Sir Elton John has claimed that gaining fame from shows like X Factor is ‘the worst thing that can happen to you in the music industry’.
Instead, the legendary musician suggests new artists ‘go and play in a pub’ to ‘take risks’ and get a ‘backbone’.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone, he stressed how important playing live is for musicians.
The star admitted then when he played in Musicology, they would sometimes perform to tiny audiences, and no matter how small the crowd, it always helped him improve.
He recalled: ‘That experience stood me in great stead for when I became Elton John because I had backbone.
‘And backbone is so important, because the worst thing that can happen to you in the industry are things like X Factor and instant fame on television where you have no experience of playing live.’
Elton John has claimed that gaining fame from shows like X-Factor is ‘the worst thing that can happen to you in the music industry’ (pictured at Glastonbury)
Instead, the legendary musician suggests new artists ‘go and play in a pub’ to ‘take risks’ and get a ‘backbone’
Elton said: ‘You get put on stage, you go, and you can’t do it. That’s the worst thing. American Idol – just the worst. Take risks. Go and play in a pub.’
However, despite his distaste for musical talent shows, Elton appered on The X Factor back in 2013 to perform a duet with judge Gary Barlow.
But, it’s also not the first tike he’s spoken negatively about the ITV programme and he has always been vocal about his opinion.
Back in 2010, he told Radio Times magazine: ‘I’m not a fan of talent shows. I probably wouldn’t have lasted if I’d gone on one. I was asked to judge American Idol. I couldn’t do it because I won’t s*** anyone off.
‘Also, I don’t want to be on television. It’s become boring, ****-paralysingly brain crippling. I like Simon Cowell, but what he does is TV entertainment.
‘There have been some good acts, but the only way to sustain a career is to pay your dues in small, s**t clubs.’
He added: ‘I was in a band at 17, became a songwriter with Bernie Taupin and wasn’t successful until we’d had six years of hard graft and disappointment, as well as great times. I had experience you couldn’t buy.’
Elton continued: ‘TV vaults you to superstardom and then you have to back it up, which is hard. Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke are at the mercy of the next song they can get.
‘Susan Boyle was an endearing phenomenon, but I fear she might not understand the rigours of showbusiness.’
Elton said: ‘Backbone is so important, because the worst thing that can happen to you in the industry are things like X Factor and instant fame on television’
However, despite his distaste for musical talent shows, Elton appered on The X Factor back in 2013 to perform a duet with judge Gary Barlow
It comes after Elton confessed he had a ‘complete meltdown’ while recording his latest record with longtime friend Brandi Carlile.
The legendary musician said goodbye to the stage and live performing for good after his Farewell Tour which came to an end in July 2023.
And now the star has admitted he suffered an ‘adrenaline crash’ following the run of shows, which also included his incredible Glastonbury headline slot.
Starring in the latest addition of Rolling Stone UK, Elton also discussed the process of recording his new album Who Believes In Angels? in just 20 days.
He said: ‘We went in with nothing prepared. So, the first two or three days were very fraught. I was very, very unhappy… I was full of self-doubt…
‘But the album really didn’t get started until I had a complete meltdown.’
In breathtakingly awkward scenes from his documentary, the pop legend is seen slamming his headphones down and tearing up a piece of sheet music as he tells aghast onlookers: ‘I’m going home’ as he brands the session a ‘f***ing nightmare.’
Speaking in the recent interview he explained: ‘I’ve never really gone into a process like that before, and it was frightening for me. I was really, really afraid.
It comes after Elton confessed he had a ‘complete meltdown’ while recording his latest record with longtime friend Brandi Carlile
Starring in the latest addition of Rolling Stone UK, Elton also discussed the process of recording his new album Who Believes In Angels? in just 20 days
‘It’s always good to have fear, but I had a lot of fear… But after we got off to a really bumpy start, it all settled down.
‘The tenseness, the anxiety in the studio helped the electricity of the album without question… It’s got balls, and it’s got freshness, and it’s got energy.
‘Exactly what I wanted it to be, and it came out exactly how I visualised it.’
Despite his dramatic moments in the studio, collaborator Brandi gushed over working with the star as she said: ‘He is explosively funny. You can’t keep up with him. He is going to win in a battle of wit.
‘He’s encyclopaedic about music, always enthusiastic. He’s calling people, helping young people, generous, and just kind of a blast to be around.’
Elsewhere in the interview Elton also spoke about the resilience of those who identify as LGBTQ+ having used his platform to fight for the rights and wellbeing of the community.
He said: ‘Gay people are very strong. It’s like, don’t f**k with them, don’t f**kwith us. When it comes to what actually matters, don’t f**k with us. They’re going to make a noise.’
Elton’s new album, which is set for release on April 4, features a collection of songs collection of songs that touch on the music icon’s legacy while looking firmly to the future
The legendary musician said goodbye to the stage and live performing for good after his Farewell Tour which came to an end in July 2023 (pictued with Brandi)
One song in particular titled When This Old World Is Done With Me sees Elton singing about his eventual death.
Getting candid on what it was like to write about such a deep topic, he said: ‘When you’re 77 years of age and you have a family and you have two children, there’s only a certain amount of time you’ve got left.
‘Hopefully, I’ve got at least another 20 years. But when you’re actually confronted [with it] on a song, it’s like, “Oh my God.” It really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting it. I don’t like talking about it, but you have to be realistic.’
The April/May issue of Rolling Stone UK is out now.
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