Elton John/Phil Collins Riddle

Pop god and master pianist Elton John made a progressive rock album in the seventies and it was quite a successful one. I assume you have all heard of the much beloved 'Madman on the Water'? He also auditioned to become lead vocalist/keyboardist for King Crimson and Gentle Giant shortly before attempting his 'solo' career. (He met lyricist and partner Bernie Taupin while they were both auditioning for King Crimson. Imagine Robert Fripp performing 'Rocket Man'.)

Phil Collins is another famous example of prog-turned-pop. He was at one time one of the most respected drummers in the art rock world and then slowly became one of pop's most familiar voices. He turned Genesis from a clever and revolutionary art group into a massive 80s hit machine. And then there's the solo career...

The main question is this. If someone has a very respected background in progressive rock and then suddenly changes his 'methodology' to pop music... what are we to think of them?

We wag our fingers in shame.

Peter Gabriel said he wouldn't have hired Phil Collins if he would have known Phil was so good.

But back to the question, I view John and Collins differently. I know we call it "progressive" music for a reason- it progresses. But just because a band "progresses," doesn't mean it's better. Phil Collins wrecked probably one of the coolest bands ever. I don't think Elton John ever was really a "prog" artist as we might consider him here. He may have progressed music, but wasn't "progressive rock/music." So I think Phil Collins is a traitor.

Phil is great, yeah a deception that he commercialized Genesis, but that is reasonable to say that what that guy did in the early years was great and that he is a great musician, this covers or shadows the fact of what he did. (so what he later did was not progressive but it wasn't that bad).

As for Elton John, he wouldn't be given the title of Sir for no reason, he is a very important figure who has done great things and has influenced modern music a lot so don't call them traitors.

Phil Collins was never a Progger!!!!!! He disliked the early genesis stuff and as soon as success started to come their way, was only to glad tomake the band fit in to what he liked.

Bring me my Blacksword and true understanding 

Can't forgive Elton for the truly puke-inducing Diana Funeral tribute - Don't like his pop material and haven't heard this so-called prog-album - has it got a 20 minute epic full of wizzard synth solos......

Swinton MCR wrote: Can't forgive Elton for the truly puke-inducing Diana Funeral tribute - Don't like his pop material and haven't heard this so-called prog-album - has it got a 20 minute epic full of wizzard synth solos......

I know exactly what you mean!

You could have been forgiven for thinking that 'Candle in the wind' record was a spoof, the sort of thing that comedian/satirist Chris Morris would have bluffed on 'The Day Today' or 'Brass Eye'

I've little time for Elton John. There's been a few worthwhile songs over the years, but generally I asscociate him with 'the establishment' He is a friend of the ruling classes. He is pompous, out of touch, pretentious and has a lousy lazy voice. He is the establishments idea of a 'nice' 'acceptable' homosexual; someone who works hard to send himself up, wears pantomime frocks and tiaras and spends £00000 of flowers. Frankly I think he's a d!ck.

I better stop there...

 

alchemist wrote: As for Elton John, he wouldn't be given the title of Sir for no reason, he is a very important figure who has done great things and has influenced modern music a lot so don't call them traitors.

I dont' think he's a traitor. Only Phil Collins is a traitor. Dare I say I enjoy some Sir Elton John? His solo stuff is A LOT better than anything Collins did.

Man Erg wrote: Beau Heem wrote: I think the true Elton was abducted by aliens after "Catain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy"... I mean, think of it... His next album (titled Reg Strikes Back) is from a different planet... -Beau I thought that the next album after Capt Fantastic was Rock of the Westies.

Well considering Elton John was abducted by aliens, how could he have made Rock of the westies. Maybe he didn't return ontill 1988. and all albums between that period where made by and Alien lool-alike