Elton John; his brand new album: a pure dose of why the world fell in love with him in the first place - Interview

Interview, Nov, 2001 by Ann Powers

AP: Will you be touring?

EJ: Yes. I'm gonna use my own band. It's just piano, bass, guitar, percussion and keyboards. Keep it simple.

AP: You and Billy Joel have an interesting relationship. Do you have dates scheduled with him, too?

EJ: Next year. We did two legs this year, and then we'll start again next year. Billy came along shortly after me, and everyone said, "He's just an American Elton John." But I always thought Billy's music was so New York. And we became friends. We were never rivals, we were never jealous of each other. I love touring with him, because it's just great setting these two nine-foot pianos on stage. That, and he can really crack me up. But he hasn't made a [pop] album in almost 10 years, and I'm constantly nagging him to. I don't know whether it's fear or because he's been doing his classical thing. But I just know that he's capable of writing so many great songs, and I think he will do it again one day.

AP: Maybe after your record comes out, he'll think, I want to match it.

EJ: Well, if that can help him get back into writing songs again I would only be too pleased, because I miss his songs. He knows how I feel.

AP: Rock 'n' roll can be cruel to people over 40, and to younger people who don't fit an obvious mold. It's not easy being a hungry artist these days!

EJ: That's why I do my column in Interview and I try to make people notice when there's a new record out that I love. Every chance I get I'm gonna shout from the rooftops, because these people do inspire me. I mean, Craig David's 20. I didn't make my first album until I was 22, and it certainly wasn't as good as his debut. It's brilliant, and I'm so excited for him.

AP: And why not hear Craig David and Elton John next to each other on the radio?

EJ: Yeah, why not? It should happen.

Ann Powers is a pop music critic for The New York Times. Opposite: Elton John wears a shirt by VERSACE. Hair: PAUL DAVIES. Makeup: MARK COOK. For fashion and photo details see page 151.