Metallica Pays Tribute to Elton John With Special Performance at the 2024 Gershwin Prize

Elton John, an iconic figure in the music industry renowned for his captivating performances and prolific songwriting alongside Bernie Taupin, was honored at the 2024 Gershwin Prize. Throughout his illustrious career, John has sold over 300 million albums, earned numerous accolades including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fаme and the Songwriters Hall of Fаme, and received knighthood in 1998.

During the ceremony, hosted by Billy Porter, John and Taupin were bestowed with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. As part of the evening’s celebrations, Metallica took to the stage to deliver a rendition of “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” a track from John’s iconic 1973 album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

Expressing their admiration for John and Taupin, Metallica lauded the duo’s enduring collaboration spanning over 56 years, which has produced some of the most memorable and influential songs of their generation. The band expressed their excitement at being part of the tribute, anticipating an extraordinary evening filled with performances celebrating the remarkable musical legacy of John and Taupin.

While the full performance is set to air on PBS on April 8, a preview of Metallica’s cover garnered significant attention online, amassing over 35,000 views and eliciting praise from fans who appreciated the fusion of talents. Elton John himself has previously commended Metallica, hailing their song “Nothing Else Matters” as one of the best ever written. His words resonated deeply with Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield, reflecting on the profound impact of the band’s music beyond genre boundaries.

John’s admiration for Metallica extends beyond their musical prowess, recognizing the depth and beauty of their compositions. He lauded their versatility, describing them as not merely a heavy metal band but a musical force capable of crafting captivating melodies and evocative songs. In his eyes, “Nothing Else Matters” stands as a testament to Metallica’s artistry and enduring appeal, a sentiment echoed by fans and musicians alike.