Elton John and Brandi Carlile shine on SNL following film premiere on Friday
Elton John and Brandi Carlile recently took their promotional tour for their latest album, Who Believes in Angels?, to the prestigious stage of Saturday Night Live on April 5, marking the culmination of their remarkable journey. This was a significant moment for both artists, with Elton making his first SNL appearance in 1982 and returning after a decade in 2011 as both host and musical guest. Brandi also graced the SNL stage for the third time following her appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Accompanied by the talented musicians from their album, such as Chad Smith on drums and Andrew Watt on guitar, Elton and Brandi delivered soul-stirring performances of “Little Richard’s Bible” and the album’s eponymous track. Their chemistry and musical synergy were undeniable, capturing the essence of their collaborative work on stage.
Prior to their SNL appearance, the duo premiered a 30-minute film titled Stories from the Edge of Creation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Who Believes in Angels?. The premiere took place at the esteemed 92nd Street Y in New York City on April 4, where Elton, Brandi, Watt, and lyricist Bernie Taupin engaged in a thought-provoking discussion following the screening. The film is now accessible on YouTube, albeit with certain profane moments edited out.
The documentary showcases intimate moments of Elton, Brandi, and Watt recording the album and presenting it to their record label. Viewers witness the creative process firsthand as the artists delve into each track’s creation within the confines of the studio. The Q&A session that followed the screening provided insightful glimpses into Elton’s studio tantrums, with candid footage revealing moments of frustration, expletives, and tears.
Reflecting on his emotional outbursts, Elton acknowledged his struggles with doubt and pressure, sharing, “I think I told everyone to f*** off 10 times! I was tired, frustrated with my inability to produce something good.” Despite considering quitting the album multiple times, Elton harnessed his angst and energy to create a distinct body of work that surpassed his expectations. His vulnerability and self-deprecating humor shone through as he confessed to his meltdowns, attributing them to the intensity of his creative process.
Brandi commended Elton for his resilience and ability to find humor in challenging situations, to which Elton quipped, “When you’re as ridiculous as I am, you have to giggle!” Their dynamic partnership and mutual respect were evident throughout the promotional run, culminating in a memorable SNL performance that solidified their status as iconic musicians.
As Elton and Brandi bask in the success of Who Believes in Angels?, audiences continue to resonate with the authenticity and passion infused into their collaborative masterpiece, setting a new standard for musical creativity and camaraderie in the industry.