Elton John’s drummer makes surprise performance alongside tribute act with emotional lockdown story

Olsson – who is still Sir Elton’s drummer today, 50 years on from when they first performed together – took to the stage at the Troubadour in Los Angeles to perform with Elton John tribute act, Tom’s Elton Tribute, earlier this week.

As fans will know, The Troubadour in LA is an important location for Elton, Olsson and all Elton fans, as it was the location of the August 1970 performance which is believed by most to have launched the ‘Rocketman’ singer’s career.

Tom’s Elton Tribute, led by Tom Cridland aka Sir ‘Eltom’ John, began performing tribute shows which celebrate the ‘Crocodile Rock’ singer after Elton fan Tom learnt to play piano during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 as a way of staying sober.

Starting the band in January 2022, by May 2023 the tribute act was successfully performing to crowds of over 1,500 people, and they have since toured America with over 100 shows, including ones at the famous Troubadour location.

Getting to perform with Olsson at the iconic Troubadour was a dream come true for Tom, who told virginradio.co.uk: “After serious alcoholism nearly destroyed it, Elton’s music helped me turn my life around, and Nigel’s incredibly kind gesture of playing with us at the Troubadour is the highlight of my career so far.”

Celebrating the moment over on his Instagram, one of Tom’s band’s fans wrote: “OMG! That was a pinch me moment!!!” about the group’s performance alongside Olsson.