(Washington) His music “changed our lives”: US President Joe Biden paid tribute with these words to Elton John on Friday, before a concert at the White House by the British pop legend – of whom Donald Trump is a great fan.
Posted yesterday at 10:34 p.m.
“What a dump here! “, joked Sir Elton John, black glittering suit and glasses with orange lenses, putting himself at the piano. Behind him, the residence of the American president all illuminated, and a military band in full dress.
Playing in this setting is “the icing on the cake”, he then said before singing Your Songan essential ballad in his repertoire.
Under a huge transparent tent erected in the gardens of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the American executive had invited some 2,000 guests: activists, in particular activists for the rights of LGBTQ + people, nursing staff, teachers…
In attendance, according to the White House, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, or former tennis champion and activist Billie Jean King.
The singer recalled his commitment to the fight against AIDS and thanked America for the help given in this fight.
He made the audience laugh by reporting an exchange with George W. Bush – whose wife Laura Bush was present. The former president would have asked him, in colorful terms, to help convince France to give more money for the fight against AIDS: “Get the French to give more fucking money”.
It was, according to the White House, to celebrate the unifying power of music. But as in Washington everything is always political, difficult, when he sang Rocket Manone of his countless successes, not to think of the former Republican president.
This is how Donald Trump nicknamed North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. The Republican used to play Elton John songs during his rallies, especially Tiny Danceranother song the artist performed on Friday night.
The Briton, who at 75 is on a major tour of the United States, thanked Joe Biden for his invitation, but also praised former President George W. Bush.
“I just wish America was more able to cross partisan lines,” he said. Before resuming his concert of about forty minutes, concluded with another planetary success, I Am Still Standing.
Joe Biden finally presented the artist with the National Humanities Medal. “I’m never flabbergasted, but here I am flabbergasted”, commented Elton John, very moved, on receiving his decoration.