All Aboard: Experiencing the Elton John Connection

Apotheosic!!! With British punctuality — never more fitting — a well-known piano melody opens the concert. The Vesta by La Fulanita venue is an intimate, close space that allows the audience to be almost touching the musicians. “The Show Must Go On,” proclaims the room in bright neon. The musicians are set up beautifully and right at the front. And those chords we mentioned earlier are from Your Song, that unmistakable ballad by its author.

Elton John Connection was not a tribute act in the usual sense: it goes far beyond that. It is a musical journey through Elton’s career. Like any train Bernie Taupin describes in his songs, each ride is a song, and each stop is a spoken image of Elton John’s life. This makes the show very different from other proposals, and it helps those who are not die-hard Elton fans to situate themselves and discover aspects of Elton’s life that help them understand the myth — the living legend — of such an unrepeatable musician, always alongside his Two Rooms partner: Bernie Taupin.

But what is needed for this train to run with precision and offer a pleasant journey? Well, a good engineer and good energy. And this is made possible by its author, creator, and fan to the absolute core: Marta Coloma. Marta is an outburst of energy, with a subtle and deep voice, tender in texture, and with that warm and sweet narrative style that ensures nothing she explains — whether singing or narrating — ever loses its meaning. And it is not easy to summarize the important aspects of Elton’s life in an hour and a half without the show losing its punch.

As Marta rightly says: “(Elton) makes the difficult sound easy,” and she goes through the variety of styles where Elton has left his mark with his talent — country, pop, rock, blues, soul, and whatever else he feels like doing, because Elton, as Marta says, “is open to experimenting and has never stopped experimenting.” The selection of songs in the show’s repertoire is anything but accidental: each piece connects with the railway journey we embark upon, offering a solid overview of the vast and high-quality catalogue that Elton and Bernie have given to pop music through so many decades of unquestionable success. And it is no small thing that songs like Idol, Healing Hands, or Amoreena appear in the concert and are performed with the strength and mastery of this magnificent artist. And the best part is that she makes them her own — she squeezes them, studies them, and gives them a clean, subtle, personal touch that leaves the audience with no choice but to applaud wildly.

But Marta, who is very wise, knows that for her train to have all the energy it needs and to run smoothly, she must surround herself with a great band — and she most certainly does. And replacing Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, and Dee Murray is no easy task. The point is that this band pays homage to them in every single note they play.

Dan Vidal is the master of ceremonies: he has that frenetic, fierce, or sensitive piano touch whenever the melody requires it, those piano solos Elton has spoiled us with, especially in his finest moments. And Bas Kisje and Giancarlo Spirito, on bass and drums respectively, form a true guard of honor to Murray and Olsson.

And how do you honor Davey Johnstone? Don’t worry — Marta brings in Miguel Tarzia, ensuring that Rocket Man or Saturday Night’s Alright never lose steam. And why not give some pieces a jazz twist? Add a saxophone — Freddie Quintero — to Idol or Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, and you’re guaranteed to leave a mark.

But the icing on the cake is the backing vocals: Laura Guardiola and Júlia Tapia. Elton’s songs are famously meticulous on the vocal side — think of Mortonette Jenkins, Marlena Jeter, or Natalie Jackson, for example. Those harmonious voices appear to embellish All the Girls Love Alice or the already mentioned Healing Hands, just to name two.

But Marta had her surprise saved for Can I Put You On, Elton’s most obscure rock song par excellence — delivered masterfully, with an amazing final few minutes that made the entire audience vibrate, completely surrendered to the performance. And, with Judy Tzuke’s permission, Marta claimed Give Me the Love as her own — that brilliant and forgotten gem, one of the few Elton songs written by a woman and sung by him, and one of my favorites from the early ’80s.

I’m writing this Eltonin’ Around The World article on another train, an AVE from Madrid to Barcelona, still echoing the amazing concert from last night, from the E-X-P-E-R-I-E-N-C-I-E we lived, still floating and with the melodies in my head, with Marta’s voice resonating inside me, with the memories of a wonderful evening we never wanted to end — but which has only just begun. Because there will be more trains, more journeys, more versions, more wonderful live Music, because this Elton John Connection has so much to give and so much to offer. There are many hidden treasures that must come back into the light, to remind us of the immense legacy of an Elton who was once “a boy spending his pocket money in record shops,” together with that “brown dirt cowboy living in a farm village in northern England.” They fulfilled their dreams, conquered the world, and became eternal.

Thank you Marta Coloma, thank you girls, thank you guys. Yesterday, when I left your concert, I reaffirmed myself as an eltonite for another 40 years. See you in Barcelona in 2026 — if not before!

From Six Yellow Roses to The Elton John Connection: Marta Coloma’s Journey into Elton’s World

Marta Coloma is a Madrid-based singer who has successfully combined talent, sensitivity, and deep respect for Elton John’s legacy. In October 2024, she released her EP Six Yellow Roses, offering reinterpretations of classics from the 1970s and one track from the 1980s, bringing her own voice and style while preserving the essence of the original compositions. From the emotional subtlety of Goodbye to the intimate strength of Seasons, each song showcased the artistic vision of a performer who loves music and wants to share it with a broad audience.

In this interview, we talk with Marta about her beginnings, her connection with Elton John, the creative process behind her EP, and what fans can expect from her upcoming The Elton John Connection concert in Madrid.

Hola Marta, thank you very much for being here. Could you tell us, first, about your musical journey and what led you to become a performer?

As Kiki Dee would say, I had always had the music in me :) But it took a while for me to develop the belief that I could perform. I went to music school and took piano and choir lessons when I was little, and I had always loved singing, but at some point I started putting all my efforts into school, languages, and becoming a journalist, and just stopped seeing it as an option. I kept loving music and all things related to it — but it was just a hobby. At some point in my late 20s, I realized harnessing my voice and my performance spirit could help me heal. I enrolled in a gospel music school (something I had always dreamed of trying), and then all started to come into place. I joined a disco band, I auditioned for Coro Gospel de Madrid, and this sparked the realization that I could actually do it. I'm really glad I took that leap of faith.

And what does Elton John mean to you, both as an artist and as a person?

It all actually started because of him. Up until 2019, Elton John was just a beloved artist from my childhood soundtrack (my dad used to play his songs along with other artists from the era like Abba, Pink Floyd, Queen, or Stevie Wonder). Hits like I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues, Crocodile Rock or Your Song were in heavy rotation when I was a child. I also remember being fascinated by the Passengers music video. 😃  But Elton was just another artist from that part of my life. When the Rocketman movie came out, it all changed (yes — I'm one of those who turned into an Eltonite thanks to the movie!). I'd been listening to Elton many times in my life but I never really took interest in his life story... and when I finally dived into it, I honestly felt understood. It moved me in ways that I didn't expect. As the ultra-curious person that I am, this unleashed a whole obsession: I read about his music, about his life, about his personal struggles, about his career path and artistry, and I listened to his discography in loop. I was so surprised to find out he was the whole package of what an artist should be: a rebellious, curious, funny, open to experimentation, gifted musician that also has a knack for supporting, mentoring, and collaborating with others. I found it so inspiring that he had been able to create such monumental work while struggling with his identity, family conflicts, and relationship issues. This led to interactions with other fans and more musical exploration. The world opened before me when I re-discovered Elton.

On your live project: how do you choose which songs to cover? Is there a story behind each selection?

For The Elton John Connection, I've made a point of straying away from the usual collection of hits that Elton himself is tired of playing. Some of them are present in the show, of course, but there are so many Elton tributes out there that I wanted to do something different. I didn't wanna impersonate Elton (not that I even could 🤣) or to play the songs everyone knows. One of the main goals was to uncover the hidden catalogue that most listeners haven't even heard of. There are so many hidden gems in the setlist that illustrate why Elton's work fascinated me for the first time, and I want to share that fascination with the audience. Since I am a storyteller myself, I decided to do this by following his personal story, mostly focusing on his career, which has been incredibly varied and surprising. The story I share in the show is also full of anecdotes and hilarious moments that speak about his character. To make the selection, I just followed the soundtrack that I think was more fitting with the episodes I wanted to highlight. There are hits in there, of course, but also so many deep tracks that fans will love to hear live, like Idol, Tell Me When The Whistle Blows or Healing Hands, since Elton hasn't played them for a long time. I'm incredibly excited to keep performing these songs, and to add more to the roster as the show's script evolves.

What technical or emotional challenges did you encounter while recording Six Yellow Roses?

Woof, that was a rough process! Six Yellow Roses was born because one of Elton's longest-standing fans, Bennett Zimmerman, really believed in me. When we met in LA for EJ's last North American show, he prepared a lovely fan evening with a show where a fantastic band, Flight of Voices, covered some deep favorites for us. He heard me sing and suggested that I select and record some. He thought Elton in a woman's voice that knew his catalogue inside out would be an intriguing project. But I was in Spain, he was in the US, and the American piano player and producer he wanted to enroll for the project, Adam Marsland, was in Cambodia at that time. So the biggest challenge was producing, recording, and mixing it all remotely. Second to that, it was also challenging to find the right key to transpose the songs to and find out what kind of adjustments and stylistic choices would suit my soprano voice more. It took a few months to put it all together, but in the end, we were happy with the result.

Can you tell us more about your band — who the musicians are and how you decide which instruments are part of your arrangements?

This might sound cheesy, but I feel that The Elton John Connection band is truly spectacular. I'm really grateful I could gather these musicians to make the project a reality. It was difficult at first, but through recommendations and references from other musicians in Madrid, I was able to put together a great band. Initially, I was worried about finding the right piano player — I studied piano but I don't have the expertise required to play these songs. The amazing Dan Vidal ended up becoming our lead at the keys and I couldn't be happier. Although I love the original Elton John band with Nigel, Dee, and Elton, I wanted to put together a full production, so apart from the bass (Bas Kisjes) and drums (Giancarlo Spirito), I added guitar (Pedro Chalkho/Miguel Tarzia) and a lovely set of back-up singers (Irene Cobián, Laura Guardiola and Julia Tapia), which also happen to be my dear friends from the gospel choir. That's the core band, but we're also adding other surprises along the way 😉 When I step on stage with them, I feel so lucky.

Elton John’s recordings are often associated with the legendary producer Gus Dudgeon and lyricists like Bernie Taupin, Tim Rice, and Gary Osborne. How do you connect with their contributions when interpreting Elton’s music?

It's so difficult to get close to the greatness of Elton's records. People are so used to hearing the studio tracks and live versions, so I've tried to give the songs my own flavor. Bernie's lyrical prowess is always highlighted in the renditions themselves and in the script. He's always telling magnificent stories and that itself creates a special atmosphere. Some of the earlier albums arranged by Paul Buckmaster are masterpieces, but I wasn't able to put together a string orchestra (yet 😆), so we've tried to make those more intimate and laid-back. In summary: you can't really replicate that sound, so my idea is to give it a twist while we honor the era and make people travel in time with us.

Great, precisely, do you have a favorite Elton John album, era, or band lineup that inspires you the most?

This is a hard one! Many fans will dispute this, but it's obvious that the 70s albums are the peak of the classic Elton sound. Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateâu are among my favorites. I'm also a huge advocate of albums that don't get as much attention, like Rock of The Westies or The Fox. I have to say though that, as much as Elton's early production was undoubtedly amazing, the 80s and 90s have so many hidden gems and some fans tend to be very harsh with their feedback. Regarding band lineups, the answer is easy: the original Elton John Band (as in 11-17-70 or Madman Shakes Tokyo! 1971) and the Elton+Ray duo from the A Single Man tour (that '79 Moscow concert is just hauntingly beautiful and includes my favorite version of Rocket Man ever).

From your perspective, what makes Elton John’s sound unique and enduring after all these years?

It's a combination of his natural ability at crafting impossibly catchy tunes and his rich musical references. Most Elton John songs sound like classics because they are: he appreciates music history and other trailblazers that came before him, and he isn't afraid of exploring different genres when he's writing songs. After all, he's a music fanatic. Pair that with his prodigious technical ability and perfect pitch, and add Bernie's evocative stories on top, and you've got a winning formula. He makes the difficult seem easy. I also appreciate that he's always trying new things and is open to experimenting. Other artists his age don't, and that's what really keeps creativity alive.

Do you have plans for more covers, collaborations, or upcoming projects related or not to Elton John?

With this project, I want to keep exploring Elton's catalogue and uncovering more deep tracks to the audience if there's an interest. I have a long list of songs I'd like to talk about and perform! And of course, I'd love to collaborate with other artists that revere his music as much as me. It's always fun to perform with other musicians that appreciate his catalogue. Apart from this, I'm gonna continue performing other genres I love, like 70s disco and gospel, and I'm opening up to the possibility of writing my own songs. I didn't imagine I'd be doing this four years ago, so who knows! But I definitely think there's more to explore moving forward.

Looking forward, what kind of music would you most like to explore and develop in the future?

As you can probably tell, I adore the music and artists from the 70s. I think it's such an inspiring era — one of the best decades in popular music so far. The rock, pop, disco, punk, soul, folk... artists were absolutely incredible back then, and the songwriting was really high quality. However, I enjoy and take inspiration from tons of contemporary musicians (Florence Welch and Rufus Wainwright are two of my absolute favorites), so I'm looking forward to open my horizons and get inspired to write my own music. For now, in terms of performance, I get such a kick from combining storytelling with live music, and I'd like to explore that formula further.

Speaking with Marta Coloma is a reminder of why Elton John’s music continues to inspire — because within his catalog, artists like her find space for discovery, reinvention, and sincere connection. Her approach is thoughtful and passionate, honoring the past while bringing her own voice to the forefront.

With Six Yellow Roses and The Elton John Connection, Marta shows that Elton’s repertoire still holds countless stories waiting to be told. Stories she delivers with honesty, warmth, and a genuine love for the music. It will be exciting to follow where her artistic journey leads next, and what new surprises she has in store for fans.

As our conversation comes to an end, it feels only fitting to close with the words of someone whose artistry Marta deeply admires. Shortly after hearing her interpretation of Grow Some Funk of Your Own, former Elton John band member Cidny Bullens sent her this heartfelt message — a note that reflects not only Marta’s talent, but the musical thread that connects artists across generations:

Marta: It is great to hear "Grow Some Funk..." revitalized by you. I wish you all the best in your career and life. Keep singing! We both know it is one thing that keeps us all connected. All the best. Cidny Bullens 

THE ELTON JOHN CONNECTION: Marta Coloma’s Narrative Musical Tribute

There are tributes, and then there are experiences. THE ELTON JOHN CONNECTION, the project led by spanish singer Marta Coloma, clearly belongs to the second category. Defining it simply as a concert would fall short: it’s actually a narrative and musical journey through the legacy of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, told with intelligence, sensitivity, and a depth rarely seen in typical tribute shows.

A Show That Reveals Hidden Connections

The starting point is both simple and brilliant: Elton John is not just the piano man. As the foundational text of the show puts it: he is “the shy blues and country singer, the champion of soul and funk, the glam icon par excellence … and, above all, the little boy who fell in love with rock ’n’ roll after listening to Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.”

THE ELTON JOHN CONNECTION builds on this premise to show the hidden connections between 20th-century popular music and Elton’s artistic evolution. Each genre, each influence, each style that marked his career is interwoven into a narrative: a musical map of an era in which he was not only a protagonist, but also a trailblazer.

The Voice and Charisma of Marta Coloma

This journey needs a confident and emotive guide—and that’s where Marta Coloma shines. With a warm, expressive, and versatile voice, and a natural charisma that immediately connects with the audience, Marta takes on the role of musical narrator: she contextualizes, presents, explains, sings, and celebrates.

She doesn’t aim to imitate Elton—and she doesn’t have to. Her strength lies in how she re-reads and reinterprets his songs, placing them in their historical and sonic context, revealing their roots, and expanding their meaning.

Accompanied by a high-energy, multi-talented band adept at navigating rock, soul, country, funk, and glam, the result is a show that feels both authentic and creatively free.

The Live Experience: Music, Narrative & Emotion

On stage, THE ELTON JOHN CONNECTION is far more than a simple setlist. Marta and her band craft a story with a beginning, middle, and end. The introductions—always measured, never excessive—situate each song in its universe:

• short anecdotes about Elton’s influences

• stories about the musical styles that shaped him

• reflections on his creative journey

• and emotional moments of connection with the audience

The concert thus becomes an educational and emotional experience, perfect for die-hard Elton fans but equally compelling for listeners looking at him from a fresh perspective.

High-points arrive when songs resonate directly with Marta’s words: a comment about gospel leads into a passionate performance, or a reflection on Elton’s more intimate side gives way to a delicate, heartfelt rendition.

A Show for Everyone

The ideal audience for this show is surprisingly broad:

• Elton John fans longing to hear new interpretations of beloved songs

• Music lovers interested in the historical tapestry of 20th-century popular music

• Spectators who enjoy narrative-driven concerts, not just performance

• Curious newcomers who may not yet know Elton deeply, but are eager to understand why his music remains so powerful

Because, at its core, THE ELTON JOHN CONNECTION is a sincere, carefully crafted celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire generation after generation.

A Lasting Experience

“Prepare to relive the emotion of a legacy that still inspires. This is not just a show—it’s an experience.”

This phrase captures the essence of the project. Marta Coloma doesn’t just perform Elton John: she contextualizes him, reclaims him, and makes him speak to our collective musical memory. And she does so with passion, respect, and creativity that transform the show into a unique piece within the world of tributes.

A different kind of tribute. A necessary journey. An experience to remember.

Recent & Upcoming Dates for The Elton John Connection

• October 10, 2025 – Tempo Club, Madrid. Tickets: €12–€15. Tempo Club
  

• November 28, 2025 – Sala Vesta, Madrid. Tickets from €12. Tickets

• May 29, 2026 – Luz de Gas, Barcelona. Tickets around €22. Entradas.com

Six Yellow Roses: Breathing New Life into Elton John’s Timeless Songs

Madrid-based singer Marta Coloma has been steadily gaining recognition for her expressive vocal style and her thoughtful, intimate approach to reinterpretation. In October 2024, she released her EP Six Yellow Roses, a carefully curated collection of six tracks — six covers — that pay homage to Elton John’s music from the 1970s, with one track from 1980. Through this project, Marta captures the emotional essence of each song while showcasing her unique interpretive style.

The Heart and Soul of Six Yellow Roses:

Goodbye (Madman Across the Water, 1971)

It opens with a fragile intimacy that immediately draws you in. Marta’s soft, expressive vocals float over gentle piano chords and subtle string textures, capturing the reflective sadness of Elton John’s original. The minimal arrangement creates an intimate, contemplative backdrop, allowing the emotion to shine through and making the rendition feel deeply personal

Give Me The Love (21 at 33, 1980; original by Judie Tzuke)

This is the only track from the 1980s, originally written by Judie Tzuke, which gives it a slightly different stylistic flavor. Marta approaches it with a warm, soulful delivery that bridges the song with the rest of the 70s-focused EP. Subtle dynamics, careful attention to tone, and expressive phrasing make the rendition feel intimate, personal, and refreshingly vibrant.

Blues for My Baby and Me (Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, 1973)

A blues-inflected track in which Marta embraces the rhythmic groove with playful, expressive vocals. She captures the smoky, earthy feel of Elton’s original while adding her own twists, including subtle vocal slides and phrasing that highlight the song’s storytelling. Light guitar riffs and tasteful piano fills support her performance, keeping the track relaxed yet full of dynamic character.

Holiday Inn (Madman Across the Water, 1971)

Marta brings Holiday Inn to life with gentle piano, soft percussion, and a touch of delicate guitar, while backing vocals add warmth and energy. The rock-inflected piano and subtle percussion make the arrangement feel natural and easygoing, letting the story flow effortlessly. Her warm, inviting voice keeps the humor and charm of Elton’s original, making the song intimate, engaging, and refreshingly personal

Can I Put You On (17-11-70, 1970 live)

Marta captures the thrill and spontaneity of the live version, adding her own emotional twists. Energetic piano runs and strong backing vocals lift the performance, while shifts between quiet verses and powerful choruses create a sense of immediacy. The minimal arrangement elsewhere keeps the spotlight on her voice, making the song feel intimate yet vibrant.

Seasons (Friends, 1971)

Closing the EP, Seasons is a soft, introspective ballad. Marta delivers a tender and reflective performance, highlighting subtle melodic shifts and sustaining delicate phrasing. Light piano accompaniment and restrained strings complement her vocals, creating a meditative and emotional atmosphere. 

Through Six Yellow Roses, Marta not only pays tribute to Elton John’s legacy but also brings her own distinctive artistic voice to each track. Each song tells its own story, giving the EP a sense of cohesion while still offering variety and surprises. Marta’s careful choices invite reinterpretation while keeping the emotional heart of the originals, creating a listening experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and full of character.

The EP is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music, offering listeners the opportunity to experience Marta Coloma’s heartfelt renditions of timeless classics.

Echoes of Elton: Voices Reimagined

Elton John’s songs have crossed decades and generations, becoming timeless classics that continue to move audiences around the world. From his early hits in the 1970s to his more recent ballads, his music blends unforgettable melodies with Bernie Taupin’s thoughtful lyrics, creating songs that really connect with people everywhere, no matter their backgrounds. And through the years, Elton’s music has left a huge mark on the pop world, inspiring countless artists to revisit his songs, experiment with new styles, and bring their own emotions into the originals.

These reinterpretations are more than tributes: they are a way to keep Elton John’s music alive and introduce it to new listeners. Each cover reflects the performer’s personality and genre, highlighting the versatility and emotional power of the original songs. From rock, soul, and pop legends to emerging contemporary artists, Elton John’s music and Bernie Taupin’s lyrics continue to inspire. 

The following selection highlights ten standout covers, showcasing how artists across generations and genres have paid tribute to Elton John’s songwriting genius. Each performance not only honors the original but also offers its own perspective, emotion, and unique take on the song:

1. Rocket Man was covered by Kate Bush, in the Two Rooms tribute album. "I actually haven’t heard the original for a very long time, a long long time" said Bush in a 1991 interview, while adding: "It was just that I wanted to do it differently. I do think that if you cover records, you should try and make them different. It’s like remaking movies".  It was released as a single from the album on the Mercury label on 25 November 1991.

2. Come Down in Time by Sting, The leader of The Police, also covered the song for the Two Rooms project, and explained: ‘I love Bernie’s lyrics on that song; it’s one of those songs you wish you’d written,’ when asked why he chose it. He delivers a delicate, reflective interpretation that stays true to Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s original. Sting’s emotive voice adds his personal touch, while the subtle production keeps the song intimate and melancholic

3. Coldplay, the British alternative rock band, reinterpreted We All Fall in Love Sometimes. Featured on the Revamp album, is more melancholic and reflective than much of their usual work, highlighting the vulnerability in the lyrics. According to NME, the band tones down their typical “arena-pop bombast” to create a style closer to a “smoky jazz bar cool.” The production is subtle, featuring piano and strings that preserve the intimate atmosphere of the original without relying on heavy ornamentation or over-the-top arrangements, enhancing the emotional tension and bringing out the song’s delicate beauty.

4. Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” transformed Border Song (Holy Moses) with her powerful voice, turning the ballad into a piece full of emotion. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, she kept the arrangement fairly sparse, avoiding overproduction to focus on her vocals and the emotional weight of the song. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were reportedly thrilled with her rendition; in an interview, Bernie said that hearing it was one of his “bigger buzz” moments. Later, in 1993, Elton and Aretha performed the song together in a special duet, further cementing its place as a standout interpretation.

5. Joni Mitchell, performed I’m Still Standing during the 2024 Gershwin Prize ceremony, a tribute to Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The song was deeply personal for her, referencing her recovery from a brain aneurysm in 2015, which gives a more profound meaning to the phrase “I’m still standing.” Elton John and Bernie Taupin even gave her permission to modify some of the lyrics to better reflect her own experience. Musically, Joni takes a different approach from the original’s upbeat pop energy, opting for a slower, jazzy/bluesy rendition that creates an intimate and mature atmosphere. 

6. Marta Coloma, takes on Give Me the Love a lesser-known Elton John song co-written with Judie Tzuke, and makes it her own with a warm, soulful touch. Her smooth, expressive voice carries a real sense of longing, while the understated arrangement lets every word and note shine. Featured on her EP Six Yellow Roses, this version highlights how Marta can bring a fresh, personal perspective to Elton’s music, giving new life to one of his hidden gems.

7. Metallica’s version of Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding is a well-executed fusion of Elton John’s pop-rock world and Metallica’s heavy metal. It brings power, authenticity, and respect, showing that a classic song can be reborn with a new intensity. It’s more than just a cover: it’s a celebration of Elton John’s legacy in a format that seems far from his original style, yet never betrays its spirit. They totally Metallacized this song … I actually think it's one of their best performances ever.

8. Ray Charles' rendition of  Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word a duet with Elton John on Genius Loves Company (2004)—is profoundly moving. Charles’s iconic gospel-soul voice adds a spiritual gravitas to the lyrics, turning the song into a reflection on heartache and vulnerability. According to the producer, Charles chose this song deliberately during the final years of his life, and the recording conveys a remarkable sincerity. Soft arrangements, backing vocals, and Charles’s commanding voice make this version feel like a musical prayer—a simultaneously penitential and loving tribute to both the original Elton John song and Charles’s own musical legacy.

9. Lady Gaga’s version of Your Song is a heartfelt tribute that stays true to Elton John’s original while adding her personal touch. Featuring a simple piano arrangement and her powerful, emotive vocals, she brings both strength and vulnerability to the song. Gaga’s performance highlights the sincerity of the lyrics, transforming the classic into an intimate, emotional homage. Critics and fans alike praised her rendition for its elegance and emotional depth, showing her ability to connect deeply with Elton’s timeless work.

10. Frightened Rabbit and Craig Finn, with their distinctive indie style, brought new energy to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. Their voices blend with raw emotion over a guitar-driven indie-rock arrangement, turning the playful original into a heartfelt duet. Hutchison described it as “two drunk friends confessing ‘I love you, man’ at the end of a long night,” capturing both sincerity and vulnerability. Originally released as a B-side to “The Loneliness & the Scream,” the cover reimagines the classic while keeping its charm intact.

Beyond individual covers, Elton John’s songs have inspired entire albums devoted to reimagining his classics. These tribute projects not only celebrate his lasting influence but also highlight how versatile his music is, capable of crossing genres and connecting with new audiences:

Two Rooms (1991): Two Rooms was one of the first tribute albums to reach number 1 on the charts, created to honor Elton John’s career. Artists including Eric Clapton, Sinéad O’Connor, and Phil Collins contributed, each bringing their own sensitivity to the songs. Its release demonstrated that tribute albums could achieve both commercial and critical success.

Revamp (2018): Contemporary artists such as Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Florence + The Machine, Alessia Cara, Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, and The Killers reinterpret classics, showing how Elton’s music continues to inspire new generations. The album features a pop-art style cover based on the Terry O'Neill photograph of John, recreated in neon.

Restoration (2018): Restoration celebrates Elton’s music from a country perspective, with covers by artists like Maren Morris, Little Big Town, and Chris Stapleton. This album demonstrates how Elton’s songs can adapt to very different genres without losing their essence or emotional impact.

Beyond studio tributes, Elton John’s music has also inspired live celebrations that bring together some of the biggest names in music. A standout example is Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute, which aired on CBS on April 10, 2018. This star-studded concert featured performances by Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and SZA, covering classic songs from Elton’s extensive catalog alongside longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin.

Special appearances by Jon Batiste, Neil Patrick Harris, Christopher Jackson, Anna Kendrick, Gayle King, Lucy Liu, Valerie Simpson, and Hailee Steinfeld added unique moments, blending music, theatre, and celebration. The event culminated in a medley of hits performed by Elton John himself, ending with the iconic “I’m Still Standing” from his 1983 album Too Low for Zero.

Artists who have revisited Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songs often highlight the profound influence of their music. Ed Sheeran has expressed admiration for Elton, emphasizing his personal and creative impact. George Michael described Elton as “the best songwriter of his generation.” Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses noted, “Freddie Mercury and Elton John are two of the biggest influences in my life.” Jon Bon Jovi recalled collaborating with Elton on “Dyin’ Ain’t Much of a Livin’,” praising his musicianship.

These examples show that covering Elton John’s songs is more than just paying tribute—it’s a way for artists to connect with a creative legacy that spans generations. His music continues to teach lessons in emotion and craft, and each performer who revisits it adds their own perspective, proving that the work of Elton and Bernie Taupin is as vibrant and alive today as it was when their first classics were born.