Elton John - Your Song (Central Park, NYC 1980)

If there is a single moment that is most-widely known in the canon of Elton live performances, this may well be it - Elton appearing as Donald Duck during his Central Park on September 13th 1980 in New York. After struggling to get the Bob Mackie costume on backstage, Elton sits down on his piano bench for the first time in the outfit and lets out a laugh as he realizes the padding won’t allow him to stay on the bench or easily work the foot pedals. Ultimately, it didn’t stop him him turning in this memorable rendition of ‘Your Song’.
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Elton John - Your Song (Central Park, NYC 1980)
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[@foxpianocovers]

Love it how he’s just cracking himself up...

[@GJSolo]

Quacking?

[@cgh7337]

Coking himself up is more like it.....

[@kylekane5870]

He's quacking himself up

[@FatboyFlurer]

He isn’t sober

[@turbocoma]

I think he meant to say GACK as opposed to QUACK...

[@mbozzie2347]

He protec He atacc But must importantly He sings with quacc

[@jacklilegostudios4687]

He protec He attacc But most importantly... He performes when on cracc

[@gerrysong6908]

Jack Li LEGO studio hahaha

[@Osh_wij]

This comment deserves way more likes 😂😂😂

[@Lawpope1]

good try keep paying your followers

[@fyithetalkshow7842]

That’s a little funny

[@I_WANT_MY_SLAW]

He's dressed like Donald duck, yet this is perhaps the most normal he's ever looked in performance, without the makeup and glasses.

[@cavemanzach9475]

He also just seems to be playing for fun, laughing with people on stage. There’s thousands of people there and he looks like he’s playing at a bar on costume night. Absolutely amazing talent

[@brianorozco1074]

I WANT MY SLAW!! Yeah

[@kleverstudios]

he looked kinda normal at live aid.

[@safenders]

Yup

[@nancycowan3621]

He was actually quite handsome when he wasn't trying to hide himself behind all the costumes. Just my humble opinion.

[@FreakieFan]

Why on earth was this glorious costume NOT in the movie?!

[@alexmiranda9796]

Copyright reasons ?

[@reytheboy]

Disney.

[@mikemusikable]

A lion costume ...

[@jomoody798]

Copyright kept by the mighty disney

[@rasul407]

bear-able aha!

[@stormking989]

The man is a musical genius.

[@andrewturner3398]

yes he is a cleaver musical genius

[@JohnTaylorMusicClips53]

@@andrewturner3398 meat cleaver?

[@justtimm1255]

I beg to differ. I mean he didn't write music. I would say a great pianist, a great singer especially before the operation. A living legend, but genius nah.

[@stormking989]

@@justtimm1255 Here's a direct quote from Elton John. "When I first started writing with Bernie it was exactly the same as it is now: I would get a lyric, I would go away, and write the melody and play it to him. That's never changed. It's the same thing now and it's as exciting now as it was then," he told host Jimmy Kimmel. "So if I write a song on this album and I've finished it, I go and bring him in and say, 'Listen, this is the song,' and then the band come in and learn it and we put it down.

[@justtimm1255]

@@stormking989 Well that's all great, but that is your experience. Whether it true is the question. I've read where Be rnie writes all the music. So I guess somebody has to be wrong. The proof is on the Albums themselves do we see any that credit Elton as the writer. I will say if he's a writer yes he's a genius. Either way I enjoy his music immensely, and his 1976 live solo performance of someone save my life was the greatest live performance ever in my opinion.

[@gordoxium]

No one noticing how effortlessly he's playing that piano?... just singing, goofing around and interacting with folks on stage and the crowd...

[@ThomasB-zw3sg]

I think everyone notices that lol

[@millomaddix]

Its pretty insane

[@barrez7300]

I was there with my nana. At first it was a lovely day with everyone picnicing on blankets but, as the crowd grew and pushed forward we lost our belongings and almost were trampled. My nana (70 yo at the time) wanted to leave but, I begged to stay. She was tired and scared but, when she saw him come out in this outfit she laughed so loud people noticed her and cheered her on for being a rockin granny! She danced and shouted and had a blast. It was a memory I will always cherish. Elton John will always be the greatest songman!

[@breannaw7254]

That's the cutest sweetest thing I've ever read

[@suzannebracker8219]

Bar Rez BEAUTIFUL MEMORY.

[@thecristelteam9217]

This is my favorite comment today

[@davidhardin6649]

Some memories never fade. Great comment!

[@quinnlesniak7498]

aww

[@robbiedouglas7423]

Elton John quacking in a Donald Duck suit in a live performance was something I didn't know I needed to see in my life. The two dudes chilling in the tree was a bonus!

[@bridge4]

lmao. Elton giggling is so money. then he quacks hahahahah

[@therealwatdoesitmean]

He's a ducky duck. He deserves to quackity quack quack *QUACK!*

[@bridge4]

Lol ur right

[@resireg]

40 years ago, his friend John Lennon would be murdered not far from this stage.

[@joshuabrits9076]

@@resireg R.I.P John Lennon 😭

[@yeetusfeetus669]

@@resireg Jesus dude, mood killer much?

[@Volterrix]

2:45 is why I think this is one of best performances of Your song he's ever done

[@dillonspindler1466]

Leo McCrann great rendition and makes me wish it was on the studio version

[@Volterrix]

@@dillonspindler1466 agreed, studio version is a little dull after a while so this on KZbin was a good new taste of the song much more energy

[@hannahb.4329]

I thing the one Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is by far the best but this one is also really good

[@livispuzzled]

It gave me goosebumps

[@Volterrix]

@@livispuzzled me 2 =)

[@JohnSmith47534]

'' It may be quack simple but..''

[@franfernandez7838]

"Now that is Donald"

[@IsaiahGBY]

Trump

[@gimli4030]

"a duck who makes potions"

[@markread7333]

Little-known fact about this concert: Elton got hit in the face with an empty wine bottle, thrown by an enebriated fan. He continued performing like a champ. Later, he said, "It was my own fault, really. Someone tried to warn me, but I ignored it: 'Duck!' they yelled."

[@GeorgeMichaelsGirl]

I see why he ignored it because he was dressed and a duck

[@user-hq9wh9hq7n]

Haha great story

[@JayDeeIsMyName]

@@GeorgeMichaelsGirl r/Woosh

[@riccardomusiu510]

2:29 "quack!!!" Ahahahaha!!! 😂😂😂 Great Elton!! 👍👍

[@SLB119]

Riccardo Musiu I love that he cracks himself up

[@riccardomusiu510]

@@SLB119 Elton is brilliant! 👍😉

[@emwjmannen2]

Elton did it before at 0:45

[@riccardomusiu510]

@@emwjmannen2 😂😂😂👍👍

[@serg123ish]

Epic

[@garlandsilcox6384]

I don't know why but this has always been my favorite live performance of Elton John🤗😅 '' It may be quack simple but..''

[@danielpaul8]

“Now that is duck…”

[@rohanroll]

Anyway, the thing is >QUACK< 😂😂😂😂 2:28

[@DaniBlasterBcn]

😂

[@kaylaatkins6945]

I was wondering why i felt unsettled then I realized... NO GLASSES!!!

[@cadenserrador8276]

police: stop calling its not that big of a deal me:nouo glassases!

[@donaldcouch3832]

He stopped wearing sunglasses for a while around this time. Said he found confidence in himself and didnt need to hide behind them anymore

[@clavdia2134]

the same at live aid 85’! weirrdddd

[@jomoody798]

He does not look like himself

[@aidanjanemcintosh6919]

@@donaldcouch3832 until he realized that the glasses are what makes him him

[@alexbormanbou]

"i'm not one of those who can easily hide"... i wonder why

[@prajjwalpokhriyal8287]

Lmao

[@hannahb.4329]

😂

[@MaximilianoLRamos]

LOL hahahaha

[@charlottedeacon6031]

Alejandro Bohorquez And it wasn’t even him who wrote the lyrics (Bernie Taupin) 😂

[@freakyears956]

@@charlottedeacon6031 but Bernie taupin don't quack hahaha

[@kelvynacosta]

I love how he put some quacks in the song

[@mfmz6329]

No one: Nobody: Absolutely no one: Elton John: 0:46 *QUACK*

[@romanlakes]

😩

[@lamelomane1656]

Jeez

[@AshAirheart1995]

John*

[@holamovie9343]

Elton Jeez**

[@gabrielap9019]

ROFL

[@DougieL]

Elton is a fantastic musician and has a cracking sense of humour.

[@thadyodonovan6515]

*Quacking*

[@hannukoistinen5329]

Elton is good-for-nothing!! Overestimated piece of crap!

[@Goro561000]

2:45 I love his jazzy way to sing this song

[@carloscerdan2782]

Souly way

[@wagnercabrerisso5986]

Guinness book, more than 400.000 people at Central Park NYC - Sept.13.1980 - The living legend, Sir Elton John. The soundtrack of my life since 1972. Blessings to him !!!

[@euluccitorres]

In Brazil Rolling Stones 1.5million Copacabana Beach.

[@bulat_shams]

@@euluccitorres probably only about Central Park

[@lee4732]

Simon and Garfunkel did 500,00 year later

[@DXMPromotions]

Garth brooks was estimated at 1 million.

[@BradMarcus]

One of the best days of my life. So much fun to have been there. An absolutely perfect day. The ONLY downside was that we all thought that John Lennon was going to show up, but alas nope. Such fantastic memories.

[@Maracujakeks]

Wish I had been there!

[@yuvanproduction194]

Must be very lucky to be there 😀😀

[@AllGreatTruths]

I'm so envious 😆

[@vickyblunstone2212]

I wish I was there but it was 25 years before I was born 😅

[@AnnaPark90]

so cool! wish I was there

[@renapeppers20]

I guess it really is a little bit funny since Elton is laughing throughout the whole song 😂😂

[@ImNotADeeJay]

yeah I wonder what made him laugh so much

[@stepanidastepanova7051]

@@ImNotADeeJay laughing gas

[@gregorbaby4269]

@@ImNotADeeJay He probably saw Daisy Duck somewhere in the crowd 😂

[@SekkiCola]

@@ImNotADeeJay he could not seat confortably to play piano because of the duck bottom.

[@hannahb.4329]

Hal sadly probably drugs

[@philippzahn5465]

0:21 it’s funny how he has to laugh when he sings „I don’t have much money“

0:37 LOL

[@mikemusikable]

Calvin Jacks he normaly sings : we could both live

[@mikemusikable]

Calvin Jacks what he sing actually

[@annieallport485]

In his book he said that whenever he sings that line he always laughs inside because how much has changed for him over the years he finds it ironic lol

[@gaminglegend]

Cause he rich

[@louisfreddyy]

Elton looks so happy 😊

[@isla8132]

probably not at this time, he was most likely on drugs which is sad to think about

[@bossshrek1241]

@@isla8132 dodgers was 1975 but this is 1980 not sure if he was..

[@ShmokeyBandit]

2:30-2:50 DEFINES Elton John. Completely having a ball laughing at himself and then breaking out an unbelievable twist to the song.

[@kashiaroundtheworld]

Yeah I loved that part. He didn't even have to try to create an incredible adlib. This man is pure music!

[@del8730]

This one bit probably inspired Billy Paul's version I BET!

[@ney69]

Aí ele demonstrou o gênio que é!

[@richielongenecker]

Sir Elton John dressed as Donald duck is the best thing I've ever seen.

[@audrawood7791]

Omg, the people in the tree are literally meee 😂 3:15

[@sherryhoward5386]

Audra Wood 😂😂😂😂

[@andrisprzymuszala3288]

WOOD LMAO U GET IT xd

[@reyaanhasaan3270]

Hey, it's Donald Duck dressed as Elton John!

[@marybarry2230]

Best comment yet!

[@allysonpowell]

his giggles are so contagious god i love him 🤧

[@jaythebillz9543]

This is probably the funniest performance of Your Song I’ve ever seen for two reasons. 1. Elton is wearing a Donald Duck costume. 2. He's laughing as he's playing and singing.

[@martagonzalez4794]

song: If I was a sculptor, ha, but then again no Elton: if I was a sculptor hahehhahejshrjfjejaahhaheh

[@lainechampion8255]

I love seeing people just happy, and Elton looks happy here.

[@oliodipalmainside]

Drugs

[@biggreen216]

That second chorus gives me the chills everytime. What a legend

[@kayrummenie7555]

Yeah, he is an incredible artist!😩🎤 Btw please check out my cover to this song :))

[@LoveLife-wy8gt]

Awesome to see him laugh and smile . He so deserved it .

[@sebgreen3701]

Love Life it’s the drugs

[@jaden6053]

Elton John is the only guy that can wear a Donald duck suit and still rock the stage

[@Elena-mw1qg]

I don't know why but this has always been my favorite live performance of Elton John🤗😅

[@matthewvaughan8192]

Probably because happy. Quacked out of his mind, but happy for the moment.

[@averyprice9422]

He was having so much fun

[@dianegiltinan5810]

Elton’s - is the sweetest smile I have ever seen ❤️

[@LilyIglesias]

Reginald Duck 😂😂😂😂😂

[@heidirourke2259]

I think it's funny Reginald duck

[@LilyIglesias]

@@heidirourke2259 thnks lol

[@ironictea]

I think it may be Elton Duck aka Elton Donald.

[@LilyIglesias]

@@ironictea yes, it could be too lol

[@the.44magnumisamonster]

Donald Dwight

[@saraberni5106]

Never knew that a man in a Donald Duck costume could make me cry like this...

[@CynthiaZan]

"I don't have much money... but if I tried" 😂

[@duckitydoo]

why does he pull that outfit off surprisingly well?

[@gizmonovack]

80s is known for unique and weird outfit

[@melissahorn6091]

Elton is one of life’s great pleasures.

[@sawyer6264]

Why didn’t they have Taron dress in this for Rocketman?? 😂😂😂😂

[@themusicmaster1077]

F Nieve He was probably like “no”

[@justlooking070]

Disney might copyright! Hahaha

[@oliverolsen77]

MyNameIs Shawnie Disney was co working on the movie

[@j-dawg4774]

Nobody rightly knows LMAO

[@axel_rimlinger]

Because, QUACK ! Sorry I don’t Know.

[@jamesmcjimsey3497]

This video really *QUACKED* me up!!!! 😆😆😆🦆🦆🦆

[@thecccontraltocovers5257]

lol

[@heatherjames3693]

2:45 he’s like ok enough messing around......I’m Elton Fukin John

[@stillalive8259]

0:46 QUACK!!!!

[@santi_play_games]

The outfit is so romantic hahahahhaha

[@Ostaralore]

This is the most beautiful love song that’s EVER been written on the face of this planet!!! It makes my heart yearn to feel this kind of loving bond between two souls. Platonic Respect of Being. ♥️

[@collinw1353]

Music is not about how we look. Yes Elton thanks for making that point. So right.

[@eck4324]

God damn there is a moment in this after the laughter calms down where it just feels só strong like such a powerful moment of inspiration

[@deborahkent7151]

Having loved Elton for so many years..this Donald Duck is one of my favourites…had this whole video on vhs in the 1980’s and watched over and over..I was in my 20’s then and It stills brings a smile now I’m 58…rock on Elton. X

[@__SAK__]

A more relaxed and easygoing Elton here

[@richardanam8920]

Hi Sara

[@cynthiadelfava5046]

I was at this concert. It was great. I remember the duck suit. ❤️

[@davidmilks5405]

Me too...

[@fabimi]

"...makes potions in a QUACK!" Omg i love it 😂😍

[@sartainja]

I will never forget Elton dressed in the duck outfit and and Paul in the turkey outfit on SNL.

[@pyroed7044]

Was Elton on Quack coacine ?

[@legendarypunch]

spot on hahaha

[@sherryhoward5386]

😂😂😂

[@endorphin1261]

Probably

[@Joaofa14]

Of course kkkkk

[@djhousedog]

😂😂😂😂

[@RedoxusPlaays]

This is, easily, the cutest video online.

[@Renanrgk]

The best artist of all time!

[@harshaggarwal1918]

that "boy if i did" is so iconic

[@isabelrodriguez4510]

this alone cured my depression

[@georgestorer6109]

Elton trying to keep a straight face at 0:30 LOL

[@un_random.735]

Este hombre es un genio, un maestro en el piano, grande Sir Elton John, un ídolo junto a Bernie Taupin, si estos dos genios no se hubieran conocido, no tendríamos estás grandiosas canciones. Elton + Bernie = obra maestra

[@adolfogarza5179]

I'm excited for rocketman I can't wait now for a David Bowie movie now

[@benwooly6895]

Adolfo Garza star man

[@mehdidauber4312]

Moi je l est vue est il est cool

[@RunningToNotBeSeen]

Bowie’s family won’t allow an official movie about him to be produced and won’t license any of his music to be featured in any Bowie biopics

[@adolfogarza5179]

@@RunningToNotBeSeen yeah i know, i was just dreaming

[@or_p5376]

Yeah with elton and queen, the only ones missing are the beatles and bowie (and kurt cubain could be amazing too)

[@wiganbinmon6776]

Imagine being born with a talent like that WAW

[@blakev3934]

Even an Elton John playing in a Donald Duck suit still gives me the chills…

[@maximpopov8651]

Elton John is a healer ☮️

[@OliviaNoelArtist]

I love how energetic and passionate he is... this is such a gorgeous song, and he made it so fun in this performance! Love ya, EJ! ❤️

[@King_Colombia_Inc]

40 years ago today. Quack. Quack. *Quaaaaaack.* 🤣

[@CarCar75]

2:44 Elton at his best. Pure talent

[@vandajesus6771]

How wonderful life is while Elton is in the world!

[@babydublin01]

I remember seeing this.I was 5 and fell in love with Elton John.

[@repulore13]

Awww. It’s Art! The fact that he’s laughing at himself dressed as Donald Duck it’s just funny. And that quack! Should have been in Rocketman

[@turtle5173]

2:38 Mark Zuckerberg is still figuring out in life wether he’ll gon be a musician or a techno entrepreneur.

[@diarrheaqueen]

@Joe Bien that's rude. u dont even know him irl or how he actually is

[@diarrheaqueen]

@Joe Bien that's rude. u dont even know him irl or how he actually is

[@diarrheaqueen]

@@Zaneoo7 did u even see the comment i was replying to?

[@Zaneoo7]

@@diarrheaqueen my bad thought it was the original comment by Turtle, was it bad?

[@Manwecaen]

It might be simple ... but I think this is the most beautiful song ever

[@julianavrba8309]

OMG! That quack was great! 🤣

[@richardanam8920]

Hi juliana

[@davidimhoff2118]

I'm so mad I was born in 1981 because I adore Elton. If I was in my 20s in 1980 I would of been in love with him lol. I'm 39 and I'm in love with 1980 Elton lol

[@Miki_Lynn]

Growing up listening to Elton John was the best! The 80’s were great but the 70’s…. Ahhhhh. 🤗

[@mypud4068]

Such an amazing man and talent....I have never cried over a musician dying but Elton will be the first....just timeless

[@martine197138]

God we are so blessed to have such an amazing human in our lives! Love Elton John!

[@krokobille]

love 2:15 where they just film the hat haha

[@user-jb6oj7vi4v]

I've been waiting for the movie, "Rocket man"

[@brianorozco1074]

yeah yeah May 31, 2019

[@Bruh-ls7sg]

I love this song

[@quo33]

After watching the film, it's so good to see a performance of him where he just seems really happy! :D

[@josephnaldi3467]

Elton is having a great time!

[@sheilinhapadalecki5859]

So funny! So wonderful! What a voice!

[@kayrummenie7555]

Yeah, he is so talented!😩🎤 Btw please check out my cover to this song :))

[@lib5864]

Listening to the autobiography currently: he's laughing because this is his encore song outfit and he was stuck trying to get in it for way too long backstage and the whole situation was hilarious to him. He reunited with one of his original costume designers and had told him to "do his worst"

[@roblanger5546]

Elton John is just pure f***ing CLASS.

[@nancycowan3621]

Absolutely love the way Elton ends this song! So passionate!

[@Carlos4522m]

Wow, no words

[@kayrummenie7555]

Yeah, he is just too talented!😩🎤 Btw please check out my cover to this song :))

[@alrobvy]

I love Elton and...Donald...!❤❤❤🎶❤❤❤

[@kayrummenie7555]

Haha same! He is an amazing artist😌🎤 Btw please check out my cover to this song :))

[@Bel_M]

Recuerdo este concierto porque mi papá tenía el original (video) en Betamax, y aún lo tiene. Elton me encantó desde niña ❤️

[@LuisSwayze]

Sí super original, super cantante y más en vivo :O

[@polariginal]

According to his biography, the laughing at the start was because one of his friends offstage was just giving him a look.

[@catmansma]

He's so funny and so darn cute.

[@tobiasheep8760]

Will we see Taron Egerton in this costume in the upcoming movie? Quack quack haha

[@willon50]

love his sense of humor...

[@siennalilith]

His giggles are absolutely so cute & lively

[@wagnercastro5398]

Exactly 42 years ago, this is, in my opinion, Elton John's most anthological show! Everything was perfect that day! The place, the time, the band, the sound, and of course Elton himself! And here I am, 9/13/2022, 42 years later listening to this eternal sound...

[@gertrudelanny9241]

Genius! He was joking for a majority of the song. But then he belts it out!

[@christylawson9036]

I'm cracking up 😂 at him laughing. I'm going to look up the interviews after this one. Too cute

[@ruthfeeney9441]

Elton the legend

[@kayrummenie7555]

He is an amazing artist!😩🎶 Btw please check out my cover to this song :))