Episode 27 - Breaking Down 'Passengers'

Episode 27 - Breaking Down 'Passengers'

Author: Neil Barrett February 5, 2019 Duration: 48:11
This is the story of Elton's personal redemption, through the prism of the song 'Passengers', the UK top 5 hit single with the unique songwriting credit - Elton, Bernie, Davey and South African musician Phineas Mkhize.  This episode follows Elton from the lows of being placed on the UN's cultural blacklist in 1983, for playing at Sun City, to the highs of being recognised as Harvard's 'Man of the Year' for his charity work, particularly in Africa, in 2017. At the heart of the episode is an email interview with Phineas' son Bennett. His story helps us to connect Elton - the megastar who wanted to make a statement about apartheid - with Phineas - the maskandi musician who hated politics. 

Neil Barrett hosts I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Elton John Podcast, a series built on a simple but powerful idea: you can love an artist's work deeply without needing to know every single fact. This isn't a dry historical archive or a gossip-filled biography. Instead, each episode focuses on the music itself-the songs, the albums, the collaborations, and the sheer craft behind them. You'll hear a thoughtful, often personal exploration of what makes these tracks resonate, from the chart-topping anthems to the deeper album cuts that might have slipped by. The tone is warm and conversational, like discussing records with a knowledgeable friend who’s more interested in sharing appreciation than proving expertise. It’s that balance of affection and detail that defines this podcast, offering a space for both lifelong fans and curious newcomers to hear Elton John's catalog with fresh ears. Barrett’s approach reminds us that music is for enjoyment first, and his episodes are a perfect companion for that journey, whether you're revisiting classic albums or discovering hidden gems for the first time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 42

I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Elton John Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 1 - Elton's Buried Treasure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:35
Welcome to the 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Elton John Podcast' podcast. Yes it is a rather unweildy title. In the first episode, Neil (your able host) takes some classic songs, and turns them upside down, until…