According to an interview with Elton’s longtime friend, the Who’s Pete Townshend, that was published by Clashmusic, Elton John and Brandi Carlile apparently are recording a new album together,
Further clues come directly from Elton who published a cryptic post.
Elton John published a video for fans in his Rocket Club community, John not only wished those watching a “Happy Christmas” and a “Happy New Year,” but he also shared some details about what 2024 had in store.
Speaking about Elton’s plans now that he’s retired from touring, Pete Townshend said, “Elton is so fraught with loss at not knowing what to do next. He’s just gone over to L.A. to make an album with Brandi Carlile. They made an album together in two weeks. He says it’s one of the best things they’ve ever done.” (Variety reports)
Pete Townshend is part of a generation of post war musicians who changed the face of the country. He remains close to many of his peers – take Elton John, for example. “He appears on Facetime every other morning… often when I’m in bed! ‘Hello it’s Elton!’” he laughs. “He’s great company. And he’s very smart. But he’s also a wonderful musicologist, you really keep some with what’s new. See, when he attaches onto somebody, he’s sincere about it, I still find myself pretending to like people that I’m not sure that I like because they appear to be unbelievably cool.” (Pete Townshend full interview on Clash Magazine - HERE)
Elton himself teased a new album when inducting his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last November, noting that the pair recently completed an album that “is going to surprise the shit out of you.”
Reps for Elton and Carlile either declined or did not respond to Variety’s requests for comment, but did not deny the report either.
While unexpected, such an album certainly wouldn’t be a total surprise: Elton and Carlile are friends and have performed together many times in recent years.