Worst Thing Ever!

Sir Elton John has stated that becoming famous through programs such as The X Factor could be “the most detrimental outcome” or “the least beneficial scenario” for an artist’s career within the music industry.

Rather than advising, the renowned musician encourages up-and-coming artists to “perform at local pubs” as a means of taking risks and developing resilience.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, he stressed how important playing live is for musicians.

Back in the day, as a die-hard fan, I can tell you that when my idol took the stage for Musicology, even the tiniest of crowds were enough to fuel his growth. No matter how sparse the audience, he’d always find ways to up his game.

He remembered: ‘That encounter proved incredibly useful for me as I transitioned into being Elton John, since I possessed a strong spine.’

The importance of a strong foundation lies in the fact that the most detrimental scenarios for someone in this field often involve situations such as X Factor and sudden stardom on TV, without any background in live performances.

Elton expressed that standing on stage and failing to perform is the most dreadful experience. He considers American Idol as the epitome of such dread, suggesting one should take chances and try performing in a local pub instead.

Even though he dislikes talent shows focused on music, Elton made an appearance on The X Factor in the year 2013 for the purpose of performing a duet alongside judge Gary Barlow.

To clarify, it’s not the first occasion where I’ve heard him express negative sentiments towards the ITV show, and he’s consistently open about sharing his views on the matter.

In 2010, he shared with Radio Times magazine that he’s not a fan of talent shows. He thinks he might not have made it if he had participated in one. He was offered to be a judge on American Idol, but he declined because he wouldn’t want to offend anyone.

Furthermore, I have no interest in appearing on TV. It has lost its charm for me and instead feels monotonous and intellectually stifling. I appreciate Simon Cowell’s talent, but his work falls under the category of television entertainment.

‘While there have been some positive accomplishments, enduring a career often requires working in humble, less-than-ideal venues early on.’

He mentioned that he joined a band at the age of seventeen, collaborated with Bernie Taupin on songwriting, but didn’t achieve success until after six years of difficult work, setbacks, and joyful moments. He gained an invaluable experience that can’t be purchased.

Elton added, “Television catapults you to stardom, but then you need to prove yourself, which is challenging. Singers like Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke depend on their next hit song.

‘Susan Boyle was a charming surprise, yet I worry she may not be fully aware of the tough realities of show business.’

Following Elton’s admission that he suffered a ‘completely overwhelming breakdown’ during the production of his recent album alongside long-term companion Brandi Carlile.

In simple terms, the renowned performer officially retired from live shows following the conclusion of his Final Tour in July 2023.

Now, the celebrity has confessed that he experienced a “post-performance energy drop” after the series of concerts, including his remarkable performance as the main act at Glastonbury.

Featured on the latest issue of Rolling Stone UK, Elton John delved into the rapid production timeline of 20 days for his recently released album titled “Who Believes In Angels?” during their interview.

He mentioned that they entered without any prior planning, which led to a tense start for the initial two to three days. He expressed his great disappointment and was filled with self-questioning during this period.

‘But the album really didn’t get started until I had a complete meltdown.’

In some striking and uncomfortable moments captured in his documentary, the renowned pop artist is depicted throwing his headphones forcefully aside and ripping a sheet of music, while expressing dismay to stunned bystanders: “I’m leaving,” he says angrily, referring to the session as a “disastrous mess.

In his latest interview, he candidly admitted, “I hadn’t experienced anything quite like this before, and it filled me with genuine fear.

While it’s beneficial to maintain some level of fear, I found myself experiencing an excessive amount… However, despite our initially rocky beginning, things eventually smoothed out.

In the studio, there was a palpable tension and nervousness, which undoubtedly added an electric vibe to the album without a doubt… It’s bold, it’s innovative, and it’s full of life.

‘Exactly what I wanted it to be, and it came out exactly how I visualised it.’

In spite of his theatrically humorous episodes during studio sessions, collaborator Brandi couldn’t help but rave about working alongside the celebrity, expressing that ‘He is laugh-out-loud hilarious, always keeping you on your toes. He’s bound to triumph in a contest of wit.’

As a music devotee, I can’t help but sing praises about this individual. His knowledge on music is nothing short of encyclopedic, and his enthusiasm is infectious. He’s always reaching out to people, particularly the young ones, offering guidance, and he’s incredibly generous. To top it all off, he’s simply a joy to be around – a true blast!

In another part of the interview, Elton John expressed admiration for the resilience displayed by individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. He’s utilized his influence to champion their rights and welfare within the community.

He asserted: “Gay individuals exhibit remarkable resilience. Essentially, they should not be trifled with. It’s about more than just superficial matters; they should not be trifled with in that sense. When it comes to what truly matters, they are not someone to be trifled with. They will make themselves heard.

On April 4th, Elton’s upcoming album offers a compilation of tracks that resonate with his musical heritage yet maintains a forward-looking perspective.

A specific tune called “When This World Has Had Its Fill of Me” expresses Elton’s thoughts on his approaching demise as he sings about it.

Speaking honestly about the experience of delving into such a profound subject, I share: ‘At 77, with a cherished family and two precious children, one realizes there’s a limited number of moments remaining. This awareness intensifies the urgency to express thoughts and emotions that matter most.’

I’m optimistic that I’ll have at least two more decades. Yet, when the subject comes up in a song, it takes me aback – “Oh my goodness!” It caught me off guard. I hadn’t anticipated it. I usually shy away from discussing this topic, but we need to face reality.

The April/May issue of Rolling Stone UK is out now. 

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2025-03-21 12:34

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