Elton John Tribute to David Bowie

Private concert at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles Jan 13, 2016 to promote his new LP Wonderful Crazy Night. Elton describing hearing Bowie's 'Space Oddity' for the first time and his desire to have the same producers work with him in the early days.

[@diegoborja4005]

This should be re-titled ‘A Rocket-man pays tribute to a Star-man’

[@SandyCheeks63564]

Rocket Man to The Man Who Fell to Earth

[@Prospect.1]

That's very appropriate I think as well bravo

[@elenaofavalormoanadisneypr6893]

It reminds me when Paul Williams pays a tribute to William Finley and Brian De Palma pays a to Jerry Heller

[@debbie4503]

I like that!

[@johnfargher99]

Rocket Man respecting Major Tom

[@spacial2]

This is why Elton John is one of the great musicians of our time. That entire piece was pure magic. Pure Elton John.

[@jessielily6824]

David Bowie did a song for John lennon now Elton John Is doing one for David Bowie, how sad it is. 😢😢😢😢 R.I.P

[@dandinofat]

JessieLily, Bowie recorded and performed some covers like Imagine, Mother and Working Class Hero (Tin Machine); but did he write a song for Lennon?

[@Talisman09]

Elton John did a great song for lennon called empty garden

[@ronditchen6664]

How beautiful brings tears to my eyes

[@altairsp]

'Cause Lennons on sale again. And I always thought Young Americans was written for him, specially "do you remember pres Nixon" and "I heard the news today oh Boy"

[@tracyjones1923]

It's beautiful it's love

[@K6III450MHZ]

I was in my teens by 1973. Elton John and David Bowie were part of the musical landscape then. Music was at a golden period, at least Pop and Rock and Metal. Music of all kinds just spilled out of the radio. We thought it would last forever or we just didn't KNOW it was very special. When Bowie died 12 days ago it was actually painful. David Bowie was only 15 years older than me. What I have seen and witnessed and heard has never happened before, and never will again. That time was that time, it was unique to the 70's and 80's. Now it's called Classic Rock. It is a very melancholy feeling. Freddie was so long ago now. But to lose David Bowie I just stare off into space. Lemmy, David Bowie, and Glen Fry it's just wham wham wham in your face. Dying was a thing, an abstract, floating out there wherever there was. Frankly who gave a shit we were young. We didn't know.

[@debbie4503]

@Terry Smith I was a few years younger than you then. But, luckily, I had a couple brothers who steared me into the awesome music of the time. I turned my nose up when disco came about. I was and am to this day, staying with the good, golden music of the '70s. Awesome time for rock & roll!

[@auroradelaparra6917]

🌺🌺🌺🎵🎵🎵

[@samuelclemens1691]

The Rocket Man........And Major Tom. That's brilliant.

[@tedl7538]

Real nice weaving of Space Oddity into that piano intro! I've always been struck by what a companion piece Bowie's masterpiece is to Rocket Man, now here they are together.

[@b00jen81]

And I'm crying again, 8 days later. I don't know if I'll ever stop shedding tears over his passing. David Bowie was just such a constant part of my entire life. He helped define who I am, and his music saved my life more than once. Like so many, I think deep down I felt he was one of his magical immortal characters and would just be here for us forever. But as my son said, he got called back to his home world. Thank you for filming and posting this beautiful tribute. And RIP and Eternal Love David Bowie

[@moragmacgregor6792]

I _consciously_ believed he was immortal, a god. Deep down I still believe it. Love what your son said. I believe it too.

[@davenight]

What a piano player, truly gifted man

[@dracopticon7788]

Why is it so hard to see a person's true value while they are alive? Nowadays the voice of David Bowie seems to echo in my brain, and it seems so much more gentle and full of life than when he was alive.

[@maryhyland]

That's because he's gone....

[@meganwilliams2962]

+Dracopticon Whereas I've always loved DB since I first heard "Space Oddity" as a 9yo in 1969.

[@hitoshikirako3582]

+Mary Hyland Too soon, man. Way too soon...

[@maryhyland]

+Hitoshi Kirako Yes, I think so too..but it's only April and we've lost so many already....now, Prince, which I've read this morning may be drug related but who knows...it's just awful.

[@hitoshikirako3582]

We've reached the age where life stops giving us great musicians, and starts taking them away D'X

[@frankiefelinesalwayswelcom5825]

WOW and WOW !!! Such a great intro and the ‘PERFECT’ song for a ‘Spaceman’. The tears are flowing now……….”Space Oddity” of David’s, when I first heard it in 1969, blew me away. Such a great tribute.

[@lastrada52]

Spectacular piano playing and some of the best Elton John vocal I have ever heard. Magical. Disbelievers can say what they want about Elton but he truly a class act, and a marvelous artist. (Always has been). Great performance.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

+John LaStrada It's better on the second listen. Love Elton. Grew up on his Early work. Did I dance in the living room!

[@sandokanfirst2]

+John LaStrada Even an electric saw makes a more agreeable sound than Elton Johns voice.

[@lastrada52]

+sandokanfirst2 - Yes, especially if it's a CS Unitec Wide Mouth Electric Band Saw -- that's the one closest to Elton John's voice since it costs only $3882.00. Or...you can purchase earplugs made by Sleep-Eze for a measly $187.95 per pair but you won't hear anyone call you for dinner either. I prefer to listen to Elton...not all the time...sometimes...not all songs...some songs...so, I am not exactly disagreeing with you. Hey, that whistle register BS that they talk about all the time with Mariah Carey -- now, whoever told her that was something anyone would want to ever listen to? That's an electric saw, know what I mean? Elton? Hey, sandokanfirst2 -- we could do a whole lot worse.....and we have.

[@johnstevengoodlad7260]

+John LaStrada sounds like liberace

[@kimdahl7941]

+John LaStrada hi

[@meowmew444]

Such a beautiful tribute. Cried and smiled all the way through. Rest In Peace, Starman.

[@mellefeenstra1075]

Meow Mew i also just did, I just et so emotional by listening to this, but also happy

[@IneffableFoxy]

Beautiful and amazing. Tears and smiles listening to this. Thank you, Sir Elton.

[@IneffableFoxy]

And thank you, uploader!

[@sharondanamayer924]

+Nic3378 el Elton did a very good tribute to David Bowie . may David rest in Peace.

[@sandokanfirst2]

+Sharon Danamayer Elton did a rubbish tribute to David Bowie. Everything Elton ever did, does, or will do is rubbish, but let him keep his dirty hands off David Bowie. Rocket Man is a shameless rip-off of Bowie's Space Oddity. Bowie was innovative, intellectual and had taste, all qualities Mr John does not possess.

[@taebi27]

+sandokanfirst2 Elton John never ripped off ANYBODY - never had to - look at the history. Then go back to your closet.

[@taebi27]

+Sharon Danamayer ????????????

[@stephenhowlett6345]

Why can you always tell it's Elton playing the piano, he just has a magic quality and some.

[@pacskye]

I have been an Elton and David fan for 40 years. Was blessed enough to see them both in concert several times. Thank you for posting this.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

Elton John is still in his prime. Greatness never fades away. This is proof of that.

[@mizofan]

+George Vreeland Hill "Blues never fade away" (Captain and the Kid)

[@davidarchibald7990]

What a great tribute. Not a cover - there are plenty of those, but a tribute. I also think it is nice that Elton has signaled the influence Bowie had on him as well as playing Rocket man, highlighting a link that exists between them.

[@Dustshoe]

Yes, Space Oddity came out in 1969, Rocket Man in '72. Also Bowie had that genre-busting spell in Philadelphia, in '75, with his Young Americans album, and Elton, of course, sang that magnificent Philadelphia Calling. Both Elton John and David Bowie were the two biggest British rock acts of the 70s (Queen straddled the 70s and 80s) who both made an impact in America.

[@jacwood22]

+Dustshoe - Did you mean Elton's Philadelphia Freedom?

[@CarlosRodriguez-zf5zr]

+Dustshoe it's actually called PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM

[@ariannasacerdoti8123]

+Dustshoe not only in America!

[@mizofan]

+Dustshoe Philadelphia Freedom was a tribute to Elton's friend the tennis player Billie Jean King (with a tennis team by the song's name)

[@poemsarus]

I will always recognize the way he plays with the THUNDEROUS emotions that emanate from his body to his fingers as he trips the light fantastic and tickles the ivories..LOVE HIM!!!

[@laminage]

You know what's so eerie. They both have strong ties to John Lennon. Elton was indirectly responsible for John and Yoko Ono getting back together when they performed "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" which was John's First Number One Hit at Madison Square Garden and Yoko came to visit them backstage. Elton and David became one of the very first White Acts to do Soul Train where Elton sang Benny & The Jets and Philadelphia Freedom while David sang Fame that John Lennon wrote for him. Elton John is Sean Lennon's Godfather and he and David Bowie were the only people allowed to take Sean off of The Grounds Of Le Rosey in Switzerland when he was a student there. Sean admitted losing David to The Rock Magazine Mojo as very hard.

[@johnnybeasley3675]

@Joy Stinson A few problems there. I know Im late, but Im pretty sure Bowie was Sean's Godfather or Paul one. Also Lennon didn't write fame for Bowie.

[@johnnybeasley3675]

@Joy Stinson thats not WHERE they first met though. This meant that they were both there. They were having a rough patch from my knowledge

[@Klui_]

@@johnnybeasley3675 Kinda, Fame was written by Bowie, Lennon and Carlos Alomar (Bowie's guitarist at the time). It all occurred when John went to the studio where Bowie was recording, they probably got high, and started to improvise with a riff Alomar had. A word was misheard as "Fame" and that's where they followed with what we have now.

[@carolinemcglade5520]

@@johnnybeasley3675 so sorry ... Elton is Sean Lennon’s God Father . Look it up

[@markfernandes9715]

They were clearly wary of each other at that time as both were equally talented and were considered rivalry between them. Though Elton sold more records, David was a trendsetter

[@cameronkasper8673]

If Elton John gives tributes to people when they pass, who is going to give Elton John a tribute?

[@hexagonaltv754]

The world

[@mike3t4r50]

morgan Freeman

[@IneffableFoxy]

+Cameron Kasper Hush your mouth. Elton is immortal.

[@thezuh1398]

Rufus Wainwright

[@debbiemartin3922]

+Hexagonal Tv I've read through this entire thread and your eloquent answer, "The world." brought tears to my eyes.

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

Beautiful tribute .... and YES , Elton still " has it " !!!!!

[@mizofan]

+Mark Boston Yes and his new album Wonderful Crazy Night out 5th Feb is very good. Rolling Stone call it one of his finest and Mojo say "if you love pop music you really must hear it"

[@lalala6255]

+Mark Boston He never lost it.

[@puplover7991]

+Mark Boston Saw him today at the free concert here in West Hollywood. Oh boy, does he still have it!!!

[@SadWoman-jj9cy]

I think he stressed on "has it" because he was pleased that Elton is still with us.

[@22nberry]

Just saw him last week in Las Vegas. COULD NOT BELIEVE how wonderful his piano playing was. INCREDIBLE!!! A living legend who I was thrilled to see live!!!

[@ActionMediaProductions]

22nberry its even better now on the farewell tour

[@jawoody9745]

It was an awfully nice thing for Elton to do this.

[@debclayton196]

Brought tears to my eyes this morning. As someone who grew up with them....literally we are all around the same age...I'll have to start getting used to these kinds of tributes to the musicians who wrote the soundtrack of my life. Bowie/Ziggy was a Rocketman. This is perfect. And Sir Elton's very best instrumental arrangement of Bowie classics at the intro was a gift to his friend and to all of us. I've never criticized a eulogy...and that is most certainly is Elton's to his friend. Brilliant and moving and amazingly talented.

[@pattbrown4170]

How very thankful I am (& millions all over the world) that Elton John learned to play the piano ! what a huge VOID we would have without his genius. Loving,moving tribute to David Bowie who has left us now with an enormous void.Have respected/admired both men for a long,long time.

[@richardgjerde439]

Elton John made a few nice pop melodies in the early 70's. Bowie changed pop culture single handedly and stayed creative to the very end.

[@satyabratamishra4670]

Elton did pave the way for piano rock n rollers. And he too has the talent of composing unique and complex melodies on his piano in a matter of minutes.

[@TonyAvaloschickenwing]

i THINK IT'S GOING TO BE A LONG LONG TIME THAT WE CAN EVER SEE AND HEAR MUSIC LIKE THIS , TIMES ARE CHANGING , CHE, CHE, CHANGES ! I LOVE YOU DAVID BOWIE AND ELTON JOHN, LET IT BE FOR EVER AND EVER THAT ROCK AND ROLL WILL NEVER DIE, WE GO ON IT WILL STAY.

[@pdn-vd5om]

I don't know why, where or how the tears arrived, but they rose over my rims, you know, I cried just listening to the superb Elton John.. What a beautiful tribute to Bowie. Isn't It crazy how life speeds past...

[@susanburgoyne5132]

Thank you, Elton, for this moving tribute.

[@kevinherold6797]

if i were david bowie and i had the greatest piano player ever do i tribute to me i would be totally honored.

[@kathleenreynolds5380]

Sir Elton, you moved me to tears. I'm sorry you lost your friend David. What a tribute.

[@GirlofNicky]

Many of us experience anger when we are grieving and we must remind ourselves that we are not grieving alone. Elton is expressing his grief in a beautiful way by pouring it into musical performance. Ultimately, I believe he is simply saying " I love you David" . That's always the right way to honor one who has passed.

[@grngooseputter]

Always been a fan, but REALLY love his older stuff..... even the 80's.

[@MarCanada35]

You don't even need words to express the magic that was Bowie. It's a sad, sad situation - the #Starman is among the stars, his music forever alive. #RIPDavidBowie

[@mizofan]

+Marlyne Skaff "sad sad situation" Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word.

[@ninalisa2303]

Bring tears to my eyes.. that is what I call a real tribute and more then worthy.. from one Legend over another legend.. thank you Sir Elton John

[@davidsellers738]

I could not possibly think of a better song in tribute to Bowie. I've been ridiculously sad the past month, this helps for sure :-)

[@faginzboyz]

Thanks Mark for capturing and sharing the magic.

[@Mickey5662]

I have lived over forty years enjoying the songs of Reggie. Why anyone should deem a thumbs down, does not care much for music, yesterday, today and now!

[@selftrue670]

You musicians out there, listen to Elton's phenomenal dynamics, his negative space, phrasing, flex timing. What a consummate artist.

[@cooldebt]

Spellbinding intro - how many pop artists can hold an audience like that with sheer musicianship?

[@sandralaunstein6436]

This makes me want David Bowie back more than ever. .. so glad we have his music and beautiful memories. .. Elton John is best of the best!

[@eds6755]

I never record during the show. I always think the people recording aren't having as much fun as me because they're looking through their phones . . . but this was a great song. Thanks for sharing, I'm happy you recorded it for me to enjoy!

[@BowieLover62]

What an awesome way to pay tribute to the GREAT DAVID BOWIE! Gotta love Sir Elton John!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ceenote969]

At 68, he still bangs on the keys like he owns it!!

[@nancyhaddad9182]

Because he does. Sheer magic.

[@mustangcutie8962]

Absolutely amazing! His voice is still great, his piano playing is brilliant. David Bowie would have loved this tribute to his legacy, from one legend to another xx

[@maureenwagg5305]

Since age 13 I have loved this man and David Bowie. Nothing has changed and I'm 56.

[@christinedanser956]

Just add Queen and Freddie to the mix...my all-time trio of heroes

[@christinedanser956]

And I'm 56 as well 😊

[@rubysteele9183]

Favorite of mine: Christmas song duet of David Bowie and Bing Crosby; unforgettable!

[@a.vestige]

Ruby Steele Agreed! David Bowie's voice is beautiful beyond belief in that duet... Didn't appreciate it high school, even though I loved Bowie. Had to rediscover after I got older. ✌️

[@kathybutler538]

Ruby Steele absolutely!

[@curiousmonkey6403]

Bravo Elton John. Another one of my faves and another one if the greats. Sir Elton John you are classy. Bowie!!

[@intelligentcat192]

Oh, so sad that Bowie has passed:( What a beautifully played tribute. Thank you for posting!

[@J.A.Hansen]

This really awesome.Elton John is a master on piano The best tribute for Bowie by far. Thank you Elton and God Bless🙏

[@RudolphFurtado]

Excellent and rare "PIANO TRIBUTE" to David.Bowie .Elton.John is also timeless with age and different genres of music over the decades.

[@cbfall]

Amazing & Wonderful!!! Thanks so much,Sir Elton John!!

[@nurulaustin2519]

I love this, I'm actually crying :(

[@NashaWriter85]

I like this. It's Bowie's song but Elton put his own feel into. Quite lovely sir. Thank you for recording this.

[@DonMillsGirl]

Just beautiful. Thanks for posting.

[@tinajbrown1867]

Bravo Sir Elton! Beautiful tribute! I loved it! I am saving this one to my favorites! RIP David, we will all miss you! What a contribution you made to the world!

[@mineheadX1]

so great to see Nigel Olsson back where he belongs...I know he's been back for a while...he just makes those songs work better than any other drummer.

[@BrendaLewisJazz]

Wonderful improv on Major Tom which brought a whole new poignant meaning to Rocket Man, which it lead into. Weepy up here in Canada. Thank you so much for capturing these few moments in time, Mark. I'd like to believe that David would have loved this.

[@nybabe58]

Elton John & Tina a Turner 2 of the greats besides Melissa Etheridge have chosen words and tributes to Bowie for the true rock icon that he is! Tina and David were very dear friends and he influenced her career after she restarted. Videos of David and Tina are very well known such as Let's Dance and Tonight. Elton is another icon and favorite of mine and so glad he has expressed his feelings for David through his music.

[@Somer-set]

look at him sparkle like the diamond he is.. this was a tribute not a cover.. smart man as always.. a genius playing tribute to another genius..

[@pomdiddly]

Interestingly enough, David Bowie and Elton John have s commonality together, they both collaborated, and performed with John Lennon. What an amazing tribute.

[@mizofan]

+Tom Strohecker John Lennon was a close friend of Elton- Elton's song Empty Garden is a tribute to him, and he's also mentioned in Blues Never Fade Away. It was Elton who got him performing live again.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

+mizofan - There was a time Elton wasn't performing and he was a mess! Someone helped him out of the slump. Great friends in great halls of music.

[@greg11311]

+mizofan Lennon is singing backup on Sir Elton's cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

[@greg11311]

+mizofan Lennon also co-wrote and sang backup of David Bowie's Fame, the original 1970's version.

[@sandokanfirst2]

+Tom Strohecker Can't we trade in Elton John for David Bowie? We could do without Elton John's bland taste in music (and visuals).

[@thezuh1398]

Very well done Sir Elton. Bowie would be pleased, I believe.

[@jcboutoire]

There are stars and superstars; there are legends and there are icons; then there is Elton, who stands above all. To call him an Icon is to sell him short.

[@davidbrennan3613]

I got tot to see elton in Madison square garden in 98 he and his band are fantastic

[@gentillyguy1]

I forgot just how great a pianist Elton is!

[@revbryank4883]

Thank you Sir Elton,David we will miss your grace and thanks to whoever filmed and uploaded this

[@kemhopkins3421]

I've had the good luck of seeing this man in concert 5 times over 43 years and I'm Blessed....

[@BigJonkulous]

I always smile when I watch new live footage of Elton and Davey Johnstone is STILL playing guitar with him! And he still has that same haircut. Love it.

[@SurfFender]

Outstanding!!! What a great performance, and wonderful tribute. Art; and Love; the redeeming qualities of mankind. When we miss these, we miss the purpose of life

[@mizofan]

+SurfFender Well said, I like the art and love as redeeming qualities

[@tinaodell1033]

oh,I love this... smile

[@LadyA4356]

Rest in Peace Mr Bowie ! You were the greatest !

[@neena9340]

Lovely piano music. My condolence to David Bowie's family. Thanks again You Tube for sharing.

[@Cosmogirl014]

Wow- this is over the top EJ and is piano .... fabulous all around GREAT tribute to StarMan who is so missed.

[@aniwi1794]

I mourn for the loss of my childhood teenage years...David Bowie...Elton John...Aretha Franklin Prince...George Michael...Michael Jackson...many many more...Thanks for the wonderful memories and wonderful meaningful music...

[@vickia86]

Beautiful, I love Elton and I love and miss david. I'm in shock people can dislike this.

[@mizofan]

+Victoria Arendsee Some people don't think Elton is cool and there are homophobes too.

[@satyabratamishra4670]

@@mizofan its only intellectuals who can understand elton's talent. he is no average rocker.

[@SMewett]

Wow, just love this 🎺🎶🎻🎷🎸🎵🎹🎼

[@whiskerbiscuit3639]

Flawless

[@clg850b]

Such a beautiful and heartfelt tribute, brushed a tear or two away.

[@celebtrvl]

I will always miss Bowie's creative genius. Thank God for the music

[@marielouisegildemeister2224]

Tribute to David Bowie Deep in my soul !! God Bless you ALWAYS

[@cherie6408]

Thank You Lovely Tribute to David Bowie! So thoughtful.

[@RoseEvansworkstresstosuccess]

Thank you for sharing - wonderful tribute. Dedicated to the StarMan .☆¨¯`♥David Bowie RIP Love Song & Smiles x Rose x ♫♥♪¨¯`♥ ¸.♫♥♪¨¯`♥ ¸.♫♥♪¨¯`♥

[@titchdharamsi7151]

An awesome tribute. Thanks for posting. Tears and smiles all at once.

[@alanahodge1327]

Wooooooooooooow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE PLAYED THOSE DAMN KEYS!!!!! Oh my God that was awesome. Left me with a lump in my throat, and chills. Thank you Mark for posting this, Elton John is fabulouuuuuuuuuussssss!!

[@sillyreallyable]

all ways, touching , but brilliant ...thank you, Sir.

[@TMNigel]

Killer keys by Sir Elton!

[@carolluber4857]

Just Beautiful.

[@fendi-bull8167]

RIP to both David Bowie & Paul Buckmaster. Paul was in Guns n Roses' 2008 album, his touch on arrangement in Madagascar is just pure amazing.

[@marysullivan6075]

amazing to hear Elton John play a tribute to David Bowie,brilliant!!

[@paul2mee]

This is a nice reminder of what makes Elton special...despite being a great star, arranger and lyricist, his core skill and talent is as a pianist. His voice may no longer be what it was but he can still bust a great tune on the old joanna. The greats are slowly leaving us now so enjoy the few groundbreakers such as Elton while we still have them.

[@TacomaPaul]

Beautiful

[@Loknar5454]

This was nice, and before I forget "Happy Birthday Nigel", and I also hope that Dee, Davey and Gus are doing fine. You and Bernie along with Jean-Luc Ponte have given me 45 years of the best and timeless music anyone could have produced, played and sang. Thank you.

[@fredypae89]

Hey mark, I listen to you on the radio while I'm at work, you're one cool dude !!! Been a proud Kost listener for well over 26 years !!!! I must tell you I do miss Pirate radio and Arrow 93.1 !!! I'm from Inglewood California !!!!

[@MarkWallengren]

+Fredy Gutierrez Thank you!!!

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Mark Wallengren This was great to listen to. Especially since E.J. was David's true peer and a friend. I hated the "official" televised tributes, this makes up for it.

[@sharmelaragno5184]

I love both their music and this was a wonderful thought.

[@rickrocker9106]

I saw Sir Elton on July 4th, 1976. America's Bicentennial!! This is an awesome tribute by one of the giants of music of the 20th and 21st Centuries. He will receive the same response when he goes. Of course, I am in no hurry to see him go. May he live till he is 100!!

[@MrJimmyoc00]

excellent, thanks so much for sharing this...Elton is one amazing musician...after all these years, love the space oddity ending oh, the sound is actually really good. .: )

[@rebekah852]

Thank you John and Mr. Wallengren.

[@rocketman25208]

I'm so overwhelmed and touched by this.

[@doriawhitlatch9928]

Beautiful Sir Elton. Thank you.