Elton John breaks down mid performance honouring Brian Wilson

Sir Elton John delivered a moving tribute to the late Brian Wilson on Saturday night.

Fans were left in tears as Elton John couldn’t hold back his emotions while honoring Brian Wilson at the Rock Hall of Fame.

The Crocodile Rock hitmaker honored the Beach Boys front man who passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

The legendary singer chose to go with a heartfelt performance of the classic God Only Knows.

Before taking the stage, Elton recalled on his memories of Wilson, remembering their first meeting in Los Angeles.

“I was terrified,” he admitted, explaining how deeply he admired the Beach Boys icon and his influence on modern music.

The emotional moment saw Elton’s voice crack as he sang the timeless hit, earning a standing ovation from the audience.

Fans flooded social media with praise, calling it one of the most emotional tributes in recent memory.

“Brian’s music changed everything,” Elton said. “His harmonies, his melodies they were pure magic. The world was a brighter place because of him.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony also celebrated other inductees, but Elton’s performance stood out as the highlight of the night.

Wilson, the musical genius behind the Beach Boys’ signature sound, is remembered for timeless hits including Good Vibrations, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, and God Only Knows.