The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers – Episode 136
Elton John: Greatest Hits (1974) – With Wayne Federman & Special Guest Adam Chester
Released: October 29, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode tackles the Rolling Stone #136 album: Elton John – Greatest Hits (1974). Host Josh Adam Meyers is joined by recurring guest Wayne Federman—comedian, pianist, and avid Elton fan—for a deep-dive into Elton’s unique career and the place of greatest hits albums in music history. Early in the conversation, they pull off a rare and delightful guest pop-in: Adam Chester, Elton John’s rehearsal pianist for over 20 years, joins for an intimate look behind the scenes of Elton’s process, live performance secrets, and personal stories. The trio cover Elton's genius, his unique working relationship with Bernie Taupin, and weigh in on whether albums like this should count among the "greatest" of all time.
Key Segments & Discussion Points
[03:06] Setting the Scene & Guest Introduction
- Josh shares recent live show stories, tour dates, and road plans.
- Explains challenge booking a guest for Elton, resulting in the inspired fill-in by Wayne Federman.
- Reveals the bonus guest: Adam Chester, Elton John’s trusted rehearsal pianist.
[06:43] Wayne Joins & The Adam Chester Surprise
- Wayne describes Adam’s indispensable role as “Elton’s rehearsal pianist—he plays with the band when Elton isn’t there.”
- Live, in-episode coordination to bring Adam into the conversation.
Memorable Exchange:
Wayne: “He’s one of those dudes that's unlike me...you can play him a song on your iPhone and he can figure it out.”
Josh: “That’s the best kind of musician.”
[09:12]
[10:52–29:57] Adam Chester on Elton: Techniques, Rehearsals, & Memories
Elton’s Instinctive Genius
- Adam: “He’s just so good at the piano because he doesn’t think about it...it’s all very natural...he just sits down...it really is that easy for him.” [11:06]
On Playing by Ear & Early Influences
- Both Adam and Elton could play songs by ear from childhood.
- Adam recounts falling in love with Elton’s music after hearing “Funeral for a Friend” on the radio in the '70s.
“From that moment on, I was completely hooked. Posters on the wall, every bootleg record possible. That was my passion. So it’s odd that I do what I do.” [14:59]
First Meeting Elton John
- Adam shares the story of being introduced to Elton during Captain Fantastic reunion rehearsals in 2005:
- Recounts Elton’s humor (“Is he gay?” question), the nerve-wracking rehearsal, and providing the correct chords when Elton inquired onstage.
- Adam was invited to join the concert choir: “They didn’t like me...that was very, very weird because they told me, 'We have some dance moves we need to teach you too.'” [19:54]
Gospel & Church Music in Elton's Style
- Elton’s signature gospel-influenced voicings (“Someone Saved My Life Tonight”)—technical breakdown provided.
“He starts it…it’s an A flat chord over E. That’s a very gospel voicing...It’s crazy how the way he plays his creations... is very dependent on gospel voicing.” [20:45]
Elton’s Hands & Live Performance Technique
- Discussion of Elton’s “chubby fingers” and remarkable fluidity on piano.
“He’s got these stubby little paws that...fly over the keyboard.” [21:57]
Influence & Artistic Collaboration
- Josh and Adam note Elton’s ability to adapt, improvise, and accept suggestions, even live.
"Greatest Hits" Track Talk & Song Requests
- Adam reveals that for a Dubai private show, Elton was requested to perform "Honky Cat," "Pinball Wizard," "The One," and "Sacrifice"—including songs he hadn’t played in years.
“It must be great to be able to get Elton John to play your jukebox of your favorites.” [28:16] “They had to pay up, you know, of course.” [28:23]
Elton's Band & Zero Ego
- Adam pays tribute to the musicianship and humility within Elton’s band.
“There’s zero ego involved in any of them...and the band doesn’t get enough credit.” [31:20]
[33:44] The Elton John/Bernie Taupin Dynamic & Songwriting Process
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Wayne: Elton is “unique in that he is a collaborator,” composing to Bernie’s lyrics, often writing songs “in less than half an hour.”
“They don’t [work together]. They collaborate. [Bernie] gives him the lyrics...he reads the lyrics like, ‘Oh, this sings to me,’ and he usually writes these songs in less than half an hour.” [34:10–34:38]
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They discuss the famous NME ad that brought Elton and Bernie together—a fluke meeting with massive impact on pop history.
[37:18+] Album Breakdown: Elton John – Greatest Hits
- The compilation spans "Your Song," "Daniel," "Honky Cat," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," "Rocket Man," "Bennie and the Jets," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," "Border Song," "Crocodile Rock."
- Notes which songs come from which previous albums; applause for the consistent run of hits across the era.
Standout Quote:
“It’s very hard to go to an Elton John concert without him playing [‘Your Song’]...it’s a perfect song.” – Wayne [37:22]
[43:57] Are Greatest Hits Albums "Legit" for the List?
- Spirited debate on whether compilations belong on the “greatest albums” lists.
- Wayne: “It’s the biggest selling record of 1975”—over 17 million sold.
- Josh: “You just can’t deny that the album itself...existed. It was a thing.”
Other compilations—Legend by Bob Marley, Eagles Greatest Hits, Immaculate Collection by Madonna—are considered with similar logic.
[49:38] Elton John vs. Billy Joel (and Beyond)
- Wayne compares their different styles:
- Billy Joel: Complex, written structure, “locked in” songs.
- Elton: “Never plays it the same way twice...it’s about the feel of the moment.”
- Elton is described as “one of the most important musical artists in the history of music.” [54:00]
[54:30] Modern Parallels: Who's This Generation's Elton John?
- Josh nominates Trent Reznor for his transition from alternative/industrial stardom to acclaimed soundtrack composer and multi-award-winner.
- Spirited but friendly pushback from Wayne on mainstream versus cult icon success.
[58:15] The Elton John Persona, Sobriety, and Life Stages
- They touch on themes from Rocketman: young Reg creates the Elton persona for confidence and freedom, and struggles with addiction.
- Wayne: “There was a disconnect between Elton John, this Persona he created...and the chubby kid, Reg inside him—the disconnect was bridged with alcohol and drugs.” [58:16]
[61:45] Commercial Stats & Kiss-Offs
- Josh: “This was our fourth time talking about Elton...” Ran through past album episodes and covered where this album lands in the discography.
- “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” comes up soon, ranked #91.
- Adam and others confirm Elton John Greatest Hits as one of the best-selling albums of the 1970s.
- Discussion about “Candle in the Wind 97” as the best-selling physical single since modern tracking, still rivaling “White Christmas.”
- Extended riffing on richest musicians lists, best-selling “Greatest Hits” albums (Eagles, Queen, Bob Marley, ABBA).
[70:12] Personal Picks & Elton’s Range
- Wayne’s favorite: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
“Where Goodbye Yellow Brick Road moves emotionally for me is just wild.” [70:19]
- Josh’s pick: “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” as a showcase of Elton’s rock energy.
- Honorable mention to “Your Song” and deep cuts like “Madman Across the Water,” plus shoutouts to “Tiny Dancer” (not even on this collection) and other ballads.
- Least favorite: Josh votes “Crocodile Rock.”
“I’ve never liked it...I think it’s Cheeseball McGee. It’s like my least favorite type of...on a record like this, which has such great stuff.” [75:09]
[73:14] The Elton/Bernie Secret Sauce
- Wayne: “It’s just so unique, for someone to only write music but not lyrics, to have a collaborator at that level...”
- Wonders what would have happened if they’d never met.
[82:17] Final Thoughts: Why Start with This Album?
- Wayne: “If you don’t know Elton John at all...this is a great starter album. This is what the fuss was all about...why he’s one of the greatest artists of all time.” [82:17]
- Josh asserts that greatest hits serve as taste-makers leading people to the full albums and hidden gems.
Notable Quotes
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Adam Chester, on Elton’s Piano Style:
“He’s just so good at the piano because he doesn’t think about it...He sits down, he starts joking, he plays. I mean, it really is that easy for him.” [11:05] -
Wayne Federman, on ‘Your Song’:
“I keep getting more out of that song the older I get. I like playing it now more than I did.” [37:28] -
Josh Adam Meyers, on Elton John’s Range:
“He can write a gorgeous, emotional song...and then he can kick you in the dick with ‘Saturday Night’s All Right for Fighting,’ which is a rock and roll...” [71:01]
Discussion Highlights
- Greatest Hits Album Placement: While usually controversial, this album is defended both for its cultural impact and as an actual, standalone phenomenon ("it existed...it was a thing").
- Elton & Bernie's Collaboration: Their partnership is unlike most, with music written to supplied lyrics, and with minimal direct interaction—yet yielding a timeless songbook.
- Elton's Persona: Reinvention was key to Elton’s success and personal liberation—“sometimes you have to create a Persona” (parallels to Lady Gaga).
- Live Performance Magic: Elton’s shows are total-euphoria events, with piano technique and band support highlighted as keys to his magic.
- Modern Comparison: Playful debate on modern equivalents: is there a current Elton John? (Josh: “Trent Reznor”, Wayne: “Not mainstream enough.”)
- Broader Career: Elton as an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), successful solo artist, film composer, and collaborator.
Episode Timestamps
- 03:06 – Opening context, guest setup, and Elton John overview
- 06:43 – Wayne arrives, orchestrates Adam Chester’s appearance
- 10:52 – Adam Chester joins: Elton rehearsal stories, playing by ear
- 16:26 – Adam’s first meeting with Elton
- 20:31 – The gospel and country roots in Elton’s music
- 29:57 – Adam exits, effusive thanks; Wayne and Josh reflect
- 33:44 – Elton/Bernie creative dynamic discussion
- 37:18 – Greatest hits album breakdown (“Your Song” and beyond)
- 43:57 – Should compilations count as “greatest” albums?
- 54:30 – Modern artists as Elton equivalents
- 58:15 – Elton’s stage persona and struggles
- 61:45 – Comparative stats and hit record trivia
- 70:12 – Hosts’ favorite and least favorite tracks
- 82:17 – Final thoughts: best introduction to Elton John
Conclusion
This episode turns what could have been a routine album discussion into an unexpectedly intimate and revealing exploration of Elton John’s genius, the peculiarities of “Greatest Hits” albums, and the rare chance to hear a member of Elton’s inner music circle speak candidly. Wayne Federman’s comic warmth and music geekery keeps things light and insightful, while Adam Chester's stories provide real fan service and deep cut appreciation. The conversation will delight longtime Elton fans and new listeners alike, and offers smart context for the importance of this record in pop music history.
Next Episode: #135 – Pavement, Slanted and Enchanted
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