved the song and his Alzheimer’s patient father who passed away
- Greg Hoyle, 41, said he was ‘absolutely moved’ by the support he has received
- Hoyle, of Haywards Heath, West Sussex, was visibly emotional during Elton’s set
The emotional festivalgoer who captured the nation’s hearts when he was filmed crying during Elton John’s set at Glastonbury has revealed he was reminded of his late mother who loved the song.
MailOnline spoke exclusively to Greg Hoyle, 41, of Haywards Heath, West Sussex, who said he was ‘absolutely moved’ by the support he has received.
His mother Rita sadly passed away from motor neurone disease at the age of 71 in 2017, whilst his father Peter died from Alzheimer’s disease aged 89.
Mr Hoyle’s emotional reaction during Elton’s performance of the 1997 classic Candle In The Wind prompted a number of heartfelt responses online.
The 41-year-old, who works as a swim teacher, drummer, gymnastics coach and plumber, revealed that Candle In The Wind was his late mother’s favourite song.
Hoyle said that his mother, Rita, also ‘loved’ Princess Diana, to whom Elton dedicated the track following her death in 1997.
The emotional festivalgoer who captured the nation’s hearts when he was filmed crying during Elton John’s set at Glastonbury has revealed he was reminded of his late mother who loved the song
Pictured: Greg Hoyle’s late parents. His mother Rita is seen here with Greg’s father Peter
Greg is seen here as a young boy with his father Peter, who taught him how to play drums and had a pub where famous musicians such as Mike Reed, Jimmy Jones and even Paul McCartney used to play
Originally from Lindfield, Hoyle says his parents owned The Bent Arms pub, which has now been passed down to him and his four siblings.
He also singled out Elton for providing ‘the most iconic Glastonbury set of all time’, adding that ‘it was a dream to see Elton John live and up close’.
Commenting on why he felt so emotional, Hoyle stated: ‘Meaningful songs are the most important…something that has a particular message’.
He also revealed that his late father, Peter, – who taught him how to play drums – had a pub where famous musicians including Mike Reed, Jimmy Jones and even Paul McCartney used to play.
He shared that McCartney occasionally played at the Montague Arms, in the London district of Peckham, sometime during the 1970s.
Revealing his favourite moments he witnessed at Glastonbury festival, Hoyle praised the ‘amazing’ set of Lewis Capaldi, whilst also hailing Guns N Roses, Lizzo, Lil Nas X and Sophie Ellis-Bextor for their performances.
Elton’s Glastonbury performance marked the legendary singer’s final ever live show in the UK.
The ‘life-affirming’ set was watched by his husband Furnish and their children, as well as celebrity pals including David Walliams and the Spice Girls, who were reportedly set to join him for a glitzy after party following the show.
Stars including Paul McCartney, Taron Egerton and Andrew Garfield were also spotted backstage watching the show before attending Elton’s bash.
Elton’s Glastonbury performance marked the legendary singer’s final ever live show in the UK
During the evening, he dedicated his penultimate song ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ to the late George Michael on what would have been the singer’s 60th birthday, saying: ‘This is a very special day today, I wondered how I was going to approach it.
‘One of Britain’s most fantastic singers and songwriters was George Michael. He was my friend, he was an inspiration, and today would have been his 60th birthday, so I want to dedicate this song to his memory. All the music he left us with is so gorgeous. This is for you George.’
He opened his set with Pinball Wizard before playing ‘The B***h Is Back’ and then said: ‘I never thought I would ever play Glastonbury and here I am.
‘It’s a very special and emotional night for me because it might be my last show ever in England, so I had better play well, and I had better entertain you, you’ve been standing there so long, and I really appreciate all the outfits and everything.’
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