Tributes and accolades continue to pour in for Sir Elton John, recognized for his immense contributions to music through various performances and collaborations. One standout is Rus Anderson, who has crafted an entire show around the prolific artist’s work and is bringing his tribute to Colorado Springs this weekend.
Anderson, originally from Scotland, began gaining recognition for his piano skills at the tender age of four. His evolution as a performer took flight when he started playing gigs on Clearwater Beach, where audiences consistently noted his resemblance to Elton John. "I started playing more and more piano-based stuff, and then one day, my wife and I decided: Why don’t we put together a show of just Elton John music? So we did, and it sold out," Anderson reflected on those early days.
His tribute show continued to burgeon, eventually leading to an unexpected email from Elton John’s lawyer back in 2017. "Elton and his office wanted to use the act as a kind of stunt-double publicity thing for various projects," Anderson explained. His excitement at this opportunity was palpable, leading to his eventual meeting with Elton John, which he described as both thrilling and intimidating. "It was like meeting Henry VIII, you just don’t know how to act or what to do,” Anderson joked, yet he found John to be genuinely interested and supportive of his tribute.
This weekend, Anderson will recreate the magic of John’s performances from the early 1970s with his company, aptly named “The Rocket Man Show.” He emphasized, "We take the audiences on a musical and historical tour," as he brings to life the antics and artistry of Elton John during his heyday, including costume changes and some of the most memorable songs from John's catalog. Anderson is excited about the chance to revive the original costumes John wore during his performances, stating, "The last time they were on stage was 50 years ago, and it was Elton who was wearing them."
Not only does Anderson take great pleasure in highlighting the nostalgia for older fans, but he absolutely loves introducing this musical legend to newer generations. “We’re getting to not only bring memories back to people but also to introduce Elton John to a whole other generation of people. And that's one of the things we really love,” he said.
Meanwhile, contemporary star Orville Peck has also expressed his admiration for John through their recent collaboration on Peck's album, Stampede. During the taping of Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry, he shared with PEOPLE magazine his experience of working alongside the legendary musician. "He’s super crass, so he is always telling funny, dirty jokes and stuff like that's," Peck elaborated, highlighting the playful nature of their interactions.
Peck, known for his unique musical style, raved about having John as part of his artistic circle. He had been thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with someone he idolized for so long. His upcoming album features not only Elton John but also legendary artists like Willie Nelson and Kylie Minogue. Reflecting on this rich collaborative experience, he shared, “I hadn’t really done very many duets or features in the past, so to do an album with 18 artists was sort of very new for me.”
These personalized experiences with the iconic star are not just limited to Anderson and Peck; they highlight the enduring influence of Elton John's artistry throughout different music genres and generations. Events like the upcoming "Yellow Brick Joel" tribute concert, scheduled for December 27 at the Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, will showcase the synergy created when tribute acts honor John alongside other music legends such as Billy Joel. Concert promoter Brian Rosenberg expressed excitement over this unique fusion, explaining how the concert will recapture the feel of the original Joel-John stadium performances from the 1990s.
Featuring performers such as David Clark and Bill Connors, the “Yellow Brick Joel” concert will include collaborative performances, sing-alongs, and both artists paying tribute to each other's musical legacies. "We will come out doing two songs together then there’s five Elton songs and five Billy tunes. The thing about this show is its interaction with the crowd," Clark stated, indicating the community experience these events provide.
The upcoming shows not only celebrate the contributions of Elton John but also reflect the pop culture milieu surrounding his legacy, fostering collaborative spirits among artists. With shows such as the "Long Island Disco Fever 2024” concert featuring Elton John’s classic hits, fans will find nostalgia interlaced with the chance to relive those musical moments.
Elton John’s impact extends far beyond just his songs; it is the connections, collaborations, and memories he creates. From tributes like Anderson’s carefully curated concert experiences to collaborations with artists like Peck and live shows intertwining his music with others, the enduring legacy of Elton John continues to inspire both artists and fans alike.
These moments provide avenues to not only honor John but also remind audiences why he is hailed as one of the greatest performers of our time. Each tribute acts to illuminate the story of John’s illustrious career, bridging generational divides and rekindling memories born from the first listen to his unforgettable music.
