Bernie Taupin to Release First Solo Album in 39 Years, “The Sea Has No Mercy”
Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime lyricist, announced that his first solo album in almost four decades will be released on 23 October 2026. Titled The Sea Has No Mercy, it is the first record Taupin has written entirely himself and is described by the 76‑year‑old as a “late‑life manifesto” inspired by his 2023 autobiography Scattershot and an upcoming documentary about his life.
The album was recorded in Nashville with producer Frank Liddell and features the core studio trio known as the Tennessee Stone Cutters – guitarist Adam Wright, bassist Glen Worf and keyboardist Michael Rojas. Guest performers include Brandi Carlile, country star Lee Ann Womack, Taupin’s daughter Georgey Devon Taupin, the Jeremy Jordan Ensemble and percussionist Jay Bellerose. It will be issued worldwide by Vertigo Records/MCA Nashville.
In related news, Elton John is preparing a new solo album for early next year, adopting a reversed songwriting process because severe vision loss now prevents him from reading lyrics at the piano. Both artists also said they have no intention of selling their extensive song catalogues, preferring to leave the rights to their children.
Entities: Bernie Taupin · Brandi Carlile · Elton John · Frank Liddell · Georgey Devon Taupin · Lee Ann Womack · The Sea Has No Mercy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Guest contributions on the album include Brandi Carlile, Lee Ann Womack and Bernie Taupin's daughter Georgey Devon Taupin. (artist statement)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Bernie Taupin will release a solo album titled 'The Sea Has No Mercy' on October 23. (album release announcement)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Taupin describes the album as a 'late‑life manifesto'. (artist quote)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Elton John is preparing a new album for early next year that includes lyrics by Bernie Taupin. (artist interview)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The album is the first solo record Bernie Taupin has written entirely by himself. (artist statement)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The album was recorded in Nashville with producer Frank Liddell and the Tennessee Stone Cutters (Adam Wright, Glen Worf, Michael Rojas). (recording details)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The album is Bernie Taupin's first solo release in nearly 40 years. (press release)
- [● 4 SOURCES] In the title track, Taupin uses the sea as a metaphor for past negative experiences. (song description)