Elton John opens up about working on the iconic Lion King songs
The new live-action remake is in cinemas now
Last updated 5th Aug 2019
Lion King fever has been taking hold of everyone recently, not least because we get to hear some of iconic songs from the original 1994 animation re-sung for a new generation. Now, 25 years after the original film's release, just as the new Disney live-action remake is in cinemas, Elton John has opened up about his involvement in the original film saying it changed his life.
Taking to Twitter over the weekend, Elton John told his fans he has, 'Been part of #TheLionKing legacy since the film first hit cinemas,' sending fans to his website where they can read more about how the soundtrack came about.
Since tweeting the link, Elton's fans have been commenting saying, 'Wonderful ❤️🎶', '💞💗❤️ love you elton,' sic and 'Thank you for Circle of Life! Everytime I listen this music until these days it gives me goosebumps and I get emotional 💓'. sic
It was back in 1991, that Elton was first approached by lyricist Tim Rice to see if he would be involved with their as-yet-untitled film. Despite Tim saying, "Elton was my first choice. I didn’t think Disney could get him, to be honest," but they did!
After agreeing to it, Elton ended up working with composer Hans Zimmer on some of the iconic songs such as 'Hakuna Matata' and 'Circle Of Life'.
Back in 1995, Elton John spoke to Time magazine about 'Hakuna Matata', admitting, "I sat there with a line of lyrics that began, 'When I was a young warthog', and I thought, 'Has it come to this?'"
Many years later, the singer explained in a recent interview, "When I wrote the original songs for The Lion King, I knew the film would be successful. But nobody had any idea of how sucÂcessful this story would be and how long it would run for."
Speaking about the remake, Elton then said, "The people who saw it The Lion King as children will be taking their children to see this. I think people who loved the original are going to love this one."
Of course, Elton John is known for many songs, not just the ones in the popular film. The iconic singer is currently on his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour. He will be bringing it to the UK next year, with dates at locations across the country, including London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Leeds.
Tickets for Elton's UK dates are available now from Aloud.com
Now take a look at tours you can look forward to in the coming months:
We Will Rock You
Following the triumphant 2010 and 2011 UK theatre tours and 2013 10th anniversary world arena tour, the smash hit Queen and Ben Elton musical, 'We Will Rock You' announces the show has been reimagined for 2019 and will embark on a brand new UK & Ireland tour.
Elton John - Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
Elton John has announced the first 2020 UK dates of his colossal Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Speaking of the UK dates, Elton John says, "The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour will take us to many places that have meant a lot to me over the last fifty years, but these UK shows will be incredibly special. The UK is home, and where my heart will always be."
Rod Stewart
Music legend Rod Stewart has added four winter arena shows to his 2019 touring schedule. Rod will play new dates at Glasgow SSE Hydro, Liverpool Echo Arena and two nights at London's The O2 in November/December 2019 in addition to his previously announced summer gigs. Click for more information about tickets.
On Your Feet!
Gloria and Emilio Estefan's smash-hit musical comes to London direct from Broadway for a strictly limited season in 2019. On Your Feet! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom. Click to find out more information and get tickets.
a-ha
a-ha have always set themselves challenges. Now, pushing even further, they are announcing that their October and November 2019 tour, including a date at London's Royal Albert Hall will be different from anything they have previously undertaken. Click to find out more and purchase tickets.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross is bringing her 'Diamond Diana Top of the World Tour' to the UK, performing in six locations in the June and July 2020.
You can hear songs by Elton John on Greatest Hits Radio.
You can listen on DAB digital radio, online at www.greatesthitsradio.co.uk, or via the Greatest Hits Radio app. You can also listen on your smart speaker by saying 'Play Greatest Hits Radio' on Alexa, or 'Play Greatest Hits Radio on tune-in' on Google Home.