Elton John and Brandi Carlile Dazzle at the London Palladium
On a vibrant Wednesday night, the London Palladium came alive with the electrifying performances of Elton John and Brandi Carlile during their unique one-night-only concert. Titled “An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile,” the event featured a refreshing mix of tracks from their much-anticipated collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?, alongside some of their personal classics. The evening also included an insightful discussion with interviewer Dan Levy, further enriching the audience’s experience.
Meaningful Conversations Amidst a Musical Journey
The duo engaged in an open dialogue, with John addressing various pressing issues, including LGBTQIA+ rights and the need to uplift emerging artists. He highlighted the successes of new talents like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter. Adding a lighthearted touch, he humorously mentioned owning an incredible 10,000 to 15,000 pairs of sunglasses. “I hope our collaboration will help Brandi connect with fans globally,” he reflected. However, he shared the challenges he faced during the album’s creation due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, expressing a deep sense of responsibility in times of turmoil.
John revealed his desire for his tombstone inscription, stating, “On my tombstone, I want nothing to do with Crocodile fucking Rock. I just want it to say, ‘He was a great dad.'” This sentiment resonated with a theme of personal reflection that recurred throughout the night.
Music as a Refuge
In response to the darker aspects of world events, Carlile shared her creative response to these feelings through music. Her song “A Little Light” reflects John’s sentiments, allowing them an artistic outlet for their emotions. John articulated the importance of music in healing, noting, “Brandi reminded me that I’m a musician. All I can do is share my art and unite people through it.”
Political Insights and Advocacy
Addressing the recent backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights, John maintained a hopeful perspective, stating, “It’s tough out there, but these moments will pass.” He emphasized the delicate balance required in addressing social issues. “I cannot publicly denounce governments,” he asserted, reminding audiences of his commitments to his AIDS foundation, which depends on constructive engagement rather than outright confrontation. “You have to negotiate and play the game,” he wisely advised.
A Night to Remember
The illustrious audience included notable figures such as Ron Wood from The Rolling Stones and ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus. Despite previously sharing health concerns due to a severe eye infection, John’s performance showcased his undiminished vigor, impressing even those who were less familiar with Carlile’s impressive catalogue.
Performances That Captivated the Audience
During the performance, the stars unveiled tracks from their upcoming album, including “Little Richard’s Bible,” honoring the late legend as one of John’s heroes. They also showcased “Swing for the Fences,” an empowering anthem for the LGBTQIA+ community, and the heartfelt ballad “You Without Me,”inspired by Carlile’s experiences as a mother. Not to be missed, the title track “Who Believes in Angels?”rounded out a remarkable set.
Carlile treated the audience to her well-loved hits, such as “The Joke” and “The Story,” before joining John to perform timeless classics like “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Closing the evening around 10 p.m., the duo had the crowd on their feet with the anthem “I’m Still Standing,” culminating in a thunderous ovation.
Collaborative Efforts and Upcoming Releases
Collaborating with renowned producer Andrew Watt and long-time associate Bernie Taupin, Who Believes in Angels? is set to be released on April 4 through Interscope. The project features contributions from iconic musicians like Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pino Palladino. Reflecting on the album’s creation, John remarked, “This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also an extraordinary musical experience for me. Who Believes in Angels? represents a new era, and I’m ready to step into the future.”
For fans eager to relive this memorable night, the concert will be available to Paramount+ subscribers, with CBS airing a one-hour special on April 6 and ITV broadcasting it in the U.K. on April 19.