George Harrison and Elton John

Dec 18, 1987

ENGLAND VIDEO - George Harrison - Greenford Studios, Greenford, London
#When We Was Fab

Elton John and George Harrison shared a professional relationship rooted in mutual respect, which became most visible during the recording of Harrison’s acclaimed 1987 album Cloud Nine. At the time, George Harrison was returning to active recording after several relatively quiet years following Gone Troppo (1982). Seeking a fresh but trusted musical environment, Harrison assembled a circle of close friends and admired musicians, including Jeff Lynne, Eric Clapton, and Ray Cooper. Through this network, Elton John became involved in the project.

Elton John’s participation came naturally rather than through a formal collaboration plan. Ray Cooper, a longtime percussionist who worked extensively with both artists, played a key role in connecting them during the Cloud Nine sessions. Elton, already an established piano-driven rock artist, was invited to contribute his distinctive keyboard style. Harrison welcomed him warmly, valuing Elton not only as a pop star but as a solid rock pianist with deep musical instincts.

During the sessions, Elton John played piano and electric piano on several tracks from Cloud Nine. His contributions can be heard on the title track “Cloud 9,” as well as on “Devil’s Radio” and “Wreck of the Hesperus.” While Elton was not a central figure in the album’s production, his playing added texture and rhythmic strength, complementing Harrison’s songwriting and Jeff Lynne’s polished production approach. The collaboration reflected a relaxed, friendly studio atmosphere rather than a high-profile guest appearance.

Beyond the studio, Elton John and George Harrison also crossed paths in live settings, most notably during charity events such as the Prince’s Trust Concert in 1987. These appearances further demonstrated their professional rapport and shared commitment to music-driven philanthropy. Although Harrison had occasionally expressed reservations about aspects of contemporary pop music in earlier years, his decision to work with Elton underscored his respect for Elton’s musicianship and experience.

Elton John later spoke positively about his time with George Harrison, recalling the sessions as enjoyable and creatively fulfilling. Their collaboration on Cloud Nine stands as a subtle but meaningful chapter in both artists’ careers, showing how two major figures from different strands of British rock history came together through friendship, shared collaborators, and a mutual appreciation for musical craft.

Elton John joins George Harrison and Ringo Starr as they shoot a promotional video for When We Was Fab, from George's Cloud Nine album.

George Harrison and Elton John friendship, Elton John George Harrison collaboration history, Elton John and George Harrison story, Elton John Harrison music connection, Elton John Beatles member friendship, Elton John tribute George Harrison, Elton John influence by George Harrison, Elton John Harrison album involvement, Elton John Harrison anecdote blog, Elton John celebrity friendship history

Hashtags:
#EltonJohn #GeorgeHarrison #EltonJohnAndGeorgeHarrison #EltonJohnFriendship #EltonJohnHistory #BeatlesConnection #EltonJohnMusic #EltonJohnBlog