With a surface-level perspective, Elton John and Metallica are the epitome of a stark juxtaposition. Their sound, ambiance, and attitude could not be more contradictory. However, great musicians and free-thinkers don’t care about these superficial elements, as they can respect any artist’s pursuit of greatness no matter what shape or shade it comes in. This is seemingly the exact attitude Elton John has for Metallica.
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Elton John is a pure student of music. That being so, music means everything, and anything else surrounding it is superfluous. Hence, when Elton John recorded his charity album The Lockdown Sessions in 2021, he included nearly every popular genre of mainstream music on it. Including Metallica’s top 50 Billboard Hot 100 single, “Nothing Else Matters”.
John’s cover of the song features Miley Cyrus, Chad Smith, Robert Trujillo, Andrew Watt, and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. However, this decorated cast of characters did not entice John to cover the song. Rather, it was the sheer quality of the song itself.
Elton John Praises Metallica’s Song to the Utmost Degree
In a 2021 interview on The Howard Stern Show, Metallica and Miley Cyrus joined Stern to discuss Metallica’s 30th anniversary of the Black Album. In accordance with that intention, Howard Stern brought on Elton John as a surprise guest, and what he would go on to say about Metallica and “Nothing Else Matters”, was also a surprise.
Concerning why he wanted to record a cover of the single, John told the band, “Listen, this is one of the best songs ever written to me. I mean, it’s just, it’s a song that never gets old. Playing on this track, I just couldn’t wait, because the chord structure, the melodies, the time changes, it’s got drama written all over it.”
“I have to say, it was a no-brainer playing on this song. Metallica is probably the cremé de la cremé of those kinds of bands. You can’t really define them as a heavy metal band; they are a musical band…This is such a melodic song, it’s f—g great actually,” concluded Elton John.
As one might imagine, James Hetfield and the rest of the band were completely taken aback by John’s comments. As a matter of fact, James Hetfield might have even shed a tear or two. Nevertheless, this is just a great story, and one that shows that great music touches all. Even if it does contrast with someone’s typical taste.
Featured Image by Adam McCullough
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