Metallica Reimagines Elton John’s Classic with a Thunderous Gershwin Prize Performance

Metallica and Elton John might come from vastly different corners of the music world, but earlier this year they met in spectacular fashion at the Gershwin Prize ceremony. In a bold move, Metallica chose to honor Elton with a genre-bending performance, covering two of his most emotional pieces. With Elton seated in the front row, the band launched into a thunderous rendition of “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” from the legendary Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. The sight of heavy metal’s titans tackling one of pop’s most dramatic compositions instantly drew awe from the crowd.

True to form, Metallica didn’t simply replicate the classic—they reimagined it. Their medley was a surge of raw power, thick guitar tones, and pounding rhythms, yet it still carried the original’s sweeping emotion. James Hetfield’s gritty yet controlled vocals brought a new layer of intensity, reminding fans why his voice remains one of rock’s most distinctive. The performance felt less like a cover and more like a meeting of two musical worlds, perfectly balanced between respect for the original and the unapologetic edge of Metallica.

The audience’s reaction was one of pure admiration. Elton John, visibly delighted, soaked up the tribute with a smile as Metallica’s heavy riffs wrapped around the soaring melodies. Hearing “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” in such a powerful, metal-driven arrangement created a breathtaking contrast. Inside the historic DAR Constitution Hall, the atmosphere was electric—every note carried both nostalgia for the original and fresh excitement for this bold reinterpretation.

Watch the performance below and share it with anyone who appreciates the rare magic that happens when two very different musical giants collide.

The performance took place at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2024. Since its upload on April 12, it has amassed over 1.3 million views, a testament to its impact. Longtime fans immediately recognized shades of Metallica’s mid-’90s Load-era energy in the arrangement, with some suggesting it could have easily been a hidden gem from that period.

This wasn’t the first time Metallica publicly expressed admiration for Elton John. In 2021, during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Elton unexpectedly called in while the band was being interviewed. He lavished praise on “Nothing Else Matters,” calling it “one of the best songs ever written.” James Hetfield’s emotional response to this heartfelt compliment showed the mutual respect and connection between the two artists.

The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song that evening went to Elton John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, honoring decades of groundbreaking songwriting. The event was a star-studded celebration, with performances by Joni Mitchell, Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Charlie Puth, Annie Lennox, Maren Morris, Billy Porter, and Jacob Lusk of Gabriels. Each brought their own style to Elton and Bernie’s classics, creating a night rich in musical diversity.

Among Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s vast catalogue, “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” holds a special place. Opening the 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, it set the tone for one of Elton’s most acclaimed works. Fans have long regarded it as both musically ambitious and emotionally powerful, a track that pushes boundaries while remaining deeply personal.

“Funeral for a Friend” originated from Elton’s reflection on what music he would want played at his own funeral. Its intricate composition and orchestral grandeur made it unsuitable for a traditional single release, yet its 11-minute journey resonated deeply with listeners. The seamless transition into “Love Lies Bleeding” gave it an epic scope, ensuring its place as a concert favorite and a standout in his discography.