"John and Elvis Are Dead" is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael from his fifth studio album, Patience (2004). It was co-written by childhood friend David Austin.[1] It was released on 30 August 2005 as a download-only single and was therefore unable to chart in the United Kingdom under the chart rules at that time.[citation needed] The song marks Michael's final single from a studio album.
Music video
Directed by Anthea Benton, the music video did not receive heavy airplay, although it remains popular among Michael's fans. It features, among many famous faces both alive and dead at the time of the release of the song, footage of those named in the title: John Lennon and Elvis Presley. In addition to John and Elvis, Marvin Gaye is also mentioned in the chorus of the song. Footage of Freddie Mercury from Queen's music video "Bohemian Rhapsody" is also used, although he is not mentioned. Die Welt noted the religious tones of the song and video.[2][3][4]
People shown in the video in order of appearance are:
^Gerard, Chris (4 January 2017). "10 hidden gems by George Michael". Washington Blade. Retrieved 24 March 2024. One of the album's high points is the emotional ballad 'John and Elvis Are Dead', a moving reflection on the senseless loss of some of the world's greatest sources of light and talent. With a sweet vocal by Michael and a video that features video clips of Presley, Lennon and others gone too soon, the song's emotional impact is only heightened by the realization that we can now include Michael himself in the recitation of shining stars so important to so many people that the universe allowed to slip away far too young.
