Credit: Travis ShinnSlash has recorded a new version of Elton John‘s classic 1972 hit “Rocket Man” for use as the theme song to daredevil Eddie Braun‘s planned rocket-powered jump over Idaho’s Snake River Canyon next month. The event is inspired by the late Evel Knievel‘s unsuccessful attempt at the feat in 1974.
Braun, who has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund his stunt, reveals that Slash contributed the song after he asked the Guns N’ Roses guitarist — whom he knew was a mutual Knievel fan — if he’d be interested in getting involved in his project.
“He gave us the most awesome gift we could ever dream…a theme song!” explains Braun in a post on his Kickstarter page. “Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators got permission from Sir Elton John to re-record his 1972 hit song ‘Rocket Man’ specifically for our project.”
Braun reports that he’s decided to give away a copy of the “Rocket Man” cover to everyone who donates money to the campaign, after Slash and his side band suggested that he do so.
Eddie adds, “I’m so honored to have been given the most epic theme song, by the most epic guitarist of all time!”
Braun plans to make his jump on September 17 using a 10,000-horsepower rocket, which he expects will reach a speed of more than 400 miles per hour in just three seconds. His rocket, named the Evel Spirit, includes parts that Knievel used in his original craft.
Those who contribute 10 or more dollars to the initiative will be able to watch an exclusive online stream of what Braun describes as “the most dangerous project in the history of Kickstarter.”
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