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Upon hearing the name Eminem, the first few things that come to mind are his otherworldly fast rapping ability, his aggressive tone and style and maybe even his acting chops in the movie ‘8 Mile’. One thing that wouldn’t cross people’s minds, or rather one person, is Elton John.

The two seem like complete opposites of each other; Eminem being a controversial rapper with a bleak background and a talent for controversy, Elton being a rock-pop icon, known for his flashy outfits and as being an active member and inspirational face of the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, the two share an unlikely friendship. 

The differences between the two are obvious, but they come from similar, difficult, backgrounds. Eminem grew up in poverty, his father abandoned the family when he was just an infant, famously returning every letter Em sent to him unread. In the years since breaking onto the scene, Eminem has described his early years with his mother as marred by abuse, both inside and outside the household. He discusses his difficult journey to the top in many of his tracks and its influence on his music and approach to rap is evident.

Elton grew up in a traditional British household during the 1950s but was a talented musician and pianist since he was very young. He also has discussed his restrictive childhood openly, and the world witnessed it in his dramatised biopic, Rocketman. Elton has also detailed his experience of abuse at home, at the hands of both parents, neither of which were very supportive of his musical career or lifestyle. Maybe it’s these shared experiences that brought the two unlikely friends together. 

Although very different people, both are giants of their respective genres. Eminem has 15 Grammys to his name, while also earning 11 number-one albums. Meanwhile, Elton is an artist who needs no introduction posting five Grammys, two Oscars, a Tony and an Emmy, becoming only the 19th person to enter into the prestigious EGOT club. 

The duo met at the Grammys ceremony in 2001 when they performed Em’s hit song ‘Stan’ together. This came about through a joke, Eminem explained to MTV that he was conflicted about performing at the ceremony and jokingly said, “The only way I’ll perform at the Grammys is with Elton John”, thinking that it would never happen. Neither would’ve expected to take the stage with the other, and less likely, that they would become lifelong friends. 

That initial meeting culminated in one of the weirdest, but also strangely sentimental wedding gifts ever given. Following Elton’s $1.5 million wedding to filmmaker David Furnish, he received Eminem’s gift. On a velvet cushion presented like the crown jewels, “were two diamond cock rings”, probably intended for Elton’s crown jewels. 

John has gone on to explain that they haven’t been used but they are a prized possession and are out on display for guests to look at with awe and probably a bit of confusion. He has also expressed his hope that they’ve remained unused: “I don’t know if any guests we’ve had have used them. God, I hope not”.

Though they don’t see each other regularly, they call frequently and even reunited at the 2022 Oscars. Eminem has even revealed that he called Elton when he wanted to get sober as Elton had fought similar battles and won. Elton even went so far as to become Em’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor. This friendship is proof that the classic saying is true: gift someone a cock ring and you’ve got a friend for life.