Elton John and Gilberto Gil Headline Fourth Day of Rock in Rio 2026

Elton John delivered an emotional performance on Monday, September 7, during the fourth day of Rock in Rio 2026. The 79 year old British musician, who had previously begun a farewell tour three years prior, performed for over two hours. His set included hits such as Rocketman, Tiny Dancer, and Your Song. He also performed Skyline Pigeon, a track he noted was uniquely popular in Brazil due to its inclusion in the 1972 soap opera Carinhoso. In the backstage area, Elton John called Gilberto Gil a legend and a brilliant man. Gilberto Gil, who performed earlier that day, watched the headliner's show from the lawn alongside his wife, Flora Gil.

Gilberto Gil's own performance marked his fifth appearance at the festival. During his set, he played classics like Andar com Fé and Palco, while suggesting that this appearance might be his last at the event. Other performers on the Palco Mundo included Luísa Sonza and Jon Batiste. The Palco Sunset featured acts such as the Icelandic artist Laufey, Péricles, Roupa Nova, and Guilherme Arantes. Péricles performed a project titled Péricles canta Motown, focusing on soul and R&B songs.

Reporting on the event varied by perspective. Center leaning outlets described the day as an emotional encounter of generations and an apotheotic experience. Center left outlets focused heavily on the specific cultural connection between Elton John and Brazil through the song Skyline Pigeon and the mutual admiration between the two headliners. A center leaning outlet provided a broader summary of the festival's first four days, noting that while some shows were exciting, others were less interesting, specifically describing Luísa Sonza's performance as being played to an empty crowd.