Elton John, the legendary singer and songwriter, recently made a surprising revelation during an interview on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show. The 77-year-old music icon shared that he never listens to his own classic songs unless absolutely necessary. This confession came as a shock to many fans who admire his extensive discography and iconic hits.
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Appearing on the BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds show alongside Brandi Carlile, his collaborator on the upcoming album “Who Believes in Angels?”, Elton John candidly admitted his reluctance to revisit his past work. Despite his global fame and immense success, he humbly expressed his avoidance of listening to his own music. He shared, “I wouldn’t go and put my old music on. I’ve had to approve a live album that’s just coming out for Record Store Day that I did at The Rainbow in 1977 with Ray Cooper and it just astounded me how great it was.”
Reflecting on his career and the music produced between 1970 and 1975, Elton John emphasised the quality of the records created during that period. Although he acknowledged the excellence of his past work, he admitted to not being a fan of watching himself perform. He particularly highlighted his discomfort with viewing footage of his 1973 hit song, “Candle in the Wind.” The singer explained, “I never watch anything about me because I just don’t like to look at myself very often. I’m not one to bask in my success.”
Despite his aversion to revisiting his own performances, Elton John recently worked on the documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late,” which required him to delve into his music and past achievements. He confessed that initially, he was apprehensive about watching the documentary but eventually came to appreciate the way it encapsulated his career journey. The documentary served as a reminder of his evolution as an artist and the impact of his music on his life and fans.
Elton John also opened up about his personal struggles, highlighting how music played a crucial role in turning his life around. Having battled with addiction and being in a dark place before achieving sobriety in 1990, he credited music for being his saving grace. He shared, “It nearly killed me, but it saved me because I didn’t just hide away, I just kept producing records, however good or bad they were, I just kept doing it.” The singer expressed gratitude for the positive changes in his life, including his long-term relationship with husband David Furnish and their two sons.
Throughout his career, Elton John has been celebrated for his musical talent, charisma, and enduring influence in the industry. Despite his reluctance to listen to his own songs, his legacy as a prolific artist remains undeniable. Fans continue to admire his contributions to the music world, and his candid revelations offer a glimpse into the complexities of an iconic figure who has left an indelible mark on the music industry.