US EditionElton John Pays Tribute to Brian Wilson with ‘God Only Knows’ Cover at Rock Hall 2025 Ceremony
Elton John honored Brian Wilson at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a heartfelt performance of 'God Only Knows' and shared personal memories of their friendship.
- On November 8, Sir Elton John honored Brian Wilson at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by performing `God Only Knows` at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater.
- Earlier this year, Brian Wilson, late Beach Boys co‑founder , inspired Elton John, who called him `the biggest influence on my songwriting ever.`
- Onstage, Elton John said `We were scared shitless because he was my idol.` and recalled Wilson singing `Someone Saved My Life Tonight` at a 2003 tribute and collaborating on records.
- Beyond Elton's moment, numerous music figures paid tribute during the evening, including a star‑studded Sly Stone medley with Stevie Wonder and Maxwell performing, and others like Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen.
- Describing Wilson's impact, Elton said `He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and shaped music forever.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Elton John pays tribute to Brian Wilson
Sir Elton John paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Brian Wilson at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday night. The Crocodile Rock hitmaker performed the Beach Boys’ God Only Knows as part of a tribute to the singer, who died in June aged 82, and also shared his memories of his former friend, including how terrified he was when they met for the first time in Los Angeles. Speaking on stage at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater,…
Elton John Honors Brian Wilson At Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction With Rendition Of 'God Only Knows'
During the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, Elton John paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson. According to Consequence, John recalled meeting Wilson in 1970 and how deeply the musician influenced his songwriting. Though he didn’t play piano during the performance, John sang “God Only Knows” accompanied by Don Was on stand-up bass and drummer Kenny Aronoff, creating a moving homage to Wilson’s lasting legacy…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
