Ever since the devastating death of David Bowie, fans and musicians around the world have offered their own musical talents to honor the late glam rock pioneer. In the midst of musical and written tributes from Arcade Fire, Warpaint, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga and more, Elton John decided to deliver his own rendition of Bowie's 1969 album track, "Space Oddity" during his Los Angeles concert.
On Wednesday night at the Wiltern Theatre, the famed pianist and songwriter took to the stage two days after the Hunk Dory singer's death, to perform an instrumental take on "Space Oddity" before transitioning into his own 1972 staple track, "Rocket Man."
The British LGBTQ activist continued to speak to the audience about the influence Space Oddity had on his start as a musician and the sound of his debut record. The songs were very classical orientated," he said according to Rolling Stone. "I didn't know who I wanted to use. Then I heard a record which blew me away. It's called Space Oddity."
The Wonderful Crazy Night singer began collaborating with Space Oddity producer Gus Dudgeon and arranger Paul Buckmaster and they created a relationship that has continued on for many years. "I have David Bowie to thank for that amazing collaboration," he explained. "We are know how inspiring he is. We all know that his music stands. We don't have to say anything about the music: it speaks for itself. He was innovative, he was boundary-changing and he danced to his own tune - which in any artist is really rare," the "Tiny Dancer" singer revealed trailing the gig.
Recently, producer Tony Visconti admitted that Bowie had intentions of recording and releasing yet another studio album following Blackstar. A future release could potentially be in the works, stringing together leftover Blackstar material. On Sunday, Bowie died at the age of 69 after an 18 month fight against cancer.
