Elton John has spoken out about Brexit while at a gig in Italy, admitting he is ‘ashamed’ of the UK.
Speaking during a performance in Verona on May 29, John said he was ‘sick to death’ of Brexit and British politicians.
The 72-year-old singer-songwriter made these remarks on stage during what was his last ever world tour, a tour entitled, Farewell Yellow Brick Road.
As reported by The Guardian, the legendary Your Song singer made the following comments regarding the UK’s break from the European Union:
I’m ashamed of my country for what it has done. It’s torn people apart
[…]I am sick to death of politicians, especially British politicians. I am sick to death of Brexit. I am a European. I am not a stupid, colonial, imperialist English idiot.
John’s remarks were made following the results of the European elections, which showed how divided the UK had become over the issue of Brexit.
His tirade only lasted a quick, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, 60-seconds, but the world’s taken notice, and everyone’s opinion on his opinion is split. It’s not surprising considering Brexit is 2019’s version of marmite.
This isn’t the first time John has opened up about his feelings towards Brexit either. Last year, he told Channel 4 News how it was like ‘walking through Hampton Court maze blind-folded, being turned around 16 times and trying to find your way out’.
In July 2018, John lamented:
I don’t think people in Britain were told the truth to start with. I don’t think they knew exactly what they were voting for. They were promised something that was completely ridiculous and wasn’t economically viable. And then it’s got so complicated now I just don’t know what’s going on.
He continued:
There’s a new cereal called Brexit. You eat it and you throw up afterwards.
The music icon is having one hell of a year too. Currently on a world tour, he has an autobiogrpahy coming out in the autumn, and the biopic film Rocketman is in cinemas as we speak.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.