Elton John Cautions New Artist About The Worst Thing That Can Happen In Their Career

After more than 60 years in the spotlight, Elton John has picked up some solid wisdom—and he’s more than happy to share it. In a chat with Rolling Stone UK, the music legend offered up some advice for up-and-coming musicians, especially when it comes to growing as a performer.

“Play to 40 People – Or Nobody”

John encouraged new artists to keep performing live, no matter how small the crowd. He said:

“That’s the way you improve as a musician and songwriter. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing to 40 people.
“The more experience you get playing to nobody, the better. Because when I played in Musicology [sic], we played to hardly anybody sometimes.”

While today’s artists often rely on social media or TV competitions to gain exposure, Elton says nothing beats the experience of working through the rough patches and growing confidence onstage.

“Backbone Is So Important”

Reflecting on his early career, John emphasized how those challenging gigs shaped him. He said:

“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… You get put on stage, you go, and you can’t do it. That’s the worst thing. American Idol — just the worst.”

His simple advice to new musicians?

“Take risks. Go and play in a pub.”

“Music Keeps Me Alive”

Even though he’s officially retired from touring, Elton isn’t slowing down. He said:

“I can’t live without music. It nearly killed me, but it also kept me alive, and it keeps me alive today.
“But not the music of the past so much… it’s the music of the future that keeps me alive.”

A New Album With Brandi Carlile

Elton’s next big move? A new album with Brandi Carlile titled Who Believes in Angels? drops April 4, and the duo will appear as musical guests on Saturday Night Live the next day.

Speaking about Carlile, Elton shared his admiration:

“I love her so much and not just as a person, but I love what’s inside of her musically and creatively. And it hasn’t really touched the surface. I think it’s beginning to, but it’s got so much further to go. She’s like an embryo at the moment, and she’s done a hell of a lot to be an embryo, but she’s going to just burst.”