Elton John - Funeral For A Friend (Love Lies Bleeding)

[@caldercraft]

I was the "synth" player on this gig-- I did all of the backup keyboard parts, including those very fast runs. I had 6 synths; I was drenched in sweat before Elton even began to sing. Davey is an old friend, and for those who say anything different, you had to be there. At 7.3 into the song, it's just Elton and myself. It was the musical epitome of my very long career. Elton gave me a $7,000 Omega after this concert. I suggested to him 20 years earlier during his concert in central park that he have two drummers (Santana)- I laughed my ass off when I arrived at rehearsals and saw two drummers.. Elton looked at me and winked. Incredible memories, truly the highlight of my career.

[@aquaboogiebaby9653]

WOW! :) You sounded great! How exciting!! This vid didn't really show the percussionist. Was it Ray?

[@jebbyinma]

Was that you at the 2004 Radio City Music Hall Show?

[@maryschneeloch3944]

Obviously he did the intro....lol....can you introduce me to Davey? LOL I love them and especially Davey. Been a fan for 40 yrs

[@maryschneeloch3944]

Let me tell you that you did a great job! I play the bass. Never with anybody like Elton though. God bless!

[@helendreyer5156]

color me jealous..... what a wonderful chapter of your life, Peter. wow... just WOW!

[@2Bonita08]

Elton Elton Elton...my first love in music (after Elvis and the Beatles)...hearing his music used to make me sore so high, inspired...amazing man. Amazing talent. He will always be an icon of greatness and showmanship...love you brother. I don't love anyone for what they do or dont' do...but for who they ARE! GREAT vid!

[@LucilleSzafraniec]

So beautiful all his music Sir Elton is an English treasure and a universal legend. Love him so much music for our many years tell stories only he can tell.

[@leokimvideo]

Elton is like fine wine, the longer you hold onto it the better it gets.

[@johnpelletier7641]

How does one compare this to today's music? One of the greatest songs of all time. The intro, the segments, the building, the rocking chorus, the drama, the beauty.

[@jfkesq]

no comparison

[@jfkesq]

This music makes you feel good, strong, excited, happy, uplifted, positive, hopeful. Most of today's music makes you feel sad, depressed, violent, shitty, bummed. With the possible exception of Uptown Funk Me Up, that is great fucking song.

[@partgard1]

HERE! HERE!

[@rhondasessa3691]

Absolutely

[@musicwritersince1980]

There are singers. There are musicians. There are composers. He is all. Plus a pure genius. Timeless music. Amazing stuff.

[@davidarinella8031]

Elton John, mega talented musician. What a flippin great song. EJ the G.O.A.T.

[@jskit92380]

Sir Elton can stand up to anybody playing music today!!!!!! This song is so totally awesome.

[@muskokan59]

I am watching this over and over and over again.This album came out when I was 14(lucky me).Saw Elton in Hamilton this summer with my 24 yr old son...8th row right in front of Elton and the piano.....priceless!!

[@usafamom]

Today would have been my 30th Anv. Elton was my husbands favorite singer. His one wish was to see him in concert one more time before he died but the end came to quick. EJ will never know how much joy he brought to our life or how much fun we had at his concerts. We saw "The One" Tour 5 times one summer in 3 different states ! I will never attend another concert. It just wouldn't be any fun. RIP David I love you.

[@neilvancura1964]

Davey Johnstone is an underated guitar player. He rocks it here!!!

[@waltjaeger9273]

Absolutely

[@drdrumbeat3010]

Not underrated by me :)

[@markc5771]

They cut out his epic solo at the end too!!! Always loved Davey's work

[@csonntagful1]

I've seen him 8 times over the past 40 years & never ceases to amaze me!!! This is isn my top two songs, the other one being "iv'e Seen This Movie Too", which reminds me of too many failed relationships I've had. Anyway, Elton is simply been my all time fav artists of all time, with the Beatles coming in at a close 2nd...

[@michaelsharpe4415]

I met Davey at Lennox Mall in ATL back in October. I saw him walking with another guy, who turned out to be Elton's percussionist. My 16 year old daughter brought up pics of Davey on her phone and was unconvinced the person in the mall was him. But I knew it. I nervously approached him and asked if he were in fact Davey. He could not have been more gracious and nice to speak with for a few moments. He even gave me one of his personalized guitar picks. I have been listening to Elton and hence Davey for practically my entire life, at least since 1969. Davey is a true icon to me. I am a guitarist in a band currently. It was a great moment to recognize and meet one of my idols.

[@A1Adaydreaming]

Like you, I am also a guitarist and have always admired Davey's skills. In many bands, the lead guitar is the instrument that really holds the whole song together. When I think of all the great rock and blues and southern rock tunes that I grew up on, the parts of those songs that come to mind first are always the guitar riffs. Davey has thrived in an environment where that's not the case. He is not the showcase of Elton's songs...it's Elton's piano melodies and his incredible vocals that always lead the way and are always the most memorable. Yet, Davey's guitar adds such great depth to these songs. I think he's a genius player because he is a master of NOT taking over the song. Less is more, if you know what I mean. I've seen EJ live a couple of times and all I can say is I watched Davey for almost the whole show.

[@pup1008]

As a Brit that's nice to hear! So good when people celebrate & enjoy their fame rather than be dicks with it. We live a mile or so away from a restaurant Rod Stewart goes to & probably 6 miles from the village he lived when in the UK. I'm yet to meet a single person who has a bad word about him! Supposed to be a lovely man, he'll stop & chat for as long as people want to talk to him & has real fun with people! Heard the same about Keith Richards. Like they say - The bigger they are the nicer they are! On the flip side of that coin, my town also plays host to a major UK reality show where they follow a bunch of kids about, same as "Jersey Shores"- THEY are all certified arrogant twats!

[@ebdl8488]

One of my all time favorite EJ songs! I loved it the first time I heard it and it has never grown old. Elton John is and has remained one of the most talented singer/sonwriter/performers of my generation. He is the consumate musician and this performance of "Funeral" is the best 'live' version I have ever heard! Nothing today compares to his talent. Thanks for posting.

[@ricmar222]

The ultimate live recording of Elton John playing what is arguably the best song ever created by any person! Very moving! I would have easily paid 4 figures for a seat at that concert!

[@TrueMisterSixUK]

I love this song sooooo much I placed it in my personal top ten tunes of all time. There is very little that reaches the unbelievable representation of quality and talent than this, especially on this epic rock scale.

[@georgedaranyi951]

The greatest live intro to a concert, ever. Simply brilliant. Timeless.

[@technocrash09]

I wonder how many people realize that in order to pull this off, maestro Elton needed two complete drum kits (one of which being his from-day-one drummer Nigel....one of the best in the world) PLUS a complete purcussion set. And even after all of that, his piano work still drowned them out!!!!!! EJ. The only living piano legend of my generation! Some are good....some even close...none better! peace

[@excelerater]

still my fav EJ song of all time...

[@richardmbowman]

Absolutely...! "Candle In The Wind," & others are magnificent. But this....this is "the shit."

[@traceyleestepniak7388]

what about empty garden, mona lisa to mad hatter there are so many and i have been an elton john lover almost my hole life since i was 10 or so and i'm now 51 have only seen him twice. i know i should have seen him more live but i like listening to the songs i like the most intead of what is on his playlist for a concert..hate all of the songs like pliladelphia freedom and any song that are so comercial...........yes i'm a fan of eltons for life.........

[@TheDJM59]

the one,, mellow,,,, seen that movie too,,,daniel , rocket man...your song etccc....

[@rodmcdonough2832]

My favorite also, and definietly in the top handful of Rock songs ever recorded. It has everything, and does eveything to you. Dave Johnstone is bad -ass and should get an award for one of THE greatest signature guitar riffs ever recorded. Still unique and infectious after 40 years. It makes the song. You can't wait to hear it again when it comes around, and when it does, you can't get enough of it.

[@kenzieclark8902]

I just saw Elton March 22 in Albuquerque and he opened with Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies... and I literally could have left the venue right after that and felt very satisfied. Incredible, even after all of these years.

[@roydon0526]

my mom took me to see him for my birthday, the stadium went black i was so jacked to see him my heart was raising look forward to hearing this song live. elton walked out the hole stadium stood up and clapped. then i started to almost burst into tears iv never experienced anything like that it my life. he is truly a legend

[@windnchgo]

I remember bringing Goodbye Yellow Brick Road home and playing it at full volume from beginning to end. My mother, at one point came in and said, "Do you have to play it so loud?" My response was a resounding, "Yes, I do!" This track is Elton besting the progressive rockers of his day. Way to go, Elton!

[@vickiemoxley6160]

It's good LOUD!

[@bobbydapkus1644]

I have been a fan of Elton John and his music since 1971. This simply is the BEST concert that he has ever performed. The updated versions of Funeral For A Friend and Daniel are fantastic. Seeing and hearing the whole band together again is great. Wish I was there that night at MSG> Long Live EJ!!!

[@mik-exe-]

Stuff all the people who keep saying that he's not as good as he used to be. He has changed over the years, that is obvious, but I challenge them to sit down to a beast of a piano like Elton's and perform to the epic, universal standard that he does. He is a good wine: he has simply matured over the years to produce a different sound. Always gonna appreciate his work.

[@km2gthr]

One of the greatest pieces of music ever recorded!! So glad I hear it three times live!!

[@AlisonWild]

This is definitely one of the greatest pieces of music ever recorded. So you'd maybe agree that his first album is among the greatest rock albums ....ever. I will never get tired of "Take Me To The Pilot" for example.

[@km2gthr]

Agreed...I never tire of "Burn Down the Mission", either....or "Funeral For A Friend" along with the four song anthem it starts...

[@paulyabe]

certainly the greatest version of it on da KZbins

[@MsCordially]

What a song, what a composer. The song still inspires me

[@EirikskarbNedregard]

Elton John & His band Wonderfull crazy nights tour Live@Colorline stadium Aalesund/ Norway 30.06.2016 brought me here :) Same set list and all, Fucking LOVED it ... Big tnx to Elton John & his band to blow my mind, and Bigger Tnx to my lovly parents for raising me in a home of music and conserts, introdusing me to all the great artist of all time.

[@jaytduce]

I cannot say that it gets any better than this because it simply does not. After all the years Elton is still great and that is all there is to it. What I would like to know is that with 1,124,977 views who are the 160 people that did not like this?

[@lofcfan1]

Saw Elton recently, this summer, at Chesterfield FC . Still in brilliant form, live, as ever. Have seen him many times over the years, indoors and outdoors. A good friend at school put me onto him, lending me "don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player", and have loved him ever since. This is the" tour de force" song that he does so well.

[@technocrash09]

I saw EJ in Philly when Yellow Brick Road was released back in the 70's (Dee Williams was still alive and playing bass then). He opened with Funeral and to this day, it sends chills up my spine. I have seen 100's of performances since. EJ in the 70's will never be.....CAN never be duplicated or outdone...............ever...............for the rest of eternity! There was no better show to see then! Even peeps that didn't care for him agreed!

[@jeffpurvisjr4790]

Laid my grandpa to rest today. This song was played by his request at the services. Love you grandpa, R.I.P

[@SirMichaelTheWarrior]

ELTON JOHN will go down in history with the likes of Beethoven and Mozart as one of the most inspirational and creative composers who has ever lived on the PLANET EARTH. Elton and his music are IMMORTAL BELOVED.

[@kjmmtmkjm]

One of many great shows, we previewed the entire concert in Wilkes Barre Pa on thursday night beofr MSG, He and the band were Awesome. Welcome back Nigel Olson

[@daddynamedmejanine]

Dear Elton.....Thank You....for 40 years....even on this bad day....you make me smile....isn't that really why you do this???

[@threat_dynamics3272]

I'm grew up in the 60's and 70's and I'm what the now generation calls a "Metalhead." You might suspect that I'm not an Elton John fan and you would be correct. Except for this song. The best word I can think of to describe it is "superb!" I can remember listening to it with the first real girlfriend I ever had so it has a sentimental element as well. Absolutely fantastic!

[@jlbsnaproll]

I feel lucky that this was the music I listened to and got to go see live through middle and high school, what the kids listen to today just does not compare. Wish Dee was still with us, one of the greatest bass players ever.

[@tulllguy]

his best tune; he was right up there with the 70's greats in rock.

[@carlrball]

It doesn't get much better than Elton John, Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olson and band performing Funeral for a friend/Love lies bleeding from the masterpiece Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-saw him twice and was blown away!

[@gtekeeper]

I went to an Eagles concert in the 80 at the Inglewood Forum. For the encore they announced that Elton was in the audience and was going to perform with them. He rocked. The guy has played with band like the Eagles and Guns N Roses. I appreciate that he will share his songs with other artists. I saw him in Dodger Stadium in 75. He played two 2 hour sets. It was one of the best concerts ever. I saw the sequined Dodger uniform he wore in that concert at the Hard Rock Casin in LV lately.

[@l.a.1529]

i am 59 years old, my mother workek at the u of m she took me to v fudge when i was 6 fred neil and i started hanging out in coconut grove during the dolphin project my mom turned me on to a wonderful world of music i am proud to say i turned her on to elton john in her hospital room as she was passing she asked to hear funeral for a friend thankyou sir for allowing me to grant her last request i have never had the pleasure of seeing you but pray the day

[@kendahke]

Man! this song takes me back to my teenage years. What a master performer! 3 drummers driving this band! What a wall of sound.

[@DaveM1260]

I am a 70's person...ELP, Yes, Tull, Moody Blues, etc. But I think this may be my favorite live version of a 70's classic.

[@KolloteRunner]

I think it's the best version ever made ​​by the group, in a perfect adaptation of the two songs, say the old fox knows more about that fox! Great, great Elton.

[@chrisshar7095]

One of the great musical rock pieces of our time. Thank God I was here to witness it.

[@distilled53]

The man is a genius. How can someone with such short stubby fingers play piano like that? Davey, Curt and Jonny you are so like I remember you all those years ago. Keep the faith boys

[@weaseldoc13]

He should always open with this song. I've been lucky enough to see him twice this year. Love it!

[@pamdelozier7878]

Me Too!!! This will be played at my funeral as well. As loud as it can be so even I will hear it!!! All of my family know this is to be done!!!! I cry every time I hear this song. We even played it on a road trip for over 2 hours!! Solid 2 hours!

[@wseabuck]

Saw Elton in 1974 in Honolulu...that concert opened just like this one...Funeral for a friend with a spotlight on Elton at the piano in a darkened arena...he didn't walk around first like here though. Spectacular concert I will never forget.

[@chaseruns26]

Saw him open with this at the Garden in 76, what a wonderful career Elton has had. Love it

[@stacyrostoker7944]

I always get goosebumps when this song starts. It's one of my favorites of any artist. Everyone on stage looks like they're having a blast and holy crap two drummers? Sick! Unfortunately I never got to see sir Elton live.

[@rowanparmiter7622]

The Electric Guitar is a killer on this song...

[@sirhammerhead]

When I saw him in Pensacola Fl. I didn't think i would get to hear this song, but this is what he opened with, AWESOME TALENT AND CONCERT, would see him again that's for sure. Thank you to Kim for an awesome birthday present!

[@TheFacefinder]

Elton John is an icon. I played this album until the LP wore out in Germany in 1974ish. He is a master. I also played this during Halloween for the kids who are now in their late thirties and early forties.

[@Farinadog13]

John Jorgenson's versatility as a musician in this concert is amazing. Not only Guitar in this song, but also a Sax Solo, Mandolin and Steel Guitar.

[@MatthewPalmer1992]

I went to one of his concerts yesterday (14/06/2009) and he started the show with this song like he did here and i must say it was bloody fantastic. Go Elton - He always puts on a gr8 show.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Quite possibly the BEST rock song EVER!!! The digitally remastered studio version, on a high end soundsystem = EARGASM!!!

[@1940Louis]

Simply the greatest rock and roll song ever recorded. Period.

[@nicki71080]

absolutely bloody fantastic! Elton has got o be one of the, if not THE, greatest performers of all times!

[@bwclymer]

I really can't comprehend that kind of talent...voice, piano, composition, truly unbelievable!

[@tjhillgardner]

I never was a very big Elton John fan. That said, this is a GREAT song (certainly my favorite EJ song) and Elton John always put on a great show and this is a great performance. He always had a great band.

[@pamnicklas5536]

I saw Elton back in 1986...it was an impeccable show of course but I regret not being able to see him in his 70's outfits!

[@triniprincess02]

So unbelievably beautiful. I saw him play this live and I was almost in tears.

[@intrepidsinger]

Davey Johnstone & John Jorgenson are one of the greatest guitar duos in any rock band ever! Right up there with John & George, Keith & Mick Taylor (and Ronnie Wood), Eric Clapton & Duane Allman, and any others you want to mention. They are skilled, unselfish & joyful in all they play. No egos, just great musicianship. Both are stellar human beings as well which makes their music sound even better!

[@petuniawigglebottom3392]

One of the most beautiful songs on the planet.

[@craymands]

ПОТРЯСАЮЩЕ! Я ВПЕРВЫЕ СЛЫШУ ЭТУ КОМПОЗИЦИЮ. ЭТО ПРОСТО-ШЕДЕВР.ВЕЛИКИЙ ЭЛТОН ДЖОН... БЫЛА НА ЕГО КОНЦЕРТЕ В МОСКВЕ. НЕОБЫЧАЙНАЯ ЭНЕРГЕТИКА! СПАСИБО ЗА РАЗМЕЩЕНИЕ...

[@MollyLynnable]

When I was in early teens, identified with this song. Early 50's now and it's still the same story. Love lies bleeding all over the place.

[@ebbiebosarge8188]

one of the best songs ive ever herd.... thank you Elton for your great music.

[@FTroop37F]

@Syzygy60 Another thing that just trips me out about this is that Elton is performing with such a high level of energy, feeling and commitment. He sounds the same as he did when I first heard this song, in 1973.

[@sidekick62]

Elton can rock.One of the best in history of Rock n Rock.

[@kiaoraguy]

This is the best cut off the best of Reg's albums- the first album I ever bought for myself and wore it out playing this over and over. Killer arrangement- and I dare anybody to find something in today's 'music' scene that even compares. This is the kind of stuff that Beethoven, Mozart or Handel would be composing if they were alive today.

[@BirdTalk13]

Hauntingly beautiful. STUNNING music. I have adored Elton since seeing him at the Troubadour in 1975.

[@FTroop37F]

Spectacular song, performed by some world class musicians. This has always been one of my favorites. The eerie organ instrumental lead in, to set the tone for the song, has me actually hearing and feeling the breeze, The changes in tempo and cadance are very cool. Bernie Taupin & Elton John are freaking musical geniuses (geneii?) Two drummers AND a percussion guy.... Damn!

[@PuckRocker43]

Was so into it...sad it cut off :( This is 1 of THE Best rock tunes of All time! Hasnt waned in 35 years, and Elton Still brings it. Cheers :D

[@wesj1989]

Saw EJ perform in Missoula, MT (of all places) and the man put on the best concert I've ever seen. Over 3 hours of non-stop music. He opened with this song and it still gives me goosebumps!!!

[@waremblem3405]

THE BEST Elton John song. All the rest are miles behind this one, and deservedly so.

[@Farknasso]

Frickin' Great Rock Song......saw EJ in Lexington, Ky. late 70's....one of the best concerts I've ever been to, and paid less than 50 bucks for the ticket too!

[@rskyhi]

Have faith in the next generation... we took our daughters, 15 & 11, to Elton's Honolulu concert last month and the older one was hooting and howling all night!! Now she wants us to take her to the Beachboys this weekend!!

[@Jhensy2012]

Put it on, didn't move for the duration. That's truly a great rendition, epic song.

[@togagurl18]

this is my favorite song by elton john. i went to his concert back in april of this year and he opened with this song. it was awesome!

[@EvralGown]

what a song! we dont see that often in the radio, wish singers these days would be more creative from their heart than money lol

[@mac2920]

wow I remember playing this album when it came out in my apartment. This really brings back memories. One of the best LP's of all time. This must have been quite a show. I saw him in Chicago in 1971 before this was even out at the Arie Crown Theatre,

[@therealborischang]

Sneaked into Stokely Athletic Center at Univ of Tennessee with a friend to see him for free back in '74 and was blown away by this song.

[@lloydwharton8680]

Wow....still an awesome song after all these years!

[@jeanettevaughan1330]

Nigel Dempsey is just about the sexiest 60 year old guitar player EVER!!!! God I'm still in love with Elton John!

[@Mr8otter]

There is a reason why he is Knighted. No one will ever be able to reach the status of his musical ability......and he even says he is lazy. Hell i would love to see him when he put all he has out in his music. Some can make a string instrument cry & moan, some can do it on brass instruments......Elton can do it on the Piano. Seen him in concert several times......always a great show......never disappointed that was for sure. Just wish he could of played more.

[@ron1martens]

That is magic first time I seen this clip. I remember watching Elton John on television he preformed with the Sydney symphony orchestra in the Sydney Opera house and it was great with full orchestration. The conducter arranged the orchestral side while Elton and his band played and it was well done. I used to play my brothers Album I think was vinyl Yellow Brick road and this song was one of my favourites Funeral for a friend and love lies bleeding. It has a lot of depth.

[@rockphile4684]

In 100 years this will be classical music and people will love it

[@Fannylover69]

I listened to this the night my pop died in a car accident back in 1977, it'll always be special to me.

[@76SRV190]

Touching, and I hope you find Joy again. I will say Elton is the last great concert I will ever attend as well. No one can ever compare for music and a show.

[@dwlock100]

Waited for this album (on vinyl, yes I am 61 years old) and was not disappointed. Know every note and lyric to this, but do not attend my karikroki sessions! Ow O.K. then. Elton defined proper music... forever!!

[@marciakaye1]

wow.. I'm speechless,,Elton Rocks! Fantabulous!!!! I always loved these two songs..

[@davehagerty100]

Holy fuck WOW!! 3, count 'em 3 drummers! Epic! Classis! Unique! Kick ass rock and roll and showmanship! Name one of today's bands who could even come close to this and I'll eat my shorts. Excellent post. Thanks!

[@daddynamedmejanine]

My first 8-track tape was Elton...(geez I feel old!!!)....he has always been my favorite. Amazing talent just blows me away.....

[@wtfjayhawks]

You have just said it all, my friend...Music touches and inspires our souls...I bless you and your husband.....

[@magentarose6]

I love to hear stories like that, I was too young to see him in the 70s. I saw him in the 90s at the CNE Grandstand Toronto. I would like to see him again.

[@technocrash09]

I saw EJ do this back in the 70's (Philadelphia Spectrum!!!). He rocked that house to the ground, I tell you.....to the ground!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MsCjmaxi]

One of the best jams in rock n roll history. Can you imagine the rush being there live for this? People must have paid thousands of dollars for floor tickets.

[@cindysonntag1564]

+Chris J I've seen him numerous times live play this song...like being in Elton heaven!!!!

[@aquaboogiebaby9653]

I was a fan from the git, before a lot of people knew of him. Saw him in his superstar crazy prime days, late in the 70s. Everyone was screaming like they did for the Beatles. Saw him twice more and then with Billy Joel. EJ's early concerts were the best concerts I've been to, and I've been to plenty: James Brown (Wilson Pickett opened for him!), Michael Jackson (with his brothers, but after Thriller hit), Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen... I'm an oldie but goodie. ;) I'll never forget that first concert, in the 70's. I was a teenager and had a big crush on him. It began in the dark, like this one. And it really WAS A RUSH!!! It was like taking off in a damn rocket! EJ was kicking the piano stool away, running around the stage pretending to play the guitar and bass with Davey and Dee, headbanging in front of Nigel's set, playing piano with his feet in the air, and dancing on top of the piano, sometimes playing it with his feet. He was a WILDMAN. Exactly 40 years ago. What a memory...sigh. :)

[@skontch1]

one of the greatest rock n roll songs of all time...... period

[@perdeflon5767]

This song is simply awesome and the bass player, RESPECT!!!!

[@nolosangeles]

OMG OMG Can listen to this magical incredible music FOREVER!!!!

[@ubersjkirk]

Saw him in 2005 and this was the highlight of the show, must have been a 15 minute version. was fantastic, that and the new way he plays Rocket man. outstanding. He is an amazing live performer he and his band.