Elton John has expressed his love for Kneecap, praising the Irish hip-hop trio’s vitality and political lyricism.
The legendary pop singer-songwriter voices his appreciation for the band in a brand new look on BBC Radio 6’s Breakfast Present, hosted by Nick Grimshaw, saying that it was footage of their dwell performances that first turned his head.
“I noticed a video of them and I simply was so knocked out by the vitality that they had and the vitality that they had,” he says (through NME). “They had been simply extraordinary and what they discuss is political, and there’s not many bands that try this. So, I really like them, I really like the vitality, I really like every little thing about them.”
The feedback are much like ones John made in September. He informed the three-piece to their faces throughout an episode of his Rocket Hour podcast: “I discover that your music tackles controversial topics and also you’ve stated, until we make a subject of it, until we make enjoyable of it, it’s by no means going to get any higher.”
He continued: “I believe you’re very courageous to talk out, and also you come from a humorous place – and it simply makes me pleased. Now, you wouldn’t suppose an outdated softie like me can be excited by Kneecap, however I’m, as a result of the vitality, the music, the ability – the ability, the ability. Not many individuals have that energy.”
John has by no means made any bones about supporting youthful generations of musicians. Over the weekend, he made headlines by performing Pink Pony Membership with Chappell Roan at his Academy Awards viewing celebration.
He’s additionally provided form phrases about heavy metallic superstars Metallica. In 2021, he referred to as the band’s 1991 single Nothing Else Issues “among the best songs ever written”, drawing tears from frontman James Hetfield. John teamed with Miley Cyrus and others to cowl Nothing Else Issues for the Metallica Blacklist compilation the identical yr.
Kneecap launched their debut album Fantastic Artwork final June and swiftly grew to become one in every of hip-hop’s greatest names. An eponymous documentary concerning the group gained a BAFTA Award final month, with author/director Wealthy Peppiatt taking dwelling the prize for Excellent Debut.
