What Did Elton John Say About Nothing Else Matters?

What Did Elton John Say About Nothing Else Matters? Elton John‘s words resonate profoundly within the music industry. His insights regarding a song or artist are highly regarded, given his illustrious career marked by timeless hits and significant collaborations.

Recently, he expressed his appreciation for Metallica’s renowned ballad “Nothing Else Matters,” which resulted in an unforeseen yet exhilarating partnership. This article delves into Elton John’s remarks about “Nothing Else Matters” and examines how his commendation deeply affected Metallica’s lead vocalist, James Hetfield, to the point of tears.

The Unexpected Collaboration: Elton John and Metallica

What Did Elton John Say About Nothing Else Matters? Elton John’s connection to “Nothing Else Matters” originated from an unexpected moment on The Howard Stern Show. In honor of their new compilation album, The Metallica Blacklist, Metallica performed the renowned song with Miley Cyrus. This performance was part of a larger initiative where various artists performed songs from Metallica’s iconic Black Album, marking its 30th anniversary.

During the broadcast, Elton John made a Zoom appearance that highlighted his deep admiration for Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” His remarks about the song resonated profoundly with the band, particularly with James Hetfield, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, who was visibly moved by the moment.

Elton John’s Emotional Praise for the Song

Elton John expressed his strong feelings regarding “Nothing Else Matters” without reservation. He referred to it as “one of the best songs ever written,” clearly demonstrating his appreciation for the song’s artistry. John highlighted several elements that contribute to its uniqueness, stating that the song “never gets old,” which underscores its enduring appeal. He specifically commended the chord structure, melodies, and tempo changes, describing it as a composition imbued with “drama written all over it.”

Additionally, John elaborated on the song’s remarkable ability to endure over time, which was a significant factor in his enthusiasm to collaborate on it. He remarked, “It’s got drama written all over it,” highlighting the emotional richness inherent in the song’s arrangement. John also noted that the song’s capacity to integrate diverse musical elements is what elevates it to the status of a masterpiece. For him, Metallica represented more than just a heavy metal band; they were artists whose work transcended traditional genre boundaries.

A Shift in the Song’s Arrangement: Elton John’s Contribution

As a participant in The Metallica Blacklist project, Elton John was invited to showcase his musical abilities on “Nothing Else Matters.” His contribution was particularly noteworthy due to his innovative reinterpretation of the piece. Andrew Watt, the producer of the track and guitarist, proposed a distinctive concept: Elton John would initiate and conclude the song on the piano, deviating from the original’s opening guitar riff. This suggestion thrilled John, who welcomed the chance to explore a new direction for the song.

Elton John shared, “That idea came from Andrew Watt who produced the track and played guitar on it. He said, ‘I want you to start the song and finish the song, because I don’t want it to start with the guitar, because that’s how the original record started.'” John enthusiastically accepted this challenge, eager to infuse his unique style into the composition. The outcome was a hauntingly melodic rendition that seamlessly blended John’s piano with Metallica’s signature elements, creating a version that felt both innovative and respectful to the original.

The Emotional Impact of Elton John’s Words

One of the most poignant moments during this exchange occurred when Elton John’s commendation brought James Hetfield to tears. Hetfield, who led Metallica for many years, was clearly touched by John’s sincere remarks. Drummer Lars Ulrich noted, “To hear what you just said, Elton, while sitting next to James … the way his body language responded when you referred to it as one of the greatest songs ever written … it is truly remarkable to witness.” This observation highlighted the profound connection between Hetfield’s emotional response and John’s admiration.

John’s feelings resonated not only with the audience but also deeply impacted the band members. Hetfield, typically known for his resilient demeanor, was visibly moved, wiping away tears as he absorbed the significance of the occasion. To have one of the most celebrated musical figures of all time recognize “Nothing Else Matters” as one of the finest songs ever composed served as a significant affirmation of Metallica’s artistic legacy and influence.

Elton John’s Thoughts on Metallica: A Band Beyond Genre

Elton John not only expressed admiration for “Nothing Else Matters,” but he also shared his insights regarding Metallica as a musical entity. He referred to them as “probably the crème de la crème of those kinds of bands,” highlighting the challenge of categorizing Metallica within a single musical genre. Although they are frequently linked to heavy metal, John contended that their artistry extends beyond this classification. He characterized their compositions as “beautiful,” noting the melodic elements that may not be the first aspect listeners associate with heavy metal.

“Metallica are probably the crème de la crème of those kinds of bands. You can’t really define them. They’re not a heavy metal band. They’re a musical band,” John elaborated. “Their songs aren’t just heavy metal. They’re beautiful songs.” This perspective is particularly illustrated in “Nothing Else Matters,” a piece that exemplifies Metallica’s ability to craft music that resonates profoundly on an emotional level, surpassing conventional genre boundaries.

A Song Beyond Time

Released in 1991, “Nothing Else Matters” has emerged as one of Metallica’s most cherished compositions and a hallmark of their ballad repertoire. The song’s blend of poignant lyrics and elaborate musical structures represented a significant shift from the more intense sound for which Metallica was previously recognized.

It showcased a gentler, more introspective aspect, which initially took many fans by surprise. Nevertheless, it gradually became evident that “Nothing Else Matters” is among the band’s most impactful and timeless pieces.

Elton John’s reflections on the song highlight its enduring significance. He perceives the track’s brilliance in its intricacy and its capacity for evolution, rendering it a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences, irrespective of the era in which it is heard. Consequently, “Nothing Else Matters” serves as a testament to Metallica’s artistic development and musical vision.

The Metallica Blacklist Project: A Tribute to Metallica’s Influence

The launch of The Metallica Blacklist collection marked a significant milestone for Metallica, commemorating three decades since the release of their iconic Black Album.

This album not only underscored Metallica’s enduring significance in the music industry but also paid homage to their extensive influence. Featuring 53 artists who interpreted tracks from the album, including notable names such as Elton John, Miley Cyrus, and Yo-Yo Ma, the initiative showcased the diverse and lasting legacy of Metallica’s artistry.

Through his involvement in this project, Elton John expressed his appreciation for “Nothing Else Matters,” while simultaneously enhancing the song’s prominence and introducing it to audiences who may not have previously engaged with Metallica’s body of work. This collaboration provided an opportunity for both artists and fans to celebrate the ability of music to bridge genres and connect generations.

A Heartfelt Tribute to Nothing Else Matters

What Did Elton John Say About Nothing Else Matters? Elton John expressed his admiration for “Nothing Else Matters” by referring to it as “one of the best songs ever written,” emphasizing its enduring nature and emotional richness.

His commendation of Metallica and their talent for creating beautiful, melodic compositions had a profound effect on the band, especially on James Hetfield, who was visibly touched by John’s remarks. Furthermore, Elton John’s participation in the Metallica Blacklist project reinforced the song’s significance in music history, providing a new interpretation of a classic that has only increased in importance over the years.

As a highly esteemed figure in the music industry, Elton John’s opinions hold considerable influence. By lauding “Nothing Else Matters” in such a sincere and heartfelt way, he has enhanced the legacy of a song that continues to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Whether one is a devoted Metallica enthusiast or experiencing the song for the first time, it is obvious that “Nothing Else Matters” transcends the realm of a mere rock ballad; it stands as a work of musical artistry that will be cherished for many years to come.