Elton John has never shied away from deep emotions in his music, but his latest project with Brandi Carlile took things to an entirely new level. While working on their upcoming album, "Who Believes In Angels?," the music legend found himself unexpectedly confronting his own mortality in a deeply moving way. In a recent appearance on the "SmartLess" podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, John opened up about an emotional moment that left him in tears for a solid 45 minutes—and it was all caught on film.
A Song That Hit Too Close to Home
It all started with a song titled "When This Old World Is Done With Me." As John sat down to write the verse, he was struck by the beauty of the melody. But when he reached the chorus, the weight of the lyrics hit him like a ton of bricks.
"And so I'm writing the verse, like, 'Oh, this is really pretty,' and then I get to the chorus, and, of course, it's about my death," he shared during the interview.
For someone who has lived a life as full and vibrant as Elton John’s, thoughts about the inevitable passage of time are unavoidable. With children he adores and a loving husband by his side, the reality of how much time he has left is something he can't help but consider. "When you get to my age, which is near 100, you think, ‘How much time have I got left?'" he mused, adding that the realization was both overwhelming and deeply personal.
Caught on Camera: The Rawest Moment
As the emotions washed over him, John found himself breaking down completely. "When I got to the chorus, I just broke down for 45 minutes, and it's all on film," he admitted. That moment is now forever documented in an upcoming short film titled "Who Believes In Angels? Stories from the Edge of Creation," which follows the making of the highly anticipated album.
Carlile, who was recording John at the time to capture his melodic ideas, saw the moment unfold in real-time. "I was recording him on the melody of this song because I thought, ‘Okay, well, I want to remember this melody so that in case he moves on to another one, he can remember how good it was,'" she recalled.
But as the chorus hit, everything changed. "His voice started to shake, and I thought, ‘Oh, he's going to really go,'" she said. And go, he did. It was one of the rawest, most vulnerable moments ever captured on film—one that Carlile believes the world needs to see. "I want everybody to see it, ‘cause it's really human, like, deeply flawed and embarrassing," she admitted.
A Powerful Collaboration Set to Shake the Music World
The new album, "Who Believes In Angels?," is slated for release on April 4 and promises to be an extraordinary collection of songs that highlight both John and Carlile’s unmatched musical chemistry. In addition to the deeply personal "When This Old World Is Done With Me," the album will also feature the title track and another highly anticipated song, "Swing for the Fences."
Adding even more star power to the project, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer have contributed their talents, making this a must-listen record for fans of classic and modern rock alike.
But that’s not all. To celebrate the album's release, John and Carlile will take the stage for a special concert event, "An Evening With Elton John and Brandi Carlile," which will air on CBS and Paramount+ on April 6. This once-in-a-lifetime performance is expected to showcase not just their new material but also some of John’s timeless classics, making it an unforgettable night for music lovers.
The Emotional Depth of an Icon
At this stage in his legendary career, Elton John continues to prove why he remains one of the most iconic artists of all time. His ability to channel deep personal emotions into his music is what has always set him apart, and this latest project with Brandi Carlile is no exception. Whether it's nostalgia, joy, or confronting the reality of time slipping away, John lays it all out in the most honest and heart-wrenching way possible.
Fans of both John and Carlile should brace themselves for an emotional ride. This isn't just another album—it's a poignant reflection on life, love, and the passage of time, crafted by one of the greatest musical minds of our generation.
With "Who Believes In Angels?" just around the corner, one thing is certain: Elton John still has plenty of magic left to share, and he's doing it with every ounce of his heart and soul.
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