Elton John AND Metallica - reaction/analysis to Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding - Ep. 837

#eltonjohn #metallica #funeralforafriend #loveliesbleeding
In this #masterpiecefriday edition of #thedailydoug, I'm sharing portions of my analysis of Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding from Elton John that was recently featured on my Patreon as a Behind the Score episode. Then, we're checking out the cover version of this classic song that was performed by Metallica earlier this year. I hope you enjoy!
Reference Video: • Metallica: Funeral for...
Reference Video: • Funeral For A Friend /...
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[@timbertime7823]

There is a back story to this; a few years ago, Metallica was on the Howard Stern show and Elton John called in to say that he thought "Nothing Else Matters" was one of the best songs ever written, bringing James to tears. I'm pretty sure that is what led to Metallica being invited to honor Elton and Bernie at this event.

[@richpeltier9519]

This was my first thought as well.

[@KillerManzarek]

Yep. I believe that was for their 40 years anniversary.

[@theJohnGaltLine]

Yep, and I believe Hetfield has indicated his sister listened to Elton John which means he listened to Elton John too which conceivably meant his comments about Nothing Else Matters had an even bigger impact on Hetfield as a result.

[@madman1366]

Glad I’m not the only one who thought of that first. Hell, that kinda choked me up a little to see. Praise doesn’t come from any higher.

[@ashodgkin]

I was never really an EJ fan until I heard Funeral for a Friend. I was at a girlfriends house and after telling her I didn’t like EJ much she said “I’ll just play this then” and put on this track. Part way through I said “this is amazing. Who is it?” She said with a big grin “Elton John”. I fell in love with this and her at the same time 😂

[@mattdad8429]

His early stuff is the bomb. I never really got into anything past '76 or so, but man I tell ya - Madman Across the Water, Honky Chateau, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road have just nonstop bangers on them.

[@adrianholmes9519]

@@mattdad8429 You have to listen to the 3rd album just titled "Elton John"

[@mattdad8429]

@@adrianholmes9519 Ah yes, another good one. Your Song and Border Song are two of my favorites.

[@massi6528]

"Once at a girlfriends house" you pretty much sound like me, bro lol

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album is a classic. It's FANTASTIC.

[@estefaniasucre6966]

This is one of the most amazing songs ever written!!! It's a masterpiece!!!!

[@broton69]

That was AMAZING! I've always thought Love Lies was Elton's most metal song, and this proves it. What a brilliant job Metallica did of it! Fantastic!

[@davidingram7663]

Thanks for doing this Doug. This is very special to me because of a girl I knew in 1973 and Yellow Brick Road was the first album we listened to together. She went on to marry someone else but still kept in touch. Little did I know how prophetic Funeral For a Friend would be, she contracted leukaemia and within 15 years I was at her funeral. Keep up the good work Doug.

[@scorpionking4012]

That performance was so good , and you can’t fake that crowd reaction, Metallica nails it!

[@bradwatson1048]

Elton John touring this album was my first concert. Seattle. Last week, 51 years ago. (Jeez, I wasn't ready for that.)

[@Ki11erAce]

That was awesome! I've always said that I learned to appreciate Metallica's musicianship by listening to their covers. Turn the Page, Whiskey in the Jar, Tuesday's gone. All amazing covers.

[@drsbsn01]

Not "So What"? 😆😆😆😆

[@massi6528]

​@@drsbsn01so what?

[@One_Proud_Papa]

BTW, Dream Theater does an incredible cover of this. James sounds wonderful and Derek Sherinian does the keyboard work beautifully.

[@davidcoyle7055]

The DT version rocks hard!

[@revylokesh1783]

Yeah, a Change of Seasons was my i troduction to this song and I absolutely love it to this day.

[@Jayzon666]

Did you even watch the video? He discusses the DT version, too.

[@One_Proud_Papa]

@Jayzon666 I made the comment at almost the beginning, prior to him mentioning the DT version. I'm not on the paid Patreon.

[@Jayzon666]

@@One_Proud_Papa Neither am I. Please in the future refrain from commenting on a video until you've actually watched it. That way you won't risk looking like an idiot QUITE as much.

[@genetoelle900]

My absolute favorite Elton/Bernie song.

[@derekmooney2771]

Imagine that you are a living legend, get invited to a tribute show of your work along with your co - writer and a band from a totally different genre nail a version of one of your songs. You can see the pure joy of Elton and Bernie all the way through the performance. This also showed the highest level of musicianship from Metallica - even down to Hatfields picking instead of the piano interlude, beautiful.

[@Snakatorium]

Late to the party but the synthesizer is an ARP 2500. It's monophonic (one note at a time) which means every chord it plays is actually a separate recording per note, multitracked together!

[@BBMetalKing]

Elton transcends generations AND genres. I consider myself a life long metalhead, but I ADORE those Elton years from '69 to '76. It really can't be touched. Tons of us metalheads love Elton.

[@MelodyeNovak]

Amazing cover of my very favorite Elton John song. Thanks again Doug for bringing it to us as only you can❤

[@TheSuperSnake313]

When Metallica released this it absolutely blew my mind. What a fantastic cover 🤘🔥🤘

[@MartinJessop-bi4yt]

I love the moog synthesiser on Elton's funeral for a friend, very much the prog rock style of the time. Metallica's cover was incredible, Kirk's playing is just another level. Looked like Elton loved it too.

[@MaddogJones]

Elton John and Miley Cyrus did a cover of Nothing Else Matters for the Blacklist album, the 30th anniversary of Metallica - Metallica (The Black Album) and on Howard Stern, Miley and Metallica preformed Nothing Else Matters and Elton "Zoomed" in and did a small interview before the performance and commented that James wrote one of the best love songs ever... James got emotional with that compliment. It was pretty friggin cool.

[@RachelFlowersMusic]

Pretty cool!!! It’s fun adapting classic repertoire! ( 31:28 smile)

[@roberttee9790]

Elton stated the only reason "Love lies bleeding" was attached to "Funeral for a friend" was due to Funeral ending in A and Bleeding began in A. They just fit. 👍

[@user-yg7ps4gh1x]

Thank you for sharing the music with us. I found it very educational. On a side note I saw Elton in concert in 1974. He is a first class showman, but overall he is an incredible musician. He was a legend for writing music like this in less than an hour- start to finish.

[@seijuro13]

I wish they'd release this as a single. Amazing work by the band and great insight by Doug, of course.

[@mosestalbot]

Almost certainly my favorite thing I've ever heard Metallica do.

[@richarddobson815]

This has always been my favourite pair of Elton John songs, and Davey Johnstone's finest hour on guitar I think. What a pleasure then to see Metallica do them such a service and play them their way with obvious love and respect. I too thought back to the 'Nothing Else Matters' story and how moved James was. There is a real bond here it seems. A great reaction video Doug! Many thanks.

[@animistchannel]

Wow, thank you SOOO much for sharing this, both the (wtf 84 pages?!) sheet music play-along and definitely that incredibly literate Metallica cover. On that, I think taking it down-tune a notch gave it more of that signature Metallica grim shadowy-ness. Also, splitting "Funeral" into bookends like that was freaking brilliant, effectively converting what was originally more like a symphony prog piece into an arena-rocker. It was fun to see Elton go through the stages of digesting it as it happened. There were early times where he was sort of introspectively frowning or wincing, not because he was displeased, but because he was trying to collate the altered barrage of the chord structure and redistribution of the arrangement. It's a lot to take in at once. Then, about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through, he got the groove of where they were going with it, with the drums and bass also representing the original lower keyboard chops; and how the guitars had absorbed not only the original Bairnson-like guitar, but also the high keyboard floating riffs, and it made sense. Then, when they brought back the second movement of Funeral AFTER the lyrical segment, sort of bookending it with those modal step-ups, he was obviously delighted to see how they had restructured the whole movement to fit the "arena metal" ethos. Freaking brilliant, man! Again, thank you SO much for sharing this. It was a great experience in not just performance but also structural comprehension and planning. A true lesson in the profession.

[@tonywtyt]

Thanks, Doug... I not seen this. I heard heard parts of the story, but I didn't know the event were followed up with this original cover of one of Elton's most epic songs!

[@MCRiddle859]

This cover was one of my most treasured things Metallica has ever done. It was absolutely brilliant.

[@patrickhanekamp2761]

Metallica has made many great covers. My favorites are ‘turn the page’, ‘Ronnie rising’, ‘Mercyful fate’ and ‘Astronomy’

[@Frankincensedjb123]

These are the songs my friend and I played at our college graduation, upon graduating from music school. I played guitar and he played piano and sang. The guy can play anything from Mozart to Billy Joel. We eventually formed a band together and we played these songs every night. EJ is a phenomenal player, writer, and arranger. Throw in who I consider one of the greatest lyricists in rock history, BT, and your bound for success. Also loved Metallica's version. Great stuff.

[@kratino]

When I saw him live in St. Louis he started the concert with these two pieces. It was SPECTACULAR.

[@bobbarker3306]

i think the dream theater version is my favorite.

[@kkampy4052]

Radio burned out a lot of songs back in the day but this one never gets old.

[@richpeltier9519]

When I first saw this, I saw it as James' way of thanking Elton for the comments he made on Howard Stern a few years ago. Praise that brought a tear (or so) to Papa Het. The song selection here was absolutely perfect. Then, I saw Kirk was playing Greenie and just lost it. Even now watching this again, I occasionally blubber a little before pulling it back under control. While I don't think there's any tie between Elton and Peter Green, the history or that guitar and the way that Kirk holds it's legend so sacred that makes this special. I love that Kirk is playing it on the road and not putting it in a Hard Rock Cafe or something silly like that. That thing should be played and in front of the biggest audience possible. That makes Kirk uniquely qualified to own it. 🤘🧙‍♂🤘 Rich the Ancient Metal Beast

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Fantastic Album! Masterpiece!

[@rwellman238]

I would have never guessed this combination of original song with the cover band. Truly incredible. Thank you Doug.

[@booli8542]

Can't believe you were watching the vocal, piano, guitar, even drum parts on the score, but no mention of the bass part 🫣 imo the bass is the best thing in this track ❤️

[@HARTYNMUGHES]

Genuinely excellent cover. I think their covers highlight the more soulful parts of Hetfield’s vocal stylings that don’t come across as often in their own stuff.

[@stuartrobin6332]

So happy you finally reacted to this, been waiting months. As much as it's great to see Elton's enthusiastic reaction, check out the guy behind him who doesn't seem to hide his dislike.

[@alphaenemyplus8376]

Awesome song and awesome cover. I saw they were doing this song and was really skeptical they were going to do it justice, but wow, did they figure out a great way to pull it off and still sound exactly like Metallica. I'm not really a fan of most of what Metallica does, either, but I am a die hard metalhead, and also a long time Elton fan.

[@melissayost4888]

OMG! Thank You for bringing this to me. I never heard of it. Great interpretation.

[@TriRabbi]

My oldest sister, 11 years older than I, got this album when it first came out, which was the same year she graduated from high school. She and I shared a bedroom, so to cut a long story short, I got to hear this track early and often. One of my favorite guitar lines of all time is the one at the end of each chorus. I also like the 3-part backing vocals. My understanding from a documentary I saw several years ago is that the drummer, NO, the guitarist, DJ, and the bassist, DM, sang those.

[@julianortiz4151]

A friend shared the video of this performance the day after it was broadcast and I teared up watching it. Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding has been my favorite Elton John song since I was 8. I listened to it everyday the entire summer of 1983. I still remember being incredulous as to how Metallica were going to pull this off too, but I was pleasantly impressed by what they did. Everyone brought their A Game and killed it. I’ve rewatched that performance several times since and it still gives me the feels. Elton’s and Bernie’s reactions were the best. Quick correction on the Dream Theater cover from the Change Of Seasons e.p. That was Derek Sherinian on keyboards for that, not Jordan Rudess.

[@acb9231]

Great song! Next, please check out “Grey Seal” from the GBYBR album. Not only is EJ’s piano awesome, but Dee Murray’s bass work is incredible as well. ✌️

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

incredible album like being wrapped in a warm blanket

[@jye_24]

SO GLAD YOU DID THIS!

[@starfish469]

Yah, When Elton John was a band, they were untouchable. A closet fave of mine.

[@mariofarrugia8008]

Many thanks Doug for doing this memorable musical work of art

[@guitarizt68]

I was 5 years old when this album came out. It was my indoctrination to Rock 'n' Roll. I would listen to the record as often as my mother would allow, staring endlessly at the triple gatefold, which fostered my imagination. I memorized every note and, at 5 years of age, discerned things like harmonies, tones, instrumentation and the fact that the drummer was the time-keeper. That led me to becoming a musician later in life. This is the crowning jewel to Elton's masterpiece album, and, in my opinion, is the greatest song ever composed, bar none.

[@leaguefan7640]

Excellent. Nor an Elton John fan but like some of his stuff. Same with Metallica. Love your reactions to music I have never heard before and love the addition of the core, not having read music for decades (I'm now in my 70's). This was MAGIC love the whole thing. Based on that, and you may already be considering, there is a REGGAE version of Dark Side of the Moon. Consider doing the same kind of reaction as this with that. I think that would be fun as well and reggae is another style I can flirt with, appreciate but not my cup of tea generally. Have fun and thanks again for this. Excellent!

[@carolynrieger1431]

My Favorite Elton John Song!

[@scoutbeavers7355]

My ex-wife laura sadly now deceased would probably loved this, Elton was her favorite of all time, I took her to see him twice. She had been to see him lots of times before we married.

[@mattdad8429]

Laura had exquisite taste in music.

[@davidschecter5247]

Amazing! Thanks for doing this.

[@rpm412]

Not a Metallica fan but appreciate their work. That was just plain fucken awesome. EJ thought so.

[@Paul_Allaker8450]

This was an awesome cover, and by the look of 'em Elton & Bernie approve! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thomasallan1196]

Between this cover and Astronomy, Metallica gets one more point of respect in my book.

[@brianvernon249]

Doug, I’m a 1977 as well. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, my father & his drinking buddy would play this song over and over. His son & I tried to count the different sections of the song age 10. After my dad passed in 2013 (cirrhosis) I broke down & got the whole album. Then I discovered the Elton John song that I’d hear on the radio, 3 times a year - Grey Seal. Taupin was off his rocker with that gem.

[@dondebomm6329]

All the stages of grief encapsulated in on song.

[@keile513]

Really great commentary! Excellent ❤

[@JamesKlas]

In my opinion Metallica are real musicians and Slayer are athletes

[@hectorgaray3963]

DREAM THEATER VERSION OF THIS SONG NEXT PLEASE! IT'S LIVE IN THEIR A CHANGE OF SEASONS EP.

[@johnafirth]

Jacob Lusk doing Benny and the Jets from the same show is awesome.

[@politicalGRAFFITI]

Good Bye Yellow Brick Road is a great album. Reminds me of Junior High School.

[@drfriday666]

When you pulled out that shaker, i forst thought you were gonna pulled out a large joint 😂

[@carlsonloggie]

Before I listen to your analysis, I'm reminded of my piano teacher's response to me learning this piece (and others). She noticed that Elton often played around the circle of fifths before returning to the root.

[@SoapSoapCrayon]

Absolutely love this version. Dream Theater did an amazing cover of this as well as a few Deep Purple songs that's released on one of their live albums. It's IMO the best performance James LaBrie has ever given us.

[@fendi-bull8167]

Listened to Funeral for a Friend after my grandfather died. it was a heartbreaking moments. I went to my relative's grave a few months later nearby his grave. but that graveyard gave me closure because I feel like I'm visiting their house when they were alive.

[@harrisonandrew]

Wow, I was really skeptical about Metallica doing this song, but wow, that was damned good. (Loved DT’s version too by the way). What a great couple of tunes.

[@davidjaymz64]

Met knows how to cover a track. I really hope we get another cover album before they're done.

[@playermartin286]

Man Metallica are an awesome cover band

[@JörgLietzau-j7s]

By the way, it's not Jordan Rudess playing the keyboard on this songs cover by DT, it's Derek Sherinian

[@Paul_Allaker8450]

One of my favourite Metallica covers is Budgies Breadfan, such a crowd pleaser.

[@NaanProphet]

Dream Theater released a live version of this on their A Change of Seasons EP and is worth checking out. Their old keyboard player Derek was SUPER into Elton John so he did the track well.

[@mikegallagher2732]

THAT is an AMAZING rendition !!!! James was at his BEST in those days ...

[@mattsheldon1220]

Would love to see you do a tier list of rock bands for each decade. Maybe most technical band from 60’s - present or something like that

[@TripleBerg]

Interesting interpretation of this legendary Elton John song/composition. Updates it for another generation.

[@hayalaln2302]

I was introduced to this masterpiece by the DT cover which remains my favorite, credit to Derek Sherinian

[@han-dell]

That synth at the start is an ARP 2500 from wiki page: "...ARP 2500 synthesizer (erroneously credited as A.R.P.) by the album's engineer, David Hentschel, ..."

[@richshelton7303]

Simply a masterpiece!

[@leddygee1896]

Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding Is Elton's "Stairway To Heaven". So To Speak...

[@clintmiller3310]

My own story, my friend Brian and me did LSD for the first time at lunch break at highschool! We both freaked and cut our 6th period classes and headed to his house because both his parents worked. We were peaking when we got there and turned on the FM radio and this album was playing. This was the first music I ever heard on LSD! ❤

[@jayray2234]

1st ... Love & Respect!! I love the insight you provide. 2nd... Ren has put out a request to the reaction community asking if you will lend him your spotlight next Thursday. He has been wronged! A greedy man has caused the Sic Boi title track to be pulled from all platforms forever. If you want more context he posted a video yesterday explaining. He asked us to tag our favorite reactors. I tried to tag you but the . in your name made it hard and I am not sure it worked. 3rd Just keep being awesome! I will be back regardless of what you choose to do.

[@Bristolcentaurus]

regarding Metallica's adaptability - there is a quote i saw a long time a go - i cant remember it word for word but i goes something like this - pop musicians - can chew gum - rock musicians can chew gum and play an instrument - heavy metal musicians - can chew gum play an instrument and read sheet music - not sure that's universally true (if some knows the original and where it came from ...)

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

It’s gonna take a few hours to recover from that…whew! This Metallica cover of “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” should come with a black box warning…😂😂😂 This was perfection…😮

[@Thunderer0872]

I grew up listening to this on Vinyl, of which I managed to save after my sister and parents passed a few years back. The opening for Funeral has been used in loads of scary scenes and soundtracks on TV and film over the years. I wonder what that album is worth now? Not that I should sell, but I have no record deck and am a bit low on money, no work etc. :(

[@gast9374]

In 2013 Elton John collaborated with Queens of the Stone Age for one song of their album "... Like Clockwork". The song is called "Fairweather Friends". If you don't know it yet, maybe it is something for a reaction video.

[@darkogregec7503]

Thank you 4 this one.

[@ronchiles399]

David Hentschel used the ARP 2500 synthesizer.

[@RalphSpoiledsport]

I love this Mature Metallica.

[@the_Rade]

What a treat

[@Fryerbottom]

Love the original, and by far and away my favorite cover is Dream Theater for sure

[@babylemonade2868]

An absolute masterpiece

[@DerrickCharles5750]

Shadow of Intent dropped a new song called “Flying the Black Flag.” If you don’t know who they are they are mostly symphonic Deathcore music. They been around for a long time. They use strings and symphonic instruments for their music. This is real heavy music but just letting you know. Thanks!

[@drfriday666]

Metallica really are great with covers

[@jaym3064]

“…but radio loved it anyway.”Brilliant!

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

best thing i seen metalica do for ages

[@psgbruin]

I also love Metallica's version of Stone Cold Crazy by Queen.

[@andkat]

Proggy Elton

[@JaggedDagger]

The Metallica cover is so goddamn good!!!

[@KevinLopez-jf5ys]

This song reminds me a lot of Rick Wakeman's 1975 progressive rock album, "The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table".

[@Bristolcentaurus]

the more I see of Kirk Hammett the more i think hes brilliant its always 100% commitment - you did the Green manalishi the other day he does a brilliant version with Mick Fleetwood and Zac Starky and others

[@john-stringham]

Dream Theater covered it as well.

[@JeanAlainXavier-ze9jc]

Much better

[@jean-baptistesicot9828]

And What a F*** cover !!!!

[@davidjaymz64]

watch the video first. he mentions it lol

[@psgbruin]

Through DT is how I came to know this song actually.

[@PikeBishop1]

@@JeanAlainXavier-ze9jc A piano/keys heavy band, imagine that.

[@Coolhand7]

Thanks for this. Would love to see a video for "My Friend of Misery" by Metallica.

[@Pawel142]

Dream Theater has done pretty good cover of those songs on "A Change of Seasons"

[@Jayzon666]

Did you even watch the video? He discusses the DT version, too.