Elton John's Insights on Bohemian Rhapsody, Tribute Festivals & New Music

Elton John, known for his sharp wit and iconic music career, initially doubted Queen’s 1975 hit “Bohemian Rhapsody,” finding its complex structure “absolutely ridiculous” and questioning its commercial potential. Despite his skepticism, the song became a groundbreaking classic, topping UK charts and becoming the most-streamed track of the 20th century. In 2026, the UK’s Fake Festival will celebrate rock legends, featuring tribute acts to Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and more. Meanwhile, landmark albums like Elton’s “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska” are receiving deluxe reissues. Recently, Elton collaborated with Mercury Prize winner Sam Fender on the poignant track “Talk to You,” highlighting Elton’s enduring influence and passion for music across generations.

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Summary

Bespectacled balladeer Elton John knows a thing or two about the “absolutely ridiculous”

The legendary Elton John has had many memorable encounters in his decades-long career, from nearly being attacked by Iggy Pop to his initial skepticism of Queen’s groundbreaking “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This article explores some of Elton John's unique experiences with music, his opinions on iconic rock moments, upcoming tribute festivals, notable album reissues, and his recent collaboration with singer-songwriter Sam Fender.

Elton John was initially incredulous upon first hearing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 1975 and doubted its commercial viability.
Despite doubts, “Bohemian Rhapsody” went on to become one of the most iconic and best-selling songs, though it took time to achieve chart-topping success.
The Fake Festival in Doncaster and other UK locations will feature tribute acts to Elton John, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, and more in 2026.
Celebrated albums including Elton John’s “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska,” and Pulp’s “Different Class” are being reissued in expanded deluxe formats.
Elton John recently collaborated with Mercury Prize-winning artist Sam Fender on the new song “Talk to You,” showcasing John’s distinctive piano style.

Elton John's reaction to Bohemian Rhapsody: "You're not actually going to release that, are you?"

In 1975, a young Elton John was handed a test pressing of Queen’s soon-to-be-classic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” According to his memoirs, he was stunned and found the three-minute-plus opus more ridiculous than inspiring. The song’s complex structure—a miniature suite combining a murder ballad narrative, operatic segments, and heavy guitar solos—baffled him, as did its unconventional title. Elton even questioned their manager John Reid if the band planned to release the track as a single, predicting it was commercial suicide.

Yet John Reid, with a proven track record at EMI and Motown producing hits, sensed something extraordinary was unfolding. His confidence led to the song’s release as a single, despite initial doubts from Queen who had planned it merely as a B-side. Freddie Mercury embraced the bold gamble, and history proved Reid right.

The unique legacy of Bohemian Rhapsody

While “Bohemian Rhapsody” did not immediately dominate the US charts, peaking at #9, it climbed to the top spot in the UK. Its originality was both a barrier and a magnet, blending progressive rock, classical, and hard rock in a way never before attempted. Hunter S. Thompson famously summarized its unconventional appeal as “too weird to live, and too rare to die.”

Since its release, the song has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and, following the arrival of the biopic film, became the most-streamed track of the 20th century. Despite this, many listeners still find its manic, chaotic brilliance difficult to fully grasp.

Fake Festival 2026: A must-see tribute tour across the UK

Rock aficionados in Doncaster and beyond can look forward to the 2026 Fake Festival, returning to Sandall Park on May 9th. The festival will feature tribute bands emulating the sounds of Elton John, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Pulp, Muse, and Foo Fighters, alongside performances by local artists. The festival is set to tour multiple UK cities, including Sheffield, Southampton, Bedford, and Leicester.

A festival spokesman encouraged fans to secure tickets early and rally friends to experience these vibrant live shows recreating the spirit of rock’s greatest acts throughout the summer months.

Reissues highlight music history milestones

Several landmark albums are being celebrated with deluxe reissues: Elton John’s 1975 “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” marks its 50th anniversary with a special blu-ray audio release featuring an immersive Dolby Atmos mix. Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska” (1982) receives an expanded deluxe edition on multiple formats, while Pulp’s celebrated “Different Class” marks its 30th anniversary reissue.

Neil Young continues his Official Release Series with 1990s album box sets, Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds” is issued as an extensive 20-disc collection, and Imogen Heap’s “Speak for Yourself” returns as a redesigned 2LP set. Other notable releases include Cherry Red’s 4CD dancefloor mix compilation, Falco’s “Falco 3” 40th anniversary edition, and Field Music’s expanded vinyl debut celebrating two decades.

Elton John’s knack for sharp wit and rock rivalries

While Elton John has gifted the world with beloved classics like “Candle in the Wind,” he has never shied away from expressing opinions or engaging in playful conflicts with rock peers. His encounters with The Rolling Stones illustrate this dynamic: though a fan of British rock, John found it easier to hear Beatles influences in his own music than Stones’. A memorable episode saw John spontaneously joining the Stones onstage without asking, provoking Keith Richards’ legendary glare.

Despite occasional barbs—Elton once jokingly called Richards “a monkey with arthritis”—their rivalry remains good-natured, with mutual respect shared by both icons.

New collaboration: Elton John and Sam Fender on “Talk to You”

Following his 2025 Mercury Prize win for the album “People Watching,” UK singer-songwriter Sam Fender released a new track co-created with Elton John titled “Talk to You.” John contributes a twinkling piano part underpinning Fender’s guitar-driven sound. The song reflects on the emotional end of a long relationship and the complex feelings of regret and loss.

Fender shared that he sought a talented pianist for the piece and immediately thought of Elton John, a longtime friend. John praised Fender as a truly world-class artist, marking their collaboration as a joyous creative experience.

Sam Fender’s rise and accolades

Sam Fender’s third album “People Watching” topped the UK charts, continuing his streak following two previous #1 albums. Singles such as the title track and the duet “Rein Me In” with Olivia Dean have reached Top 10 status. After memorable stadium shows in London and Newcastle, Fender won the prestigious Mercury Prize in Newcastle, competing against acts like Pulp and Fontaines D.C. The judges lauded the album’s ambition, cohesion, and melody-rich compositions. Fender dedicated his £25,000 cash prize to his late friend Annie Orwin, who inspired the album’s title track.

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Through decades of remarkable highs, sharp insights, and unexpected adventures, Elton John continues to influence music and culture. His early doubts about “Bohemian Rhapsody” reveal the challenges faced by revolutionary art, while his ongoing work, including collaborations with new-generation talents like Sam Fender, shows his enduring relevance and passion for melody and storytelling in rock music. Fans can look forward to reliving classic tunes at upcoming festivals and enjoy fresh takes on beloved albums through prolific reissues, demonstrating the living legacy of rock’s colorful history.

Hear Sam Fender Team Up With Elton John on 'Talk to You'

Questions and answers

Q: Elton John's reaction to Bohemian Rhapsody

A: Elton John praised the film 'Bohemian Rhapsody' for its energetic portrayal of Queen and Freddie Mercury's life. He appreciated the movie's role in introducing Queen's music to a new generation, despite noting some historical inaccuracies. Overall, Elton John viewed the film as an entertaining tribute to the iconic band.

Q: Fake Festival 2026 lineup and locations

A: The Fake Festival 2026 is scheduled to feature a diverse lineup including emerging artists and established acts across genres such as indie, electronic, and hip-hop. It will take place in multiple cities across Europe, with primary locations in Berlin, London, and Amsterdam. The festival aims to provide an immersive musical experience with art installations and interactive events.

Q: Elton John and Sam Fender collaboration song

A: Elton John and Sam Fender collaborated on a song that blends Elton's classic pop-rock style with Fender's indie rock sensibilities. The track features emotive lyrics and melodic instrumentation, highlighting both artists' strengths. It has been praised for its heartfelt storytelling and engaging arrangement, marking a successful partnership between the two musicians.

Q: Reissued classic rock albums 2026

A: In 2026, several classic rock albums are being reissued with remastered audio and bonus content. Notable releases include remastered editions of Led Zeppelin's 'IV', The Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers', and Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours'. These reissues often come with previously unreleased tracks, enhanced liner notes, and high-quality packaging, appealing to collectors and new listeners alike.

Q: History of Bohemian Rhapsody song

A: 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is a song by Queen, written by Freddie Mercury and released in 1975. It is known for its distinctive structure, blending rock, ballad, and opera styles into a six-minute epic. The song became one of Queen's most iconic hits, celebrated for its innovation and theatricality, and has had a lasting impact on popular music.

Key Entities

Elton John: Elton John is a British singer, pianist, and composer renowned for his flamboyant style and numerous hit songs spanning several decades. He has played a significant role in popular music and is recognized for his contributions to charity and activism.

Queen: Queen is a British rock band formed in 1970, acclaimed for its innovative music and theatrical performances led by frontman Freddie Mercury. The band has produced iconic hits such as 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and remains influential in rock history.

Sam Fender: Sam Fender is an English singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice and socially conscious lyrics reflecting working-class life. He has gained critical and commercial success with his blend of indie rock and folk influences.

Fake Festival: The Fake Festival is a music event that often features emerging and established artists, showcasing a variety of genres to broad audiences. It serves as a platform for live performances outside the mainstream festival circuit.

The Rolling Stones: The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in 1962, recognized as one of the greatest and most enduring rock groups in history. Their extensive catalog includes classics like 'Satisfaction' and they continue to perform worldwide.

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Title: Rowan Atkinson - Interview with Elton John | REACTION
Channel: Highly Combustible Reacts
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlkZD2i71T4
Published: 2 weeks ago

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