Artists Who Opened for Elton John

Artists Who Opened for Elton John and Later Became Famous (1970–2019) – with Hits and Career Impact

Opening for an artist of Elton John's caliber has always been a strategic opportunity for any musician or band starting their career. Elton John, as a global icon, attracts large audiences and media coverage, which provides opening acts with:

Exposure to new audiences – thousands of people attend the shows, including fans who may have never heard of the artist before.

Networking and industry connections – musicians, producers, and journalists are often present, creating professional opportunities.

Validation and credibility – being selected to open for a legend like Elton John adds prestige and helps solidify reputation in the music industry.

Experience on big stages – performing in large arenas and theaters is valuable training, preparing artists for international careers.

1970s

Hookfoot (1970–1971)
Opened shows in Europe and the USA.
Hits / Highlights: Sweet Sweet Funk, Keep On Loving You.
Impact: Opportunity to play for larger audiences and gain recognition as studio musicians.

Steely Dan (1971)
Opened early U.S. shows during Elton’s Madman Across the Water tour period.
Hits / Highlights: Reelin’ in the Years, Do It Again, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.
Impact: Exposure to major audiences before their breakthrough helped introduce their jazz-rock sound to new listeners.

England Dan & John Ford Coley (UK Winter Tour 1971)
Joined Elton’s UK winter tour as support act.
Hits / Highlights: I’d Really Love to See You Tonight, Nights Are Forever Without You.
Impact: Early exposure to British audiences before achieving international chart success in the mid-1970s.

Sutherland Brothers & Quiver (1973, 1979)
Opened multiple dates in Europe and the USA.
Hits / Highlights: Sailing, Arms of Mary.
Impact: Exposure helped launch their international career, boosting sales and recognition.

Kiki Dee (1974)
Opened shows on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour.
Hits / Highlights: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Amoureuse.
Impact: Became globally recognized, especially through her duet with Elton, solidifying her career.

Emmylou Harris (1975)
Opened shows such as at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles.
Hits / Highlights: Boulder to Birmingham, If I Could Only Win Your Love.
Impact: Exposure to American audiences strengthened her position in country/folk music.

John Miles (1976)
Opened North American tour dates.
Hits / Highlights: Music, Highfly.
Impact: Participating in the tour provided international recognition and studio/radio opportunities.

1980s

Judie Tzuke (1980)
Opened dates on the 1980 World Tour.
Hits / Highlights: Stay With Me Till Dawn, For You.
Impact: Became known outside the UK, strengthening her position in the international market.

Quarterflash (1982)
Opened shows on the Jump Up! tour in the USA.
Hits / Highlights: Harden My Heart, Find Another Fool.
Impact: Visibility in major American arenas accelerated their career and boosted debut album sales.

Depeche Mode (1984)
Opened at an Open-Air Festival in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Hits / Highlights: Just Can’t Get Enough, People Are People.
Impact: The opportunity helped consolidate their international career across continental Europe.

1990s

Curtis Stigers (1992)
Opened for Elton John and Eric Clapton on tour.
Hits / Highlights: I Wonder Why, Never Saw a Miracle.
Impact: Exposure in large arenas and association with icons helped promote his debut album.

Bonnie Raitt (1992)
Opened shows with Elton John and Eric Clapton, including Wembley.
Hits / Highlights: I Can’t Make You Love Me, Something to Talk About, Love Sneakin’ Up On You.
Impact: Touring with big names reinforced her credibility and expanded her international audience.

2000s

Ronan Keating (2000)
Opened Madison Square Garden.
Hits / Highlights: When You Say Nothing at All, Life is a Rollercoaster.
Impact: Global exposure accelerated his solo career after success with Boyzone.

James Blunt (2004)
Opened at Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich, England.
Hits / Highlights: You’re Beautiful, Goodbye My Lover, 1973.
Impact: Considered his “first real show,” it was decisive in launching his international career.

2CELLOS (2011–2012)
Opened dates on the Greatest Hits Tour in Europe, America, and Australia.
Hits / Highlights: Smooth Criminal (cover), Thunderstruck (cover), Despacito (cover).
Impact: Exposure in global arenas consolidated the duo’s international fame.

2010s

Bright Light Bright Light (2010s)
Joined Elton John’s UK tours and collaborated on multiple songs.
Hits / Highlights: Symmetry of Two Hearts, All in the Name (feat. Elton John).
Impact: Collaboration and tour appearances elevated his profile in the UK electropop scene.

Brandi Carlile (2018–2019)
Opened dates on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.
Hits / Highlights: The Story, That Wasn’t Me, The Joke.
Impact: Participating in Elton’s farewell tour increased visibility and networking in large arenas.

Sam Fender (2019)
Opened selected dates on the same tour.
Hits / Highlights: Hypersonic Missiles, Dead Boys, Seventeen.
Impact: First major exposure in large arenas, strengthening his solo career.

Years & Years (2019)
Opened shows on the farewell tour.
Hits / Highlights: King, Shine, Desire.
Impact: Reinforced international popularity and association with top-tier artists.

Post-2019 – Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (2020–2023)

After 2019, Elton John continued his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, but there were no new opening acts in the traditional sense. From the tour’s return in 2020–2023, following the pandemic pause, the show format was adjusted — Elton performed solo.

Tour Details:

Format: Solo performances by Elton John, starting on time and lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Reason: According to his production team, the goal was to celebrate his entire career in a complete show, making opening acts unnecessary.

Special Appearances:

Some events featured guest artists, but not as opening acts.

Example: Dua Lipa appeared virtually during the tour finale at Dodger Stadium in 2022, performing “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as part of the main show.

Artists like Brandi Carlile and Years & Years participated in tribute events, but not as formal openers.

Opening for Elton John has consistently proven to be a career-defining opportunity. Across decades, artists have gained:

Massive exposure to diverse and international audiences.

Valuable industry connections and networking opportunities.

Validation, credibility, and prestige within the music scene.

Hands-on experience performing in major venues, preparing them for sustained international success.

For many, sharing the stage with Elton John served as a springboard for fame, helping turn promising talent into globally recognized artists. The list above demonstrates how strategic placement in tours with icons can dramatically accelerate a musician’s career trajectory.