Elton John

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Lore & Background

Elton John's connection to Gorillaz stems from his long-standing relationship with Damon Albarn, the band's primary creator. In 2021, John released The Lockdown Sessions, a collaborative album that featured a track with Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz alongside other artists like Years & Years, Eddie Vedder, and Stevie Wonder. This partnership highlights the unique nature of Gorillaz: while core members like 2D and Murdoc are fictional avatars, their collaborators remain grounded in reality. John has no animated counterpart or official music video appearance as a cartoon character within the franchise. His involvement represents a convergence of Albarn's virtual project with one of British rock's most enduring figures, solidifying a bond that transcends the digital realm.

In Their Own Story

The collaboration materialized not through an animated cutscene but in the recording studio for The Lockdown Sessions. Damon Albarn, known for his work on Gorillaz, joined forces with Elton John on this project. The source notes John has recorded a total of 464 songs, most written with Bernie Taupin, and his history includes forming the blues band Bluesology in 1962 before meeting Taupin after they both answered an advert for songwriters. This shared musical ground allowed them to create new work together. While John formed his own band in 1970 with Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson, his 2021 collaboration with Albarn added a new chapter to his extensive discography. The project featured a wide range of artists, proving that even after decades of success peaking in the 1970s with albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, John continued to record new music and collaborate across genres.

Reader's Guide

Elton John does not have an origin story within Gorillaz lore because he is a real person, not a fictional character. He remains himself: a British singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his flamboyant style. Unlike 2D or Noodle, there are no design changes across albums like Plastic Beach or Humanz; his appearance in any context is always his real-life self. Musically, he represents the classic rock influence that underpins much of Gorillaz's sound through his collaboration on The Lockdown Sessions. His career includes forming Bluesology in 1962, releasing his debut Empty Sky in 1969, and achieving massive success with hits like "Your Song" in 1970. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Kiki Dee in 1976 to Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa recently, but his specific link to Gorillaz is the 2021 album The Lockdown Sessions featuring Damon Albarn.

Did You Know?

• Elton John released his debut album, Empty Sky, in 1969 after meeting lyricist Bernie Taupin.
• His 1997 charity single "Candle in the Wind 1997"/"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" sold over 33 million copies worldwide.
• Elton John and Kiki Dee released their first major duet, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," in 1976.
• Olsson, Davey Johnstone, and Ray Cooper have been members of the Elton John Band since 1970, 1971, and 1973 respectively, though not continuously.
• John composed music with Tim Rice for The Lion King in 1993 and Aida in 2000.