Bernie Taupin Takes a Swipe at Jann Wenner During Rock Hall Induction

It was only a matter of time during the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony before someone mentioned Jann Wenner’s insane comments about women and black artists. Who thought it was going to be Bernie Taupin?

When Taupin accepted his long overdue Rock Hall honors, he shouted out a number of his influences, many of whom aren’t in the Rock Hall. They included Merle Haggard, Howlin’ Wolf and many more.

“Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, are you listening?” exclaimed Taupin. “I acknowledge all these people because they and so many others are why I write. I guess you could say I’m being inducted as a paradox, perhaps, but either way I’m honored to be in the class of 2023, alongside such a group of profoundly articulate women and outstanding articulate black artists.”

Before Taupin took to the stage, Elton John did the honors of inducting his close friend and lyricist into the Rock Hall. As expected, Sir Elton’s speech was heartfelt and had a few laughs.

“The thing that changed my life completely was meeting Bernie Taupin,” said John. He also mentioned how he and Taupin never had a fight, but one thing did cause tension.

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“He was disgusted with my behavior, yes, but that was a given,” John quipped. “But to this day, we are still growing as a partnership.”

Additionally, John mentioned he and Taupin just finished an album in Los Angeles earlier this week that is “gonna surprise the sh-t out of you.”

Through it all, though, John reminded the masses just what he and Taupin accomplished together. He said, “Our success story is what it is, you all know. Through the years we grew and we grew and we grew. We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale.”

Taupin’s induction came to a close with John playing “Tiny Dancer” with just him on the piano and no accompanying band. It was a beautiful reminder of the magic the two of them have created for the past nearly 60 years.

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