Elton John - Skyline Pigeon (Ryan White funeral)

[@davidcarroll1883]

It's amazing how Elton can perform in situations like this without breaking up. He did the same thing at Princess funeral. What a true strong professional. Elton is truly an outstanding individual.

[@danielsnow1940]

You can tell he almost breaks down a few times.

[@jonspengler5891]

@@danielsnow1940 I didn’t see that

[@Jo_Wardy]

Elton John is broken so badly by these deaths that all he can do is perform for the loved ones of these people who passed away. That's how he can keep his composure. He knows it's either being emotional or singing.

[@jdenino6022]

@@Jo_Wardy He also did the Lord's prayer with Sting at Gianni Versace's funeral. He broke down afterwards.

[@AmyChappell-g4b]

@@jdenino6022 My heart broke when I heard of Elton’s recent health struggles. I honestly can’t imagine a world without him.

[@jessicaevans805]

My dad died from AIDS complications and Ryan White helped me more than I could say. He was my hero growing up. Rest Easy to the bravest person I know

[@AmyChappell-g4b]

💔💔💔💔

[@jessicaevans805]

I found out my dad had HIV and shortly after that, I seen Ryan story, he became a huge part of life. I did a whole report on him in high school. He was my hero

[@logikylearguments6852]

That was a rough time for that disease, did your dad make it out?

[@bird9350]

Here after Elton's book. Brought tears to my eyes when talked about the whole Ryan thing.

[@mammaming3865]

Same

[@alankelleher]

Two absolute heroes, Elton John and Ryan White.

[@Rocketman-bq4io]

And I noticed Michael Jackson was talked about too. Funny thing that he was on Ryan's funeral

[@melaniehentschel3313]

Same here. So many hilarious moments in the book but this episode stuck and deeply touched me.

[@pianoman1973]

Same..

[@casuallybry]

Elton John sang with heart and soul for his best friends, Freddie, Ryan, George and Diana. Hopefully one of his friends sing for him. And with a whole heart.

[@StuKuhlman]

OMG I am dreading the day this happens, but I am sure the world will flock to his side

[@richardjd8182]

He will probably outlive his friends of his generation he has already outlived most

[@Rocketman-bq4io]

Don't forget John Lennon too

[@orbison]

And Gianni Versace

[@shades1718]

elton has said that Ryan White was one of the reasons he became sober and that he is alive because of Ryan White

[@slimymotherflipper]

Yep, thank you Ryan White 🚀💫💛💙

[@EstoulsAruta]

So it's sacrifice at all...

[@richardjd8182]

@@EstoulsAruta it's no sacrifice at all . But I get what you mean lol

[@ElishaBenYisrael]

I'm alive because of Ryan White. It's the Ryan White care act which enables me to get the antiretroviral medication that keeps my HIV at a undetectable level. That medication is $2,800 a month and there's no way i could afford that. Thank you Ryan

[@georgetoomey1191]

bless the child for he live in all of us 🙏 Ryan white

[@andrewwklangstieh5857]

EJ’s autobiography brought me here. So moving. A thousand times more than EJ’s tribute at Princess Diana funeral service. Sir Elton you are a wonderful human - compassionate, loving and kind. God bless you.

[@Celie3678]

So very many folks are NOT aware of even half of what he really went through. Thanks to the Ryan White fund created and still funded to this very day by Elton John, Me and so many others are able to receive free medical care. R.I.P. Ryan, OUR Angel. "Thanks for taking one for an ever-growing team.

[@simonstacey4217]

Sorry friend you are misinformed Elton John has his own AIDS foundation called the Elton John's AIDS foundation. Ryan White foundation was created by the government and is funded federally. Bing 32 years positive, I speak facts.. I will say a prayer for you, pls, say a prayer for me. Sincerely

[@stephenholmes5362]

Today in 2024 the Ryan White Foundation is still helping those who are dealing with this disease!

[@Scottwilkie18]

30 years and still one of eltons most powerful performances ever

[@Elijah.Ashman]

emotion is a very powerful thing when it comes to music.

[@Optimusprimerambo]

​@@Elijah.Ashmanit is

[@katiewilliams5643]

It’s been 34 years since his death be definitely made this world a better place now because of it

[@danielfittipaldi3705]

That was intense, my God, such a wonderful performance, R.I.P.

[@sirluke7]

I followed you on FB. Great selection of music you like listed there! Clint

[@Malcolmdeeb]

That’s nice of you to say, but his body has probably decomposed by now. Not his spirit, though; spirits don’t decompose. Except for Hitlers. Pretty sure his decomposed, because he was a bit of a dick. But, otherwise ... ya.

[@grogers1001]

I just paid a professional pianist and soloist to sing and play this song at my husband's memorial service. It was so moving and beautiful. Thank you Elton and Bernie for creating this beautiful song.

[@johnmunro4952]

Ryan White saved Elton's life. " When Ryan's eyes closed, mine were opened, and they've been open ever since" ( Elton John)

[@whoaitsreesy]

Can’t believe it’s been 28 years today. I was only 2 when he passed. All throughout my school years, I learned how brave he was, giving the dire circumstances. I am now a teacher in my hometown of Indy and each year, I take my students to his gravesite in Cicero as well at the Children’s Museum in Indy to educate how important he was in his short 18 years. Still fly on Ryan. You are still touching lives almost 30 years later.

[@dinizklein950]

Parabéns !

[@whoaitsreesy]

Freakyears Elton lover hardly. Just want to make sure that at their age, they can make an impact.

[@davidcarroll1883]

Holy God! I've always been an Elton fan but I have never heard this! How powerful! Ryan would have loved it. I got to go dry my eyes, now.

[@rosemarieholt2261]

He stopped doing it for a long time after this

[@GOLD1702]

Michael looked so terribly sad :( So did Elton .. I almost cried myself

[@Rocketman-bq4io]

I feel so sorry for Elton. Having to deal with most of his friends dying so young, John Lennon, Ryan White, Freddie Mercury, Princess Diana, Gianni Versace, and George Michael. But I feel great now that Elton knew when to become a better person, or else drugs would most likely kill him. And now he's happy and still standing!

[@act4666]

He helped save Eminem from drugs too.

[@hpforeverfan]

And Robbie Williams

[@danielsnow1940]

@@sarahevans7289 Did he invite him to Neverland for a sleep-over?

[@noybs9452]

Let's just forget this is Ryan Whites funeral and what Hemophiliac Ryan and his family went through because of Faucis misinformation about HIV/AIDS.

[@fyourfeelings3946]

25 years later never knew him but this makes me cry

[@alextownsend4930]

Makes me cry too. I'm glad Elton John has stood for people like Ryan and that he cleaned up of his life.

[@maliikprior5243]

Same. Makes me cry.

[@corduerorose9747]

This is why they need to find the antidote before it's too late for another victim Ryan didn't deserve this 😔

[@nbkforever]

You cried because you have humanity you have compassion a great human a rare thing

[@MzJanuary]

This song tears me up inside. Such unimaginable grief but yet you hear the beauty in the lyrics. Thank you Elton and Bernie, and SIP dear Ryan. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TommyPitcher]

To all those who bullied him growing up I hope your still around to remember Ryan and think about the way you treated him

[@TommyPitcher]

I read Ryan's book in 2006 and it moved me made me a better person I still remember and my heart goes out to his family ♥️ your son will never be forgotten by a fan of his I play is riddle on a lot of people and it surprisingly works with one line turn this IX into a 6

[@malachyrodgers5188]

God bless Elton, this truly put me to tears. This song wasn't sung just for Ryan, it was sung for his past friends, like Freddie Mercury, who had also passed.

[@seanwebb605]

Fun fact Freddie Mercury features prominently at the Indiana AIDS Memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana.

[@modchannel6414]

Freddie actually died in 1991. Ryan in 1990.

[@southernpacific7200]

I hope the kids who rallied against Ryan White being at their school will regret their decision and explain their mistakes to their children or even grand children.

[@dinizklein950]

Os fascistas não se desculpam jamais !

[@ddivincenzo1194]

A top celebrity won't sing at their funerals and their memories will wither and die in obscurity.

[@orlandobabe]

That is my one and only prayer for those people who did rallied against Ryan because ignorance and fear doesn't excuse their cruel treatment to him.

[@leandar]

Some of them did. Elton said in his book that at the funeral some of the people who treated him so badly came to his mom and apologized for it and she forgave them, which just left Elton amazed!

[@orlandobabe]

Leandar wow there is hope Lord. Thank you

[@Bookph0ria]

33 years later ❤ thinking of this beautiful boy n performance

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Good Lord! This is moving.

[@katiewilliams5643]

29 years later still seems like yesterday I didn’t know him but a friend of mine sister knew him this song was so beautiful at his funeral it’s even on my iPod 📱 for music love this song.

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

One of Elton John’s most beautiful songs

[@rarmst6694]

I am aware that Micheal Jackson as well as other celebritrys were there for Ryan.I am the most impressed with Elton John. Elton was with Ryan through alot of his illness, and was there for his family. Through Elton John going before congress that we have the Ryan White bill now.To provide care for those living with HIV/AIDS. God Bless Elton John, and Ryan White !

[@wehtam4807]

Elton even loaned Ryan's mother the money so the family could move, when Jeannie White tried to pay it back Elton said no, put it Andrea's (Ryan's sister) college fund.

[@melissameyers1869]

He also paid for the family to move out of Kokomo

[@KitKat-1975]

Comparing people on what they provided?! Just a little materialistic, don't you think? Michael Jackson loved Ryan too! He had him at his house, invited him to sing on stage, but he passed away. He did a tribute to Ryan on stage in his concert, and if we're talking about money, Michael gave too 🙄 Love comes in many ways. It shouldn't be compared either. R.I. eternal Peace, Ryan. 😇 🕯🕊 ♡ You were so strong, unique, special, and determined.

[@chrissimpson6701]

@@sarahevans7289 💯

[@ammarhasan5203]

@@sarahevans7289 No one has discredited MJ. If you improve your rudimentary reading skills and read the orginal comment again, it lucidly mentions that writer is most impressed with Elton. No where does this anywhere mean MJ did nothing or did any less than Elton. It's just a personal opinion of the writer. Also, Ryan white wasn't the only AIDs patient Elton stood with. Infact Elton has actively fought the stigma around the illness. Stop clinging to strawman fallaciss.

[@john9550]

I was in this place once, so wacked out on drugs that I think if i died no one would come to see me off, I sat at my piano for hours, waiting for someone to save me. The angels never came, but this song did and its context to this poor kids situation. It just shatters my soul and it fixed me. If theres a god i hope he heaped his blessing upon this poor son.

[@mattlugg6742]

Well said. Well said

[@mariak4074]

John, I'm so glad you are here and not gone. I hope you are very proud of yourself for your sobriety and self love. Our world is less bright when one of it's stars fades, even if no one's mourning/remembering us. Peace and blessings to you.

[@pljgfdt]

One thing about Elton I heard him sing this song live at around that time and he cracked and sounded sometimes terrible singing it. But when it came that he sincerely sings it out of his heart for you. The man always delivers. What a beautiful version to this song. ❤❤

[@Treebard]

Jeffrey, thanks for putting this up here. I haven't heard this version since 1990, when it so moved me, and my father, too, who became an Elton John fan from seeing it. Thanks again.

[@Scottwilkie18]

People say his performance at princess Diana’s funeral was riveting so many forget this one

[@swedishrob639]

Elton's best song; imo.

[@LoneLee2022]

My favorite song of his.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Thats the look of a man who was humbled by a young kids death. You can feel the power as Elton was ready to make a decision to get sober for good. If you are in recovery this story makes some good out of such sorrow. Elton sang for his soul and the angel there to grace him. Whew keeps me going...

[@karmas4172]

I'm speechless how much love was in his song for that I'll boy God bless you Elton

[@oriolesandravens]

It's been 34 years, and we still miss Ryan. What he taught us; what he still brings to the table. What his contracting AIDS and dying did for the world, and for Elton. I've watched many videos of this over the years and I am still crying uncontrollably. P.S. I still have a copy of People Mag with Ryan on the cover.

[@glutitis]

Most underated Elton song

[@colbybelk]

Though not the best quality video, this is the most moving performance of this song I have ever seen. I've always wondered where this song fit as it is a more obscure tune, but it is almost as if it were written 20 years prior especially for this funeral. Thanks for posting.

[@jcboutoire]

Without Bernie, there would be no Elton. Without Elton, there would be no Bernie. Listen to the music they created separately. The two together created masterpieces for generations to enjoy.

[@mariak4074]

Beautifully said.

[@grangrampa832]

Elton has always expressed his love for his dear lost friends with beautiful songs😍

[@WelahHomo87]

Such a beautiful song

[@carolinasuastegui2208]

I will never forget such a curagous and strong young man like Ryan. he taught so many and I am very blessed to have known about him. he's changed my life. I now see the world differently. He's taught me to live each day like it's my last . it's amazing how such a young boy changed and inspired so many people. I hope to one day visit his grave and pay my respects. RIP Ryan white, kid of courage ❤

[@kristimccarthy5525]

I think of Ryan White often. I thank him for his courage and bravery and that of his mother and sister. I lost my Dad in the Oklahoma City Bombing and while I can NEVER KNOW what they went through - I know the pain of loss. God Bless You All.

[@Celie3678]

So very many folks are NOT aware of even half of what he really went through. Thanks to the Ryan White fund created and still funded to this very day by Elton John, Me and so many others are able to receive free medical care. R.I.P. Ryan, OUR Angel. "Thanks for taking one for an ever-growing team. --Much Love and peace from: Brandon Copeland--Dallas, Tx.

[@emilyhawk8008]

Amen as a woman who has lived hiv positive for the last 15 years. I am alive. Because of Ryan white and how he still has a legacy of strength courage and love ... I can receive good medical care. Medication and treatment without judgement. He. Will always be alive in my soul every time I take my odefsey tablet. And live strong. I thank you Ryan. And to whom shared this. We are strong. Together God bless you

[@swedishrob639]

This song is really good. From the first album ; Empty Sky.

[@tubixx71]

My left ear enjoyed this very much...

[@jen2002nurse]

I remember hearing about Ryan being diagnosed with AIDS on the news. Him and I were the same age. Then many years later found out he passed away. This video brings tears to my eyes. The way people treated him was inhumane. Especially James O Smith. The man who refused to let Ryan go back to school. Shame on him and everyone else who treated him so horribly. He was just a kid. An innocent child.

[@cleatusspengler2940]

Elton is a champ- Imagine having to perform at a funeral....

[@tigerrocks503chase8]

3:37 This is the part that breaks me. 😭 There is something about that falsetto that always cuts the onions while watching this. This is the first time I have ever burst into tears listening to an Elton John song I mean Candle in the Wind is a sad song but for some odd reason it never made me cry but only feel sad. But this version of Skyline Pigeon combined with this being done for Ryan White and because my grandfather passed away last year just makes me lose it. Ryan White, Grandpa, and MJ...I hope to see you in heaven. ❤️ 😭 🌸

[@JourneyLiveCompilations]

That isn't falsetto

[@cathymeredith3403]

My daughter was 2, this hurt so bad. To image what his mother was feeling, still hurts

[@tictocq]

another year and Elton would have joined him. Poor and sad to watch him at this stage. So glad he sobered-up.

[@jamesnoble8205]

I know, he looked way older then 43. More like an elderly 73 year old

[@wellermindy]

Elton John's relationship with Ryan White is what made him get sober. He talks about it. That Ryan saved his life. He even started an AIDS Foundation in honor of Ryan White.

[@leandar]

Elton said in his book that he saw what he looked like and was so upset that he knew something had to change. I remember in an interview he said Ryan White died and six months later he was clean and sober.

[@caseycompton7141]

Elton has played at too many funerals. It's a good thing, but it must be hard.

[@Scottwilkie18]

Casey Compton So has Stevie wonder

[@mikey6482]

If that doesn't make you drop a tear or two ..... wow!

[@maliikprior5243]

It makes me drop tears. 😭

[@jonathanroberts6434]

Quite a few

[@williampatrick2971]

So many important people in this video.

[@kaitluvs]

It is truly awful what happened to Ryan. This performance was beautiful and makes me cry. The only thing that’s more awful than what happened to Ryan is how some people reacted, calling him those awful names.

[@King_Colombia_Inc]

Thank you Ryan. Thank you Elton.

[@chanhill9914]

Rest In Peace beautiful boy, Ryan White. You stood up for people who had AIDS.

[@trishasmith2354]

So beautiful. Fly Ryan Fly. I lost my brother to this disease in 1995 . Such a cruel world. And all he ask was to go to school with his friends. So glad he was able to get that before he passed. Ryan was a true angel.

[@elijahsanders7157]

We love you ryan white.

[@wagnercabrerisso5986]

I can't believe it, 49 dislikes... Brilliant Elton John, from the deep of his soul.

[@LewishamGirl]

People can be so petty

[@welshlyn9097]

Because they are sad 😔 bastards ,sorry i don’t normally swear.you and your family stay safe Welsh Lyn.

[@seanwebb605]

You get two options: like or dislike. It doesn't specify what you like or dislike about the video. It could be the content. It could be the quality. It could be that the person doesn't like someone sharing content that they didn't create or own. It says nothing of the value of the person. It says nothing about what they thought of Ryan or Elton John.

[@auxsec]

A friend of mine is having a memorial service tonight and this song is being played as well as Goodbye England's Rose ( my friend was British)

[@austingonzales1405]

This song crushes my heart. Ryan was a wonderful and brave person. His impact on Elton John is obvious. I think Elton is right- I doubt he would be alive if it weren't for Ryan.

[@kennethdurbin3385]

Although we were only 6 yrs apart, Ryan is still my childhood hero. Amazing young man with more heart than most people. RIP Ryan!

[@seanwebb605]

The photographer behind the piano is Taro Yamasaki. Yamasaki's piece on a Jacksonville medium security prison earned him a Pulitzer Prize. His father was an architect was almost interned with other Japanese-Americans during the Second World War, but his employer vouched for him. You might be familiar with some of us work. He was the architect of The World Trade Center in New York City.

[@katiejo6066]

Wow..

[@jd55niels34]

wow.that is one powerful video.

[@zeniltonalves2949]

very sad story Ryan, whenever I see it I get very sad.

[@countryguitar87]

Beautiful. I hope those ignorant people who thought ADS = gay, have learned from their mistake.

[@MegaNFer81]

times have changed

[@richardjd8182]

Things haven't changed that much

[@ElishaBenYisrael]

I thought the same thing. Until I got HIV. And the Ryan White care act which enables me to get the antiretroviral medications that keeps my HIV at a undetectable level. Thank you Ryan White, you saved my life. Hope I can earn it.

[@superman31172]

I was 9 years old when Ryan died and later i read an article in a magazine about his life and how he was infected, not Ryan's fault

[@ADBTrio]

I just finished reading the book of Ryan white with my class, We just finished watching the movie recently today

[@jdenino6022]

Elton has the most beautiful songs.

[@621rosario]

I am reading Elton's book and I am so shocked about his past life as drug addict and about this sad Ryan's story! I fallow him for so long, I was 9 years old, now I am 45.....he has accompained all my life with his music! my dream is to shake his hand one day and say him thank you for all the emotions his music gives me.

[@Duricas]

Into Paradise, may the Angels lead you...

[@cameronmcmenemy9856]

When Elton watched the coverage of Ryan's funeral on TV he was shocked at how he looked He said he had looked old with his white hair. A few months later Elton checked into a rehab in Chicago and got sober

[@16Lizards]

Thirty years on. Hard to believe.

[@melissawiggins307]

This was the B side to Daniel when it was released...it is by far the superior song- so absolutely beautiful & powerful 💜💜💜

[@ivymacewilliams5426]

32 years after..

[@jdenino6022]

Beautiful song and Ryan was a beautiful soul 😢

[@kalel311superman9]

i was 9 years old at the time i read an article about Ryan and found out about his life

[@katiewilliams5643]

Great song one of my favorites

[@madmisskelly]

Anyone else here after reading/listening to the Elton John book? He talks about looking back at this performance and seeing how drugs and partying took it's toll.

[@sfoemw]

Which book?

[@madmisskelly]

@@sfoemw its called Me

[@tatianalucas5032]

If he were alive, he would has 45 years old. R.I.P

[@rosemarieholt2261]

My bad - looks like he's put it back on the concert playlist! So there's some recent clips around here - sigh. Sniff - such a sad beautiful song

[@madeinedmundston]

Actualy Rose.....The most beautiful song are the one who feel more Tragic.....Ryan is now Free,he's with all of us. Fightback!

[@briansky10]

very sad indeed. moving at the same time.

[@possiblyadog]

I've heard this song many times before; I still cried now.

[@moonchristina8378]

Beautiful songs are able to heal people's sadness even when we dipress and sorrow. Ryan was born to showed us , he was aliving strong and deep although he dead so young. Please rest in peace.

[@Guih_Medrado]

R.I.P Marylin Monroe R.I.P Ryan R.I.P Lady Dianna

[@Wasserkaktus]

Wow, if I was at this funeral and had even caught a glimpse of the absolute heart and soul Elton John put out in memorial to this boy whose innocent live was taken from him by a ravenous disease, I would be bawwing my eyes out too.

[@reneeskinner2833]

Beautiful song

[@Celie3678]

@heyathere1000 Her name is Judith Light and she played Jeanne (Ryan's mother) in the TV show about his life and death. It's available here on youtube. Please watch it. You'll be glad you did.

[@heidirourke2259]

I always get teary eyed at this especially for a young kid.

[@antoniojb.pereira5697]

Very good Elton!👊

[@possiblyadog]

Just watched it again; I cried likewise.

[@kitty-vk8ic]

This makes me cry so hard😢😢

[@reyore315]

super...bravo.

[@RealTime88]

Very moving tribute to Ryan. Elton you rock dude!!!

[@krystags9281]

I don’t know ryan white but this made me cry I felt sad

[@Im_Neela]

RIP RYAN MAY GOD BLESS YOU U AND MICHAEL JACKSON INPIRAE ME TO NO THINK ONESELF BUT THINK OF OTHERS NEED FIRST SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHORT TIME ON EARTH NOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE AT HOME AWAY FROM THE PAIN

[@198634]

flawless!! Elton John is absolutely flawless!!

[@brenbro2534]

R.I.P brave boy. Fly high in Heaven a glorious Angel ♡♡♡

[@jadsoncardoso8519]

love love love you