Sir Elton John is the star of this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, but the reaction to it on social media has been decidedly mixed.
The commercial, called The Boy And The Piano, features a performance of the 71-year-old’s classic hit Your Song accompanied by a festive-themed retrospective of the musician’s career.
What a pleasure it was to be part of this wonderful @jlandpartners Christmas advert. Hope you enjoy it. Elton xo #EltonJohnLewis 🎹 pic.twitter.com/LnA0clEcSW
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) November 15, 2018
As ever with John Lewis adverts, the topic was trending on Twitter since its release.
The end of the advert sees Sir Elton as a four-year-old receiving a piano for Christmas from his grandmother, but many claimed this was flawed as John Lewis “don’t even sell pianos”.
I’m sorry but John Lewis got totally played with this advert. They essentially signed up to promote Elton’s tour and the Rocketman movie in return for his appearance.
THEY DONT EVEN SELL PIANOS FFS #EltonJohnLewis pic.twitter.com/g7NY6x4CIa
— Ryan Love △⃒⃘ (@RyanJL) November 15, 2018
While it is true acoustic pianos are not available, a search on the John Lewis website shows that they do now sell a number of electrical pianos and keyboards, accompanied with the words: “Inspired by our Christmas advert.”
Others reacting to the advert were reminded by the recent social media campaign for Manchester United’s signing of footballer Alexis Sanchez.
John Lewis set to sign @Alexis_Sanchez 🎹 https://t.co/ynzMYmcvvS
— FK ☕️ (@fkhanage) November 15, 2018
The 29-year-old Chilean forward joined United in January and was announced to fans through a video of him playing Glory Glory Man United on the piano.
🎹 Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Introducing #Alexis7…#GGMU #MUFC @Alexis_Sanchez pic.twitter.com/t9RIIx4mE4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
Fans of the new John Lewis ad included former MP and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls, who said it was “totally brilliant”, and TV presenter Susanna Reid who responded: “Absolutely love it.”
The John Lewis Christmas advert is totally brilliant https://t.co/66vE78o814
— Ed Balls (@edballs) November 15, 2018
Absolutely love it. The magic of Christmas & family. The power of music. Dreams small and big. ♥️ https://t.co/aS9kq7reSz
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) November 15, 2018
However, others criticised the advert for not being “Christmassy” enough.
*watches john lewis advert*
My brain:Don’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say itDon’t say it
Me: pic.twitter.com/672mBW7G1z
— Pummell (@Matt_pummell) November 15, 2018
Some even claimed the advert was a thinly veiled promotion for upcoming biopic Rocketman, featuring Taron Egerton as Sir Elton.
WELL DONE JOHN LEWIS, VERY CHRISTMASSY ADVERT AND DEFINITELY NOT AN ADVERT FOR A FILM#WeArePartners #EltonJohnLewis pic.twitter.com/lK0FYDpN6E
— Jake FM (@JustScruff) November 15, 2018
The song choice was also criticised, with one user saying the retail company should have opted for Sir Elton’s Step Into Christmas instead.
Ah yes, that old saying; 'Nothing says "it's Christmas" like Elton John'. Wait, what? If it was 'Step in to Christmas', you could get away with it. But come on.. Really? Poor effort this year, I'm afraid.
— Si Hawkes (@SiHawkes) November 15, 2018
“Ah yes, that old saying; ‘Nothing says “it’s Christmas” like Elton John’,” wrote Si Hawkes on Twitter. “Wait, what? If it was ‘Step in to Christmas’, you could get away with it. But come on.. Really? Poor effort this year, I’m afraid.”
This is the second time the retailer’s Christmas ad has featured Your Song, after singer Ellie Goulding recorded a cover for the 2010 campaign.
Others disagreed, and commended the advert’s message.
The point is, a gift you might buy your child could have a huge impact on what path they decide to take in life, piano = a career in music, I bought my daughters first leotard at the age of 4 she is now 8 and her passion is gymnastics 👍
— Sue Harris (@sus1e31) November 15, 2018
“The point is, a gift you might buy your child could have a huge impact on what path they decide to take in life,” wrote Twitter user Sue Harris. “Piano = a career in music, I bought my daughter’s first leotard at the age of 4 she is now 8 and her passion is gymnastics.”
Meanwhile one Twitter user spotted an opportunity for Christmas jokes thanks to the advert’s song choice.
Them: opens a 3 pack of John Lewis briefs on Christmas Day
Me: and you can tell everybody
Them: oh god n–
Me: this is ya thooonngg #eltonjohnlewis
— Helen Gradwell (@HelenGradwell) November 15, 2018
“And you can tell everybody… this is ya thooonngg,” wrote Helen Gradwell, describing a scene of someone gifting John Lewis underwear.
Finally, there were those who realised the effect the John Lewis advert could have before it was even released.
Any cabinet ministers intending to resign tomorrow should do so knowing that no one will notice because the John Lewis Christmas advert is being released
— Charlie Peters (@CDP1882) November 14, 2018
“Any cabinet ministers intending to resign tomorrow should do so knowing that no one will notice because the John Lewis Christmas advert is being released,” wrote Charlie Peters.