Agency adam&eveDDB, the longtime creative force behind such iconic John Lewis holiday ads as Monty the Penguin, this year spins a long-form tale of Elton John’s career told in reverse, beginning with a reflective 71-year-old John lightly tapping at a piano in a room dressed for the holidays. As “Your Song” begins to play in earnest, we begin moving back through his career, seeing phases both famous and formative.
The two minutes 20 seconds in the middle chart his path from school and pub gigs in the London suburb of Pinner to pop megastardom, complete with technicolour outfit changes that include a stars and stripes sequinned suit and pink mohican.
The superstar, who has two young sons with his husband, David Furnish, described the ad as “absolutely fantastic”. “The John Lewis Christmas campaign has so many warm memories for me and my family. I’ve truly loved every minute of being a part of it.”
