Elton John shares video for Britney Spears collaboration ‘Hold Me Closer’
The stunning clip was shot in Mexico City
By Tom Skinner
Elton John has shared the official music video for ‘Hold Me Closer’, his recent collaboration with Britney Spears.
Released last month, the track is a re-working of John’s past songs ‘Tiny Dancer’ (1971) and ‘The One’ (1992). It marked the first new music from Spears in six years besides ‘Swimming In The Stars’, an outtake from her most recent album, Glory (2016), which she shared in 2020.
The vibrant accompanying visuals for ‘Hold Me Closer’ were directed by Tanu Muino, who also helmed the videos for Harry Styles‘ ‘As It Was’ and Lil Nas X’s ‘Montero’.
Beginning in Mexico City, the new clip focuses on dancers who reflect the idea of “human embrace” while “beautifully capturing an immeasurable feeling of intimacy so missing from the world through the turmoil and chaos of recent times”.
In a statement, Muino explained: “Going into this video, I knew there would be a lot of emotional expectations the audience and fans would have.
“With this responsibility, I had to do something different and unexpected. The visuals had to be different. The dance had to be forward-thinking to raise eyebrows and make Elton and Britney proud.”
The director went on to say that the project was a particularly “emotional” one for her as she “grew up with Britney”.
“After seeing [2001’s] ‘Slave 4 You’ , I decided that I wanted to become a video director,” Muino continued. “Elton John is an icon that I and the world grew up listening to.”
Additionally, John has announced three CD single versions of ‘Hold Me Closer’, each with unique artwork and a different tracklist. CD 1 contains an extended version of the song; CD 2 includes a Joel Corry remix; and CD 3 features a re-working by Purple Disco Machine. The discs are due for release on November 18 – you can pre-order your copy here.
‘Hold Me Closer’ also marked the first material from Spears since her 13-year conservatorship was completely terminated last year.
Shortly before its release, the singer tweeted: “It’s pretty damn cool that I’m singing with one of the most classic men of our time.
“I’m kinda overwhelmed… it’s a big deal to me!!! I’m meditating more and learning my space is valuable and precious!!!”
Meanwhile, Elton John has been honoured with the National Humanities Medal for his longtime work towards HIV and AIDS efforts.
The legendary musician is currently on the North American leg of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour’.
Reviewing the star’s headline concert in Watford this summer, Rolling Stone UK said the set served as a “perfect farewell from a man still performing at the near-peak of his powers after 50 years”.