Elton John - Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding

"Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" is the opening song on the double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John. The first part, "Funeral for a Friend", is an instrumental created by John while thinking of what kind of music he would like at his funeral.[1] This first half segues into "Love Lies Bleeding."

[@markproulx1472]

There aren’t many upsides to being old, but having been alive when this came out is one them.

[@frickfracked]

Yes indeed!!!

[@michaeltillman7631]

@@frickfracked I liked all the furniture wow thanks so much for swaying my way you guys... Is everything okay I mean I know you're feeling the heat financially what a struggle I understand that it was not my intent to make you feel bad about not scooping me up I know the situation I wish I could help but I I'm struck myself up I'm getting trying to get these people off my back from the court because they're threatening me blackmailing me for a restitution that I never even committed to crime and and I'm very resentful about that and I'm pretending with it I'm not drinking and you know I'm making a decision I'm not associate with no one today I don't want no kind of drugs or alcohol to solve my mental problems that always ends badly Jay

[@jvpivarnick]

oh, Right On, brother geezer!

[@gazzzza]

granted but when you find some other artist out there on you tube covering the greats we all grew up with and cover the sounds there younger and maintaining the high standard look up last licks , wont disappoint

[@debbieedwards711]

You crack me up! Its the truth. God bless our generation.

[@Justin-hv7eu]

I saw this man live. Best concert I’ve ever saw, no question. I got to see him play Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters for the final time in New York City during his farewell tour. I had chills the entire time. I cried at the end of the show. Sir Elton is one of the greatest musicians to ever live. I’m blessed to have lived during his time with us.

[@chrisbarrett1191]

Hard to believe I was listening to this in the '70s on my AM radio while going to bed.. and I'm still listening to it ...one of the best songs ever

[@kiwigirl6135]

I hear you…

[@PC4USE1]

I'm surprised an AM station played this,it was always FM radio fair, Now ,some other songs on the album got massive rotation.

[@patrickburns8033]

I vaugely remember him playing piano at my old school, never knew he would reach these heights.

[@jamesjohnston385]

@@PC4USE1 I feel the same. That will by my song when I leave this life.

[@sjs1555]

@@PC4USE1 He remembers it wrong. Songs on AM radio, back then, had to be a certain duration. 3 and a half minutes or so.

[@brianelve9276]

To all you self proclaimed KZbin artists this is real music!! No auto tune no sampling just real musicians performing live on stage.

[@chjackson11]

Real music by real musicians!❤

[@CHRnorton]

Try this version, even Elton was stunned by it at his Gerwin Award ceremony, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX-VZJKwYtCShJo

[@Argelius1]

Agree! Listen to albums from the 60s, 70s, and (mostly) 80s - before everyone was auto tuned and fixed.

[@craigwest9199]

Damn straight! No bullshit. You either played your ass off or got it chewed off!

[@raymondtucker7056]

He does sound amazing doesn't he

[@PPPDCO]

Heard this first time in 1973, and here it is 50 years later! Holy crap, I went from being a young boy (15) to being an old man (according to my 32 yo son and 23 yo daughter (yes, same mother))! I don’t feel old and don’t act old. I really think the music from my (our) youth, 70’s keeps us young. It’s as relevant and popular today as it was back then. This music will still be popular and relevant long after I’m gone. No other generation of music or what they think is music will do this. And the memories! Every song from back then brings unbelievable memories, good, sad and bad and worth every moment reliving them. A few songs from the past, distant memories and it’s like a vacation to yesteryear. One thing is for sure, we are the lucky generation!

[@slavagunko6231]

ПОДДЕРЖИВАЮ!!!67 ЛЕТ.УКРАИНА .07.07.2024./2 любимых композитора-Элтон Джон,и Пол Маккартни/

[@debbieaustreng5535]

Thank you for that! He still gives me chills when I hear this

[@crocodilerock01]

Well said!

[@bluetypofix]

Alles, was du schreibst stimmt 100%.

[@julian_b]

Elton John's best song by a mile. An absolute classic. One thing that is often overlooked is how good his band are. You can see why they have played together for so long now. They rock.

[@jean-francoisleroy3016]

i are with you !

[@lroy730]

Absolutely ! I've played it for my metal head friends , and the freak out when they find out its Elton. This is on ELP level musicianship .

[@clintking7377]

You are correct sir

[@narinacox4195]

Bernie Taupin....also grossly overlooked.

[@clansome]

Sadly Dee Murray (bass) passed away back in 1992.

[@Umustbekidn]

I have listened to this song hundreds, maybe thousands of times, over the last 45-odd years. It is one of my top 10 favorite songs of my lifetime. And yeah, I would want funeral for a friend played at my funeral. Who wouldn't?

[@bonniewascher5313]

Thankyou ELTON.

[@garybloss6506]

Beautiful.

[@dannymccarty6680]

When the “Funeral For a Friend” ends, what you do next? Segue into Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky”?

[@stevewalt1273]

Me too.

[@polkhigh2317]

yeah ive never understood how this is not right there besides stairway in the top 5 greatest of all times

[@ollieox9181]

500 years from now, people will listening this stuff and thinking of Elton John the same way we think of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. We're witnessing history.

[@sarahpair6798]

Hard for me to believe I've been listening to this and loving it for almost 50 years! It's worth being old now to have been young then! I truly have lived thru the most amazing musical times in history.

[@stuanhay]

Me too. I feel extremely privileged:-)

[@barbarac.2801]

Totally agree!

[@garyrunnalls7714]

True Dat

[@theholyearthgod1363]

Always a second tier act with a lot of help from the girls

[@roohamm2456]

I sure wish you hadn't out it like that!! 😉😉☮️

[@michaelrawski9826]

Born in 1950. I grew up in the best era. Long love R&R.

[@user-id9kw7fk9r]

I. Grew. Up. In. The. 7os. Great. Music. Larry. Williams

[@nyla298]

59 ' for me

[@ttiger9780]

Born in 1951. I agree. Great time for music in the 60's and 70's.

[@311nacho]

To call this a song is inadequate. This is a composition / masterpiece. It will continue to raise the bar for years to come.

[@chrisleehey8079]

a song about jerking another guy off

[@donnaburton9172]

Saw it live in 1974 -- one of the great memories of my life

[@cathystruska1558]

I grew up listening to Elton John. His music will always live on. He finally retired after 50yrs of Rock n' Roll and it's well deserved. 👌 I still listen in 2024. I'm 66 now just a month ago in April and have never had the chance to see one of his many sold out shows. Love his many glasses. ❤ Now he's still enjoying his family life. He's awesome! And always will be.

[@1970sGirl]

Saw EJ at Madison Square Garden in about '75,when I was a teen ... unbelievable show! Remember it clearly to this day. When he performed this, it was just EPIC. A masterpiece.

[@tombrittingham1023]

I listened to this over and over and over and over... I was 9... my sister bought goodbye yellow brick road. I listened and memorized every nuance of every instrument. Good times !

[@Winedude70]

The piano coda just before Elton starts to sing is my phone’s ringtone. This is my favorite Elton John song.

[@steveestes3674]

This song is a masterpiece on so many levels. Timeless and powerful. In 200 years, the works of Elton John, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and John Williams will be as revered and legendary as Mozart, Chopin, and Beethoven are now!

[@mikemcf33]

Dylan and Springsteen too

[@danperkins5735]

You are 100% ✅ right!!

[@jacktheraven]

@@mikemcf33 - springsteen NO! Rush - Yes!

[@mikemcf33]

@@jacktheraven I disagree, but, hey, that’s different tastes in music. all good

[@AshCosgrove]

Beatles suck ass.

[@sandienochs6132]

I split up with my wife when this song came out. Drove from Eureka California to L.A. listening to this over and over. Now I’m 74 and it still gives me goosebumps.

[@bobegan2121]

EUREKA!!!!!!!! I have found it!!!!

[@cissiesimpson]

This is Elton's Bohemian Rhapsody. Physically thrilling, bad-ass live version! Plus, they've all aged nicely!

[@andytay5507]

funny you mention that, I did too, and add that A Day In The Life are perhaps the 3 greatest rock songs ever.

[@SDsailor7]

Plastic surgery does wonders.

[@kingznut]

Queens Bohemian Rhapsody is like Eltons Funeral For a Friend. Fixed that for you.

[@lizziewingfield]

YES!

[@davidlane9138]

G.B.Y.B.R. is a masterpiece from start to finish. I think it was his best. I believe this year marks the 50th anniversary as well.👍 thanks for all the great music "sir Elton John"

[@jeanpompee7257]

There is no substitute for him. Icon, treasure for our generation.

[@edmundikari3107]

Almost 50 years later, this song still kicks butt.

[@kellyoradio5029]

Wow

[@davidsouthcott1564]

sure does

[@spikespa5208]

Anyone know the date of this concert? 2000? 2002?

[@spikespa5208]

@Daniel Laurence Thank you!

[@thegoldengirlofvp573]

@@spikespa5208 1976

[@dariomarusich266]

I heard this preformed live by Elton John at his second concert at Melbourne Festival Hall the day after John Lennon was killed. The concert began with Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding and ended approx. three hours later with a long medley tribute for many of the departed rockers Buddy, Elvis, Lennon etc. It was incredible, everyone ended up dancing in the stalls, it felt like we were on another planet.

[@terrysmith6442]

That must have hard for him.

[@heavnnnsent]

Getting chills.

[@GodspeedHawaii]

Unreal Dario , truly blessed

[@mikehill7587]

Love that ❤️✝️ God bless you and your family 🙏❤️ Michael

[@justinmichaeltarot]

Wow what a great story. I love Rock and Roll 🎸

[@lindabrokaw7552]

I listened to this entire album a million times when it first came out as a teenager.

[@henrybalke8510]

You got me !! I didn’t hear it more than 200,000 times. Fabulous album, GBYBR. Very diverse. I absolutely LOVE Grey Seal, and This Song Has No Title is wonderful.

[@AndrewMarr-kn2pz]

My favorite album of all time by far. So many great songs.

[@alangresty2435]

I bought this album for £4.99 the day was released

[@alangresty2435]

I was 13 years old by the way lol

[@rgreen1049]

Same!!! Slept in my car many many times to play this!!! Was Teenager who thought he was at the peak of life, but looking for the Yellow 💛 Brick 🧱 road 🛣️ ❤🎉😂❤😂🎉❤

[@martinbaggott1052]

Has given us decades of great music

[@nancylewis1286]

The music and words of this song are hypnotizing . The song is more popular as time goes by . It is truly unforgetable .

[@danheitkamp506]

So true. I never get tired of this song

[@mikespring6165]

Take another bong hit and think about moving out your parents house.

[@28_gauge]

There are two things that have always amazed be about Elton John's talent: 1. He wrote the music to fit Bernie Taupin's lyrics and not the other way around like most song writers. 2. His voice and musical style doesn't sound like anyone else. After listening to music for close to 50 years, he is unique. I am surprised that nobody has tried to copy him, even loosely.

[@carolbell659]

Brian Drewry, that's because true genius and masterpieces CANNOT be copied.

[@deejay5633]

Brian - Check out Joshua Kadison, his voice resembles Elton's a bit but he does not intentionally copy him

[@sandybarnes27]

David Angat I love Joshua Kadison, but no one can sound or be Elton John, not even a little.

[@chrisames2795]

Songwriting and instrumental virtuosity genius rarely coupled in one human.

[@nvl2158]

Chris Ames and that would be billy joel - elton's american rival. he wrote his songs by himself

[@ShrimplyPibblesJr]

That damn guitarist is so humble sitting back and waiting to shine and then he just kills it.

[@michael-qy8nt]

Ya know 70s music was enjoyed by us 60 somethings. No way it will ever repeated when l now listen to the stuff their making now. I feel blessed to experience that time in my life. Great chapter in my life!!! Unless you grew up then younger kids would never understand

[@craigwest9199]

Agreed!

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

Best Elton John song of ALL time!

[@debbiechips4191]

In memory of my twin sister... Loving and missing you so much..❤😢❤

[@aidennd.806]

A genius just as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. Perfect is his craft.

[@puplover7991]

Yes! I hope he will be remembered in the musical genius pantheon w/ those guys. He belongs there.

[@elainedelvecchio4938]

I agree. This song is a blend of classical and rock. Brilliant.

[@randykeith]

Aidenn D. This is the song I brought into my piano teacher when I was 16, and I had to argue when she said it wasn’t classical music.

[@leesal.8999]

E is a prodigy he was pteforming for the Queen and in her school for genius in the arts.

[@lakemichigan6598]

Elton John is a true example of cream rising to the top.

[@beatleographer_10-51]

I was always an Elton fan but when Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was released, I became a "super fan", and still am all these years later.

[@GarySchiltz]

Man, what gets me on this performance is how much energy Elton still puts into the piano. As if it were still 1973. Shivers.

[@mj2672]

My son was killed in 2016. I was devastated of course, but listened to this at least once a week for a year. We used to drive around for hours, and he heard this song many times on my CD player and rally liked it. I can't play anymore in my car, but like hearing it now.

[@lynn7016]

when this song first came out, my sister and I choreographed a perfect dance we felt would kill this song. It certainly did. God rest her soul now. We would have still done it. whenever it came on. So I bought the album in her memory..

[@supportblue3790]

This song out does any song written these day, a pure masterpiece!

[@Nuala357]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@roohamm2456]

AMEN 🤟

[@bobbybrendel3028]

Amen

[@kevinmoore2630]

Correct 👍👍

[@kentbeckstrom9404]

Genuineness in a movment

[@robertwhitten265]

"Roses in the window box has tilted to one side, Everything about this house is born to grow and die" Bernie is such a genius.

[@Houston65]

That entire album, Classic!

[@animuldoc]

I just saw him Thursday night November 2022 at dodger Stadium and he sounded this good. He put on an excellent show. He performed the whole time he didn’t make the audience sing all of his songs. She got up after almost every song and thanked everybody. He told Little stories about his band mates his deceased bandmates, the songs that he and Bernie wrote it was amazing.

[@dougs57]

I’m totally jealous. Was around for all his albums but have never had the opportunity to see him live. Now I don’t have the money even if he was playing near me. Just have to enjoy him on KZbin

[@rhondawiseman2877]

What Doug said 😁

[@onyxtopaz2759]

Fantastic 🌟✨

[@jthoen61]

How can there be so many dislikes? My God, this is a classic.

[@rocketeerPM2500]

Theyd be a few tone-deaf (c)rap tragics. This IS a classic, one that you never forget from that era.

[@michaelrawlings6533]

I can only see 20k LIKES! 😀👍👍

[@sandyaw3057]

Must have been a millennial! 😂

[@edbradbury6591]

Probably because there was an ad during the song.

[@k.robert6279]

INBRED, SHIT-BRAINED, MONGOLOIDIAN FUCKWITS,...WITH THEIR MUSICAL TASTE WAY UP THEIR ASSES, THAT'S HOW.

[@lindyfrank5342]

Elton is in another stratosphere. Way up there...wow. I love this song...the guitar by Davey is incredible.

[@ChatGPT1111]

I agree. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 70’s, Elton’s influence permeated everything in a way that no one else did or could. Half the songs in the school dances were his and the girls always wanted to dance to ‘em!

[@ghwoods1]

Is that Nigel Olson on drums also?

[@denman0621]

@@ghwoods1 came here to ask this also! Yes, I believe it is! Only missing Dee Murray. RIP, Dee.

[@sonnydean3187]

As a High School kid, I was lucky enough to see Elton perform this during the Yellow Brick Road tour. Back in those days, Elton wore cool sunglasses and outlandish outfits. ZZ Top opened the show.

[@markstjohn5913]

I saw the same show 1973 satx

[@Philc231]

I saw zztop open for savoy brown in Detroit 1973 . No beards , y’all makin us feel tight at home they said to the crowd .

[@brendaquick6598]

Saw the '73 tour here in Vancouver. He opened with this and it blew us away!

[@Hydeeann54]

Saw the show in Chicago 73

[@puppet003]

I was 13 years old when i first heard this....I'm gonna be 60 on the 23rd of May....still listening...rock on. Thank you for this upload.

[@guadaloupie1]

Same here 60 in sept got to see this live in 73 we took some white bloder acid and drank smirinoff for 3 hrs before the show elton came out with a cap fiying through the air i thought shit this guy can even fly stood front row on the floor for the entire 3 hrs what a blast

[@rgreen1049]

You're now 64, as I'm reading this 😅🎉❤

[@rgreen1049]

ALL TIME TOP SONG!!!!!!! I was an Elton fanatic when this came out. When you hear this on a top notch sound system, the music "owns" you. Its awesome 🎉😂❤🎉 - phenomenal 🎉🎉

[@PC4USE1]

Elton's masterpiece off of the fabulous double album.I can remember listening to this album back in the 1970s and marveling at it.

[@jenndavin]

Elton doesn't often get the due he deserves as a rocker. Love Lies Bleedin' and Funeral for a Friend are a classic combo that stands the test of time. I am transported back to the 70's when I listened to this part of GBYBR, one of the albums I would request if I were stranded on an island. Add this song combo to Saturday's All Right for Fighting, and you can't go wrong--then comes at least 5 more classics and some great throwbacks to EJ's early sound. A truly classic double album.

[@richardmbowman]

9 outta those 17 songs qualify as "hits" even if not released as singles. That was & is one of rocks truly "great" albums.

[@WalterDWormack214]

[@richardmbowman]

I remember this song & album from when they were released (I grew up & came of age in the 1970's). I am not transported back when I hear this song. To me, it is as fresh & vital as it was then & as much so as anything released today. Peace out...from Seattle

[@ravinghomo]

I'm making everyone attending my funeral sit through the whole piece before the service starts. It's one of his most amazing pieces.

[@sarahzentexas]

Allan Briggs Haha, I’ve always said this, but I don’t know about the “Love Lies Bleeding” part :/ BUT I’ve wanted it played at my funeral since I first heard it in 1975!!!! STILL HERE W00T

[@abatavick]

This song is fresh and genius every time I hear it. It must be blasted at high volume. Get lost in it. Sir Elton John: magnificent! ♥️🎶

[@ddebenedictis]

I don't always listen to this song, but when I do, so do my neighbors.

[@thomasmartin7425]

People say Elton is only a pop singer. If your weren't rocked to your rollin soul then quit life now.

[@laurylienorman8822]

Learned to play Funeral for a friend when I was thirteen and managed to play it pretty well by the age or fourteen... I grateful to have learned to embrace modern music thanks to the compositions of Elton John and my fathers love for his early work in music... What a sensational composer and a fine musician. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to the world of modern music Elton John...

[@TomokosEnterprize]

I saw Elton in Toronto Canada live in Maple Leaf Gardens live. His first of a Canadian/USA tour. An evening I will never forget till my last breath. I am 80 now and sooooo happy to find this again. I know I have it on Vinyl and CD. I really need to dig them out and make the neighbors windows rock eh, LOL

[@SusanInSFL]

I saw this performed in 1973 during Yellow Brick Road show. He was thinner, had higher shoes and lots of feathers. Wonderful then. Amazing then. Still amazing.

[@hectormadonna8125]

I had the privilege to see him live in miami with my 16 yr old son on his fearwel tour in 2019 and when he played this song, the place went wild.

[@tomlambert915]

i saw him Aug '76 at old Chicago stadium. the pot was so thick in the air, and i thought i would have hearing damage.

[@pvujanov]

This song has withstood the test of time. Still relevant almost 50 years later.

[@jessicavbw5449]

INCREDIBLE. Gives me chills.♥

[@JFinSD2]

I have had the privilege of seeing Elton live twice....and both times he opened with Funeral/Love lies ..... what a great way to open a concert!!!!

[@WatchMeNow53]

99% of the time he opens with this. I've never seen him not (and I've seen him over 40 times).

[@lizavetanikolaevna]

I've seen him last summer. This was a mid-concert act, opened with Bennie. Great, great concert. He's wonderful live.

[@rebecca5258]

Greatest piece

[@rebecca5258]

I never get tired of listening to this masterpiece

[@nonnamadonna]

@@WatchMeNow53 I've been to numerous Elton John concerts & sadly, he didn't open with this song which I absolutely ADORE!!!

[@susannell544]

I saw Elton John in 1973 in Harrisburg Farm Show . He was wearing his blue suede platforms and huge Glasses 🤓. It was a great concert !

[@susannell544]

It was in 72 at the Pa farm show arena.

[@RSGill1903]

First time hearing this, my jaw dropped... literally. To date, this is one of the best LP's I've ever owned.

[@josephbrown9526]

They don't write music like this anymore. A pure classic!

[@noandno840]

I am a straight up metal guy, grew up on Slayer, Flotsam and Jetsam, Testament etc But this guy is freakin awesome.

[@zerox1012]

I'm a metalhead, but Elton is my favorite!

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

When I was a kid in the 80's my cousin was learning to play piano and played a lot of Elton along with Earth, Wind & Fire. He was also a DJ and played a lot of early rap. My mom gave me a bunch of 8 tracks my dad had left behind and that got me into Deep purple, zeppelin and the beatles. I got into cheap trick due to an animated movie called rock & rule plus my great grandmother taught me how to do the Lindy hop and got me into jazz and swing. I had a friend who got me into 60's rock and another who taught me all about classical music. Add to that my love of metal-Randy Rhoads is one of my musical heroes. There ain't much music I don't like.

[@jcast112358]

You're not alone there, pause at 10:26, and you might see another metalhead

[@Anonymous-vb8nw]

Crazy Train eye for detail Angel. Ozzy looks bored here. He's probably saying Elton's hardest rocking song (maybe tied with "Saturday Night") is simply not even close to Ozzy- syle rocking!

[@idhitthat86]

No AndNo I'll be wearing my Slayer T when I see Sir Elton later this year! 🤘

[@richardpeetrinpeetrin9817]

It's Sir Elton John, 2023...."Funeral For A Friend"(1973), certainly his best song, indeed...great live performance here...unfortunately we are all older, things change, some for the better, some for the worse... A great common denominator that Is all encompassing within all of us...Sir Elton John shows us a different Elton, with age. Rock-on Sir Elton......

[@ronaldwexler8570]

My favorite song. Saw him in Atlanta in 76 do it. Great concert.

[@matthewh5001]

Great tune. Great artist. Great times. What more can I say .

[@nancyloomis3046]

There are some bands and performers from my teen years that I'm discovering just how great they really were beyond their greatest hits on the radio. I always loved EJ's music, from his earliest days, so to listen to it again gives me the pleasure of REDISCOVERY...again and again! I never tire of it! ❤

[@deborahdennehy9937]

He actually wrote & played this song for his own funeral. INCREDIBLE pianist & singer!!! 💝💝

[@parakeet8157]

A masterpiece by Sir Elton John 🎉 The ultimate showman!

[@lizziewingfield]

Best Elton John song ever. Gives me chills to listen to it!That song is in my top 5 of all artists ❤❤❤

[@MannyEmm]

This is definitely my favorite Elton John song.

[@groverkauffman3106]

One of my All time favorite Elton John songs A man so talented

[@ronpost587]

This take me back to some of the greatest times in my life. Never ever will get tired of hearing this.

[@kenbrownfield6584]

Elton never disappoints ...he's an incredible showman.

[@johnkollman3900]

I went to see him in Oakland CA. The dude at the door exchanged our nosebledders for 2nd Row seats ....... Best Show Ever ... Got a low 5 from the man..... ✌️😒😒😒😆😆❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Argelius1]

Elton is a musical genius.

[@tuff47]

YEAH!!! This is how we rocked in the 1970's. Salute to Sir Elton John! EPIC

[@pammyers5625]

Oh yeah !! Will definitely be buried in pinball machine

[@kingznut]

Elton was just a little more animated back then. LOL

[@robertleejr3524]

I swear to God Elton John is writing about my life from the 70s he is awesome there's no one like him

[@MyMags8]

@Robert Lee Jr Bernie Taupin was the lyricist of the majority of Elton’s songs. Elton was the music composer & together they created the songs

[@scottcarlson1215]

Yeah what an amazing song I saw Elton perform this piece when he was at St. Paul’s old Civic Center in the late 1970s What a treat ❤

[@garytoler6135]

This song helped carry me, as a young teenager, through the loss of my Mother.

[@vickil.1388]

I've been enjoying this lovely pianist most of my life. One of 2 favorite pianists & I have to hear Billy Joel after this!!!😂

[@neilbuckland1463]

That synth sound after the initial intro is just fabulous and always sends a shiver down my spine. So good.

[@john-boy4283]

I think this song fits the definition of a "hauntingly beautiful song". Sounds great here in concert. Love that the guitar player gave his pick to somebody

[@robertauld2207]

Guitar player was david johnson from Edinburgh

[@ddebenedictis]

That was a nice touch, I'm glad the camera caught it.

[@tboysrocknroll8848]

@@robertauld2207 his name is Davey Johnstone....

[@mikeklesic7535]

Nigel Olson is a very underrated drummer! He’s awesome

[@jamescapelle9915]

Guess what do am I and I have been a drummer for fifty years and pretty capable of many different styles of being a percussionist for as long as I have been playing the drums.

[@donaldbarkley7817]

I have watched Nigel Olson for years and I am amazed at how easy he makes it look but he is amazing.

[@TheBatugan77]

​@@jamescapelle9915 ☝️😆👌 English kicking your ass, eh?

[@nancylewis1286]

No less than a genius, Elton John wrote some of the best stuff going and it has lasted over the years . Funeral for a friend is truly an example of his best work.

[@richardprior3920]

Sure. But you may save a tip of the hat to Bernie Taupin, too.

[@mayradouriez9716]

As high school girl l was happy to listen Elton song I like Some one save my live tonight. Thank to have this person in land

[@maryannrobb6408]

I've seen Elton John dozens of times since 70s - 2000s - I absolutely love this song and he never played it any time I've seen him. I'm delighted with this!

[@Phil4-13]

OMG 😲. UNBELIEVABLE 💜💜💜💜💜. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶. Brings back memories !!!!!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀. 👌👌👌. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@mikeberger1051]

im an old heavy metal guy, still had room for elton, just fantastic

[@BeautyGuruMel]

Elton john is a musical God to me.... so immaculately talented at writing, singing, piano.... oh I only wish to see him live before I can't again. He hasn't made a song I didn't like. From early childhood... through my life. He started long before I was born. He's more than legend to me. Love Elton. So many musical and personal reasons why.

[@jollyhansen]

This is the song I have told everyone for years I want at my funeral.

[@williamschlosser3465]

William Schlosser - jolly I totally agree with you .....after Elton in my life it was Jimmy Buffett he has another great song to play “ Lovely Cruise “ ....all three songs sum everything up real well

[@davidlangtry3433]

Me two

[@dennishawkins3290]

I have told my family the same thing🥰

[@danielmcalister2713]

Mine as well.

[@davidmcpa]

And Stairway to Heaven.

[@glenhostetter1023]

Nigel ,Davey been with Elton for years it shows, they are all GREAT

[@richardgaines9450]

I was there......n 1974 at the INGLEWOOD FORUM------when EJ BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE WITH THIS NUMBER------- THANK GOD FOR BEING ALIVE TO WITNESS A MUSICAL SAVANT.......A COMPOSER WITHOUT EQUAL......A GOD N THE PIANO WHO HAD PERFECT PITCH.......AN EXTRAORDINARY VOCALIST......

[@majamintoft5821]

Timeless!!! This is pure Rock/ pure music!! 2 summers ago I was on a road trip to the 4 Corners. At a diner for a late bite this song was on and my days when I was in grade school age flashed through my mind. See, back then in the 70s, my dad had the vinyl record with that song and played it very often. For the last 20yrs, or so, I've totally forgotten about Funeral for a Friend. That night at that diner somewhere in the 4 Corners with that Elton John masterpiece playing, I was reminded of what I've forgotten, and that I should never forget ever again. Kinda eerie and yet beautiful moment-- just as Elton's timeless masterpiece.

[@musicartguy1]

there are some benefits to being 54: I saw Elton, Queen with Freddie, Pink Floyd, Rush and the Police all play live in their heyday.

[@oliver44w]

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this genius twice, and seen him in concert 5 times - there is no one else like him, he is simply a once in a life time phenomenon. I do not want to think of the day when he is no longer with us. Thanks for the amazing 50 years Sir Elton.

[@kathypowell8116]

I Seen you in mobile Alabama in the 70s love you Thank you so much kathy powell ❤❤❤❤

[@-.Steven]

Sir Elton (and not because of any so-called "royal" decree! But because he earned it on his own) Davey and Nigel! (And others) They were all there in Sept. 1984 at the Wilkinson Center, what great memories! Thank you for a lifetime of the greatest music!

[@savannahslim8273]

An absolute master of his craft. Sounds just as good live as the original recording even how many years later. Legendary. Wow.

[@annwilkinson3503]

Bernie was a genius also

[@scottalpert3444]

Pure genius! An amazing man with a God given talent used to better the world!

[@jerrymichaelcrowe1917]

I wish I had the words that describe how great this song and these artists really are. Fantastic!

[@laurapaquette4485]

My first concert at Boston Garden in 1975, was the one & only EJ. Has stayed w/ me for life. Amazing

[@laurapaquette4485]

Hi Elton. I’m In Massachusetts. You will never know how your response has brought me up. Holy crap. My brother Andrew lives in London now. Always will be a destination for me since 1975! 🙋‍♀️

[@peterblack3665]

Opening song Maple Leaf Gardens 1972 Yellow Brick Road Tour........wedged in my mind forever........and ever. Single spotlight on Elton when he broke into singing and the entire building went crazy ..........

[@MasterWitchDoctor]

Seen him in 1985 at the Murfrees Center in Murfreesboro Tennessee. He walked out in a duck costume bowed to us then started playing this. Sir Elton is a fantastic performer and awesome pianist. One of the best concerts i ever went to.

[@scottforgacs5718]

EJ's best song, especially live. Saw him in November 1974 and 75 in Cleveland Ohio. What a performer! Hearing that brought tears to my eyes.

[@demetriavanzanten2550]

This is definitely one of the best songs of all time.No one can play or arrange music the way Elton can. I happen to consider myself very lucky knowing that I grew up to Elton John's

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

I remember sometime back in the 70's Elton John came to the Capital Center in Landover Maryland (outskirts of Washington DC) and he opened the concert with this song. Seats were of little use after that because we dancing in the front of them or in the isles for the rest of the show. What a showman!

[@tabblair1995]

Saw him in Tuscaloosa Alabama in 1976. What a show. This is all time Favorite