Elton John Honors Brian Wilson at Rock Hall

An Emotional Tribute to a Musical Icon

In a deeply moving moment at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Elton John took the stage to perform the Beach Boys' timeless classic, "God Only Knows," as a tribute to his dear friend and musical idol, the late Brian Wilson. The performance was not just a song, but a profound celebration of a bond forged in mutual respect and shared musical genius.

A Bond Forged in Admiration and Friendship

Before playing the song, which Rolling Stone ranks as the 11th greatest of all time and Wilson's signature piece, Elton John shared heartfelt memories of their decades-long friendship. He recounted meeting the Beach Boys maestro in 1970 in Los Angeles, describing the awe he felt. "We were scared shitless because he was my idol," John confessed. "He was the one that influenced me more than anybody else when it came to writing songs on the piano. It was an evening we would never forget."

"Meeting someone who was a true genius doesn't happen very often. Throughout my career and my life, Brian and I became friends and sang on each others' records. We loved each other."

John emphasized the depth of their connection, highlighting collaborations like Brian singing "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" at a 2003 tribute concert, Elton playing on Brian's solo records, and Brian singing on Elton's acclaimed album The Union. "I can't think of anyone else who I'd rather pay tribute to than to Brian Wilson and his family with this beautiful song," Elton stated, his voice thick with emotion.

The Performance: "God Only Knows"

Joined by a stellar band including Kenny Aronoff on percussion, Don Was on bass, and Benmont Tench (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) on piano, Elton delivered a poignant rendition of "God Only Knows." The performance served as a fitting elegy for Wilson, who passed away in June 2025 at the age of 82 after battling dementia in his final years. The song's complex harmonies and heartfelt lyrics resonated even more deeply in the context of this tribute.

Remembering Brian Wilson's Legacy

Elton John had publicly mourned Wilson's passing, calling him the "biggest influence of my songwriting ever." He praised Wilson not only as a "musical genius and revolutionary" who "changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs" but also as a kind and supportive friend. This tribute at the Rock Hall was a powerful acknowledgment of Wilson's enduring impact on popular music and the profound influence he had on one of its greatest performers.

A Night of Tributes

Wilson's tribute was part of a night honoring music greats lost recently. The ceremony opened with a star-studded medley celebrating Sly Stone, who passed away just days before Wilson in June 2025. Both were included in the telecast's In Memoriam segment, alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Roy Ayers, and Marianne Faithfull. The 2025 induction also celebrated new inductees like Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Bad Company, and Warren Zevon.

Conclusion: A Lasting Musical Connection

Elton John's performance of "God Only Knows" was more than just a highlight of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony; it was a testament to the timeless power of music and the deep connections it creates. It served as a beautiful farewell to Brian Wilson, celebrated the immense influence he wielded, and ensured that his genius, and the special bond he shared with Elton John, would be remembered fondly by generations of music lovers.