Orville Peck is riding high these days—literally and figuratively—with the release of his third studio album, Stampede, back in August.
But this isn’t just any country record.
The masked crooner has corralled an all-star lineup of collaborators, including Elton John, Kylie Minogue, TJ Osborne, and even Willie Nelson, to create a genre-bending, unapologetically queer masterpiece.
Recently, Peck opened up about working with the legendary Elton John, giving fans a peek behind the rhinestone curtain.
And let’s just say, it sounds like Sir Elton brought his signature sass—and a lot of laughs—to the studio.
Elton’s “Crass” Humor and Their Fiery Collaboration
In a recent interview with People, Orville revealed that Elton John’s sense of humor is as bold as his fashion choices.
“He’s always telling funny, dirty jokes and stuff,” Peck said, laughing.
The two teamed up for a rollicking cover of “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting),” which Elton himself called “a blast” to record.
Peck praised Elton not only for his legendary talent but also for his down-to-earth energy, calling him “a really funny person to be around.”
And judging by Elton’s enthusiastic Instagram shoutout—where he gushed about Orville’s album and their collaboration—it’s clear the admiration is mutual.
The Star-Studded Stampede
Stampede isn’t just a showcase of Peck’s swoon-worthy baritone; it’s a celebration of queer talent and musical trailblazing.
Alongside Elton, the album features pop royalty Kylie Minogue and Brothers Osborne’s TJ Osborne, among others.
Peck admitted that creating an album with so many duets was a new experience, but it allowed him to work with people he’s idolized for years.
“I couldn’t believe they wanted to work with me as well,” Peck said humbly.
But make no mistake—these collaborations are proof of the respect and recognition Peck has earned as a modern country icon.
Queer Cowboys and Willie Nelson’s Timeless Wisdom
One of the most talked-about tracks on Stampede is Peck’s duet with Willie Nelson, a reimagining of “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other.”
Originally written by Ned Sublette in 1981, the song gained mainstream attention when Nelson covered it in 2006, cementing its place in queer country history.
Peck shared how meaningful it was to work with Nelson, describing how the country legend emphasized the song’s importance today.
“The first thing Willie said to me… was, ‘It’s more important now than ever,’” Peck recalled.
+Related: Orville Peck Reveals Boyfriend in Heartfelt Awards Speech
And with the beautifully queer music video that accompanies the track, it’s clear this collaboration is as much about visibility as it is about artistry.
Orville Peck: Blazing a Trail for Queer Country
Peck has always been a genre disruptor, blending traditional country sounds with bold, boundary-pushing themes.
With Stampede, he continues to challenge the norms of a historically conservative genre, making space for LGBTQ+ voices to thrive.
The album has been met with rave reviews, with critics praising its genre-bending production and unapologetically gay lyrical content.
It’s a testament to Peck’s ability to stay true to his roots while fearlessly carving out a new path for country music.
Final Thoughts: A “Stampede” of Change
From dirty jokes with Elton John to heartfelt moments with Willie Nelson, Stampede is more than an album—it’s a movement.
Peck’s ability to unite icons across generations and genres is nothing short of revolutionary, and it’s clear he’s just getting started.
As Elton John himself put it, “Great work on this album, Orville—keep rocking!”
And if Stampede is any indication, Orville Peck is poised to lead a stampede of change in country music, one queer anthem at a time.
+Related: Orville Peck Sheds All But Mask in Racy Photo Shoot
