NEWS
Elton John: Uncensored with Graham Norton on BBC
27 September 2019
Graham Norton will interview Elton John in a BBC One world exclusive entertainment special Elton John: Uncensored, which was recorded in the South of France in August. Ken Bruce will also interview Elton for his BBC Radio 2 mid-morning show for his daily Tracks of my Years feature, to be broadcast across a week in October.
As he prepares for the publication of his first and only official autobiography, Me, and enjoys a break from his mammoth ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ Tour, Elton and Graham sit down for an intimate chat which sees the legendary Rocket Man look back at his extraordinary life and career which spans over 50 years.
Sharing many candid, personal and laugh out loud stories, in Elton John: Uncensored the pair revisit Elton’s classic archive performances, interviews and accolades.
Elton tells Graham about his childhood growing up as Reg Dwight in post-war Pinner, Middlesex, and looks back at his rise to global super stardom in the 1970’s. He shares musical memories of the 80’s and 90’s. He also speaks openly about the battles with addiction and how he has managed to overcome them to become one of the world’s most successful and prolific solo artists of all time. Elton also tells Graham about the positive effect that fatherhood has had on his life.
Elton says: “The past two years have felt truly monumental for me, and with the release of Rocketman, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and my autobiography coming up, it felt like the perfect opportunity to reflect on it all with Graham. I’ve always enjoyed our catch-ups and this felt like the best yet.”
Graham says; “Like the rest of the nation I'm a massive fan of Sir Elton John's music, but to sit down with him in his home to ask him about his life, career and family was a huge privilege. Funny, frank and fearless, I can't wait for people to hear him tell his story."
Jan Younghusband, Head of TV commissioning, BBC Music says: “BBC One brings the biggest music stars to television and national treasure Sir Elton John is absolutely one of the all-time greatest ever talents. A global superstar and huge personality, we are so thrilled to be treating audiences to this exclusive show.”
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, Entertainment and Music, BBC Studios says: “In this special year for Elton John we were honoured to be invited to produce this exclusive interview in the South Of France .There is no one better than Graham Norton for Sir Elton to share his amazing life story with. Candid, funny and wickedly honest, prepare for the Rocketman to reveal all.”
For Tracks of my Years on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Elton chooses some of his favourite music and discusses his thoughts behind the choices. His picks include tracks from Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and Little Richard. In November 2010, Elton donated and personally delivered one of his beloved pianos to Radio 2 to be played in live performances with both established and emerging artists. It has since been played by Olly Alexander, Christine McVie, Gary Barlow, Benny Andersson, Tom Odell, The Shires, Ward Thomas, The Script and many more.
Elton John says: “Music has always been the bedrock of my life, through good times and bad. It was wonderful to delve into the songs that mean the most to me with Ken- a real deep dive into some of the tracks that have defined the eras of my story. I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I did putting it together.”
Ken says: “It was wonderful to meet up with Elton and hear his choices and his enthusiasm for music. I also loved hearing all the incredible stories from his life.”
Music television on the BBC this autumn includes series two of The Hit List (BBC One), a country music season across BBC Two, BBC Four and Radio 2, Last Night of the Proms (BBC One and Two), Pet Shop Boys: Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park (BBC Four), Later… with Jools Holland (BBC Two), as well as weekly live performances on The One Show and The Graham Norton Show. BBC Four programming includes Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird: Christine McVie and Me Myself I Joan Armatrading.
As he prepares for the publication of his first and only official autobiography, Me, and enjoys a break from his mammoth ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ Tour, Elton and Graham sit down for an intimate chat which sees the legendary Rocket Man look back at his extraordinary life and career which spans over 50 years.
Elton tells Graham about his childhood growing up as Reg Dwight in post-war Pinner, Middlesex, and looks back at his rise to global super stardom in the 1970’s. He shares musical memories of the 80’s and 90’s. He also speaks openly about the battles with addiction and how he has managed to overcome them to become one of the world’s most successful and prolific solo artists of all time. Elton also tells Graham about the positive effect that fatherhood has had on his life.
Elton says: “The past two years have felt truly monumental for me, and with the release of Rocketman, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and my autobiography coming up, it felt like the perfect opportunity to reflect on it all with Graham. I’ve always enjoyed our catch-ups and this felt like the best yet.”
Graham says; “Like the rest of the nation I'm a massive fan of Sir Elton John's music, but to sit down with him in his home to ask him about his life, career and family was a huge privilege. Funny, frank and fearless, I can't wait for people to hear him tell his story."
Jan Younghusband, Head of TV commissioning, BBC Music says: “BBC One brings the biggest music stars to television and national treasure Sir Elton John is absolutely one of the all-time greatest ever talents. A global superstar and huge personality, we are so thrilled to be treating audiences to this exclusive show.”
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, Entertainment and Music, BBC Studios says: “In this special year for Elton John we were honoured to be invited to produce this exclusive interview in the South Of France .There is no one better than Graham Norton for Sir Elton to share his amazing life story with. Candid, funny and wickedly honest, prepare for the Rocketman to reveal all.”
For Tracks of my Years on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Elton chooses some of his favourite music and discusses his thoughts behind the choices. His picks include tracks from Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and Little Richard. In November 2010, Elton donated and personally delivered one of his beloved pianos to Radio 2 to be played in live performances with both established and emerging artists. It has since been played by Olly Alexander, Christine McVie, Gary Barlow, Benny Andersson, Tom Odell, The Shires, Ward Thomas, The Script and many more.
Elton John says: “Music has always been the bedrock of my life, through good times and bad. It was wonderful to delve into the songs that mean the most to me with Ken- a real deep dive into some of the tracks that have defined the eras of my story. I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I did putting it together.”
Music television on the BBC this autumn includes series two of The Hit List (BBC One), a country music season across BBC Two, BBC Four and Radio 2, Last Night of the Proms (BBC One and Two), Pet Shop Boys: Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park (BBC Four), Later… with Jools Holland (BBC Two), as well as weekly live performances on The One Show and The Graham Norton Show. BBC Four programming includes Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird: Christine McVie and Me Myself I Joan Armatrading.
