Why was Elton John's drummer wearing FJ gloves at Glastonbury?!

Elton John's drummer Nigel Olsson is sponsored by FootJoy and has been wearing their gloves during gigs for years!

26 Jun 2023

Why was Elton John's drummer wearing FJ gloves at Glastonbury?!

Eagle-eyed viewers among you will have noticed Elton John's drummer Nigel Olsson was wearing FootJoy golf gloves during their epic performance at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday night, and there was very good reason for it.

And no, Nigel hadn't just nipped out for a round of 18 before joining Elton John for his last-ever gig in the UK.

According to Music Radar who interviewed Olsson back in 2011, he has been wearing golf gloves for the best part of 50 years.

Olsson, who also confirmed he is supported by FootJoy, explained he likes to wear FJ golf gloves during his performances with John because they allow him to "feel the stick" as if he's "wearing nothing at all" on his hands.

It also prevents him from getting cuts on his hands.

Best Golf Gloves

The model of glove worn by Olsson is the FootJoy Stasof, which you can purchase in the link below:

Elton John at Glastonbury and straight to the range for this legend. @FootJoy gloves at the ready #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/1uTmcjXiI6
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) June 25, 2023

Olsson told Music Radar:

"I started wearing them in 1970, probably. I saw a bass player playing with gloves - his were cut off at the fingers, of course - but still, I thought, What a great idea! You know, I was getting cuts and calluses, and instead of using bandages, which would always peel off, I decided to try gloves.

"I started out using driving gloves and then, later on, moved to golf gloves. I'm actually sponsored by Foot-Joy. Their gloves are made of very thin leather, and they allow me to feel the stick as if I'm wearing nothing at all on my hands. They do wear out: I can only do five or six shows before I need a new pair. But it's a small trade-off. And, yes, they are something of a signature, another thing I'm known for."