NOVEMBER 4, 2002 – Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin received the Music Industry Trusts Award for one of the greatest songwriting partnerships of all time. Actor Kevin Spacey flew in from the US to present them with the award at a star-studded charity dinner in London. The pair watched a video tribute from some of the biggest names in music, including songwriting legend Burt Bacharach who said: “You’ve written magnificent songs, really magnificent. You dazzle me sometimes with the speed with which you write them. It takes my breath away.” Bono, lead singer of Irish band U2 said: “How many partnerships can you put up there with Lennon and McCartney? Not many, maybe only a few. Certainly Elton John and Bernie Taupin.”
Other stars who paid tribute to the duo included Sir Paul McCartney, George Michael, Sting, Lionel Richie, Brian Wilson and Carole King. Among the video messages from the stars was a poignant tribute from Lonnie Donegan, which was recorded only four days earlier.
In it Donegan said: “I’ve spent many hours with Elton – I’ve not spent enough time with Bernie – so if you see me advertised at your local do pop round and say hello, I would love that.”
Sir Elton only learned of Donegan’s death (on the day before the Awards) when he arrived at the dinner. He said: “I had the pleasure of playing on some of his albums and I’m very, very sad tonight. He was a great influence and a terrific bloke, so God Bless you Lonnie.”
Since 1992, the Music Industry Trusts has benchmarked achievement and generosity in the British music business, through its Music Industry Trusts Award, presented at an annual awards dinner.