Elton John Talks Bowie, Collaborations, Fashion, and New Music During SiriusXM Town Hall
His 33rd album, “Wonderful Crazy Night,” is due out February 5 on Island Records.
With a week to go until the release of Elton John’s 33rd studio album, “Wonderful Crazy Night,” the iconic musician stopped by SiriusXM for a Town Hall and performance hosted by David Fricke on The Spectrum.
The award-winning musician answered questions from an exclusive group of fans about the impact of David Bowie’s career, his collaborations, the importance of fashion, why he continues to put out new music, and more.
Discovering His Producer & Arranger
Elton credited Bowie for discovering his original producer, Gus Dudgeon, and arranger, Paul Buckmaster.
“When I heard ‘Space Oddity,’ I thought it was the most incredible record I had probably heard for a long time up to that point,” he recalled. “And the production and the arrangement of that song, I said, ‘Whoever did that, I really want to work with them.'”
Artist Collaborations
When asked why he is so enthusiastic about collaborations with a wide range of artists, Elton said it comes down to having fun and learning more about his craft.
“Getting to work with people you love and admire and getting to play on stage with them is a huge, huge buzz,” he explained. “It’s so much fun, especially when the other person is a great performer, and you learn something.”
Memorable Fashion Choices
Elton John is known for his over-the-top stage attire, so when asked his thoughts on fashion, he said it’s all about giving the audience something memorable.
“It’s part of the ritual for me,” he said about dressing up for performances. “It came from people like Elvis and Little Richard and Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran who always look fantastic, and I like bands to make an effort … It adds a little bit to the excitement … You’re wondering what the hell he’s going to wear, and it’s exciting.”
New Music
When asked why he continues to put out new music instead of cashing in on nostalgia by touring his hits, he said it comes down to the help he gets from his songwriter Bernie Taupin.
“I always want to put out new music, and I think it’s much easier for me because I have a lyric writer,” he said. “I have someone who can paint the picture for me before the song is written. And we’ve never been in the same room ever. And it’s not changed since we started writing 49 years ago, when I first wrote a melody to his lyric and played it to him. And it’s still the same feeling.”
“Wonderful Crazy Night” is due out February 5 on Island Records.
