Elton John has loved a profession spanning greater than 60 years, and he’s discovered many classes alongside the way in which.

Throughout a dialog with Rolling Stone UK, the legendary singer shared a few of his knowledge, advising new artists to “hold making an attempt to play reside” as a lot as they’ll.

“That’s the way in which you enhance as a musician and songwriter. It doesn’t matter for those who’re enjoying to 40 individuals,” John defined. “The extra expertise you get enjoying to no one, the higher. As a result of once I performed in Musicology (sic), we performed to hardly anyone generally.”

Some might scoff at Elton’s suggestion, contemplating how the music trade has modified over time. These days, artists can construct a following by way of social media and TV competitors reveals, largely skipping the method of enjoying small, near-empty golf equipment. Nonetheless, the Rock & Roll Corridor of Famer insisted that have is significant for any artist – not only for their musicianship, however for his or her confidence.

READ MORE: The Finest Track From Each Elton John Album

“That have stood me in nice stead for once I turned Elton John as a result of I had spine,” John famous. “And spine is so necessary, as a result of the worst factor that may occur to you within the trade are issues like X Issue and prompt fame on tv, the place you don’t have any expertise of enjoying reside. You get placed on stage, you go, and you may’t do it. That’s the worst factor. American Idol — simply the worst.”

Moderately than searching for prompt fame, John stated new artists ought to “Take dangers. Go and play in a pub.”

Elton John: ‘Music Retains Me Alive’

Simply days away from his 78th birthday, John stays as energetic as ever. Although he’s retired from touring, the singer-songwriter nonetheless delivers occasional performances at charity occasions and fundraisers.

“I can’t reside with out music. It almost killed me, nevertheless it additionally saved me alive, and it retains me alive at present,” he defined. “However not the music of the previous a lot. Though I do take heed to jazz and stuff like that, nevertheless it’s the music of the longer term that retains me alive.”

John has an upcoming collaborative album with Brandi Carlisle titled Who Believes in Angels? The 2 will probably be musical visitors on the April 5 episode of Saturday Evening Stay, the day after the album’s launch.

READ MORE: Elton John Admits He Was a Nightmare for Brandi Carlisle

“I like her a lot and never simply as an individual, however I like what’s inside her musically and creatively,” John stated of Carlisle. “And it hasn’t actually touched the floor. I feel it’s starting to, nevertheless it’s received a lot additional to go. She’s like an embryo in the intervening time, and he or she’s achieved a hell of loads to be an embryo, however she’s going to simply burst.”