Sir Elton John, at the age of 78, took the stage for a memorable performance with Brandi Carlile at The London Palladium on March 28, 2025. This one-off filmed event, titled 'An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile,' was not only a showcase of their musical talents but also a candid moment where Sir Elton shared his heartfelt wishes regarding his legacy.
During a Q&A session hosted by Dan Levy, Elton John revealed his desire for his tombstone. In a light-hearted yet poignant manner, he stated, "On my tombstone, I want nothing to do with Crocodile f***ing Rock. I just want it to say: 'He was a great dad.'" This declaration reflects his deep commitment to fatherhood, as he shares two sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, with his husband David Furnish, 62.
Sir Elton emphasized that being a father was the "greatest gift" he could ever wish for and noted how his children continue to teach him valuable lessons every day. This sentiment echoes his previous comments made during the Time Magazine honors in New York, where he expressed that his love for his children should be his lasting legacy.
David Furnish, who has been with Elton since 1993 and married him in 2014, shared insights into their family life, including a strict dinnertime rule: no phones or television at the table. He explained, "Meals are sacred. It’s all about conversation. It’s where we catch up because we all have busy lives, and we hear about each other’s days." This commitment to family values is mirrored in Brandi Carlile's life as well, as she has two daughters, Evangeline Ruth, 10, and Elijah, 7, with her wife, Catherine Shepherd.
Throughout the evening, Elton and Brandi shared anecdotes about their collaborative process while creating their new album, 'Who Believes in Angels?'. They often enjoyed breakfast together before heading into the studio, emphasizing the strong bond they've developed over their musical journey. Elton remarked, "This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life." He described the album as a transition into a new era for him, stating, "Who Believes In Angels? feels like going into another era and I’m pushing the door open to come into the future."
Elton's emotional journey during the album's creation was also highlighted. In a recent episode of the 'Smartless' podcast, he admitted that while recording, he confronted his mortality, resulting in a breakdown that lasted nearly 45 minutes. He explained, "When you get to my age, which is near 100, you think, 'How much time have I got left?'" This emotional moment was captured on film, and Brandi described it as both "really human" and "embarrassing," underscoring the authenticity of their creative process.
The album, which is set to be released on April 4, 2025, includes the song "Never Too Late," which has already garnered attention by being nominated for Best Original Song at the 97th Academy Awards. Elton previously confirmed that he would not tour again, marking this album as a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Elton has faced personal health challenges. He has been dealing with appendicitis and has lost sight in his right eye due to a severe infection. Despite these obstacles, he continues to focus on his creative work and family life.
As the evening at The London Palladium drew to a close, the audience was left with a sense of connection, not just to the music but to the heartfelt messages shared by Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile. Their collaboration is not only a testament to their artistic talents but also to the importance of family and legacy in their lives.
An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile will air on April 19, 2025, on ITV1 and ITVX, offering fans a chance to witness this intimate and revealing performance.
