Elton John-Bernie Taupin Gershwin Prize Gig Setlist Revealed: See What Songs Metallica and Annie Lennox Played

The all-star Library of Congress Gershwin Prize Ceremony honoring Elton John and Bernie Taupin went off Wednesday night without a hitch, with the all-star cast honoring the legendary songwriting team by performing some of their best-known songs for an upcoming TV special.

Metallica opened the show with a performance of "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" from the classic 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Annie Lennox covered "Border Song" from Elton's self-titled 1970 album and also teamed with Brandi Carlile to accompany Joni Mitchell for a version of John's 1983 hit "I'm Still Standing." Carlile also performed "Madman Across the Water."

Other performers included Charlie Puth, who took on "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and Jacob Lusk of Gabriels, who did "Bennie and the Jets." Garth Brooks offered a two-fer of "Daniel" and "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word." Save for Metallica, the other artists were backed by the Elton John Band featuring special guest Mike Inez of Alice in Chains on bass. Elton did not just set back and enjoy the tribute -- he played as well, pulling out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and "Your Songs" to conclude the evening's performances.

The artists performing at the show seemed honored to participate. "They're an inspiration to us," Metallica's James Hetfield told reporters prior to the show, per Stereogum. Kirk Hammett added, "They're responsible for some of the greatest songs of my childhood."

On the red carpet, Maren Morris called Elton "a gay legend" and added that honoring him "is an amazing way to blend politics and music. I actually think that they are synonymous with one another because music is just inherently political because you're telling people's stories."

Inez took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the night. "What a wonderful experience. Getting to play music all night with such amazing folks was a dream. I've never worked harder on a single gig but it was magical to be in the Elton John Band for a night. Such amazing bass lines. I'm inspired, tired and spiritually fulfilled," he wrote. "Playing with my brother Davey Johnstone and the amazing Nigel Olsson (and of course Elton) was just mindblowing. They are the BEST I've ever played with. They make me better on so many levels. Blessed beyond imagination."

The concert will air April 8 on PBS.

Tags

Metallica, Elton John, Annie lennox, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell