Elton John has said that hearing The Band’s 1968 song ‘The Weight’ was a formative musical experience that “changed my life”. He and lyricist Bernie Taupin were struck by its unfamiliar blend of Americana, soul and funk, which helped shape the more roots-influenced direction of John’s early work.

John first heard the track after BBC DJ John Peel played The Band’s debut album, *Music from Big Pink*, on his programme. The pair bought an imported copy the following day, and John later cited its songwriting, lyrics and musicianship as major influences on albums including *Tumbleweed Connection* and *Madman Across the Water*; he compared its impact with first hearing Elvis Presley.