The author of ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Candle in the Wind’ and everything that gave Elton stardom has made critical pop art interferences in Terry O’Neill’s iconic photographs; the images will be exhibited in a London gallery until the end of April
Bernie Taupin, the man Elton John discovered in the late 1960s by placing an ad in the newspapers that he needed someone to help him compose some songs, will make his debut as a visual artist. And his first exhibition will be held from 15 to 29 April, at the Iconic Images gallery, in London. Bernie is a recluse by choice, he would never support a life among the stars, like his mate, even knowing that much of Elton’s media explosion came from his hands. Everything Elton sang most prominently came from his head (put that there horizon pigeon, Your song (created in one day), Daniel, Candle in the wind, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, empty garden, Philadelphia Freedom , Don’t let the sun go down on me, Nikita AND sacrifice. So, it is fitting that so much sensitivity now migrates to another artistic medium.
In a rare decision, Bernie gave an interview to the British newspaper The Guardian, speaking first of its low-key essence. “I’m not Greta Garbo at all, but I couldn’t do the kind of thing that he (Elton John) does. He’s one of the most recognizable characters in the world and it’s hard to live in that bubble. I couldn’t not do it. I love being able to go to the market alone and have coffee in the morning. I’m a very private person, I don’t like being a celebrity.”
The show is called Taupin and O’Neill: Two Sides of the 60s. It features 15 mixed-media paintings, each reworking pop art from one of the images by photographer Terry O’Neill (who passed away in 2019), an expert on famous faces of the decade, including Audrey Hepburn, John Lennon and Queen Elizabeth: “The years ’60s were very vibrant and colorful,” says Taupin. “Times were changing rapidly and these were the people who were on the cusp of that change…They were the lights that shone the brightest.”
Taupin makes interventions highlighted by bright colors in O’Neill’s images, something that began to be done with the living photographer. “We just didn’t really know how or when we were going to present them. That’s why they were put on the back burner for a while.” An image of Paul Newman appears with a combination of acrylic spray paint and bubble gum wrappers; the portrait of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip has the tapestry on the reverse of the couple replaced by a collage of English packaging/signs.
At 72, Bernie Taupin is the son of a Lincolnshire farmer. He met Elton John in London in 1967 at the age of 17. He couldn’t write melodies and Elton, who was still called Reginald Dwight, wanted to distance himself from the lyrics. Then one of the most perfect marriages in the artistic world took place. And this production has not yet come to an end. Taupin says in the Guardian interview that he has written dozens of new songs, but they are in an early stage. Elton hasn’t seen them yet. “It’s too early to say anything about it now,” he adds.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
