Elton John reflects on ‘Rocket Man’ nickname and his enduring legacy
A light-hearted moment in a tense political landscape
Several years after the infamous “Little Rocket Man” comment by Donald Trump, Elton John has finally shared his thoughts on the unexpected use of his hit song as a nickname for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In a recent interview at the Toronto Film Festival, John revealed his reaction to the incident, saying, “I laughed, I thought that was brilliant. I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald.'”
John’s relationship with Trump has always been somewhat amicable, with the former president attending many of his concerts. “Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times. So, I mean, I’ve always been friendly toward him, and I thank him for his support. When he did that, I just thought it was hilarious. It made me laugh,” John added.
Interestingly, it was revealed in a memoir that Trump had to explain the nickname to Kim Jong Un, who was unfamiliar with the “Tiny Dancer” singer. Trump even went as far as autographing an Elton John CD as a gift for Kim. John found the whole situation amusing, saying, “Of course he hasn’t heard of me, Kim Jong Un. I’d be very surprised if he had. I’ve never toured North Korea, and I have no intention of doing so. But, I thought it was a light moment, and it was fun.”
A subtle dig and a call for kindness
Following the world premiere of the Disney+ documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, John took a moment to reflect on the current political climate. “Kindness will always win out… that’s what I hope for the American election in November,” he said, subtly hinting at his hopes for a more compassionate future.
During a subsequent interview, John elaborated on his views, emphasizing the importance of voting for values that matter. “I don’t go on stage and say to people, ‘You must vote for the Republicans, you must vote for the Democrats.’ It’s none of my business how they vote. They come to see me, and I’m so grateful they have,” he stated. “What I want by saying that last night … there is a danger, as Dick Cheney said the other day. America is in a very volatile position. And it’s a country I love, and I’ve always loved, and I’m so thankful that it made me who I am.”
John continued, “I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people: the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be. And that goes all the way up to the Supreme Court.”
A heartfelt reflection on his legacy
The documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, directed by R.J. Cutler and John’s husband David Furnish, offers an intimate look at John’s journey to becoming one of the world’s biggest rock stars. The film juxtaposes his landmark performances at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1975 and again in 2022, providing a rich narrative arc that explores the changes and growth in John’s life.
Furnish explained, “The idea of juxtaposing Dodgers in ’75 versus Dodgers in 2022 and the changes and differences in Elton’s life — that seemed like a really fulfilling narrative arc that we could explore and play around with.”
Cutler also spoke highly of his collaboration with Furnish, noting that as John’s husband, Furnish brought a unique emotional depth to the project. “As a filmmaker, to have as your collaborator somebody who is feeding back to you on that level, it was a very rich process of communication,” Cutler said.
During the Q&A session following the premiere, John became emotional, reflecting on what he hopes his legacy will be. “On my tombstone, I don’t want it to say he sold a million records. I want it to say he was a great dad and great husband,” he said, tearing up.
Looking forward
Elton John: Never Too Late will have a limited U.S. theatrical run in November and will stream on Disney+ starting December 13. This documentary promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a music legend who has touched the lives of millions with his talent and kindness.
For those who have followed John’s career, this film offers a chance to reflect on the highs and lows of his journey, and for new fans, it provides an intimate look at the man behind the music. As John himself said, “I love love. And I’m a loving person, and I want that to come back to America. I feel it’s been lost in the last 12 years.”