Adam Vary
Updated on: October 9, 2024 6:31 am GMT
Elton John Calls Trump’s ‘Rocket Man’ Nickname for Kim Jong-un ‘Brilliant’
In a surprising turn of events at the Toronto International Film Festival, music icon Elton John praised former President Donald Trump for his use of John’s classic hit “Rocket Man” as a nickname for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Speaking to Variety during the festival, John described the nickname as “hilarious” and expressed his appreciation for Trump’s creativity during a politically charged era.
The Origin of a Hilarious Moniker
Trump famously used the term “Rocket Man” throughout his presidency, particularly during his turbulent relations with North Korea. His usage peaked in 2017 during an address to the United Nations, where he labeled Kim as “on a suicide mission for himself.” Initial tensions later eased as the two leaders conducted high-profile meetings in 2018 and 2019. According to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s memoir, Trump even took the time to explain the nickname to Kim, who had reportedly never heard of Elton John.
Elton John’s Response
Elton John, who is known for his dynamic performances and significant impact on pop culture, didn’t hold back his laughter regarding Trump’s jab at Kim Jong-un. “I laughed, I thought it was brilliant. I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald,’” he recalled. John elaborated on his relationship with Trump, stating, “Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times. So, I mean, I’ve always been friendly toward him, and I thank him for his support.”
Understanding the Dynamic
While John’s comments might raise eyebrows given his political affiliations, he has successfully maintained a respectful distance from overt political endorsements. When Toyota was working on making the nickname more widely understood, John remarked, “Of course he hasn’t heard of me, Kim Jong-un. I’d be very surprised if he had. I’ve never toured North Korea, and I have no intention of doing so. But I thought it was a light moment, and it was fun.”
Election Concerns and Political Neutrality
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, John underlines his desire for citizens to vote responsibly. However, he refrained from directly endorsing any candidate. “It’s none of my business how [fans] vote,” he said, adding, “I just hope that people make the right decision to see what the future is going to be.” His comments reflect a desire for a future based on kindness and stability, contrasting the contentious political climate that defines current affairs.
The Personal Touch
During a press conference following the documentary film “Elton John: Never Too Late,” which is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 13, John shared personal reflections on his legacy. “On my tombstone, I don’t want it to say he sold a million records. I want it to say he was a great dad and great husband,” he emotionally expressed, highlighting the values that matter most to him.
Health and Future Aspirations
Amid his reflections, John candidly mentioned a health issue that has impacted his vision. In an Instagram post, he acknowledged the challenges he has faced while healing, noting, “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process.” This revelation not only humanizes the artist but also serves as a reminder of the emotional and physical hurdles that accompany fame.
Critical Reception of the Documentary
As John gears up for the release of “Never Too Late,” early critical reviews have been mixed. The Guardian’s Radheyan Simonpillai gave the film a two-star rating, describing it as “a fussed over DVD extra” compared to the vibrant biopic “Rocketman.” This disparity in reception illustrates the challenges John faces in reconciling his legacy with contemporary expectations in the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead
Despite mixed reviews and ongoing health issues, Elton John’s spirit remains unyielding. He expressed optimism for the upcoming election, emphasizing that kindness should prevail. “I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people: the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be,” he reiterated.
As fans and political observers alike wait for the election results, John’s commentary serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of music, politics, and the human experience.
For more insights about Elton John’s career and personal life, you can check the film “Elton John: Never Too Late” starting December 13 on Disney+.
To understand more about Trump’s presidency and how it affected the world, you can check out C-SPAN.
