When Elton John performs at Petco Park in San Diego on May 9, 2025, it won’t just be another stop on a legendary career—it will be a night that blends iconic music with a purpose bigger than entertainment. This special show is part of Curebound’s Concert for Cures, an extraordinary event designed to raise critical funding for collaborative cancer research. And alongside Elton on stage will be longtime band member and master percussionist, John Mahon, whose journey to that spotlight is as powerful as the rhythms he creates.
“If music were an umbilical cord,” Mahon says, “I’ve been tethered to it my entire life.”
That connection began in Canton, Ohio, where Mahon first discovered percussion at a local Boys Club drum and bugle corps.
“I said, ‘I want to play the drums!’” he recalls.
That spark ignited a lifelong passion that led him through marching bands, musical theater, and eventually, to global stages.
Encouraged by his mentor, Bill Severance, to pursue music in a bigger city, Mahon and his wife moved to Los Angeles in 1983. There, he continued his education with the likes of David Garibaldi (Tower of Power) and LA voice coach Robert Edwards, while performing with legends like Rita Coolidge, Chuck Negron, and Helen Reddy.
His break into Elton John’s band came via the late bassist Bob Birch, who introduced Mahon to guitarist Davey Johnstone.
“I flew to the south of France for rehearsals in ’97,” Mahon remembers. “I showed up, played, and got the gig. And the rest is rock and roll history.”
Nearly three decades later, Mahon remains an essential part of Elton’s sound.
“I bring a totally different layer than what Ray Cooper brings. I use Latin percussion—congas, bongos, tambourines—and I also have a Yamaha electric system that lets me recreate sounds from Elton’s records,” he explains.
His setup includes custom drumsticks from Vic Firth, Zildjian cymbals, and gear from Remo and LP Music.
As part of Elton’s massive Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, Mahon experienced what became the highest-grossing tour of all time, playing to over six million fans worldwide.
“When you work with Elton, you have to be bulletproof. He knows what he wants, and he’s not afraid to tell you,” Mahon says. “But every moment on stage with him is a joy.”
The May 9 concert at Petco Park will be particularly meaningful. Hosted by Curebound, the Concert for Cures is a night of music and mission. This unique fundraising initiative aims to unite the community and fund lifesaving cancer research. Past Curebound events have raised millions, and this year’s collaboration with Elton John is set to reach new heights. Attendees will not only enjoy an unforgettable concert experience but also contribute to a future free from cancer.
For Mahon, the show is about more than music.
“After 27 years of touring with Elton, I’ve made lifelong friends in the band. We’ve seen incredible highs and lows together,” he reflects. “Now, getting to perform at this stage in our careers—with this cause—makes it even more meaningful.”
When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring musicians, Mahon doesn’t hesitate.
“Practice, perseverance, and passion,” he says. “Those are the three P’s that will carry you through.”
As the sun sets over San Diego, thousands will gather to hear the music of Elton John, feel the power of Mahon’s percussion, and stand united for a cure.
For concert and ticket information:
Curebound Concert for Cures – Petco Park: https://petcoparkevents.com/event/curebound
John Mahon official website:
https://www.johnmahon.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/johnmahonworld
