Photo: Press
Sir Elton John has paid tribute to his friend and sometime collaborator George Michael, in an emotional interview on his Beats 1 radio show, Rocket hour.
Throughout the interview, which will be broadcast on Tuesday 7 February at 2pm GMT, John will select a number of tracks “that get sadder and sadder” in memory of Michael, who died on Christmas Day 2016. His selection includes songs by Leon Russell, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, as well as Michael himself.
The pair most famously worked together on a live version of John’s ‘Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me’, originally a single from his 1974 album Caribou. Their version was released as a single by Michael in 1991 and reached No1 in both the UK and the US.
“Not only was he a good friend, but he was probably one of the most brilliant songwriters this country’s ever produced, and certainly one of the best vocalists ever,” John said. “One of the best in the world. It was an amazing friendship based on music to start with.
“I just want to remember him for his wonderful music and his kindness, which people are commenting on. He was the kindest, most generous man, and did it without wanting any publicity. I’ve seen him being so kind to so many people. I’ll miss him so much for his music but more than anything for his humanity.
Elton is on tour this summer and you can get tickets for that right here.
