During a Zoom appearance on The Tonight Show , Elton John spoke with host Jimmy Fallon about his new collaborative album, The Lockdown Sessions , and upcoming tour dates.
Elton, who recently underwent a hip procedure, will perform at Madison Square Garden in New York in February, and took the opportunity to recall the time he performed live at the arena alongside John Lennon in 1974 – which, according to him, was the result of a bet between the two artists.
“I played on John’s song, ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night,’ and sang along. And I said, ‘If this single hits number one, you have to come play live with me,’ and he agreed. And, by God, it really did reach number one, and he [John Lennon] had to keep his word at Madison Square Garden on Thanksgiving Day,” John recalls.
The presenter pointed out that this may have been the last time John Lennon performed live, to which Elton John agreed. “It was one of the most magical moments of my life. The memory of him going on stage and receiving so much applause… I think the band and I had tears in our eyes. It was a wonderful occasion,” he said.
“I don’t think he’d played in New York since the Beatles played at Shea Stadium. It’s magical to see someone so beloved receive so much acclaim. I had a lot of fun with John for two years; it’s one of the highlights of my life and my career,” he concluded.
See images of the emotional moment mentioned by Elton John:
READ ALSO: Elton John reveals that John Lennon was "physically ill" at a 1974 concert.
