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That is Honky Cat. It's by Elton John and it's from his greatest hits from 1974. It's also number 136 out of 500 on the 500 with me, Josh Adam Myers, Addie's Fleece Army. How's everybody doing? Big shout out to Fletch. Saw Fletch in Jansville, Wisconsin this weekend. He brought some family brought to the gayest, the only gay guys in Jansville, Wisconsin. One of them wearing a Count Chocula shirt. Read into that however you will, but good God did we have a good time. Thank you to everybody that came out. I got the weekend off but I am back out on the road on November 6th through the 8th, I'm at the House of Comedy in Phoenix. Then I'll be at skank Fest the 14th through the 16th, which is my birthday weekend. Then I'm doing a huge show in Baltimore, Maryland. So if you are in the DMV, come one, come all. November 22nd, Horseshoe Casino, Baltimore, Maryland. Then Charlotte, Connecticut. Yeah, man. Then 2026 is kind of starting to fill up. I think we're going to Australia. There might be another jelly roll tour. A lot of good going on. So go to joshadamyers.com for tickets at Josh Adam Myers on all social media. I want to see everybody at the shows. Bring be Fletch. Bring everybody. Why is my nose stuffed up right now? Subscribe to the YouTube YouTube.com backslash the 500 podcast. Subscribe to the Patreon. We got to start rocking and rolling with those master fleece theaters. Now that I'm back in America, I could see us doing that. Patreon.com backslash the 500 podcast. Join the fleece army. We love you and you love us. And we are almost done. We are almost done. All right, let's just get to it. So Elton John, obviously, we sent out the bad signal to a lot of guests. We had a couple people lined up. They dropped out last minute. And stepping in as usual is the one and only Wayne Fetterman. It's Elton. Wayne's a piano comic. Not totally, but he plays piano amongst many other instruments. So this is one of those gifts to Wayne. But what's cool is that we have a special guest that works with Elton that we bring on very early into the podcast to get some intel about his playing style, what he's like, and great stories. So Wayne Fetterman is our guest and then chipping in just for a little bit, the one and only Adam Chester, who happens to be Elton John's rehearsal pianist. So Elton doesn't show up for rehearsals, Adam does. It tours with them. It was so cool. And dude, me and Wayne, we really go into it after this. We talk about do greatest hits albums deserve to be on here? The best selling ones. But we really got into it and it's just, you know, I love Wayne, I love him to death. Congrats on booking some some work and having us to wait till the last minute to do this. But either way, man, this was always fun. I love him to death. I know you guys love him. That's why we bring him back. Raid review and most importantly, subscribe to the 500 listen free on all platforms. Or any way you get your podcast, Follow me at Josh Adam Myers on all social media. Follow the podcast at the 500 Podcast, email the podcast at 500podcasts@gmail.com, or follow the Facebook group run by Crazy Evan. And for all things 500, go to the website the500podcast.com. All right, y'. All. Nothing left to say, but here we go with number 136 out of 500 with Elton John's greatest hits. I'm.

Summary

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

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]
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

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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136 - Elton John - Greatest Hits - Wayne Federman