Global entertainer Elton John has surprised diners at a restaurant in Cannes by performing his new single, ‘Hold Me Closer’, a few days before its release date. The single also features Britney Spears.
The singer was on the Île Sainte-Marguerite, in the bay of Cannes, on Tuesday, August 23.
He performed his soon-to-be-released single at the La Guérite restaurant, and posted a video of the set on his official Instagram page, captioned: “Sneak peak [sic] of Hold Me Closer - out this Friday (August 26)”.
The new single ‘Hold Me Closer’ is inspired by the lyrics to 1971 hit ‘Tiny Dancer’, whose chorus includes the words “hold me closer, tiny dancer”.
It is a collaboration with US superstar Britney Spears, and will be her first new single for more than two years. Her most recent album was the 2016 release, Glory. A single from the album, called ‘Swimming in the Stars’, was released in December 2020.
She was not present at the surprise performance.
Elton John, aged 75, has made no secret of his love for France and has owned property in the country for decades – including a 1920s home overlooking the Mediterranean in Nice, designed by Fred Dilger and Monique Gibson in 2000.
He has performed a range of intimate and surprise gigs in the area, as well as recording in France, over the years.
Read more: Elton John, Bowie, Queen: many A-list stars have recorded in France
In 2018 he announced a major global ‘farewell’ tour, with more than 300 dates scheduled worldwide. However, many events had to be rescheduled due to the Covid pandemic.
Healthcare in France*
Inheritance Law and Wills in France* 
