Elton John has built an impressive career that spans over 60 years, and throughout this remarkable journey, he has gathered invaluable insights and wisdom. In a recent discussion with Rolling Stone UK, the iconic singer shared key advice for emerging artists, emphasizing the importance of live performance. He urged them to “keep trying to play live” as often as possible, highlighting that this is crucial for growth as a musician and songwriter.

“That’s the way you improve as a musician and songwriter. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing to just 40 people,” John elaborated. “The more experience you gain, even when performing to small, near-empty venues, the better you become. I remember when I played in Musicology, we often performed to very few people.”

While some may dismiss Elton’s advice, thinking about how the music industry has transformed over time, it’s vital to recognize that building a music career often entails performing live. Many contemporary artists leverage social media and reality TV competition shows to gain popularity, bypassing the traditional route of playing in small clubs. Nevertheless, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer insists that gaining real-life experience is crucial—not just for honing musicianship, but also for building the confidence necessary to thrive in the industry.

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“That experience prepared me immensely for when I became Elton John because I had developed a strong backbone,” he noted. “Having that backbone is incredibly important, as the biggest challenges in this industry often stem from experiences like X Factor and instant fame on television. When you lack live performance experience and suddenly find yourself on stage, it can be overwhelming. That’s truly the worst scenario. Programs like American Idol—they can be really detrimental.”

Instead of chasing quick fame, John encourages new artists to “Take risks. Go and play in a pub,” emphasizing the value of grassroots experience.

Elton John: The Vital Role of Music in My Life

Approaching his 78th birthday, John continues to lead an active lifestyle. Although he has stepped away from touring, the renowned singer-songwriter still participates in select performances for charity events and fundraisers, demonstrating his commitment to music and philanthropy.

“I can’t live without music. It almost took my life at one point, but ultimately, it’s what keeps me alive, even today,” he expressed. “While I do enjoy listening to music from the past, such as jazz and other genres, it’s really the music of the future that fuels my passion and keeps me going.”

Excitingly, John is set to release a collaborative album with Brandi Carlisle titled Who Believes in Angels? The duo will also appear as musical guests on the April 5 episode of Saturday Night Live, coinciding with the album’s launch.

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“I adore her, not only as a person but also for her incredible musical and creative talents,” John said, referring to Carlisle. “Her potential is immense and still largely untapped. While she has accomplished so much already, I believe she is just beginning to scratch the surface of her capabilities. She’s like an embryo right now; she has a long way to go, but she’s on the verge of an explosion of creativity.”