Sir Elton John pays tribute to Brian Wilson

November 9, 2025 – Radio 854 Music News:

Pop and rock lovers at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 induction ceremony witnessed a deeply moving moment when Elton John took the stage to honour Brian Wilson — the legendary creative force behind The Beach Boys.

Setting the scene

During the ceremony, Elton John performed “God Only Knows” in tribute to Brian Wilson, who passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82.
Before his performance, Elton shared how he first met Wilson back in 1970 and admitted he was “scared s**tless” because Wilson had been such an influence.

What Elton said

Elton described Wilson as the single greatest influence on his own songwriting:

“He was the one who influenced me more than anybody else when it came to writing songs on the piano.”
He also noted how Wilson was always kind, and how they later became friends, collaborated and supported each other’s work.

Why this tribute stands out

• A bridge between eras: Brian Wilson’s 1960s pop-innovations laid foundations for modern songwriting; Elton John’s tribute highlights how his influence spans decades and genres — very much in line with our audience at Radio 854 who enjoy Pop, Oldies and Top 40.

• Song-choice significance: “God Only Knows” is widely considered one of the greatest pop songs ever written, and choosing it underscored both respect and emotional weight.

• Personal connection: This wasn’t just a performance; Elton’s words made it personal and emotional, giving listeners both sentiment and context for Wilson’s legacy.

What to include for Radio 854

• Segment idea: A “Legacy Spotlight” on Brian Wilson: play the original Beach Boys track, segue into Elton John’s tribute version, and discuss how songwriters evolve across generations.

• Website article hook: Use this moment to remind listeners of how pop and oldies connect — how voices from the past still shape today’s music.

• Listener engagement: Ask fans: “Which artist from the past most influenced the current top 40 for you?” Tie it to Wilson’s influence that Elton emphasised.

Short website article draft

Headline: Elton John Honors Brian Wilson with “God Only Knows” Tribute at Rock Hall
Lead: Pop icon Elton John delivered a heartfelt homage to his longtime inspiration Brian Wilson at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, performing the Beach Boys classic “God Only Knows”.
Body: Outline the event, the relationship between Elton and Brian, quotes from Elton, significance of the song, and what Wilson’s legacy means for today’s music.
Why it matters: This moment connects vintage pop craftsmanship with modern performance, echoing Radio 854’s blend of Pop, Oldies and Top 40.
Call to action: Tune in tomorrow to hear a special “Tribute Hour” featuring Brian Wilson’s songs and the artists he inspired.