“John Lennon Joins Elton John for Dynamic Beatles Classic Remake”
In the summer of 1974, a memorable collaboration emerged when John Lennon joined Elton John and his crew aboard the S.S. France. Lennon was visiting his son, Julian Lennon, during this transatlantic adventure, which provided an opportunity for creative exchanges among iconic musicians.
Collaboration on “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”
While traveling to New York City, Elton John and his band were busy crafting songs for their upcoming album, *Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirty Cowboy*. They gathered at Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado, where they had previously recorded the *Caribou* album. Notably, the renowned cover of the Beatles’ classic “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” took shape during this period.
John Lennon contributed to this remake by playing electric guitar and providing backing vocals under the alias Dr. Winston O’Boogie. The excitement surrounding this collaboration was palpable, with Davey Johnstone, Elton John’s longtime bandleader, reflecting on the experience: “It was just a blast to do that, especially a song from *Sgt. Pepper’s*.”
A Chart-Topping Success
Elton John’s rendition of “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” was released as a standalone single in mid-November of 1974. The track achieved remarkable success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Gold certification. This version, along with “Philadelphia Freedom,” appears in the 50th anniversary deluxe edition of *Captain Fantastic*.
Life After the Farewell Tour
Even after the conclusion of Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in July 2023, Johnstone has remained active in the music scene. “I don’t think I’ve retired. I don’t think I ever will retire,” he stated. He continues to perform with Elton John, participating in a few shows annually.
- Johnstone collaborates with his son, Charlie, on music projects.
- He is working on a new solo album expected to release in the first half of 2026.
- Johnstone is also writing a memoir and producing a documentary about Elton John’s early band.
Remembering the Early Days
The documentary initiative was inspired by conversations about the late Dee Murray, Johnstone’s former bandmate. The project aims to highlight the exceptional talent within Elton John’s early band, emphasizing the musicianship that drew comparisons to the Beatles. Johnstone expressed pride in their legacy, stating, “When you hear the work we did, I’m always amazed by the level of musicianship. It was a great band.”
The passage of time has not dimmed Johnstone’s passion for music. He continues to celebrate his history while looking forward to future endeavors, keeping the legacy of Elton John’s collaborations vibrant.
