This Saturday, the legendary musician marks a decade of tirelessly championing new artists and timeless classics with a special milestone episode. Joining the party are special guests Olivia Dean, Blood Orange (Dev Hynes), Channel Tres, and Apple Music's own Zane Lowe. (Music -News reports)
Since its launch in 2015, Rocket Hour has served as a powerful platform for emerging voices. Across 446 episodes, Elton has personally hand-programmed every playlist, shining a spotlight on over 3,000 artists and 6,700 songs. He’s interviewed 212 guests, from inaugural guest Brandon Flowers to global icons like Billie Eilish, while consistently championing the next generation, including Sam Fender, RAYE, and Chappell Roan.
"You don’t give up on a young artist because the first album might not do well. If I believe in them, I keep going," Elton explains. “Seeing them flourish—it's like watering a plant and seeing it blossom into something beautiful.”
The 10th-anniversary episode, recorded at Apple’s new LA studios, features Elton alongside Zane Lowe, who originally helped bring Rocket Hour to fruition. Lowe reflects on Elton's impact, calling him “the spiritual North Star of Apple Music Radio,” praising his commitment that “given us confidence to keep going.”
The anniversary lineup is packed with new-wave boundary-pushing voices whom Elton championed early. He catches up with Olivia Dean, whose spectacular rise has made her one of Britain’s brightest new stars. Dean expresses her deep gratitude for his support: “To have your support... was like everything. And I just felt it took it to a whole new level.”
