Music icon Sir Elton John paid a moving tribute to the late singer-songwriter Brian Wilson at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The Rocket Man singer performed the Beach Boys’ timeless classic God Only Knows in honour of Wilson, who passed away in June at the age of 82.
Elton also shared fond memories of his friendship with the music legend and recalled their first meeting in Los Angeles.
Speaking on stage at the Peacock Theatre, Elton said, “We were scared shitless because he was my idol. He influenced me more than anyone else when it came to writing songs on the piano. Meeting someone who was a true genius doesn’t happen very often.”
The 78-year-old musician remembered how their friendship grew over the years.
They collaborated on several projects and appeared on each other’s albums.
“We loved each other,” Elton said. “I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather pay tribute to than Brian Wilson and his family with this incredible song.”
Elton then delivered an emotional performance of God Only Knows, moving the audience to tears.
The memorial section of the ceremony also honoured other music greats. A star-studded lineup paid tribute to Sly Stone, with Stevie Wonder, Flea, Questlove, Jennifer Hudson, Beck, Leon Thomas, and Maxwell performing a medley of hits including Dance to the Music, Everyday People, Thank You, and I Want To Take You Higher. Photos of Sly and other legends played in the background.
The In Memoriam montage featured Brian Wilson, Sly Stone, Ozzy Osbourne, Marianne Faithfull, and Roy Ayers.
When Wilson passed away earlier this year, Elton remembered him as his greatest musical influence.
Sharing a picture of them, Elton wrote on Instagram, “Brian Wilson was always so kind to me from the day I met him. He sang Someone Saved My Life Tonight at a tribute concert in 2003. It was an extraordinary moment. He played on my solo records, sang on my album The Union, and performed for my AIDS Foundation. I loved him deeply. He was a musical genius and a revolutionary.”
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