Elton John’s long time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin is to be the subject of a new feature length documentary, here are the details.
From their first hit Your Song to a string of classic albums and singles like Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, I’m Still Standing and many, many more, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s partnership had led to them being one of the most prolific, successful and celebrated songwriting duos in the history of popular music.
They have been showered with every songwriting and music award under the sun, and in 2019 their friendship was wonderfully brought to the big screen in Rocketman, courtesy of director Dexter Fletcher, writer Lee Hall and the wonderful performances of Taron Egerton as John and Jamie Bell as Taupin. Last year, Taupin released his memoir Scattershot, which quickly became a bestseller.
Now, Taupin is to be the subject of a feature length documentary directed by Matthew Miele for Network Entertainment. While he has participated in many documentaries about music and with John, this is the first time that he himself will be the main subject.
According to Deadline, the documentary “promises to offer a pulsating celebration of Bernie’s life, a deep dive into the roots of his creativity — including Bernie living his dream as a cowboy on the California coast, and a trip with Bernie back to Lincolnshire to capture his origin story, which is rooted within many of his songs that have become classics — and an insider’s look at his insatiable pursuit of sonic and visual art forms”.
Interviews have been recorded with Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Alice Cooper, James Hetfield, Annie Lennox, Lulu, Gary Oldman, Ringo Starr and Pete Townshend.
Taupin said “reticent as I am to scrutiny, this project has been enlightening both on an emotional and analytical level. The originality of all parties involved has made participating in it much easier as I loosen my grip on the cards I hold closest to my chest”.
We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.