Elton John - Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding (Live At Madison Square Garden)

The opening opus from Elton’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, "Funeral For A Friend" and "Love Lies Bleeding" were written separately but recorded together. The pair of songs have often been used as a show opener on Elton’s tours and serve as a dramatic mid-way point during the current Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. This video is taken from the ‘One Night Only’ performance at Madison Square Garden in October 2000, featuring the song’s original drummer (Nigel Olsson) and guitarist (Davey Johnstone).
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Elton John - Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding (Live At Madison Square Garden)
/ eltonjohn

[@BENNYB-ze4dw]

Never heard this song until metallica cover. This is an insane performance by the legend Elton❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@duff0120]

because Glam rock is the most underrated rock genre ever. David bowie and Elton John define glam rock. another glam rock banger from Elton John: Saturdays nights are alright for fightning

[@eileencastillo6323]

Sometime good music needs a host.

[@barrym2112]

I’m not a Metallica fan but those guys blew me away with their cover. To distill this magnum opus down to a four piece heavy metal anthem was brilliant.

[@jurajura1659]

In the Goobye Yellow Brick Road 1973 LP-

[@jun-junfines4587]

Dream Theater covered too in Change of Season,...

[@themysterybidder5036]

One of the best Elton songs ever! In my opinion the best show opener song!

[@lizavetanikolaevna]

Saw him live a couple of weeks ago (wonderful). "Bennie and the Jets" is a great opening too. This played in the middle was super. Lots of dancing. They really are super fun. And extraordinary musicians.

[@keithtaylor3099]

I agree his best ever in my opinion! This song was done a year later his 60th birthday and it was his 60th time in Madison Square Gardenn

[@pol1265]

@@keithtaylor3099 That's just amazing! 60 times, playing Madison Square Garden! How many others can say that? Honestly, I don't know if there are any, but I'm willing to bet... No, there are not! A true legend & he's actually still alive, before people began saying it! 😊👍💖💙💚💛💜❤💖 Adore this man! His talent & music, are one of a kind! 😁

[@davidbridgeman5828]

I have to agree, one of my favorite Elton John songs. The arrangement on it is awesome!

[@davidbridgeman5828]

One of my all-time favorite Elton John songs, the arrangement is spot on and this live version is outstanding!

[@ronputtee8663]

One of the greatest pieces of pop/rock music ever written...do doubt about it!!

[@paulb.hrdlick8367]

Ron Puttee agree

[@Gloopular]

It's abysmal junk my little simian friend.

[@kathleencollins5531]

@@Gloopular talking about yourself maggot?

[@lisaweaver986]

Elton is a truly remarkable musician. Against the odds lost of so many others.Remarkable!

[@judyhawkins1290]

Truly his "Magnum Opus" Fantastic song, my all time favorite from ANY artist.

[@joannafunkhouser2370]

I'm 64 years old and my youngest daughter saw him play this at Bonnaroo! When Funeral For A Friend came on, she surprized me by calling me on her cell and just held the phone up in the air while I sat at home and cried. She knew how much it meant to me for her to experience it. She was only 16.

[@marcomarco760]

surprising how many younger ones like the 70s stuff my daughter is 21 and were going to his final tour in Miami in April covid permiting

[@francescaferriani4185]

Nothing compares to this MUSIC! 🎶❤

[@MrDrummerguy33]

@@marcomarco760 great art is timeless

[@antimurphy8212]

@@marcomarco760 That's awesome...did she end up going?

[@BenjiDarius]

@@antimurphy8212 Well they haven't reached Florida yet, soo the answer is pending

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

genius musician. Absolute genius. One of the top 5 most vital and innovative musicians of the last 100 years. No human on planet earth can hear this and not be moved. Not possible.

[@bobsmodelrailways]

Clever and Lucky, but hardly a “Genius”!

[@tarynciccarelloo57]

Wrong u must b one of those people who yell out hate

[@tarynciccarelloo57]

Pure love for others sad for u people sure never seen one die from aids

[@leeclough8419]

Did Bernie Taupin write the lyrics?

[@preesi1403]

@@leeclough8419 Yes

[@copywritergena1225]

Elton's Stairway to Heaven. The best!

[@tranhoanghieu4576]

Elton's Boheimian

[@cbnurse64]

Yes!

[@lucasdossantos2132]

@@cbnurse64yes

[@ActionMediaProductions]

What a perfect comment

[@marybarry2230]

"No Stairway to Heaven" -Wayne's World

[@danysharma4790]

OMG METALLICA LISTENS TO SUCH A GREAT GREAT SONGS..😮 HERE BECAUSE OF METALLICA??✋️?

[@johnconnors3030]

Me too. Liked there version. Got give the nod to the original.

[@edolag2]

Me too😂

[@pajotattoo375]

Same. Bought iconic performance.

[@pajotattoo375]

Same. Bought iconic performance.

[@AyedClover]

People like us who are not only listen to metal. For sure..

[@Matthaus_Grosser]

Who's from Metallica?❤

[@bassplayer6667]

Here! Lol.

[@zippydooda]

🤘

[@rextv6534]

Present 😂🤘

[@RelaxingReality]

🖐️

[@danillofilemon6095]

Aqui

[@sandraressel5199]

Elton John is in my DNA. No other way to explain it. Words cannot express how much joy this man’s music has given me in my life, from Your Song at 12 on the radio to Philadelphia Freedom as a young teen, free and alive, now at 65 years old, just watching him jamming his music still and still thrilling the people…..priceless!!🙌🏽

[@kamiahbundy4972]

We must be related.

[@victorpina3654]

GOD SHOULD BE IN YOURE DNA!!!!!

[@Vertical-sandwiches]

​@@victorpina3654Nutjob.

[@marklunde2142]

Great your enjoying this.

[@cindyhite5969]

This man was a genius back in the day.

[@dd64954]

Fantastic song/medley - and Metallica did a wonderful job covering at the Gershwin Awards, recently!

[@Zituwka]

NONONO, just listen Dream Theater version

[@gaitachi3256]

Personally, this is my favorite song from Elton John. 🎹

[@monatoney3474]

Gaitachi 32 they're all my favorites but Tiny dancer and your song have a special place in my heart

[@liamg2271]

By far his best song and he's had probably 50 great, great, songs. This is an absolute masterpiece and in a class by itself.

[@PauloCesar-jj4nq]

Meu também

[@robtgoldstein]

It is his best one live, for sure. I have seen it.

[@alexandrerocker]

Mine too

[@climberat1]

One of the greatest openers to one of the greatest rock albums of time. It’s just as good 46 years later.

[@lindahuff8976]

Saw Elton many times. First concert at 16 years old. Now a senior citizen and still listening. This is one of the best. In 1974 everyone carried "Yellow Brick Road" around with them and at lunch we played on turntable.

[@BENNYB-ze4dw]

Its an incredible song, never heard it before. Brilliant and to me highly emotional.

[@marciabeth1763]

Envious! x

[@fredradon2484]

LOL, I also seen him in 74 at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. I still have my ticket stub. $8:50

[@johnkennedy3867]

Hands down the best all-time Elton John song!!! Don't Agree? Go let yourself out

[@dollysinn]

Elton bordering on classic prog rock. What a gorgeous and tragic sounding song.

[@hetfieldprophet]

Came here to watch after seeing Metallica play this. Elton John is an amazing artist and glad Metallica did his songs justice.❤

[@pawelkonige3458]

Me too ! 😅🤜💥🤛

[@NALurking]

Same!

[@jeffwagner4364]

Samesies 😂

[@sherylbaker1931]

ME TOO. AND METALICA SLAYED IT!

[@exevillagra1923]

Gracias a MetallicA conoci esta obra maestra

[@michaelwillis6520]

This bass line in love bleeds is absolutely smoking i cant wait to sit down learn it

[@radana1201]

Davey is an ultimate God. I love live versions more than records. He enjoys playing with Elton and this is pure gold for my ears. It's a pity he wasn't playing in Prague this year.

[@moeruss2726]

Absolutely one of my favorite songs from Elton John. It’s a master piece !!!! ❤😂

[@antonraterman2281]

My favorite song by him. I’ve seen the man 5 times. And each time was absolutely terrific.

[@20gravedigger11]

Best Live version of this masterpiece ever!

[@eu_lucasfer]

No doubt about that

[@tomhinton7099]

It's very good, but I prefer Central Park 1980.

[@1982RMT]

Try the Rio 1995 version with Charlie Morgan and David Paton....Much much better

[@DegaRican]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@diegomcc1]

The best version is moscow 1979

[@MrTee-hw7mp]

I always wondered if there were younger fans in attendance who came thinking they were going to hear Lion King songs only to get this masterpiece as an opener. I bet he blew their friggen minds.

[@jtb1649]

they wouldn't appreciate what this is unfortunately

[@arnenelson4495]

EVERYONE in attendance got ROCKED good and hard!

[@victorpina3654]

Probably that was u lol

[@gibbyutah]

I love Elton John. This is probably my favorite song from Elton John. My oldest brother had all his albums. My brother died in 2014 because he was an alcoholic. He destroyed his liver because he drank so much. I sure miss my older brother.

[@lisamiller3161]

I'm so so sorry for your loss. I've lost several friends to the disease of addiction and am in Recovery myself. It's one of the hardest roads there is. The music of Elton John and George Michael helps keep me going. 2 of the Greatest Artists of all time!!!

[@adamlorber]

So sorry❤

[@nyarlathotep52-su6tj]

We all die. We all have our purpose. sometimes our purpose is to make sure others don't make the same mistakes we made.

[@Tearstojoyministriesorg]

Possibly the most underrated guitarist of all time

[@davidlandovsky5294]

Davie Johnston is amazing

[@Baron138]

Elton John and Paul McCartney, probably two of the most talented, well rounded musicians in history.

[@leifjohnson617]

Just my opinion, but I think Love Lies Bleeding is one of the BEST songs of the rock era!

[@christystewart4567]

Everyone loves “Saturday Night “ but this is better.

[@franklinwilson3783]

Love Lies Bleeding is one of the great rock tracks of all time

[@muzkmn36]

Not just my favorite Elton song, my favorite song, period! This version is awesome. The dual leads are so tasty. Or maybe it’s the 3 drummers. That piano transition to LLB is the way the piano is supposed to sound.

[@orlandomota6975]

Elton is one of the greatest. However, he's not the only one. His classic band (Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olson, Ray Cooper, etc.) is excellent.

[@TheTraderGuy]

Grew up in the 70s and 80s. This is one of the best, in an era that had a lot of good music.

[@lorispain1]

Superb! Davey Johnstone is one hell of a guitarist

[@Steven-pb4cq]

The best

[@johnharridge7891]

So was dee murray

[@d.e.b.b5788]

I remember back in the early 70's, when AOR on the FM stations meant long playlists with few commercials interposed, and just great music from great artists. This popped up one day, while I was listening to my 9V tiny radio with ONE earphone. I was blown away, and when I got out of school that day, I went straight to the record store and bought the album. And played it so many times, I wore it out. Where are the terrific r songs of today? Nothing even approaches this.

[@Larrymarx]

Sir Elton connection with his audience is sooo evident, a great love affair♥

[@beachdiva9586]

He was having more fun than his audience. I love that!

[@darrellsenn]

An absolute Masterpiece then and Now

[@credits_will_do_fine3465]

Who else wishes they had piano skills like his?

[@addiemadden504]

Dog Blast

[@richardmoore2124]

I do!

[@EdwardR1960]

Or guitar skills like Davey Johnstone.

[@shawnwright323]

@@EdwardR1960 .

[@coleyounger3701]

His songwriting/compositional skills far outweigh his piano playing.😎..and he is indeed a monster pianist!!!!

[@patriciarosemastromonico3870]

An incredible song written by two geniuses, Sir Elton & Bernie Taupin!!!🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

[@tullfan7872]

There are only a few songs that I instantly liked when I first heard them. This was one of them. Great song!!

[@wagnercabrerisso5986]

One of the five best Elton's songs

[@dinamo6563]

What are other 4?

[@r.a.contrerasma8578]

So many to pick from: Candle in the Wind Your Song Bennie and the Jets Goodbye Yellow Brick Road plus... I'm Still Standing Philadelphia Freedom Daniel (I could name 20 more...)

[@better_call_saul5237]

I think Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me has to be the best for me personally

[@r.a.contrerasma8578]

The legendary Davey Johnstone on guitar... oh my!

[@jj9749]

seems like literally everyone in the band is wearing a wig!

[@lorrainebennett7528]

Omg he's awesome

[@betteurbain7911]

@@jj9749 Ya gotta have hair to toss around when your head is bopping and banging!

[@Flo-zp2rk]

Show ⚽️🏐🏀🥎⚾️🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@pacificblue3955]

On my list as one or the best songs written for piano. A masterful mix of rock, classical and progressive. Elton John proves why he is one of the finest pianists in rock.

[@marybarry2230]

It never seems to matter how many times they play this song, seems like they really really enjoy it and love performing it!

[@donnad6677]

I've Loved this song since the 70's. Its absolutely one of his greatest songs! Maybe...his GREATEST song!

[@coldwinter5710]

Fing AMAZING! The guy's still got it - surrounded by an incredible band!

[@dennismarsh1504]

One of the best albums of all time in pop history.

[@AbdulhakemAmri]

This is such a legendary performance , bravo Elton!

[@neilcarlson661]

Superlative performance 🤓👏

[@xanderroberts16]

So happy to have heard this live in concert at least once! Elton still puts on one of the BEST shows ever

[@howardruiz5768]

thanks elton for being born in this world

[@reggie2737]

It's obvious the whole band and Elton really enjoy what they are doing. It must be a party on that stage every concert. Especially when they were younger and Elton was a bit wild!

[@preesi1403]

Eltons backstage area is legendary. Its super lavish.

[@steves3688]

Best song Elton ever did..and he did great songs!!!

[@susanp7194]

I agree, Little Jeannie is also one of his best.

[@ankihansen2489]

Nigel Olson is on FIRE!

[@lanajeanvecchione9659]

I enjoyed seeing Elton bang the counterpoint solo to his ending guitar solo! Two fine musicians.

[@Formula-602]

Nigel plays drums!

[@lanajeanvecchione9659]

​@@Formula-602 Yes he does! This comment was supposed to go on another thread. youtube what happened? lol.

[@BUNKERJR53]

Greatest back to back songs Elton ever wrote. I have listen to these since the album was first released and I still get "Goose Bumps". I am 68 and still never get tired of listening. Hits me right in the middle of the chest. "Amplified CPR"!!!!!!!

[@bostonsteve]

Just saw the Farewell show twice in Toronto. The WHOLE SHOW is a great and this song is definitely one of the best parts.

[@Thomasjcolbert82]

Yea, agreed 100!!

[@1959blee]

This will be played at my funeral. Have planned that since 1973. Thankfully, not yet needed!!

[@PianoUniverse]

At the 1974 Thanksgiving concert at MSG the stage was dark before the opening. Fog rolled onto the stage and Elton opened up with this piece...

[@jeannapaluzzi2805]

Same opening, same year, Pontiac Silverdome. My first concert.

[@chicanobear13]

Same at the Inglewood forum in Los Angeles.. breathtaking..I was 14!.. I also was at Dodger stadium concert 20 feet away!.. that's another story..lol

[@jimhudson365]

Remember the same scene in Knoxville Tennessee...

[@HaleyAnneBechler]

What a timeless masterpiece!! 💖💕

[@zerimar26]

This live version of Funeral for A Friend is so much better than the studio version in my opinion. Sir Elton John rocks!

[@Larrymarx]

What a performance, I got blisters on my fingers and I wasn't even playing, I love it ♪♫♪ LM

[@rsh-sj7yy]

His bassist at this time was killer.. dudes rocking this tune!

[@privateparty5616]

RIP Bob Birch 😪

[@doctorrobert60]

Great song by great talented men. Elton is a special talent and Davey Johnstone is the epitomy of classic rock guitarist who has been on stage with Elton since the beginning. Love to see these guys perform and they should be cherished as long as we have them.

[@scotthite9659]

Davey Johnstone is the star of this one. Love the riff at the 1:30 mark!!

[@homeone4054]

His classic band should really be in the RNR hall of fame

[@AlbertoOlivieri]

Bob Birch on Bass Ladies and Gentleman....Truly Amazing...really worthy of Bass Master Dee Murray...both R.i.P.

[@265900J]

Not familiar with Bob Birch but I was thinking the same thing. Really captures the spirit of Dee Murray.

[@jeffzhejiang]

Thanks for this, a great bass part for sure, pity the people shooting the video didn't focus on him more.

[@jaggass]

Don't forget Guy Babylon on keyboards. He died in 2009.

[@AlbertoOlivieri]

@@jaggass yes..i didnt kow that..He was great!

[@bottlapivo]

That is one beautiful bass piece! Not often that the bass will carry such a complex piece of instrumental music.

[@maridepp53]

He's still got it! And looks so happy doing it!! Fantastic 👏👏👏

[@armstronglance]

->This live version is flawless!!!I *** Kudos to every member of the band, crew & recording engr’s! -> I NEVER get tired of listening to this masterpiece!!! The vocals, guitars, bass, extra keyboardist & percussion perfectly captured all the parts & sound!! 😎🎹🎸🎤

[@anthonyscumaci964]

He should have to open and close his concerts with this song. One of the greatest ever!

[@laertericardo5438]

Thanks Elton for such a beautiful song!

[@ZackyDog]

How about Bernie Taupin too? He wrote the lyrics.

[@eiwindowns3331]

In this song is it the music who is perfect. This is not the best from Taupin. But Taupin’s best lyrics is really underrated

[@rebeccawagner4167]

Elton John is a phenomenal musician and an extraordinary story teller 🎉🎉and master at songwriting 🎉🎉. Elton is rock royalty 🎉🎉

[@yifancao2352]

8:05 feel like young Elton comes back again

[@nickyoverdrive2438]

I thought the same exact thing. It kinda surprised me

[@mrquail5299]

@Wyatt The Autistic gamer he actually did it hit for a moment in 2018, it wasn’t as strong or sustained, but he still made it

[@charlottefowler2954]

the greatest funeral for a Friend I've ever heard it couldn't get

[@auremilka]

The sound of Davey Johnston's guitar is such a beauty.

[@Vutsman1]

Just to create a song like this is amazing. Would love to know how this song was even created. Complicated as hell.

[@melodymakermark]

Damn, that was rippin’! Talk about being ON for a live performance. Hats off to Sir Elton and crew.

[@tonyp0922]

I was at that concert, a 10 rows behind Elton and his Piano. Reggie never disappoints.

[@seektruth8662]

Elton, the band and the recording and sound engineers are the best. I saw them in a stadium and an arena and the sound quality was fantastic, as good as Pink Floyd's.

[@robersonclan4879]

Elton's best song and least often heard on the radio, probably due to it's length. At one point this song was #1 on my workout playlist. It's slow to fast paced build up makes it the perfect song for warm ups before moving iron.

[@Thomasjcolbert82]

I saw Elton at the PPL center when he started his farewell tour. At 70, still rocks!!

[@nonnamadonna]

At 73 he still ROCKS!!!

[@calgaryjammers4821]

I wouldn't be disappointed if I found out this was played at my funeral

[@ladyindica]

I come back to this video once a year or so just to revel in it's perfection. Enjoy.

[@lisaweaver986]

Elton is a dinosaur of an icon. And I mean a genuine one.

[@cat-lw6kq]

Just incredible how well they play together, another group like them is AC/DC who are top notch musicians.

[@jameshaney9538]

we saw him at the forum in LA and this was just after the yellow brick road album came out.what a stellar concert.true musicians in every sense of the word.

[@kristineb.mcanelly3304]

Sweet sounds from all directions tonight. Looking up into the light.

[@veronicagriffith7357]

A very great and delightfully expressive concert video. I must say that I enjoyed viewing it tremendously. Perhaps its because I love hearing really good music performances and lovely songs as well.

[@tcbham2659]

Amazing live performance! I think what strikes me besides the raw talent is how the band interacts and are really enjoying themselves

[@user-ms9kr7pb1m]

Have heard lots of versions of this by EJ and all the musicians are superb, but this performance has the best bass driving it of any I've heard.

[@summermcpherson8209]

Davey's guitar playing is insane!

[@guilhermelovisi3710]

Elton John is the Mozart reincarnation and the good news is Mozart can really rock it !!

[@dinamo6563]

And also Roll Over Beethooven

[@ann275]

I agree!

[@FERNOR777]

@@ann275 I Agree. Mozart Elton John

[@jtb1649]

that whole generation of musicians were the mozarts . people just haven't realized it yet.

[@lisaweaver986]

There is a lot of deep within Elton. Its why he ever lasted.

[@orlandomota6975]

I'm 58. Elton is my favorite musician since I was 16.

[@urbandrummer1]

I was there and met the whole band when this album was released..... Love it!

[@tinarose3868]

Just love!!! So excited to see him again in the same row, 24th orchestra as I did in the MSQ 1974....

[@ActionMediaProductions]

Tina Rose The 22nd row is what it’s all about though 😉

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

The greatest songwriter performer ever, him and Freddie..

[@nonnamadonna]

Billboard has named Elton "The No. 1 Male Solo Artist of All Time".

[@DandyLion662a]

Hey, I've got Mr. McCartney on Line 1 and Mr. Dylan on Line 2. And that's Mr. Cohen outside your office.

[@asublimationpoint72]

This version of this song smokes so hard it is unbelievable. The whole Madison Square garden concert is incredible. Elton dedicated the night to John Lennon.

[@josephsnearline2022]

I’m so fortunate that I got be at MSG three years ago and hear Elton and the band play this.

[@garydunn1451]

This is the best live version that he ever did on tour Madison Square Garden classic New York is the bomb

[@jayodonnell4387]

The note he hits at 8:04 wow!

[@davematthews1457]

Wasn't an Elton fan but got brought up listening to him since day 1 of my life (1986). Got to see him in 2023 with my parents. Man I wish I had taken the chance to go sooner. From Metallica to Meatloaf and 1000000 bands between this has been one of my favourite gigs.

[@wythetrumpet6419]

Elton really puts on a terrific show! His music is super and so are his musicians! Davey Johnstone is one of the finest lead guitarists to ever front any band!

[@gordonfoy5217]

I've seen him live a few times, 3 hours without a break.......just fantastic, a true legend.

[@timothy4545]

My personal favorite and being at Madison Square Garden to hear this is incredible.

[@RC-te4mt]

Classical Rock and Roll and what a way to start a concert!

[@mikelabor7688]

What a grand privilege it must be, to have been at this performance! A maestro-ful presentation.

[@Swimfinz]

Wow! I've been smitten. I thought there was no way an improvement could be made off the album version. Hey...I wish I was there, in concert. Fabulous musician, creating and entirely new genre of music on the fly.

[@jenniferdixon7633]

It’s not just a song, it’s a symphony, and a great one at that.