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Hercules Fanzine No. 54

Hercules Fanzine No. 54

Meet since 1988 at the Hercules UK Convention on 24th March See inside for details THE MAG

inside this issue: Exclusive! Clive Franks Interview part 3 talks about the past year We talk to one of Elton’s schoolfriends John Jorgenson competition

PLUS: News, Trivia, For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, Quizzes, callers in the UK can phone the Your Letters & more! HERCULESHERCULES HotlineHotline onon 09060906 888888 2020 2020 Calls cost 60p per minute anytime March 2001 Issue No: 54 Fanzine of the SMALL ADS THE MAG Fan Club Free to Hercules members. Send yours to David Wright, Editor, 100 Winkworth Rd, Banstead, SM7 2QR, UK., or e-mail him at [email protected] TOUR DATES Issue No. 54 FAN CLUB INFORMATION EJ CELS! MARCH 2001 ELTON JOHN SOLO TOUR 2001 Annual membership fee for the UK is £14 if paid by HERCULES Chief Editor Similar to the way animation DATE CITY VENUE David Wright Standing Order/VISA/Mastercard. By Cheque/Postal 100 Winkworth Road, Cels are made. Matted and 03-Apr-2001 Paris, France: BERCY Order it is £15. For the rest of Europe it is £14, and Banstead presented in shadow box frames. 04-Apr-2001 Nice, France: S.A. NIKAIA for the USA it is 17£/US$30. Please note that your Surrey SM7 2QR, U.K. [email protected] 16 titles available. Some in 05-Apr-2001 Nice, France: S.A. NIKAIA renewal date is printed on your address label in Assistant Editor: limited edition! Visit our web site European format day/month/year. Tammi Law at Hercules is a registered member Editorial Assistants: ELTON JOHN & FACE TO FACE TOUR 2001 (CONT.) of the National Association of Membership passes are available from your local George Matlock, Barbara Turner www.angelfire.com/biz/celebrity Fan Clubs HERCULES department: send a small photo of Design: Turnstyle Design cel or request the EJ Cel flier DATE CITY VENUE 09-Apr-2001 , CO: Pepsi Center yourself when requesting your pass. Translations: from Cartoon Creations, PO Box Sabine Asenkirschbaumer 12-Apr-2001 Kansas City, MO: Kemper Arena Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton Mireille Mölbert 396, Dunedin, FL 34697 USA For subscription details, please 14-Apr-2001 Memphis, TN: Pyramid Arena CONTENTS John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. write to your local HERCULES Letters will be passed on if necessary. department or to HERCULES 17-Apr-2001 New Orleans, LA: New Orleans Arena Coordinaton: TICKETS FOR BERCY FEATURES 19-Apr-2001 Charlotte, NC: HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in HERCULES Coordination The following have tickets Last Stand in Open March, June, September and December. In event of c/o Stephan Heimbecher available for the Paris-Bercy 21-Apr-2001 Nashville, TN: Gaylord Entertainment Center Country... Orleansstr. 59 Elton’s missing circumstances beyond our control, there is no D-81667 München, show on April 3. 24-Apr-2001 , GA: Philips Arena millions ...... 7 guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in GERMANY Thierry Keller 26-Apr-2001 Louisville, KY: Freedom Hall Front Row Seats?! English and German. Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 Here’s the secret...... 9 Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 [email protected] has 28-Apr-2001 Greensboro, NC: Greensboro Coliseum [email protected] one ticket. One Day at a Time Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' 03-May-2001 , Canada: Molson Center Nigel Olsson talks to HERCULES Fan Adviser Agnès Blondeau George Matlock...... 10 opinions. All information is based on the best of c/o Mireille Mölbert 05-May-2001 Syracuse, NY: Carrier Dome knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only Zaunweg 11 [email protected] has Clive Franks interview D-80805 München, 09-May-2001 Chicago, IL: Allstate Arena Part 3 of our exclusive by prior with HERCULES. GERMANY two tickets. interview with Elton’s Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 13-May-2001 Cincinatti, OH: Firstar Center sound engineer ...... 14 Member participation is always welcome. We are [email protected] 15-May-2001 , MN: Tantrums & Liars ...... 13 thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, HERCULES USA/Canada ELTON MEMORABILIA c/o Sharon Kalinoski 16-May-2001 Minneapolis, MN: Target Center Out of the Closet articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Please P.O. Box 398 For Sale: Various Elton The first day ...... 17 send them to the Editor, David Wright. Please La Grange, IL 60525, USA memorabilia. Vinyl, Rare CDs, This is my House [email protected] understand that we cannot always publish all Videos, Cassettes, ELTON JOHN SOLO TOUR 2001 (CONT.) Hercules member contributions. All photos will be returned. HERCULES U.K. Rob Cargill has c/o George Matlock Pictures, Books, Magazines, DATE CITY VENUE moved house ...... 13 P.O. Box 315 12-July-2001 Bremen, Germany: Galopprennbahn School Report: UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute) Richmond Contact Danny Hayes, 62 Teenage Idol Surrey TW9 3QX, UK Swinley House, Redhill Street, 14-July-2001 Würzburg, Germany: Residenzplatz Elton’s school friend USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843 Fax: 0870 130 7752 talks ...... 20 [email protected] London, NW1 4BB, UK. 15-July-2001 Berlin, Germany: Waldbühne Web site http://www.eltonfan.net Tel: 0207 387 0082 or e- HERCULES Benelux 21-July-2001 Riga, Latvia: Skonto Stadium c/o Tim Blezer mail: [email protected] for OFFERS, PROMOS & COPYRIGHT: HERCULES Pastoor Pendersstraat 8 22-July-2001 Tallin, Estonia: Lauluväljakul CONVENTIONS 6262 PA banholt list. Hercules Elton/Lennon Deadline for Issue No. 55 is 1 May 2001 Netherlands 24-July-2001 Stockholm, Sweden: The Globe Weekend ...... 3 Tel. +31 (0)43 4571703 [email protected] LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS Win John Jorgenson’s No. 55 will be released new ...... 24 HERCULES Italy 1 Ego Fan Tickets are available for shows indicated . Please refer to June 2001 c/o Luca Zerbini www.eltonfan.net/tournews.shtml for further details and ticket prices. Via Scheiwiller n.9/A 2 Michelle’s Song REGULARS I-20139 Milano, ITALY 3 A Dandelion Dies in the Wind [email protected] 4 Ballad of a Well-Known Gun Please note: This is not an official Tour Schedule, as it contains Between 17 and 20 unconfirmed dates at time of going to press. Elton trivia & gossip ..18 Front Cover: HERCULES Francais 5 Gypsy Heart Illustration by Reggie Zippo Francoise Linden-Gilles Club Information ...... 2 BP-22, B-4900 SPA 6 All the Nasties Letters to the Editor...... 25 Belgium 7 Rotten Peaches [email protected] Lyric Quiz ...... 8 8 Hard Luck Story Back Cover: HERCULES Nordic 9 Midnight Creeper News Bullets ...... 4 John Jorgenson at Urpu Kallio Uudenklänpolku 10 Rope Around a Fool Small ads ...... 27 8 November 2000 05200 Rajämaki 11 Idol Tour Dates ...... 27 (Photo: S Heimbecher) FINLAND 12 Roy Rogers email: [email protected] 2001 2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001 27 IMPORTANT CHANGES TO HERCULES BANKING HERCULES ELTON/LENNON HERCULES HAS CHANGED ITS BANKING DETAILS FROM MARCH 1, 2001. WEEKEND To reduce confusion for fans, if you pay by cheque, you no AT CAVERN CLUB, longer need to write "Hercules UK". From now on, just write "Hercules". MARCH 24-25, 2001 So, whether you are in the UK, USA, or elsewhere, it’s just FROM THE Don't make this an Empty Garden, as Hercules celebrates "Hercules". Elton's birthday and recalls John Lennon's memory 20 years EDITOR... after his tragic loss. Eurocheques no longer accepted by UK banks FOR ONE DAY ONLY If sending a payment to the Hercules UK office, we no ello and welcome to longer accept Eurocheques – even if made payable in sterling. Recent Elton band member Sadly, this flexible means of payment is no longer accepted by Hanother issue. British banks. We have not one but two John Jorgenson CONFIRMED major interviews this time. Nigel We welcome cheques payable in Euros Olsson tells us his latest news, Original band - CONFIRMED what it’s like to back in the band If you have a Euro Currency Account, you can now pay for and about his new solo album. More names to follow! Hercules that way. If you are in the UK or Europe, normal subscription of £14 is EUR22. If you live outside of Europe, but We also have part 3 of the Hercules is proud to announce the March 24, 2001 have a Euro Account, your normal subscription of £17, or Clive Franks interview. Convention. The prestigious Cavern Club in Liverpool will US$30, can be paid as EUR27. Mark Giles reports from the play host to these top acts. They will perform live Elton John third Out of the Closet shop in and John Lennon tributes, and will also take fan questions US$ checks, German DEM, sterling banker’s drafts, sterling London. from the floor on the big day. postal orders, VISA/Mastercard credit cards, still ok. George Matlock reports on The day starts early - at There is likely to be an We still accept US$ checks, which must be drawn on a US- the latest from Elton’s ‘missing noon, and the fun continues admission charge to all visi- based bank, the rate being $30, and also sterling banker’s millions’ court case. until 10 pm. We will also be tors to the convention this drafts, and British postal orders are acceptable, all payable to We have a competition - see serving special Elton John cock- year - but we think it will be "Hercules". You can also pay by VISA or Mastercard credit page 24 for your chance to win tails called Blue Eyes, using the well worth it! This is no ordi- cards. German DEM payment to Hercules Co-Ordination, a signed copy of John Cavern Club's very own recipe. nary line up we are offering - in the normal way. Jorgenson’s brilliant CD And in case you are won- with more top names to be Emotional Savant. dering this is the Cavern Club confirmed. This is the first UK Standing Orders will also remain valid. where performed time Europe has been able to Elton continues to be as busy thirty-five years ago. It had to rival the Elton Expos run bi- as ever currently with the US leg Hercules is committed to ensuring membership payment be demolished in 1980, and annually in the USA, and to the fan club offers convenient options, but we encourage use of the Face to Face tour with recreated brick-by-brick in many fans cannot visit that of credit card payment or Standing Orders (UK only) Billy Joel, plenty of TV 1983! Using the SAME bricks as one. wherever possible. appearances and more Solo the old club, in fact. Elton John So, show your Elton dates in Europe. See page 27 for has also been inside the club. colours, and come along! the latest Tour Dates. One great British institution Register your interest by visited another! This emailing us at One administration note – event is a once-only chance to [email protected] could I draw your attention to capture a life and soul of Cavern Club Tours Ltd, some changes to banking Elton's music, performed espe- which operates the Cavern Photo: J Collins on page 26. cially by John Jorgenson. And Club, are offering accommo- I hope to see many of you in coming from Bluesology will be dation and tour packages to PLEASE REMEMBER... Liverpool on 24 and 25 March Mick Inkpen and Stu Brown. suit you. Please contact them for what promises to be the best Other Bluesology members are direct. On March 25, 2001, currently being invited. And if Elton's birthday, Cavern Club ALWAYS state your membership number ever UK Convention. See the you know where they are, drop Tours will run a series of tours if you send a cheque to Hercules, or pay insert and check our website – a note to event organisers at: for those of you interested in into one of the Club accounts. www.eltonfan.net - for the latest [email protected] seeing The Beatles' Liverpool. ALWAYS let us know the expiry date of news. the card, and the cardholders name. Cheers! NOT TO BE MISSED!! Please note that if you have paid your Membership Fee by Credit Card, your card will automatically be charged again for the renewal fee, at the end of your membership STOCKHOLM CONVENTION year. If your card has expired in the meantime, or if you have switched companies, please forward your new Credit To coincide with Elton’s Sweden show, Hercules Nordic Card details to Hercules Coordination in is holding a fan convention on July 24, 2001 in time for your next renewal. Stockholm. All welcome. For more details please contact Urpu Kallio, address on page 2. Photo: J Collins

26 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 3 A S W MAL ILL B L PR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WR E SE IZE ITER NT T OF O T P EAC HE Send or email your letters to David Wright, Editor (address on page 2) UBL H LE ISHE TTER Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline D.

FACE TO FACE ... ELTON'S BIG PICTURES! SECOND ANNUAL Dear Hercules, Dear any of us fans who weren't at MSG for that great show Hercules, "WITH THIS KISS" AROUND THE WORLD! Elton's private photo last October were even more baffled by Elton's have a few questions on collection on display at a US M Road to Eldorado The second annual "With This comments about quitting than those caught in stupor in the I Elton and Billy Joel kicked off museum has proved too explicit 1/ The album was going to be their joint Face to Face tour in the Kiss" campaign was launched on audience. Sure, it's not the first time he's said this in concert...but for some schools, reported the released in March 2000. I had Western part of the USA in February 6. Hosted by Yahoo! the fact he has kept on apologising for this comment suggests Press Association January 17. The Auctions and Yahoo! Greetings, problems finding it in the stores, January, and at the time of going exhibition in Atlanta includes there's more to this. In fact, he said earlier in 2000 he was bored to press more and more dates are celebrities and consumers and was fobbed off with excuses some snaps of nude men - of touring and recording and wanted to slip into the film business the album had been put bank to being announced for the two puckered up to generate full-time. He's toyed with other outlets, like television presenting prompting one education contributions for the Elton John July release. I found three copies men in the Eastern US last December. states. In between tour legs with authority to ditch its planned AIDS Foundation. Last year, in a second-hand record shop in Billy Joel, Elton will also tour solo school field trips. The show Yahoo!'s "With This Kiss" England! The album, when includes 316 photos Elton has campaign helped raise more than available, was out on July 31, again in Europe. In Elton said he was bored August/September, he is expected collected. The event is getting $17,000 for EJAF. Consumers you could only buy it in Virgin to bring Billy along for some rave reviews. "There were just were able to bid on-line for of touring... Megastores locally. Recently, it's European Face To Face shows. two or three questionable original autographed Celebrity appeared in a few other stores! I photographs, but the school Kisses, created using lipsticks think it wasn't well-marketed! After that, the tour is likely to donated by MAC Cosmetics. continue in Asia and Australia. system felt it was better not to 2/ Is it true new producer Pat Nothing is confirmed at the time take students to the exhibit," said Leonard has no interest in Elton's of going to press, but we will Cobb schools spokesman Jay TV GUIDE NOMINATIONS current band? Is that why John bring you more news on the tour Dillon. The museum says it has Jorgenson left the band? schedule as soon as possible. (See had no complaints about the TV Guide on January 29, 3/ Thirdly, no grumbles: just tour Dates on page 27). If you display. announced the finalists for its wanted to thank Hercules for the have access to e-mail, and to third annual awards based on 30 Raby Castle ticket I bought last million reader votes. The winners ensure you don't miss out on the ELTON’S TV BLUNDER year. I know that few members hot news, make sure to sign up will be announced at a Los took up the offer on that for our free Hercules eNewsletter! Angeles gala on March 7. Elton’s particular venue, most choosing has apologised One Night Only - Greatest Hits for an on-air gaffe by Elton, Live is in the running for "Music more southern based shows in "...IF IT KILLS !" according to the Isle of Man Special of the Year". 2000. But I had a ball! I rushed newspaper, February 10. Elton up to Elton, and he signed my Elton performed his first show claimed during the final edition of copy of Road to Eldorado. Been LEGENDARY COVERS of the New Year with a reduced UK’s Channel 4 TFI Friday, a fan for nearly 30 years. It was band and bad voice at Blaisdell broadcast on December 22, that But before we despair, here are a few sobering contractual the first time I had anything The Big Eye label released a signed by Elton! Thank you so Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, on homosexuality is still illegal on "new" CD with Elton singing 16 things to bear in mind. January 12. Elton said, "My much Hercules! the Island. He joked about it and cover songs from the "Top of the In April 1992 Elton and Bernie signed agreement with management company screwed told millions of British viewers he Pops" (1969 - 1970) era, on Polygram (as was) to commit to 6 , and this was followed Nigel Coleman, UK up so our equipment did not wouldn’t be going to the island February 13. It includes tracks in Nov. 1992 with a record-breaking advance of £26m from US arrive until today, so we on holiday. Island viewers were such as Natural Sinner, Spirit In publishers Warner/Chappell Music contingent upon making those rehearsed all day!". He outraged because his claim was The Sky, Signed Sealed Delivered, Dear Hercules, six more albums. The loan was to be deducted from royalties apologised for his voice being inaccurate. Elton’s agent Paul and Yellow River. The album is ’m Jim from Austria and I’m worn out due to that day's Carey said no offence was meant similar to the already released over the next 12 years. a great fan of Elton John. It’s rehearsals. The band was down to I by the comments. Chartbusters Go Pop. That means that (even counting the June 1992 "The One" really fantastic for me, to see, six members following the push release), Elton is looking at two more studio albums, including (?) of Curt Biscquera, Billy Trudel that Nigel Olsson is back in TWO JOKING PIANO MEN the one planned for spring 2001 release, and the "One Night and John Jorgenson. Just before EASIER TO WALK AWAY Elton' s band. Only" release, but excluding the various soundtrack work which I I love his playing style and I Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Elton and Billy Joel skipped the Word Elton said: "This should be Elton and Billy Joel appeared guess doesn't count. If it does, then the only things keeping Elton think, Nigel and his drum- on Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" intermission at the fourth show of from retirement are the lingering concerns about his cash:asset playing makes Elton’s interesting as well". When he got their Face to Face Tour 2001 in to the final line he sang 'Sorry (NBC) on February 7, during their ratio following his loan in 1999. And good health - which we all compositions unbelievable. Portland, OR, on January 26. But Listen to "Troubadour Club 1970" seems to be the ...' stopped, then USA Face to Face tour. As Jay they didn't skip the fun: Elton wish him in abundance, although that pacemaker needs a risky sang the line again in a lower Leno introduced the two, Billy laughed his way through You new battery every 10 years. I guess we should still see Elton on - unbelievable. register. Elton apologised many wheeled Elton out in a Maybe Right when he first looked the road until he is 60! Hope to see Nigel in Elton's times for his bad voice. His wheelchair, due to a sprained calf up to Billy who had borrowed a band as long as I'm living. speaking voice was even worse Elton got from playing tennis. giant pair of glasses from the A. Spriggs, UK Jump up and best wishes than his singing voice. About Elton and Billy performed audience. And during Piano Man Jim, Austria midway he said "I will get Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and it was Elton's turn to distract Billy through this if it kills me!". Piano Man. by acting like he is a puppeteer!

4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 25 Listen & Save...

DIGITAL SHEET MUSIC CATALOGUEELTON JOHN DAY ON ANYONE FOR TENNIS? ...on John Jorgenson’s Musicnotes.com, an RAINBOWNETWORK.COM The Eighth Annual DuPont interactive online sheet music World Team Tennis All-Star store featuring 10,000 digital RainbowNetwork.com saluted Smash Hits, hosted by Elton and New Album titles, has acquired the digital the talents of Elton on Friday Billie Jean King, took place at the rights from Warner Bros January 26. They had a Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA, on Publishing to an extensive competition to win a Versace December 14. The event raised n celebration of John Jorgenson's appearance at the Hercules selection of songs by Elton. three-quarter length coat - "I approximately $500,000, with Musicnotes.com is currently IElton/Lennon Weekend March 24, 2001, John's European record hope you have as much fun $172,500 coming from the label Assassination Music, is kindly making a special offer to featuring 26 different Elton John wearing it as I had," Elton passed classics including Goodbye auction before the event. The Hercules members on the breakthrough album, Emotional Savant. on to the prospective winner. money goes to the Elton John Until the end of March 2001, you can order John Jorgenson's latest Yellow Brick Road, Daniel, , Candle in Aids Foundation and AID album for just £11.99 - direct from the . That price Atlanta. "We've always wanted to includes postage and packing and is also below the recommended the Wind, and . COLLECTIVE SOUL AND More songs will be added to the bring the event here because I retail price of £12.99. site in the near future. ELTON SINGLE reside here and it's a great tennis town," Elton said. "I'm psyched Emotional Savant is available from: Perfect Day, the strikingly TINA STILL THE BEST FOR ELTON? we're here because I love this soulful duet between bandleader town." Assassination Music Promotions Ltd Ed Roland and Elton, will be It is (just) possible singers Tina Tudor House released as the second single Pinstone Way Turner and Elton will bury the ELTON'S CHAT SHOW DEBUT hatchet of their infamous 1999 from Collective Soul's album Gerrards Cross bust-up. Following news on Blender. Bucks Elton was a huge success as December 30, when Tina told he hosted the final ever episode SL9 7BJ fans during her European Tour United Kingdom EJ CHAT SHOW? of UK Channel 4’s TFI Friday, on that she's quitting tours this year, December 22nd. During the her spokesman said: "Tina might Elton could be set to front his Sterling cheques, sterling postal orders, or bankers' drafts only, hour-long show, EJ was in a great still do the odd gig for the own chat show, according to payable to "Assassination Music Promotions Ltd". mood as he joked and chatted to rainforests or an Elton John Aids Peoplenews, January 8. He has No credit cards or Eurocheques for this offer. Offer closes March gig, which she has done in the guests, including Victoria been approached by Britain's 31, 2001. past, if she is asked." Beckham (Posh Spice), and John will also be available to sign copies of his album at the Channel 4 Television to host a comedian Graham Norton. The Hercules Convention, Cavern Club, Liverpool, England, on March 24. similar series to TFI Friday. The show attracted 2.3 million WHITE MILK, WHITE POWDER?new show would be aired at 6 viewers, compared to the show pm on Fridays - the same time ... your Elton has shaken the British just 2 weeks earlier (hosted by milk marketing people, by saying slot as TFI. Regular readers of Donna Air and Fun Lovin' no to backing British milk. He’s The Mag will know that these Criminals frontman Huey), which backing US milk instead. A rumours have surfaced before, only pulled in one million chanceJohn Jorgensonto Competition but have, so far, come to nothing. viewers. council source said last night: ercules is delighted to give you the chance to "Elton is an English superstar - not an American one. We tried to WHITE LADY, WHITE POWDERTHE TIES THAT BIND win the Hwin an autographed copy of John Jorgenson’s lure him twice to appear in the White Stuff campaign, but he The February 2001 edition of Elton spent £7,500 on superb debut solo album, Emotional Savant. said no. You can imagine our Britain’s Q Magazine has a neckties in a matter of minutes As we all know, John is a talented musician. To have surprise when we then saw him special report on the artists, Album promoting milk in America." for charity on December 20, your chance of winning, send us a list of all the Marketing manager Andrew including Elton, who fell victim 2000. The marathon spend had instruments John can play. Ovens said: "It's a shame. We to hard drugs. The two anecdotes Elton buying 30 designer ties, at would still like to work with cited are when in summer 1975, £250 each. was by The longest list of correct answers wins. In the event Elton and are looking into further Elton swallowed a bottle of his side. The ties were sold to of a tie the winning entry will be drawn from a hat. scripts." Elton appears on Valium tablets, and leapt into the raise cash for Unicef Gallery boss billboards across America with a outdoor swimming pool and art dealer Kapil Jariwala said: Answers to the Editor at the address on page 2 or milky moustache next to the screaming he was going to die. "He was in for about 20 minutes by e-mail to [email protected]. slogan "I'm Still Standing". He The other tale was when on his and he was absolutely fantastic, Closing date 15th April. will be donating his fee for the wedding night February 14, totally positive about the whole ad to the Elton John Aids 1984, Elton took four grammes of thing. I asked if they were all Foundation. Cocaine to help him make it going to be used and he said through the night! 'yes'."

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 5 DM: That was the best interview hairstyle, big glasses and chubby DM: I think for the few years I I have seen him give, and he build, eating chocolate all the knew Reg, we were. Every came over like a nice, ordinary time. He didn’t talk about either Saturday we were together. How bloke, natural and even caught sex really. And his name was close are friends at that age? Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline out Parky on a few occasions. totally out of fashion even then. I Sadly, we didn’t take photos. The Some of the earlier interviews, knew no one else with that only time I got close again was SONG FOR NOBODY?! PHILADELPHIA FREEDOMOUT OF THE CLOSET III when he was taking drugs, he name. Kids can be cruel. But I around 1974. I was working for looked uneasy, and putting on a wasn’t aware of him getting P&O Ferries in the City of Reports in the British press on Out of the Closet III, the shop Elton will christen the performance. bullied for his name. And neither London. One of the secretaries, December 20 stated that that was only open for three and Philadelphia's new performing of us had nicknames. Jean Tomlin, was a devoted fan, Madonna had asked Elton to play arts centre more than two a half days raised a total of GM: No brothers or sisters. Was and a West Ham supporter, as a tribute to her decades after he had a hit with £428,000 for the Elton John Aids he shy? GM: How about the name to going to a benefit night at West groom, British film director Guy the song Philadelphia Freedom. Foundation. More than 15,000 become: Elton John? Ham, and Elton was going to be Ritchie, at their wedding at He will perform at the opening of items belonging to Elton and DM: Very shy. All the more there. I don’t follow football. I 's Skibo Castle on the Kimmel Centre for the David Furnish went on sale at a December 22, 2000. However, store in London's New Bond surprising that without much DM: I had a friend from school. said to her: ‘I was a good friend Elton put the record straight on Performing Arts in December Street in December. "Out of the 2001 and will be joined by Bill prompting from my parents, he When I came back from of Elton as teenagers. If you don’t TFI Friday, which was aired on Closet III" was the most would go into performer mode. university, he said: ‘have you believe go up to him and say the day of the wedding, saying Cosby, Wynton Marsalis, the successful of all the clothes sales Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra heard that song Dick Morgan sends his regards.’ that not only had he not been so far, beating the previous GM: Music was a form of by Elton John?’ I said yes. He She agreed to do that. She was a asked to play the song, but that and the Philadelphia Orchestra. record of £330,000. Elton said: he hadn’t even been invited to "It's brilliant that the shop raised escapism from unhappiness over said: ‘have you heard Your lovely girl, maybe I had an his father, later becoming a way Song?’ I said yes. He said: ‘do ulterior motive! Ha! And I wasn’t the wedding! ONE NIGHT ONLY over £428,000 in less than four days trading and we still have the of life, and he was destined to you know who Elton John is?’ I single by then! She came into play. said no. He said it’s Reggie the office next day, absolutely NEW ALBUM IN HELLO MAGAZINE sale of my Grand Piano featured in the store to come in the Dwight! I said: ‘bollocks! That speechless! Apparently Elton At the time of going to press, The December 19 edition of spring." (Read Mark Giles’ report DM: When I lost contact with can’t be right’. He challenged asked how was I doing? there is still no official release UK magazine Hello, featured a on page 17) Reg, when he worked at music me to go and check the album date for Elton’s new album, free VHS video on the making of publishers [Mills], I’d heard he sleeve, so I rushed to a record Special thanks to Dick which he was working on in the One Night Only. The video, SHE’LL HAVE TO GO! was in the mailroom, desperate shop. I looked at the cover and Morgan. The series continues on studio at the end of last year. which runs for 27 minutes, to get into the music business. was gobsmacked! the Hercules website, with a Latest indications are that the features interviews with Elton and During UK’s Channel 4 He was very interested in pop second article to appear around album will be released worldwide all the One Night Only guests, Television quiz show Fifteen-to- music, but I don’t remember him GM: Would you have called March 25, Elton’s birthday, and in the summer of 2001. plus unique behind-the-scenes One in January, the very first ever saying he wanted to be a yourselves close friends? in the fanzine in June 2001. coverage. (Hercules regrets we question was: 'Which honky tonk pop star. ELTON AT BRITISH COMEDYare unable AWARDS to supply copies of pianist, who had a string of hits over 40 years and was much this video). GM: When did you last see him? The loved by the Queen Mother, died show was rounded off with a last month?' The answer was Russ HEY HEY JOHNNY Conway. The elderly contestant DM: Just before university, to duet between comedy character read Navel Architecture, summer Alan Partridge and Elton. The answered: 'ELTON JOHN'! idol pair sang Don't Go Breaking My Elton performed a very of 1965. He went to the sixth Heart while making jokes at each emotional version of Empty ELTON SINGS BACKING VOCALSform for one year, and then left other’s expense. Afterwards Elton Garden in Macon, GA on school for Mills. Metroland in said it had been a lot of fun December 8, and received a 2-3 British recording artist Mal London is vast, and it’s easy to working with Partridge - who is minute standing ovation. He Pope's CD Golden Days 21st lose touch with people. I saw played by - and introduced it as the song he Century Remix features two him at one or two parties. He said he would think about him wrote for his dear friend John songs with Elton on backing had a friend who was a girl, as when he got home that night Lennon who was killed twenty vocals (If I Wasn't There and opposed to a girlfriend. Can’t before he went to sleep. years ago that day - telling he How It ). remember her name, I’m sure he would never forget when he does! I went to a flat party, and ELTON IN PARIS MATCH learned of Lennon's death while SOLO TOUR IN THE USA saw the pair of them. They were on a plane flight in Australia. real friends and hanged around The French magazine Paris Shortly after finishing the together. After we both left the Match (issue of December 21, European leg of his Solo Tour AT LAST! Royal Academy, I had in any 2000) featured an eight page Elton went back to the USA for a case only seen him sporadically. article titled "The new drug of few more solo shows. He kicked Elton John: Photography". Elton "Finally I've made it to off in Bossier City, LA, on talks about his passion for Johnson City," were Elton's first December 2, 2000. The set list of GM: In adolescence, did he ever photography and says: "During 20 words after he entered the stage these US shows was exactly the talk about girls? years, I have been photographed at Freedom Hall in Johnson City, same as during the final shows of all the time, and I hated that. Now TN, on December 5, 2000. The the European leg, however, DM: No, not really. He was I can accept being photographed show had been postponed from American Triangle made it back rather shy and had this awful by Reggie Zippo even without make-up." April last year. into the show.

6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 23 had a grand pianola, and he GM: He’s always been close to DM: It was the only time I saw used to visit on his way home his mother Sheila. Elton tried to him go shopping, but he was and play. bury a long-standing dispute definitely revelling in it! Whether LAST STAND IN OPEN COUNTRY with his father, just before he it was because he was getting By George Matlock GM: What songs did he play? died in 1993. Did he ever talk money out of his father, who about his real father? knows? It was again a contrast. DM: He used to play a Floyd My father didn’t have accounts Cramer song Last Date, and DM: I was aware Fred was his at clothiers, and I would not taught me to play it – badly, very stepfather. The only time I have been sent to buy badly! It fascinated me, this remember Reg talking about his gentlemen’s clothes. Country and Western song. He father [Stanley Dwight] was did it pretty slick. He also did a when we went on a hilarious GM: And Reg was deciding what wonderful Semprini to buy, style and colour? impersonation, playing his music shopping expedition, to the tailors Hornes, in The Strand, and talking in a fake Italian DM: Yes. These were amazing London. His father had an Semprini voice. There used to be clothes. We weren’t flamboyant account there. His father said he a radio programme called at that time. Soon after we both would buy Reg some clothes. Semprini Serenade, particularly got into flared trousers! We had awful! Each song would be Instead of going together, his both been conservative dressers introduced by this guy with an father said Reg could go into the up to that point. But he was Italian accent. Reg also used to store and buy them on this definitely starting to go for more play Side Saddle, turning to give father’s account. Reg asked me: unusual clothes. And he was a this wonderful Russ Conway leer. ‘You wanna come?’ I said: total chocoholic. He used to Conway used to turn to the ‘Absolutely!’. I phoned my consume a mind-boggling audience and give this gap- parents to say I’d be delayed amount of chocolate. We used to toothed grin (much like Elton), coming home. This was a stop at the kiosk on Baker Street, really awful! It’s sad that I just Saturday lunchtime. We were London. I would say ‘you can’t read about Russ’s death the other In Happier times: after 1993 Bulimia court victory. Clockwise: Elton, Frank Presland, Reid about 14 years old. He went in possibly eat all that!’ But he day. Reg used to bounce around store and identified himself, and would! A Mars bar, and as he played. ELTON’S MISSING MILLIONS BRITISH HIGH COURT ACTION ABOUT it was ‘yes Mr Dwight, no Mr something else, and something Dwight, three bags full Mr else, just gone like that! OVERSEAS TOURING COSTS CLOSED FEB. 1, AND THE LIKELY VERDICT GM: Did you get the impression Reg was going to be a top star, Dwight’. It was such an off-the- WAS ON KNIFE EDGE. GM: Chocolate is supposed to or did you think that despite his wall experience I will remember suppress depression. Was there t the end of the hearing, Mr appear for PwC after the relationship with his boss abilities, he would end up doing it forever! He had a card they any innate depression, given the Justice Ferris reserved his accountants promised not to sue crumbled after the publication something else? hand you in the store. And he A just bought stuff and put it on the unhappiness surrounding his real decision, not expected for him if they lost the case to of the figures in 1998, the court several weeks, and had not Elton, 53. heard. DM: I remember being in some counter. He bought a fairly father? adjudicated as Hercules went Elton alleges Haydon was "He was incandescent with awe, and depressed! I wasn’t a outrageous pair of pyjamas. And to press. negligent in allowing JRE to rage and he believed that musician of that calibre. He then a pair of stretched trousers, DM: He was light-hearted, and But not before John Reid, the charge him most tour expenses. someone from John Reid took great delight in something I’d never seen before. good company. My father had equally flamboyant former Elton Elton’s case is that the "several Enterprises had sold that entertaining my parents. In We were in hysterics. I had my strong opinions, like all people manager, had his stand in court. millions" which he paid out in information to the newspapers contrast, I hated entertaining, of that generation. But apart from violin case and music case, and Mr Reid spoke of Elton’s touring expenses should have and told me in no uncertain although I did play many being smacked when naughty, I he had his music case, and we "incandescence" over media been borne by JRE under a terms to find out how it years later in clubs. I hated came from a happy family. Had were walking about this place leaks, and of the snub over the revised and agreed management happened", explained Mr Reid. performing at Christmas, you there been any problems in his like a pair of Middle Eastern ceremony which made Elton a agreement. PwC are accused by Mr Reid hit back in court, can imagine, as did my brother family, I would have Bedouins. "Sir". Elton of negligence in managing after sitting through Elton’s own and sister. I couldn’t understand remembered it. But he did seem Mr Reid was giving evidence his affairs. Both defendants are evidence on Nov. 16, when why Reg loved it so much. a bit different. He didn’t talk GM: And did he buy anything about his stint in the Northwood at London’s High Court on Dec. contesting vigorously. The case, Elton had accused Mr Reid of which began Oct. 30, was dishonesty and betrayal, citing for you, or was it before he Hills pub – I found out after the 4, the 20th day of Elton’s GM: Did you meet his parents? expected to last eight weeks but that Mr Reid was somebody he became generous, ha? event. He was very modest missing millions case brought against John Reid Enterprises’ overran. trusted, but that he’d been DM: No. Although he used to about his musical ability. DM: No Cartier watch for me! (JRE) former managing director, Describing relations with "caught with his hands in the talk about them endlessly. Well, Andrew Haydon, and the Elton, Mr Reid said Elton till." Elton was not in court to We were going to go home GM: Even now, he’s very modest about his mother at least. And rockstar’s former accountants exploded with rage when The hear Mr Reid’s riposte. when he suggested the shopping about his achievements when this guy Fred [Fairbrother, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Mirror newspaper published a "It wasn’t until afterwards diversion. you see him in TV chat stepfather] or "Derf" as he used Mr Reid, 51, who previously letter from PwC exposing the that we discovered it had been to call him. He was a window interviews, such as the recent singer’s spending exploits and Benjamin Pell, who claims to GM: Was his shopoholicalism settled with Elton in a cleaner as I recall. He spoke a BBC Parkinson show. reportedly £3.4m out of court warning him to cut back. Mr have gotten the letter from the evident even then? lot about both of them. deal, told the court he agreed to Reid’s personal and professional rubbish bins," he said. Later, Mr

22 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 7 Reid detailed how Elton had terms for JRE in 1984, Mr Reid JUST FOR FUN book Elton, middle-class snubbed him by refusing him an said Elton had countless heated respectable, then things let go in invitation to his investiture at meetings with Mr Reid as they LYRIC QUIZ the mid-1960s. After my audition Buckingham Palace. thrashed out a new on the third attempt, the college Mr Reid said in February management agreement. Have a go at our popular lyric quiz. principal, Terrence Lovett, 1998 he was on the same flight The pair, who were lovers We give you a line - see if you can name the song!(Answers on page 27) invited students and parents to a to Britain from Los Angeles as from 1970-75, also rowed over hall and said: ‘Any of you who Elton, who was travelling to the who was to pay for hiring tour 1 And check out the show have ideas about being a Palace to be knighted. Mr Reid promoters. twice nightly professional musician, forget it. was returning to London to But several news reports in Oh, ‘cause I’m on the stage It’s a hard life, pays badly.’ A attend his mother’s funeral. December vainly pointed to a tonight clever bit of psychology. He "He didn’t invite me to go victory for Elton: Reportedly, knew that some would become with him, which upset me," Mr Andrew Haydon’s barrister 2 And from those agile angels musicians, whatever. He was Reid complained. Andrew Fletcher told the court We knew the tide was dispelling the myths. One of our Although he later learnt of Mr Reid had eventually backed turning contemporaries was pop fanatic Pell’s claims in down and agreed to pay for tour percussionist Tristan Fry who court, Elton already began to promoters, although he had no 3 Cryin’s not a bad thing later played with John Williams lose faith in Mr Reid. recollection of it. It remains an And worrying no sin in famous band Sky. We were After the knighthood issue whether that was then discouraged, and only if ceremony, the gulf between the written into the contract, but 4 I stuttered out my answer motivation is there you’d do two men continued to widen certainly undermines much of and hung what Reg did. even as Elton began a tour of JRE’s protests about tour My head in shame Australia with Billy Joel. Mr expense liability. But Elton’s Six year old Dick plays violin by the piano Reg used to play when visiting GM: You were a near neighbour? Reid told the court: "Things by dispute includes producers, 5 When your back’s against this time were really frosty and I accountants, and other tour the wall fearsome woman called Amy something about the choir! I’d had heard that Elton had been costs - not just promoters. Mr DM: Yes, but I knew Reg from And darlin’ then I’ll just Neame, then an hour on the been a church chorister. But with the commuting. I’d probably asking if people thought I was Reid’s lack of memory may also pretend fiddle with a student teacher, a a string instrument, I was in the dishonest. help Elton – as the onus is on recognised him from the compulsory piano hour, an hour orchestra, not choir. canteen. We tended to get on Mr Reid added: "So I went to the defendants to disprove 6 They’d turn a full-blooded of orchestra and an hour of the same train going home. Then his suite and asked him ... He Elton’s claims, not for Elton to city boy theory. There was also a choir. GM: Did he complain about the I discovered he lived two miles said no, he didn’t think I was prove them. Into a full-blooded city man lessons? dishonest, but he was Earlier in the day, Mr Reid away and went to the school GM: What was your chosen only half a mile away from me, concerned about where all his admitted under fierce 7 Oh I’ve had me fill of instrument? DM: Only that the teachers were money was going and he had questioning he had difficulty cocaine and pills Pinner County Grammar. I lived despairing of him, that he in West Avenue. appointed KPMG to do an remembering details of his For I lie in the light of the DM: Violin. And Elton was wanted to rock ‘n’ roll, and play audit. I told him I was pleased management agreements at that Lord piano. As I recall, he was very jazz. They didn’t think he took it he was doing that and if there time because he had "serious" GM: Turns out you passed a highly-qualified before he got seriously. That struck a chord chance to see Bluesology. was any discrepancy in our drug and booze problems. Elton 8How I’ve struggled for my there. I went in at Grade 4 level, with me. My father was like that conduct, I was responsible - and Mr Reid had helped each money and then did Grade 5 and 6 – his piano teacher refused to DM: I went onto University in because I was responsible for other through addiction to these Sweated blood to get us by while there, but didn’t cover teach dad because once he got a the company." vices. He also accepted he was Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1965, myself in glory! Elton had Grade piece of music in his ear, he Mr Reid explained that he often "volatile", "foul-mouthed", and remember in my second 9 Long-haired ladies well they 8 piano before he got there. We would close the music book and had made arrangements to fly had in the past been violent and year there Bluesology appearing look so fine, weren’t in the same classroom. play from memory. That was back to the UK that day (March was "keen on money". Locked in my cellar full of at a club in the Haymarket, He would have been considered wrong. 18, 1998). "That was the last Nevertheless, under cross- cheap red wine Newcastle. I was tempted to go time I spoke to him and the last examination from Elton’s QC, an outstanding student, but to the show, but something else perhaps motivated in a direction GM: To confuse a title, he was a time I saw him," Mr Reid said. Gordon Pollock, Mr Reid 10 It takes two to execute came up. Much to my regret. It’s Around the time of Hercules’ contradicted Elton’s earlier One to leave with other than the one they hoped uniformed rebel! Did you wear funny how you look at things so 10th birthday on May 10, 1998, evidence, insisting they had an innocence and one to live for. uniforms at the Royal Academy? differently now. Elton and Mr Reid parted agreement that tour expenses with guilt company with a £5m severance would always be paid by Elton, GM: Because it classical music, DM: No. A sweater, casual. But GM: Back to Royal Academy. agreement. Since then Mr Reid leaving the verdict on knife 11 You went from lamé suits rather than rock-pop? he was formally dressed. Used to has disposed of three of his edge. right down to tennis shoes wear a jacket. I think I did too, DM: Reg was the only real friend properties in St John’s Wood, Further detail on this case is To peanuts from the lion’s DM: Yes, it was a total classical and Cavalry-twilled trousers! I had there. We had very little London, New York and St. contained on page 4 of share musical place. I’m sure it’s less And we both wore Suede shoes. time between classes. The only Tropez for almost £10m in total. Hercules 52 (Dec. 2000) narrow-minded place now. I It was the youth club culture. time you made friends was on Contradicting Elton’s genteel 12 I’d rather have ham in my think he started there in 1960 as Then The Beatles turned it the trains. He would come to version of the St. Tropez sandwich than cheese well. They got him into the upside down. In 1961-63 it was our house sometimes and meeting at which Elton agreed But complaining wouldn’t choir, much to his disgust! He still a phoney war! Metroland entertain my parents with piano more generous remuneration do any good liked singing, so I think it was was like in Philip Norman’s solos, much to their delight. We

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 21 SCHOOL Front Row Seats?! Here’s the secret…

After embarking on the first leg of the Face to Face tour, Billy REPORT: Joel had some interesting things to say about ticket allocation in a recent interview….. Teenage Idol QUESTION Do you meet a lot of women when you're on the road? As part of our elshman Dick Morgan may celebration of Elton’s Whave known the father of ANSWER birthday, his schoolmate new talent David Gray (oft You know, we have a policy: We don't sell the first couple Dick Morgan recounts to described as a modern-day Elton of rows of our shows. I got really sick and tired of the George Matlock "when John with his pioneering White scalpers always getting the best tickets and selling to the Ladder album and facial we were young, and appearance), but he has a fat cats who pay stupid money, sit in the front row with simply childish". First of greater story to share. Dick was their gold chains and wives with beehive hairdos. They new series. born in Pinner, Middlesex, in don't move because they paid a thousand dollars, so they the vicinity of Elton, and now just sit there like an oil painting. So we hold the tickets for lives in his own father’s west the front rows, and we give the tickets to the roadies, who . He’s hoping to get a Dick aged 19 chance to meet Elton backstage, go to the worst seats in the house and give those people having seen the piano maestro the front-row seats. Now, most of the roadies are guys, so at Margam Park, South Wales, who do you think most of those tickets go to? Cute girls. last June. So we're looking down, and we're seeing all these cute George Matlock: What did you girls jumping up and down. It turns the show into a whole think of the show? new dynamic. It's like sex.

Dick Morgan: It was amazing. QUESTION I’m not ashamed, but I had never Dick in 1988 seen Elton in concert until then How does Elton John feel about this policy? for a variety of circumstances. around London the scholarships Never got it together. My sister were offered to study music on ANSWER has always been a great Elton Saturday mornings, in school When we started touring with Elton, we explained this to fan. She’s been to at least one term time. I actually got a place him, and he thought it was a great idea. One night I saw a concert from each tour he’s on the third attempt. Kids done. Staging was superb. It was travelled in from all around little lightbulb go off over his head. The next night, in all the first time on the UK Tour it London and converged on the the seats in front of him were these good- looking young hadn’t rained! I also went with Royal Academy of Music in guys. And his show got better. my brother to the Highclere Marylebone Road. We studied Castle show, and with my sister 9am to 2pm. to Hylands House. QUESTION GM: What age would that be? So you might both be married again by the end of GM: So, take us back to the this tour. early years. How did you first DM: It varied. I was 13, in 1960, meet Elton? and Elton is the same age as me, I was born the end of January ANSWER DM: On a (subway) tube train! 1947. We were both aged 13 to I doubt it, but I never say never. We were both Junior 16. You studied the instrument Exhibitioner Scholars, as it was from your application, and then called in those days. For all kids other subjects. So I had an hour in the Home Counties area on violin with my professor, a

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 9 one day Nigel Olsson Talks to George Matlock about the John" on the piano’s interior. It was from this piano where he past year of meteoric had conducted that morning’s achievement, from TV interviews, so I was really California, pleased when a lovely assistant offered to take my photograph January 5, 2001 line from that song. I bought whilst I "played" it. at a time Rocket Man and The Last Song but I wished I could have Having spent around an hour early 14 months ago, afforded the set. in the shop, I left with my NNigel gave me the have already been well purchases. A Versace jacket and pleasure of his first, extended More expensive items pair of trousers, a pair of documented, Versace shirts, including a Medussa jacket, a interview for Hercules. He was jackets, trousers, Gucci shoes shoes(bargain at £40) and the living on the fast-track with his rack of stage clothes, a large two ties. I’d definitely parted beloved BMW and Ferrari racing but at an estimated 10% of the print of (sold for original cost, and the varying with more money than I cars, and was in a reflective £2,800) the oriental style intended, but at least I knew it mood about his musical past in sizes (due to Elton's weight electric blue and purple coat would all go to a good cause. The Elton John Band. changes and reluctance to try and jump suit from the 1986 Little did either of us know, anything on before buying it) But that was nothing compared Tour was priced at £25,000 and to Sharon’s large boxful of that the year ahead would be there was something for the red boiler suit ,as seen on back in the fast lane, passing a everyone. Waistcoats, belts, goodies, George being her the One Night Only CD had a knight in shining armour in green light on the road to El baseball caps, jumpers and some price of £1,200. Dorado, and a few milestones en tour t-shirts were on offer. helping her load up the awaiting route. In March 2000 Nigel was Christmas decorations, taxi. It was no surprise that the backing vocalist for Elton’s At the back of the shop was Closet sold out in 3 _ days ornaments and EJAF candles another room, decorated with a soundtrack to The Road to El along with a large round table of raising £425,000! Dorado. In October, he was ceiling high Christmas tree, and EJAF ties could also be contained Elton's grand piano with Elton at the historic purchased. At £10 ,these ties A great day out…well worth Madison Square Gardens which he’d bought in 1974, and the early start and having to down the street, better area. whether I would like to work were great value. Each design was now up for auction. Earlier Greatest Hits Live recording with Elton’s new drummer Curt was on the theme on an Elton dodge the rain. One Night Only. And now, in the day he’d signed "Enjoy GM: It’s been an amazing year Bisquera, on the recording for song, showing the title and a packing his bags to join Elton’s for you Nigel. Let’s start with the the Madison (MSG) gig. I said this as much as I have Elton US tour, with the first of two official recognition you bestowed yes. I thought it would be a one- nights in Hawaii, on January 10. upon your own fan club run by off. Then Davey told me: "Elton And then there are Nigel’s Noreen and Brooke. wants you back!" So here I am. other projects, such as a solo BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 album out in February. NO: They did great work putting GM: Let’s go back to February, it all together. I didn’t know when we detected the first thaw GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!! George Matlock: Let’s start with anything about it until two years in the air. You were assigned to the obvious. So how are you? ago when a friend of mine said the El Dorado project. How did "You know, you have a fan site." that happen? Nigel Olsson: I’m nuts! The My friend got in touch, and it (solo) album was mastered grew from there. We are looking NO: Davey called me and said yesterday, artwork was done lton and renate married just id you know that the lton’s London house to launch a merchandise section that the producer, Pat Leonard, before he was due to start a ‘’ single was ‘Queensdale’ used to be a today, and I’m leaving next week on the website soon. wanted to recreate some of the E D E for the (Elton) tour, and I’m also old sound which we made for world tour. Their honeymoon released on St. Valentines day cardboard-box factory before it moving house. GM: We have enjoyed cross- Elton in the 1970s, and would I was delayed until August, six (14 Feb 1985) - also Elton’s first was transformed into a promoting the two fan clubs in come in? Although I was not GM: What again? [Nigel already months after they were married.wedding anniversary. Scandinavian inspired space by the past year! And now you are back as drummer, I really liked interior designers Andrew moved once in early 2000!] back in the Elton John Band. that album. Protheroe and Andrew Cooper- How does it feel to be back? lton filmed the video for NO: I have to keep out of the GM: When you came back for El Grig. way of all these people who NO: Fantastic. It hasn’t sunk in Dorado, did you sense things E‘Passengers’ in St. Tropez come looking for me ha, ha! I’m yet. contacted had changed, or was this just a (France) during his honeymoon. staying in the area, just moving me in the summer and asked session?

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 19 Out of The Closet... the first day (continued) On what was to be a morning …(with love, David Furnish). It concept to Elton? experimentation with those of changeable weather our first was the first time I’d spoken to NO: I thought it was just a one- classic old songs, rather than a impression was that this shop David and I was really impressed off thing. Especially, since Elton NO: It’s been put to him a studio that had been opened up would be much larger than the with his amicable nature. David was touring only solo. I thought couple of times. I think when we to an audience. previous two. It wasn’t long then joined Elton in entertaining the band was finished. Once I go on the tour it will be before there was frantic activity their guests inside, probably the got to MSG, I realised from the mentioned again. I’m hoping. NO: I thought it was a great set. around the area with the erection most well known being audience that they were hungry Since we’re all on the road, it And having Kiki there was of barriers, staff arriving and supermodel Elle Macpherson for the band sound to be back. would be a good way to return brilliant. The venue was to those ways. What’s more trembling from the crowds. And I workmen surrounding the main who left with a bag of goodies. GM: But El Dorado wasn’t the (producer) has said had not performed at MSG since doors with Christmas pine, commercial success we all he’d be happy to come back on the John Lennon show in 1974. decorated with fresh apples and Whilst guests arrived and wanted. Why was that? those terms and to record using small baskets of walnuts. departed, we were treated to the real instruments rather than the GM: Kiki was an old pal of hilarious sight of Elton’s car NO: Not sure. There was at MSG synch drums of today. yours. But how was it to perform Elton and David arrived on being moved on again and again the cult following of youngsters with newer talent? Ronan time to be greeted by a large by a persistent traffic warden. A with their Lion King items, and it GM: Has it been thought about Keating, when he came on stage, press gathering. With so many game of cat and mouse resulted, was surprising that El Dorado for the album in the spring? received only the mild reception TV cameras, interviewers and despite the protests of the didn’t do the same. you might expect of an artist who photographers around (some chauffeur, with the warden NO: That I don’t know. frankly isn’t known in the US. standing on step ladders) it made hiding behind a TV van just GM: Elton seemed to put the best That’s clear on the CD sound it impossible to hear or see any waiting for the opportunity to get into the album artistically, but GM: What were your thoughts too! How did it feel to work with of the brief opening ceremony. At his victim. He was unsuccessful. perhaps it was another example about the MSG gig? Most of the artists that your son had grown this stage they heavily of record company marketing. songs were recreated similarly to up with? 1 the 1970s sound, which probably outnumbered the fans. After Elton After around 1 ⁄2 hours inside, cut the ribbon and spoke briefly Elton and David emerged from NO: Somebody dropped the ball endeared you as you could NO: Ronan did very well. He somewhere, for sure. But while recreate your special style of was very nervous. to the press, he quickly retreated the shop to cut another ribbon. artistically it is great, what I drumming. But fans wanted more into the shop followed by the TV Elton quickly signed a couple of Just after midday GM: Elton introduced an crews. David remained outside items (including Tony’s unknown quantity when talking to other media. Slowly programme) and after saying that opened for the public. A bigger shop meant that 60 at a time Anastacia came on stage. I had the area began to clear and we he had to catch a plane for the never heard of her, and if I’m decided to leave our position U.S. and that his tour was going were allowed in, and unlike previous shops, no time limit for critical her voice sounds like a behind the barriers and stood as very well ,they were driven fire siren! How did she end up near to the main doors as away. browsing, enabling a more on stage? possible. relaxed atmosphere and the Having now decided to rejoin chance to take photos. My first NO: I had never heard of her, Eventually we were rewarded the queue it was good to be impression, with the light unlike my son! It was actually when all media was satisfied we joined by other Hercules coloured walls, wooden floor, only a few days before the shows approached David. He seemed members including, George tasteful Christmas décor and that the band learnt who the only too pleased to sign firstly Matlock, Andy Thorpe, and, right helpful and friendly assistants, guests were going to be. The Tony’s 1977 Tour programme and at the front from the U.S., was that this would be a "classy" only one whom we knew for then my "One Night Only" CD Sharon Kalinoski. charity shop. Many of the items sure would be there was Kiki. GM: There was you and Curt Bisquera on stage. Who was the BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 lead drummer? would really like is for the band to take a month off, and go to a ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND studio away from the crowds and grow up with the songs, like we used to do on the early albums. lton’s first live performnance n June 1969 Elton sang the lton’s first UK tour started in GM: But is that practical in modern times? Wouldn’t it be Eafter his throat operation in Isong ‘From denver to LA’ on EJanuary 1971 in Birmingham. impossible to get everyone to January 1987 was an AIDS the soundtrack of the Michael make the time commitment? benefit show in London in AprilWinner film ‘The Games’. The id you know Elton was NO: You could do it if there was - only four months after track was later released as a refused admission to surgery. single in the US in 1970, D enough advance warning. And Disneyland because he had Davey would like to do that too. subsequently to be withdrawn. patches on his jeans. (October Copies of the single are very 1991) GM: Well as band manager rare and collectable. Davey carries a lot of authority here. So will Davey put this

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 11 NO: We both were! We’d met on announced! There are four or the El Dorado recording, and got five songs I sing. NO: Lyrically, yes! It was really on really well. We didn’t want to funny how the song came to be get in each other’s way, and we GM: So what’s the album called? chosen. We were being dined by decided among us how we’d Elton at a hotel in New York after OUT OF THE CLOSET... split the repertoire of songs. NO: It will be called Nigel October’s MSG show. Davey Olsson Moves the Universe and said he remembered a song us four. From the waist upwards GM: You’re off to Hawaii on tour the artist will be called Nigel called Building A Bird. Elton said they were drawings if us on with Elton. How many gigs are Olsson’s Drum Orchestra and he "had no clue" of the song and springs like Jack-In-The-Boxes, the first day... you doing? Chorus. It is being released only asked Davey "when did I do and for some reason in Dick in Japan by a local label called that?" Davey explained the song Turpin-style clothes, ruffled short By Hercules member Mark Giles NO: Two nights in Hawaii, and 81 Records in February 2001, was never recorded, and then sleeves and collars. A lot of the then we move to to although we are looking for a asked whether we can use it. songs were jokes. The guy that team up with Billy Joel and his distributor in the US and Europe Elton replied: "If you can publishes The Beatles wants to band. We are supporting Elton as we feel it is a great album. I’m remember it, go for it!" Davey release in 1969 an album by The only, although we will jam for very, very happy with it. There had remembered the song from Claggers called…! Seemed a little some four songs at the end with are 11 songs on, and we started the sessions, and Davey made odd to us at the time. We sold a Elton and Billy. And no, I won’t by looking at 12 songs. We the call to Elton’s archivist Adrian few copies [which is a few know the song list until hours didn’t want to get through 20 Collee. It’s a great song, a big copies more than he said of The before the first show so don’t songs as it is hard to choose. ballad. Fox in an interview for Hercules ask! in July 1997!]. GM: So, the song that didn’t GM: How would you describe GM: Last year, you told me that make it? the theme and influences of the GM: I’ll look for it in the second- you’d like bigger typeset in The album? hand record stores. Mag fanzine and colour inside. NO: I Need You by The Beatles. We still haven’t achieved these There are several other cover NO: It’s uptempo, mid-tempo, CF: Ha! Stuart’s got one, but I lost aspirations, but what do you versions on the album, but I and ballads. It is Beatlesque, rock mine in the move. There were think about the fanzine? won’t tell you them as I don’t and roll, and R&B. On a couple several guest spots. Caleb played want anyone else cutting them of the songs I ripped off every a lot on there, as none of us were NO: I think it’s very well put ha! There is a cover of Goin’ fill I could remember! much good on lead guitar, and together, and very informative. I Down, the R&B song, Naked There’s also the spirit of Dee Elton’s first drummer Roger Pope, always read it. Without You, from Roachford, Murray on the album, and and Nigel Olsson played which Kiki sings, Would I Lie to indeed the album is dedicated to . That era at DJM, GM: On Elton’s next studio You Baby?, and then there are a his memory. As a big Beatles fan, which we refer to as "the gaff", album I know you haven’t any couple of Davey songs. The song I wanted Clive Franks to be was a fun time, 1967-72. details, but let’s finally talk about I wrote was Say You Feel The involved, but he was on the solo your own solo album. Same. And Elton’s former tour with Elton. Hence Guy GM: And while in England, you keyboard player Fred Mandell Babylon came in. are teaming up with another NO: We started recording on plays on Goin’ Down. chum next week? November 6, we recorded it GM: So, will you be looking to down the road at (’s GM: And what’s the artwork like? record another album? CF: That’s right. Tomorrow I studios) and the artwork was travel to Liverpool for Elton’s done today. Everybody in Elton’s NO: I wanted it to look like a NO: Oh yes! show up there, and then down to current band line-up is on the band record, as I’m terrified of Cornwall to see Joe Partridge, album! It’s reminiscent of my making it look solo. So it looks GM: And what does the year ’s guitarist, and briefly in 1970s Drum Orchestra and like a Crosby, Stills and Nash ahead hold in store? the Elton John band – for one Chorus album where I’m not album artwork, with Guy, Davey, night only! He was in Davey singing on everything. My and me on the front NO: I have no idea! One day at Johnstone’s band , who opened for Elton, and then brother Kai sings on one song, cover. There is a collage inside of a time! supported during the show. It was Ken Stacey and his girlfriend the whole band. Empire Pool, Wembley, Windy Wagner sing a duet, Kiki GM: Nigel, thanks again for your November 1977, and Elton made Dee, Gigi Worth, and a Japanese GM: And Elton’s contribution? time! one of his famous resignation 14-year-old girl with a great announcements. So his first gig NOVEMBER 29TH 2000. would not open to the public voice called "i". Then there is NO: Elton and Bernie Courtesy of Nigel Olsson's as second guitarist was his last! until midday, Elton and David also from Elton’s band John contributed a song which never personal office He’s a wonderful guy, and has a It was an early start to the Furnish were arriving at 9am to Mahon, Bob Birch, Curt and I made it to the Made In England studio. I shall see him before our play on one song, Jimmy Z, and album, Building A Bird. I’m not day, with a 5.30am train ride host a breakfast reception for Port Talbot gig [Margam Park] into London and a brisk walk to friends and supporters of the Aids Guy Babylon and Davey sure what Bernie was thinking next week. Johnstone produced it. Kathy when he wrote those lyrics! New Bond Street which saw me charity. Babylon and Guy co-wrote a Clive Live Part 4: Cage The arrive at my destination at song called Take A Chance. And GM: So it is like Solar Prestige A Songbird, the final part, in which around 7.30am. I had bought I arrived along with fellow there are a lot more to be Gammon? perfectionist Clive comments on items at both of Elton’s previous Hercules member Tony Marshall concert venues and relates times "Out of the Closet" shops in and we found ourselves at the he wanted to quit, follow on the London, but this would be the front of the queue, second only If you are interested in more information about Nigel Olsson, visit Nigel Olsson Fan Club at Hercules website in March, and http://angelfire.com/ca/nigelfanclub">http://angelfire.com/ca/nigelfanclub first time I had attended on the to a fan from who had in The Mag in June 2001. opening day. Although the shop arrived at 5.30am.

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 17 Two rooms at the end of the world Tantrums & Liars? I was knocked out! He felt for Elton made some appearances. more, and we said a tape. He me, and it just seemed a little bit You know Elton didn’t want to be loved it. He wanted to release it! In a recent interview, Elton spoke about his coincidental. Maybe I am credited as Elton John. The band We couldn’t believe it. We famous reputation for tantrums… dreaming that bit! I’ve never had a Budget rent-a-van outside weren’t serious, just for fun. So spoken to Elton about it, and he the studio. He decided to be he asked what we were called. "I think everybody throws tantrums. I may throw glamorous probably wouldn’t tell me. So she called Redget Buntavan as We didn’t have a name. Caleb tantrums. I did the Oprah Winfrey show once and she said, 'You came on the road for that whole opposed to Budget Rentavan – I Quaye had a skill for finding know, I've never had a tantrum in my life' and I thought, ‘You fucking tour. It was wonderful, just me, told you Elton was good with colourful words for ordinary liar.’ I said, ‘Not even as a child?’ That's the homogenized world of Carla, Bob Halley, Elton, and Ray. words! And that’s how his guest things. Caleb once had an When we got back in 1980 artist entry is on the album unfortunate case of American talk television. Everyone has tantrums in various degrees someone suggested living in Another Night Time Flight. haemorrhoids, and would say: and I just thought, ‘Well, you lying cow.’ I wanted to go up to her Richmond, which I had never ‘Man I got a severe case of producer and say ‘Has Oprah ever had a tantrum?’ Come on. Can you visited. We bought the house. We GM: We too have fond memories clagnuts!’ One of us told Dick imagine Oprah when she's put on weight, not being able to get into a got married middle of 1980, of Blue. They kindly post- we’d be called the Clagnuts. I dress, and not having a tantrum? That's when I've had some of my stayed until end of 1989, moving mastered the Hercules 10-year said: ‘we can’t be called the biggest tantrums. I'm so fat, I can't get into my clothes. Send for the to NZ. We used to dine at Mrs CD in 1998. They were really Clagnuts!’ So it got abbreviated to tent maker."

Beeton’s on Richmond Hill, easy to work with. Finally, tell us The Claggers. J Collins Photo: [made more famous by nearby about The Claggers. residents Jerry Hall and Rolling GM: And I thought it had Stone ] and although CF: Ha! When I worked at Dick something to do with the BBC not a pub-goer, sometimes went James Music, started as a tea boy, kids programme, The Clangers. down the hill to a pub on worked my way up. But before I Richmond Green [made famous could get into the studio, Dick CF: Some people asked us that. by Ronnie Wood said I had to find a replacement! Dick liked our material. We put this is my house... who was evicted by his My best friend, who was in our together an album, and they Hercules member Rob Cargill has moved house... neighbours for loud parties a few school band, Stuart Epps – whose released a couple of singles, years back]. I visited our old name you will see on many Elton which actually got quite a bit of home two years ago, and it albums and now working for Bill radio airplay. The singles sold a hen I had my house built seemed reclaimed by London, Wyman several years, worked few, one called Train Song. And Wabout 15 years ago - I busier streets, and I realised we also with Jimmy Paige, and Gus the album had a daft name too. wanted to associate the house made the right decision to bring Dudgeon - is someone I’ve When younger I read an English name in some way with Elton up the kids in a cleaner known since he was 11, and me schoolboys’ book in which the John, who had provided me with 13. He’s the longest friendship environment in NZ. character was called Chumley. so much enjoyment as I was I’ve still got going. I got him in to Meanwhile, Caleb used to use a GM: Close to where I live is the replace me. Then when we both growing up. very British expression: ‘Get your After some thought I was studio of band member Hugh moved up, Stuart chose Jeff laughing gear around this’. So we Nicholson from Rocket Record Titmus (his uncle a famous called the album Chumley’s down to two names: Elton Johns signing Blue. I interviewed them cricketer) to replace him. Funny Laughing Gear. Ridiculous. The Greatest Hits Vol II - or Caribou. for Hercules in 1996. Do you really, as we all went to the same album cover was a caricature of It was a difficult decision, but the recall them? school, Spur Road School in Royal Mail suggested that just Edgware, although I only knew maybe the name 'Elton Johns CF: Very much. Me and Elton had Jeff from the playground. The Greatest Hits Vol II' was a bit of a great time producing them. I three of us started mucking a tongue twister and perhaps visited them a few years back and around in the studio in Hugh played me some of his "downtime". Jeff played drums, 'Caribou' would be more house - although I had not yet and informed the rest of my stuff. They repackaged the album Stuart acoustic guitar and piano, appropriate. seen it - if it was good enough tribe! They were stunned into on CD, and having only had the and I played acoustic, piano, and Deal done - I named that for them - it would be good silence - not something I have vinyl copy, I got some CDs. It’s bass guitar. Then a guy joined House 'Caribou' - God bless it & enough for me. OK lets get on witnessed before. Then there was funny because after you’ve DJM, Kaplan Kaye. He’s the son all who slept in it (UK people with it then I said. some disbelief & eventual produced something, you get so of an English comedian, Davy will understand this silly joke). Deal done - I asked the agent acceptance, that however close to it, you’re sick of it. I Kaye, who recently died. Kaplan Now, having had itchy feet never played it since I produced came in, playing piano, writing for the complete address - so that incredible it seemed - Dad was for about 14 years its time to I could get phones organised not lying! it. But when I heard it again, songs and singing. Suddenly, this move on. What - I thought - wow! The recording was open, band came together in our spare etc., They called me back with I got on to the telephone very basic, organic, but there time! We produced a lot of stuff. would I call the new house? - the the full address, amazingly the company, gave the name of the were three great songs on there. I One day Dick walked in, and we same perhaps? house name turned out to be house for installation to which loved their harmonies and ideas. freaked, because really we I sent my tribe forth to look ''Elton Cross Farm'' in a place she dutifully replied ''Elton as in Shame they weren’t more shouldn’t have been doing our for a new house that they would that also turned out to be called Elton John?'' - Oh yes! I'm going successful. We had a mini-hit own stuff. And he asked ‘What’s be happy with. For the first time ''Elton'' in Cheshire. to enjoy living here!! with Capture Your Heart. None of that?’ We were lost for words. He in our family life there was I could not ''BELIEVE'' my the band played real piano, so asked whether we have any unanimity: they had settled on a Clive relaxes on the road ears! I just roared with laughter

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 13 exclusive... Clive live PART 3 OF OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ELTON SOUND ENGINEER CLIVE FRANKS Elton’s sound engineer Clive Franks talks in the third part of our Clive with Elton in 2000 Photo: B Halley exclusive interview with George Matlock, about his youth, lifestyle, and showcases his great sense of humour Two rooms at the live found his paradise in Carla Suite was written by Elton C1990, far away from glitterati, for us. Actually, I was producing paparazzi and Elton (!) in New his album (The Fox). He played it Zealand, an under-populated to us, and it was lovely. I asked end of the world island. him what it was called, and Elton said he was trying to title it in an George Matlock: What attracted anagram of our names. I said you to New Zealand? Some say ‘you’re kidding me’, and he said they are more British than the ‘no, leave it with me for a while.’ Brits! They have HP Sauce, And Elton is very clever with Coronation Street on TV, and words, even though he doesn’t superior wine. write lyrics. After 10 minutes he came back into the control room Clive Franks: I fell in love with a where me and my wife, Carla, the business, the parties and so shops, although I’m not a moved in together for a while. New Zealander. End of story. First were sitting and said: ‘I can’t get on. The only thing I miss is the shopaholic, I’m not into material GM: So it’s a family thing! How Then she went back to sort things time I went to NZ in 1974 I met an anagram of your names, so sod band – whether I am in England things at all. So I like bush walks about Lara? out, and we corresponded for her. We stayed in touch for 6 you, I’m just calling it the Carla or NZ. I’ve been close to them for and the beach in NZ. years. years by writing, and then we got Suite!’ or whatever it was. years. Los Angeles (where they CF: She plays piano. And drums. together. In December 1989, after are mostly based) is mid way GM: Tell us about Aaron and Lara. She sings and writes songs. And GM: Long distance is tough. How my daughter was born, and when GM: So you’ve now grown into NZ. between England and New knows how to use the computer did you keep it alive? my son was about 6, we went to Zealand, and I stay with them to overdub. Kids have no fears of visit my children’s grandparents, CF: I love it and have no intention often there. I have few friends in computers. I wish I had that CF: I telephoned her lots, and and escape the British winter. of leaving it. I’ve even adopted a NZ – I don’t find it easy to make confidence when I was young. wrote a lot at the beginning. Usually Elton was not touring in local accent. People ask me what new friends. I am a bit of a loner. There was a magic there, and December, January and February part of Australia am I from. I say With travel these days, it doesn’t GM: Take us back to where you there still is, and we both know anyway. We bought ourselves a ‘from the New Zealand part’. My take more than 24 hours to get were born. that. little colonial cottage. The more I kids have grown up there. My son anywhere… stayed there, the more I wanted was 17 today [12 July 2000 – CF: I was born in Hammersmith, GM: So you’re still good friends. not to return to England. Although date of this interview]. He reads GM: Crikey! You make it sound west London, 3 January 1950. it’s nice to be in England, I didn’t Hercules too. so persuasive. And a role for the CF: She lives a quarter mile from want to live here anymore. It was NZ Tourist Board! GM: You’re kidding. I spoke last my house. We see each other a joint decision, although at my GM: Well, wish him our best! year with Charlie Morgan, who often. Anyway back to the 1970s, instigation. In fact, she loved the CF: Ha! Of all the places I’ve was born at Hammersmith my first flat was in Stanmore. sophistication of London, so CF: I’m actually looking at my visited worldwide, NZ has all the Hospital, as was I! When Carla came back in 1978, different to NZ. We had a house kids, Aaron and Lara. They’re the best bits. Scenery, climate, Clive with his daughter Lara we got a place in Taplow, in Richmond… screensaver on my laptop wonderful people. CF: I was born at the other local Maidenhead, for a year, not far computer. In NZ, I’m by the sea, CF: Well, Lara is 12 and a half, hospital, Queen Charlotte’s. As from Elton’s place. We had a GM: You’re kidding! This is where and that’s why I liked Richmond, GM: You can even ski! and Aaron just passed his driving was my son! Like me, Aaron and Thames river mooring we rented. Hercules UK is based. with the River Thames too. Where test. Their names were chosen by Lara were born in England and And that was when Elton and Ray I live now in a little village, it’s CF: Just 1 _ hours away you can my wife. Both doing well at have dual citizenship. Lara was Cooper decided to do this world CF: We were in Mount Ararat very arty, with lots of musicians, ski. Last year they lost their tourist school. Aaron is actually a very born in Hendon, north London. I duo tour, in Russia and other Road, we got married in the and they’re having a better winter season, because the bloody good drummer. He wants to be a was brought up for the first three places. I was really worried about registry office on the corner, and now than we are having a mountain blew up, Mount movie director and idolises years in Brixton, south London. In mine and Carla’s relationship, Elton was my best man in there. summer in Europe this year Ruhapehu. Where I live it is more Stephen Spielberg. He knows those days, it was a quiet area. because she had only been in the We lived in Richmond 1980-90. I [2000]. No traffic jams, but a lot tropical, never too hot, nice sea loads about every film. So My dad was a pharmacist, and he country for a few months, and was going to ask my friend to be of sheep. Good if you like roast breezes. People say to me why focussed. After El Dorado I got a managed to open his own then I was due to go off for 14 best man, but when Elton heard, lamb! Although not local, I love don’t I move to LA where my Spielberg autograph through Elton business in Stanmore, north months on tour. Elton had met he wanted to take on this role. He Kari-Kari, a great beach. I’ve got a friends are. Well, I love visiting (apparently a first because Stephen London, and we lived above the Carla several times, and knew she insisted. We got married again cat at home; it’s difficult when I LA, but it’s too unreal for me. I doesn’t give autographs) which I shop. When I was nine, we stayed was a good make-up artist. Elton four months later in NZ when travel. When I come home, she like the silly things which go with must give Aaron! Aaron has joined in the Middlesex area, moving to had never used make-up, nor had Elton was on tour there, for the thinks she’s a dog and follows me my job, but I also love to get me at the mixing desk when I’m Edgware, and I went to Edgware a hair-dresser for stage shows at benefit of my wife’s friends, and everywhere. away from it, sit by a fire and on tour with Elton, and he helps Junior School. We moved to a that time. It was outrageous Elton was best man again! So you have the dog bring my slippers. me mix. But he’s a bit of a traitor. nice three-bedroom semi- costumes instead. He called me see, I’m still married. I only got GM: When your kids leave the Not that I have a dog – I must He now prefers to be involved detached house in Edgware, and up and said: ‘listen I’ve decided divorced once, ha! nest, will you have reason to live train the cat to do that! with the lighting. Last time, our we stayed there a long, long time. that because it’s only me and Ray so far from the Elton machinery? lighting director was Steve Cohen, In fact, even when I was with on this tour, I want to be more GM: And a favourite piece, the GM: Sounds like you appreciate from Billy Joel, and Steve had him Elton. As I was away so much, theatrical and I need make-up. Do Carla Etude, is connected with CF: That’s maybe why I live there, the country. with him the whole show, and there was little point having a flat. you think Carla would come out your wedding. ha! Maybe when they colonise gave him a section of concert to I was at home until about 22. on the road and do my make-up?’ the Moon, I’ll go there! No, that’s CF: Yes, I’m not a City person. But mix. More than half the show! Then Carla came over and we CF: Yes, the secret’s out. The not the reason! I’m not really into I like a bit of life, walking around

14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 15 exclusive... Clive live PART 3 OF OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ELTON SOUND ENGINEER CLIVE FRANKS Elton’s sound engineer Clive Franks talks in the third part of our Clive with Elton in 2000 Photo: B Halley exclusive interview with George Matlock, about his youth, lifestyle, and showcases his great sense of humour Two rooms at the live found his paradise in Carla Suite was written by Elton C1990, far away from glitterati, for us. Actually, I was producing paparazzi and Elton (!) in New his album (The Fox). He played it Zealand, an under-populated to us, and it was lovely. I asked end of the world island. him what it was called, and Elton said he was trying to title it in an George Matlock: What attracted anagram of our names. I said you to New Zealand? Some say ‘you’re kidding me’, and he said they are more British than the ‘no, leave it with me for a while.’ Brits! They have HP Sauce, And Elton is very clever with Coronation Street on TV, and words, even though he doesn’t superior wine. write lyrics. After 10 minutes he came back into the control room Clive Franks: I fell in love with a where me and my wife, Carla, the business, the parties and so shops, although I’m not a moved in together for a while. New Zealander. End of story. First were sitting and said: ‘I can’t get on. The only thing I miss is the shopaholic, I’m not into material GM: So it’s a family thing! How Then she went back to sort things time I went to NZ in 1974 I met an anagram of your names, so sod band – whether I am in England things at all. So I like bush walks about Lara? out, and we corresponded for her. We stayed in touch for 6 you, I’m just calling it the Carla or NZ. I’ve been close to them for and the beach in NZ. years. years by writing, and then we got Suite!’ or whatever it was. years. Los Angeles (where they CF: She plays piano. And drums. together. In December 1989, after are mostly based) is mid way GM: Tell us about Aaron and Lara. She sings and writes songs. And GM: Long distance is tough. How my daughter was born, and when GM: So you’ve now grown into NZ. between England and New knows how to use the computer did you keep it alive? my son was about 6, we went to Zealand, and I stay with them to overdub. Kids have no fears of visit my children’s grandparents, CF: I love it and have no intention often there. I have few friends in computers. I wish I had that CF: I telephoned her lots, and and escape the British winter. of leaving it. I’ve even adopted a NZ – I don’t find it easy to make confidence when I was young. wrote a lot at the beginning. Usually Elton was not touring in local accent. People ask me what new friends. I am a bit of a loner. There was a magic there, and December, January and February part of Australia am I from. I say With travel these days, it doesn’t GM: Take us back to where you there still is, and we both know anyway. We bought ourselves a ‘from the New Zealand part’. My take more than 24 hours to get were born. that. little colonial cottage. The more I kids have grown up there. My son anywhere… stayed there, the more I wanted was 17 today [12 July 2000 – CF: I was born in Hammersmith, GM: So you’re still good friends. not to return to England. Although date of this interview]. He reads GM: Crikey! You make it sound west London, 3 January 1950. it’s nice to be in England, I didn’t Hercules too. so persuasive. And a role for the CF: She lives a quarter mile from want to live here anymore. It was NZ Tourist Board! GM: You’re kidding. I spoke last my house. We see each other a joint decision, although at my GM: Well, wish him our best! year with Charlie Morgan, who often. Anyway back to the 1970s, instigation. In fact, she loved the CF: Ha! Of all the places I’ve was born at Hammersmith my first flat was in Stanmore. sophistication of London, so CF: I’m actually looking at my visited worldwide, NZ has all the Hospital, as was I! When Carla came back in 1978, different to NZ. We had a house kids, Aaron and Lara. They’re the best bits. Scenery, climate, Clive with his daughter Lara we got a place in Taplow, in Richmond… screensaver on my laptop wonderful people. CF: I was born at the other local Maidenhead, for a year, not far computer. In NZ, I’m by the sea, CF: Well, Lara is 12 and a half, hospital, Queen Charlotte’s. As from Elton’s place. We had a GM: You’re kidding! This is where and that’s why I liked Richmond, GM: You can even ski! and Aaron just passed his driving was my son! Like me, Aaron and Thames river mooring we rented. Hercules UK is based. with the River Thames too. Where test. Their names were chosen by Lara were born in England and And that was when Elton and Ray I live now in a little village, it’s CF: Just 1 _ hours away you can my wife. Both doing well at have dual citizenship. Lara was Cooper decided to do this world CF: We were in Mount Ararat very arty, with lots of musicians, ski. Last year they lost their tourist school. Aaron is actually a very born in Hendon, north London. I duo tour, in Russia and other Road, we got married in the and they’re having a better winter season, because the bloody good drummer. He wants to be a was brought up for the first three places. I was really worried about registry office on the corner, and now than we are having a mountain blew up, Mount movie director and idolises years in Brixton, south London. In mine and Carla’s relationship, Elton was my best man in there. summer in Europe this year Ruhapehu. Where I live it is more Stephen Spielberg. He knows those days, it was a quiet area. because she had only been in the We lived in Richmond 1980-90. I [2000]. No traffic jams, but a lot tropical, never too hot, nice sea loads about every film. So My dad was a pharmacist, and he country for a few months, and was going to ask my friend to be of sheep. Good if you like roast breezes. People say to me why focussed. After El Dorado I got a managed to open his own then I was due to go off for 14 best man, but when Elton heard, lamb! Although not local, I love don’t I move to LA where my Spielberg autograph through Elton business in Stanmore, north months on tour. Elton had met he wanted to take on this role. He Kari-Kari, a great beach. I’ve got a friends are. Well, I love visiting (apparently a first because Stephen London, and we lived above the Carla several times, and knew she insisted. We got married again cat at home; it’s difficult when I LA, but it’s too unreal for me. I doesn’t give autographs) which I shop. When I was nine, we stayed was a good make-up artist. Elton four months later in NZ when travel. When I come home, she like the silly things which go with must give Aaron! Aaron has joined in the Middlesex area, moving to had never used make-up, nor had Elton was on tour there, for the thinks she’s a dog and follows me my job, but I also love to get me at the mixing desk when I’m Edgware, and I went to Edgware a hair-dresser for stage shows at benefit of my wife’s friends, and everywhere. away from it, sit by a fire and on tour with Elton, and he helps Junior School. We moved to a that time. It was outrageous Elton was best man again! So you have the dog bring my slippers. me mix. But he’s a bit of a traitor. nice three-bedroom semi- costumes instead. He called me see, I’m still married. I only got GM: When your kids leave the Not that I have a dog – I must He now prefers to be involved detached house in Edgware, and up and said: ‘listen I’ve decided divorced once, ha! nest, will you have reason to live train the cat to do that! with the lighting. Last time, our we stayed there a long, long time. that because it’s only me and Ray so far from the Elton machinery? lighting director was Steve Cohen, In fact, even when I was with on this tour, I want to be more GM: And a favourite piece, the GM: Sounds like you appreciate from Billy Joel, and Steve had him Elton. As I was away so much, theatrical and I need make-up. Do Carla Etude, is connected with CF: That’s maybe why I live there, the country. with him the whole show, and there was little point having a flat. you think Carla would come out your wedding. ha! Maybe when they colonise gave him a section of concert to I was at home until about 22. on the road and do my make-up?’ the Moon, I’ll go there! No, that’s CF: Yes, I’m not a City person. But mix. More than half the show! Then Carla came over and we CF: Yes, the secret’s out. The not the reason! I’m not really into I like a bit of life, walking around

14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 15 Two rooms at the end of the world Tantrums & Liars? I was knocked out! He felt for Elton made some appearances. more, and we said a tape. He me, and it just seemed a little bit You know Elton didn’t want to be loved it. He wanted to release it! In a recent interview, Elton spoke about his coincidental. Maybe I am credited as Elton John. The band We couldn’t believe it. We famous reputation for tantrums… dreaming that bit! I’ve never had a Budget rent-a-van outside weren’t serious, just for fun. So spoken to Elton about it, and he the studio. He decided to be he asked what we were called. "I think everybody throws tantrums. I may throw glamorous probably wouldn’t tell me. So she called Redget Buntavan as We didn’t have a name. Caleb tantrums. I did the Oprah Winfrey show once and she said, 'You came on the road for that whole opposed to Budget Rentavan – I Quaye had a skill for finding know, I've never had a tantrum in my life' and I thought, ‘You fucking tour. It was wonderful, just me, told you Elton was good with colourful words for ordinary liar.’ I said, ‘Not even as a child?’ That's the homogenized world of Carla, Bob Halley, Elton, and Ray. words! And that’s how his guest things. Caleb once had an When we got back in 1980 artist entry is on the album unfortunate case of American talk television. Everyone has tantrums in various degrees someone suggested living in Another Night Time Flight. haemorrhoids, and would say: and I just thought, ‘Well, you lying cow.’ I wanted to go up to her Richmond, which I had never ‘Man I got a severe case of producer and say ‘Has Oprah ever had a tantrum?’ Come on. Can you visited. We bought the house. We GM: We too have fond memories clagnuts!’ One of us told Dick imagine Oprah when she's put on weight, not being able to get into a got married middle of 1980, of Blue. They kindly post- we’d be called the Clagnuts. I dress, and not having a tantrum? That's when I've had some of my stayed until end of 1989, moving mastered the Hercules 10-year said: ‘we can’t be called the biggest tantrums. I'm so fat, I can't get into my clothes. Send for the to NZ. We used to dine at Mrs CD in 1998. They were really Clagnuts!’ So it got abbreviated to tent maker."

Beeton’s on Richmond Hill, easy to work with. Finally, tell us The Claggers. Photo: J Collins [made more famous by nearby about The Claggers. residents Jerry Hall and Rolling GM: And I thought it had Stone Mick Jagger] and although CF: Ha! When I worked at Dick something to do with the BBC not a pub-goer, sometimes went James Music, started as a tea boy, kids programme, The Clangers. down the hill to a pub on worked my way up. But before I Richmond Green [made famous could get into the studio, Dick CF: Some people asked us that. by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood said I had to find a replacement! Dick liked our material. We put this is my house... who was evicted by his My best friend, who was in our together an album, and they Hercules member Rob Cargill has moved house... neighbours for loud parties a few school band, Stuart Epps – whose released a couple of singles, years back]. I visited our old name you will see on many Elton which actually got quite a bit of home two years ago, and it albums and now working for Bill radio airplay. The singles sold a hen I had my house built seemed reclaimed by London, Wyman several years, worked few, one called Train Song. And Wabout 15 years ago - I busier streets, and I realised we also with Jimmy Paige, and Gus the album had a daft name too. wanted to associate the house made the right decision to bring Dudgeon - is someone I’ve When younger I read an English name in some way with Elton up the kids in a cleaner known since he was 11, and me schoolboys’ book in which the John, who had provided me with 13. He’s the longest friendship environment in NZ. character was called Chumley. so much enjoyment as I was I’ve still got going. I got him in to Meanwhile, Caleb used to use a GM: Close to where I live is the replace me. Then when we both growing up. very British expression: ‘Get your After some thought I was studio of band member Hugh moved up, Stuart chose Jeff laughing gear around this’. So we Nicholson from Rocket Record Titmus (his uncle a famous called the album Chumley’s down to two names: Elton Johns signing Blue. I interviewed them cricketer) to replace him. Funny Laughing Gear. Ridiculous. The Greatest Hits Vol II - or Caribou. for Hercules in 1996. Do you really, as we all went to the same album cover was a caricature of It was a difficult decision, but the recall them? school, Spur Road School in Royal Mail suggested that just Edgware, although I only knew maybe the name 'Elton Johns CF: Very much. Me and Elton had Jeff from the playground. The Greatest Hits Vol II' was a bit of a great time producing them. I three of us started mucking a tongue twister and perhaps visited them a few years back and around in the studio in Hugh played me some of his "downtime". Jeff played drums, 'Caribou' would be more house - although I had not yet and informed the rest of my stuff. They repackaged the album Stuart acoustic guitar and piano, appropriate. seen it - if it was good enough tribe! They were stunned into on CD, and having only had the and I played acoustic, piano, and Deal done - I named that for them - it would be good silence - not something I have vinyl copy, I got some CDs. It’s bass guitar. Then a guy joined House 'Caribou' - God bless it & enough for me. OK lets get on witnessed before. Then there was funny because after you’ve DJM, Kaplan Kaye. He’s the son all who slept in it (UK people with it then I said. some disbelief & eventual produced something, you get so of an English comedian, Davy will understand this silly joke). Deal done - I asked the agent acceptance, that however close to it, you’re sick of it. I Kaye, who recently died. Kaplan Now, having had itchy feet never played it since I produced came in, playing piano, writing for the complete address - so that incredible it seemed - Dad was for about 14 years its time to I could get phones organised not lying! it. But when I heard it again, songs and singing. Suddenly, this move on. What - I thought - wow! The recording was open, band came together in our spare etc., They called me back with I got on to the telephone very basic, organic, but there time! We produced a lot of stuff. would I call the new house? - the the full address, amazingly the company, gave the name of the were three great songs on there. I One day Dick walked in, and we same perhaps? house name turned out to be house for installation to which loved their harmonies and ideas. freaked, because really we I sent my tribe forth to look ''Elton Cross Farm'' in a place she dutifully replied ''Elton as in Shame they weren’t more shouldn’t have been doing our for a new house that they would that also turned out to be called Elton John?'' - Oh yes! I'm going successful. We had a mini-hit own stuff. And he asked ‘What’s be happy with. For the first time ''Elton'' in Cheshire. to enjoy living here!! with Capture Your Heart. None of that?’ We were lost for words. He in our family life there was I could not ''BELIEVE'' my the band played real piano, so asked whether we have any unanimity: they had settled on a Clive relaxes on the road ears! I just roared with laughter

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 13 NO: We both were! We’d met on announced! There are four or the El Dorado recording, and got five songs I sing. NO: Lyrically, yes! It was really on really well. We didn’t want to funny how the song came to be get in each other’s way, and we GM: So what’s the album called? chosen. We were being dined by decided among us how we’d Elton at a hotel in New York after OUT OF THE CLOSET... split the repertoire of songs. NO: It will be called Nigel October’s MSG show. Davey Olsson Moves the Universe and said he remembered a song us four. From the waist upwards GM: You’re off to Hawaii on tour the artist will be called Nigel called Building A Bird. Elton said they were drawings if us on with Elton. How many gigs are Olsson’s Drum Orchestra and he "had no clue" of the song and springs like Jack-In-The-Boxes, the first day... you doing? Chorus. It is being released only asked Davey "when did I do and for some reason in Dick in Japan by a local label called that?" Davey explained the song Turpin-style clothes, ruffled short By Hercules member Mark Giles NO: Two nights in Hawaii, and 81 Records in February 2001, was never recorded, and then sleeves and collars. A lot of the then we move to San Diego to although we are looking for a asked whether we can use it. songs were jokes. The guy that team up with Billy Joel and his distributor in the US and Europe Elton replied: "If you can publishes The Beatles wants to band. We are supporting Elton as we feel it is a great album. I’m remember it, go for it!" Davey release in 1969 an album by The only, although we will jam for very, very happy with it. There had remembered the song from Claggers called…! Seemed a little some four songs at the end with are 11 songs on, and we started the sessions, and Davey made odd to us at the time. We sold a Elton and Billy. And no, I won’t by looking at 12 songs. We the call to Elton’s archivist Adrian few copies [which is a few know the song list until hours didn’t want to get through 20 Collee. It’s a great song, a big copies more than he said of The before the first show so don’t songs as it is hard to choose. ballad. Fox in an interview for Hercules ask! in July 1997!]. GM: So, the song that didn’t GM: How would you describe GM: Last year, you told me that make it? the theme and influences of the GM: I’ll look for it in the second- you’d like bigger typeset in The album? hand record stores. Mag fanzine and colour inside. NO: I Need You by The Beatles. We still haven’t achieved these There are several other cover NO: It’s uptempo, mid-tempo, CF: Ha! Stuart’s got one, but I lost aspirations, but what do you versions on the album, but I and ballads. It is Beatlesque, rock mine in the move. There were think about the fanzine? won’t tell you them as I don’t and roll, and R&B. On a couple several guest spots. Caleb played want anyone else cutting them of the songs I ripped off every a lot on there, as none of us were NO: I think it’s very well put ha! There is a cover of Goin’ Ringo Starr fill I could remember! much good on lead guitar, and together, and very informative. I Down, the R&B song, Naked There’s also the spirit of Dee Elton’s first drummer Roger Pope, always read it. Without You, from Roachford, Murray on the album, and and Nigel Olsson played which Kiki sings, Would I Lie to indeed the album is dedicated to tambourine. That era at DJM, GM: On Elton’s next studio You Baby?, and then there are a his memory. As a big Beatles fan, which we refer to as "the gaff", album I know you haven’t any couple of Davey songs. The song I wanted Clive Franks to be was a fun time, 1967-72. details, but let’s finally talk about I wrote was Say You Feel The involved, but he was on the solo your own solo album. Same. And Elton’s former tour with Elton. Hence Guy GM: And while in England, you keyboard player Fred Mandell Babylon came in. are teaming up with another NO: We started recording on plays on Goin’ Down. chum next week? November 6, we recorded it GM: So, will you be looking to down the road at (Guy Babylon’s GM: And what’s the artwork like? record another album? CF: That’s right. Tomorrow I studios) and the artwork was travel to Liverpool for Elton’s done today. Everybody in Elton’s NO: I wanted it to look like a NO: Oh yes! show up there, and then down to current band line-up is on the band record, as I’m terrified of Cornwall to see Joe Partridge, album! It’s reminiscent of my making it look solo. So it looks GM: And what does the year Kiki Dee’s guitarist, and briefly in 1970s Drum Orchestra and like a Crosby, Stills and Nash ahead hold in store? the Elton John band – for one Chorus album where I’m not album artwork, with Guy, Davey, night only! He was in Davey singing on everything. My Bob Birch and me on the front NO: I have no idea! One day at Johnstone’s band China, who opened for Elton, and then brother Kai sings on one song, cover. There is a collage inside of a time! supported during the show. It was Ken Stacey and his girlfriend the whole band. Empire Pool, Wembley, Windy Wagner sing a duet, Kiki GM: Nigel, thanks again for your November 1977, and Elton made Dee, Gigi Worth, and a Japanese GM: And Elton’s contribution? time! one of his famous resignation 14-year-old girl with a great announcements. So his first gig NOVEMBER 29TH 2000. would not open to the public voice called "i". Then there is NO: Elton and Bernie Courtesy of Nigel Olsson's as second guitarist was his last! until midday, Elton and David also from Elton’s band John contributed a song which never personal office He’s a wonderful guy, and has a It was an early start to the Furnish were arriving at 9am to Mahon, Bob Birch, Curt and I made it to the Made In England studio. I shall see him before our play on one song, Jimmy Z, and album, Building A Bird. I’m not day, with a 5.30am train ride host a breakfast reception for Port Talbot gig [Margam Park] into London and a brisk walk to friends and supporters of the Aids Guy Babylon and Davey sure what Bernie was thinking next week. Johnstone produced it. Kathy when he wrote those lyrics! New Bond Street which saw me charity. Babylon and Guy co-wrote a Clive Live Part 4: Cage The arrive at my destination at song called Take A Chance. And GM: So it is like Solar Prestige A Songbird, the final part, in which around 7.30am. I had bought I arrived along with fellow there are a lot more to be Gammon? perfectionist Clive comments on items at both of Elton’s previous Hercules member Tony Marshall concert venues and relates times "Out of the Closet" shops in and we found ourselves at the he wanted to quit, follow on the London, but this would be the front of the queue, second only If you are interested in more information about Nigel Olsson, visit Nigel Olsson Fan Club at Hercules website in March, and http://angelfire.com/ca/nigelfanclub">http://angelfire.com/ca/nigelfanclub first time I had attended on the to a fan from Glasgow who had in The Mag in June 2001. opening day. Although the shop arrived at 5.30am.

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 17 Out of The Closet... the first day (continued) On what was to be a morning …(with love, David Furnish). It concept to Elton? experimentation with those of changeable weather our first was the first time I’d spoken to NO: I thought it was just a one- classic old songs, rather than a impression was that this shop David and I was really impressed off thing. Especially, since Elton NO: It’s been put to him a studio that had been opened up would be much larger than the with his amicable nature. David was touring only solo. I thought couple of times. I think when we to an audience. previous two. It wasn’t long then joined Elton in entertaining the band was finished. Once I go on the tour it will be before there was frantic activity their guests inside, probably the got to MSG, I realised from the mentioned again. I’m hoping. NO: I thought it was a great set. around the area with the erection most well known being audience that they were hungry Since we’re all on the road, it And having Kiki there was of barriers, staff arriving and supermodel Elle Macpherson for the band sound to be back. would be a good way to return brilliant. The venue was to those ways. What’s more trembling from the crowds. And I workmen surrounding the main who left with a bag of goodies. GM: But El Dorado wasn’t the (producer) Gus Dudgeon has said had not performed at MSG since doors with Christmas pine, commercial success we all he’d be happy to come back on the John Lennon show in 1974. decorated with fresh apples and Whilst guests arrived and wanted. Why was that? those terms and to record using small baskets of walnuts. departed, we were treated to the real instruments rather than the GM: Kiki was an old pal of hilarious sight of Elton’s car NO: Not sure. There was at MSG synch drums of today. yours. But how was it to perform Elton and David arrived on being moved on again and again the cult following of youngsters with newer talent? Ronan time to be greeted by a large by a persistent traffic warden. A with their Lion King items, and it GM: Has it been thought about Keating, when he came on stage, press gathering. With so many game of cat and mouse resulted, was surprising that El Dorado for the album in the spring? received only the mild reception TV cameras, interviewers and despite the protests of the didn’t do the same. you might expect of an artist who photographers around (some chauffeur, with the warden NO: That I don’t know. frankly isn’t known in the US. standing on step ladders) it made hiding behind a TV van just GM: Elton seemed to put the best That’s clear on the CD sound it impossible to hear or see any waiting for the opportunity to get into the album artistically, but GM: What were your thoughts too! How did it feel to work with of the brief opening ceremony. At his victim. He was unsuccessful. perhaps it was another example about the MSG gig? Most of the artists that your son had grown this stage they heavily of record company marketing. songs were recreated similarly to up with? 1 the 1970s sound, which probably outnumbered the fans. After Elton After around 1 ⁄2 hours inside, cut the ribbon and spoke briefly Elton and David emerged from NO: Somebody dropped the ball endeared you as you could NO: Ronan did very well. He somewhere, for sure. But while recreate your special style of was very nervous. to the press, he quickly retreated the shop to cut another ribbon. artistically it is great, what I drumming. But fans wanted more into the shop followed by the TV Elton quickly signed a couple of Just after midday the doors GM: Elton introduced an crews. David remained outside items (including Tony’s unknown quantity when talking to other media. Slowly programme) and after saying that opened for the public. A bigger shop meant that 60 at a time Anastacia came on stage. I had the area began to clear and we he had to catch a plane for the never heard of her, and if I’m decided to leave our position U.S. and that his tour was going were allowed in, and unlike previous shops, no time limit for critical her voice sounds like a behind the barriers and stood as very well ,they were driven fire siren! How did she end up near to the main doors as away. browsing, enabling a more on stage? possible. relaxed atmosphere and the Having now decided to rejoin chance to take photos. My first NO: I had never heard of her, Eventually we were rewarded the queue it was good to be impression, with the light unlike my son! It was actually when all media was satisfied we joined by other Hercules coloured walls, wooden floor, only a few days before the shows approached David. He seemed members including, George tasteful Christmas décor and that the band learnt who the only too pleased to sign firstly Matlock, Andy Thorpe, and, right helpful and friendly assistants, guests were going to be. The Tony’s 1977 Tour programme and at the front from the U.S., was that this would be a "classy" only one whom we knew for then my "One Night Only" CD Sharon Kalinoski. charity shop. Many of the items sure would be there was Kiki. GM: There was you and Curt Bisquera on stage. Who was the BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 lead drummer? would really like is for the band to take a month off, and go to a ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND studio away from the crowds and grow up with the songs, like we used to do on the early albums.

lton’s first live performnance n June 1969 Elton sang the lton’s first UK tour started in GM: But is that practical in modern times? Wouldn’t it be Eafter his throat operation in Isong ‘From denver to LA’ on EJanuary 1971 in Birmingham. impossible to get everyone to January 1987 was an AIDS the soundtrack of the Michael make the time commitment? benefit show in London in AprilWinner film ‘The Games’. The id you know Elton was NO: You could do it if there was - only four months after track was later released as a refused admission to surgery. single in the US in 1970, D enough advance warning. And Disneyland because he had Davey would like to do that too. subsequently to be withdrawn. patches on his jeans. (October Copies of the single are very 1991) GM: Well as band manager rare and collectable. Davey carries a lot of authority here. So will Davey put this

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 11 one day Nigel Olsson Talks to George Matlock about the John" on the piano’s interior. It was from this piano where he past year of meteoric had conducted that morning’s achievement, from TV interviews, so I was really California, pleased when a lovely assistant offered to take my photograph January 5, 2001 line from that song. I bought whilst I "played" it. at a time Rocket Man and The Last Song but I wished I could have Having spent around an hour early 14 months ago, afforded the set. in the shop, I left with my NNigel gave me the have already been well purchases. A Versace jacket and pleasure of his first, extended More expensive items pair of trousers, a pair of documented, Versace shirts, including a Medussa jacket, a interview for Hercules. He was jackets, trousers, Gucci shoes shoes(bargain at £40) and the living on the fast-track with his rack of stage clothes, a large two ties. I’d definitely parted beloved BMW and Ferrari racing but at an estimated 10% of the print of Ray Cooper (sold for original cost, and the varying with more money than I cars, and was in a reflective £2,800) the oriental style intended, but at least I knew it mood about his musical past in sizes (due to Elton's weight electric blue and purple coat would all go to a good cause. The Elton John Band. changes and reluctance to try and jump suit from the 1986 Little did either of us know, anything on before buying it) But that was nothing compared Tour was priced at £25,000 and to Sharon’s large boxful of that the year ahead would be there was something for the red boiler suit ,as seen on back in the fast lane, passing a everyone. Waistcoats, belts, goodies, George being her the One Night Only CD had a knight in shining armour in green light on the road to El baseball caps, jumpers and some price of £1,200. Dorado, and a few milestones en tour t-shirts were on offer. helping her load up the awaiting route. In March 2000 Nigel was Christmas decorations, taxi. It was no surprise that the backing vocalist for Elton’s At the back of the shop was Closet sold out in 3 _ days ornaments and EJAF candles another room, decorated with a soundtrack to The Road to El along with a large round table of raising £425,000! Dorado. In October, he was ceiling high Christmas tree, and EJAF ties could also be contained Elton's grand piano with Elton at the historic purchased. At £10 ,these ties A great day out…well worth Madison Square Gardens which he’d bought in 1974, and the early start and having to down the street, better area. whether I would like to work were great value. Each design was now up for auction. Earlier Greatest Hits Live recording with Elton’s new drummer Curt was on the theme on an Elton dodge the rain. One Night Only. And now, in the day he’d signed "Enjoy GM: It’s been an amazing year Bisquera, on the recording for song, showing the title and a packing his bags to join Elton’s for you Nigel. Let’s start with the the Madison (MSG) gig. I said this as much as I have Elton US tour, with the first of two official recognition you bestowed yes. I thought it would be a one- nights in Hawaii, on January 10. upon your own fan club run by off. Then Davey told me: "Elton And then there are Nigel’s Noreen and Brooke. wants you back!" So here I am. other projects, such as a solo BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 album out in February. NO: They did great work putting GM: Let’s go back to February, it all together. I didn’t know when we detected the first thaw GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!! George Matlock: Let’s start with anything about it until two years in the air. You were assigned to the obvious. So how are you? ago when a friend of mine said the El Dorado project. How did "You know, you have a fan site." that happen? Nigel Olsson: I’m nuts! The My friend got in touch, and it (solo) album was mastered grew from there. We are looking NO: Davey called me and said yesterday, artwork was done lton and renate married just id you know that the lton’s London house to launch a merchandise section that the producer, Pat Leonard, before he was due to start a ‘Breaking Hearts’ single was ‘Queensdale’ used to be a today, and I’m leaving next week on the website soon. wanted to recreate some of the E D E for the (Elton) tour, and I’m also old sound which we made for world tour. Their honeymoon released on St. Valentines day cardboard-box factory before it moving house. GM: We have enjoyed cross- Elton in the 1970s, and would I was delayed until August, six (14 Feb 1985) - also Elton’s first was transformed into a promoting the two fan clubs in come in? Although I was not GM: What again? [Nigel already months after they were married.wedding anniversary. Scandinavian inspired space by the past year! And now you are back as drummer, I really liked interior designers Andrew moved once in early 2000!] back in the Elton John Band. that album. Protheroe and Andrew Cooper- How does it feel to be back? lton filmed the video for NO: I have to keep out of the GM: When you came back for El Grig. way of all these people who NO: Fantastic. It hasn’t sunk in Dorado, did you sense things E‘Passengers’ in St. Tropez come looking for me ha, ha! I’m yet. Davey Johnstone contacted had changed, or was this just a (France) during his honeymoon. staying in the area, just moving me in the summer and asked session?

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 19 SCHOOL Front Row Seats?! Here’s the secret…

After embarking on the first leg of the Face to Face tour, Billy REPORT: Joel had some interesting things to say about ticket allocation in a recent interview….. Teenage Idol QUESTION Do you meet a lot of women when you're on the road? As part of our elshman Dick Morgan may celebration of Elton’s Whave known the father of ANSWER birthday, his schoolmate new talent David Gray (oft You know, we have a policy: We don't sell the first couple Dick Morgan recounts to described as a modern-day Elton of rows of our shows. I got really sick and tired of the George Matlock "when John with his pioneering White scalpers always getting the best tickets and selling to the Ladder album and facial we were young, and appearance), but he has a fat cats who pay stupid money, sit in the front row with simply childish". First of greater story to share. Dick was their gold chains and wives with beehive hairdos. They new series. born in Pinner, Middlesex, in don't move because they paid a thousand dollars, so they the vicinity of Elton, and now just sit there like an oil painting. So we hold the tickets for lives in his own father’s west the front rows, and we give the tickets to the roadies, who Wales. He’s hoping to get a Dick aged 19 chance to meet Elton backstage, go to the worst seats in the house and give those people having seen the piano maestro the front-row seats. Now, most of the roadies are guys, so at Margam Park, South Wales, who do you think most of those tickets go to? Cute girls. last June. So we're looking down, and we're seeing all these cute George Matlock: What did you girls jumping up and down. It turns the show into a whole think of the show? new dynamic. It's like sex.

Dick Morgan: It was amazing. QUESTION I’m not ashamed, but I had never Dick in 1988 seen Elton in concert until then How does Elton John feel about this policy? for a variety of circumstances. around London the scholarships Never got it together. My sister were offered to study music on ANSWER has always been a great Elton Saturday mornings, in school When we started touring with Elton, we explained this to fan. She’s been to at least one term time. I actually got a place him, and he thought it was a great idea. One night I saw a concert from each tour he’s on the third attempt. Kids done. Staging was superb. It was travelled in from all around little lightbulb go off over his head. The next night, in all the first time on the UK Tour it London and converged on the the seats in front of him were these good- looking young hadn’t rained! I also went with Royal Academy of Music in guys. And his show got better. my brother to the Highclere Marylebone Road. We studied Castle show, and with my sister 9am to 2pm. to Hylands House. QUESTION GM: What age would that be? So you might both be married again by the end of GM: So, take us back to the this tour. early years. How did you first DM: It varied. I was 13, in 1960, meet Elton? and Elton is the same age as me, I was born the end of January ANSWER DM: On a (subway) tube train! 1947. We were both aged 13 to I doubt it, but I never say never. We were both Junior 16. You studied the instrument Exhibitioner Scholars, as it was from your application, and then called in those days. For all kids other subjects. So I had an hour in the Home Counties area on violin with my professor, a

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 9 Reid detailed how Elton had terms for JRE in 1984, Mr Reid JUST FOR FUN book Elton, middle-class snubbed him by refusing him an said Elton had countless heated respectable, then things let go in invitation to his investiture at meetings with Mr Reid as they LYRIC QUIZ the mid-1960s. After my audition Buckingham Palace. thrashed out a new on the third attempt, the college Mr Reid said in February management agreement. Have a go at our popular lyric quiz. principal, Terrence Lovett, 1998 he was on the same flight The pair, who were lovers We give you a line - see if you can name the song!(Answers on page 27) invited students and parents to a to Britain from Los Angeles as from 1970-75, also rowed over hall and said: ‘Any of you who Elton, who was travelling to the who was to pay for hiring tour 1 And check out the show have ideas about being a Palace to be knighted. Mr Reid promoters. twice nightly professional musician, forget it. was returning to London to But several news reports in Oh, ‘cause I’m on the stage It’s a hard life, pays badly.’ A attend his mother’s funeral. December vainly pointed to a tonight clever bit of psychology. He "He didn’t invite me to go victory for Elton: Reportedly, knew that some would become with him, which upset me," Mr Andrew Haydon’s barrister 2 And from those agile angels musicians, whatever. He was Reid complained. Andrew Fletcher told the court We knew the tide was dispelling the myths. One of our Although he later learnt of Mr Reid had eventually backed turning contemporaries was pop fanatic Pell’s claims in down and agreed to pay for tour percussionist Tristan Fry who court, Elton already began to promoters, although he had no 3 Cryin’s not a bad thing later played with John Williams lose faith in Mr Reid. recollection of it. It remains an And worrying no sin in famous band Sky. We were After the knighthood issue whether that was then discouraged, and only if ceremony, the gulf between the written into the contract, but 4 I stuttered out my answer motivation is there you’d do two men continued to widen certainly undermines much of and hung what Reg did. even as Elton began a tour of JRE’s protests about tour My head in shame Australia with Billy Joel. Mr expense liability. But Elton’s Six year old Dick plays violin by the piano Reg used to play when visiting GM: You were a near neighbour? Reid told the court: "Things by dispute includes producers, 5 When your back’s against this time were really frosty and I accountants, and other tour the wall fearsome woman called Amy something about the choir! I’d had heard that Elton had been costs - not just promoters. Mr DM: Yes, but I knew Reg from And darlin’ then I’ll just Neame, then an hour on the been a church chorister. But with the commuting. I’d probably asking if people thought I was Reid’s lack of memory may also pretend fiddle with a student teacher, a a string instrument, I was in the dishonest. help Elton – as the onus is on recognised him from the compulsory piano hour, an hour orchestra, not choir. canteen. We tended to get on Mr Reid added: "So I went to the defendants to disprove 6 They’d turn a full-blooded of orchestra and an hour of the same train going home. Then his suite and asked him ... He Elton’s claims, not for Elton to city boy theory. There was also a choir. GM: Did he complain about the I discovered he lived two miles said no, he didn’t think I was prove them. Into a full-blooded city man lessons? dishonest, but he was Earlier in the day, Mr Reid away and went to the school GM: What was your chosen only half a mile away from me, concerned about where all his admitted under fierce 7 Oh I’ve had me fill of instrument? DM: Only that the teachers were money was going and he had questioning he had difficulty cocaine and pills Pinner County Grammar. I lived despairing of him, that he in West Avenue. appointed KPMG to do an remembering details of his For I lie in the light of the DM: Violin. And Elton was wanted to rock ‘n’ roll, and play audit. I told him I was pleased management agreements at that Lord piano. As I recall, he was very jazz. They didn’t think he took it he was doing that and if there time because he had "serious" GM: Turns out you passed a highly-qualified before he got seriously. That struck a chord chance to see Bluesology. was any discrepancy in our drug and booze problems. Elton 8How I’ve struggled for my there. I went in at Grade 4 level, with me. My father was like that conduct, I was responsible - and Mr Reid had helped each money and then did Grade 5 and 6 – his piano teacher refused to DM: I went onto University in because I was responsible for other through addiction to these Sweated blood to get us by while there, but didn’t cover teach dad because once he got a the company." vices. He also accepted he was Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1965, myself in glory! Elton had Grade piece of music in his ear, he Mr Reid explained that he often "volatile", "foul-mouthed", and remember in my second 9 Long-haired ladies well they 8 piano before he got there. We would close the music book and had made arrangements to fly had in the past been violent and year there Bluesology appearing look so fine, weren’t in the same classroom. play from memory. That was back to the UK that day (March was "keen on money". Locked in my cellar full of at a club in the Haymarket, He would have been considered wrong. 18, 1998). "That was the last Nevertheless, under cross- cheap red wine Newcastle. I was tempted to go time I spoke to him and the last examination from Elton’s QC, an outstanding student, but to the show, but something else perhaps motivated in a direction GM: To confuse a title, he was a time I saw him," Mr Reid said. Gordon Pollock, Mr Reid 10 It takes two to execute came up. Much to my regret. It’s Around the time of Hercules’ contradicted Elton’s earlier One to leave with other than the one they hoped uniformed rebel! Did you wear funny how you look at things so 10th birthday on May 10, 1998, evidence, insisting they had an innocence and one to live for. uniforms at the Royal Academy? differently now. Elton and Mr Reid parted agreement that tour expenses with guilt company with a £5m severance would always be paid by Elton, GM: Because it classical music, DM: No. A sweater, casual. But GM: Back to Royal Academy. agreement. Since then Mr Reid leaving the verdict on knife 11 You went from lamé suits rather than rock-pop? he was formally dressed. Used to has disposed of three of his edge. right down to tennis shoes wear a jacket. I think I did too, DM: Reg was the only real friend properties in St John’s Wood, Further detail on this case is To peanuts from the lion’s DM: Yes, it was a total classical and Cavalry-twilled trousers! I had there. We had very little London, New York and St. contained on page 4 of share musical place. I’m sure it’s less And we both wore Suede shoes. time between classes. The only Tropez for almost £10m in total. Hercules 52 (Dec. 2000) narrow-minded place now. I It was the youth club culture. time you made friends was on Contradicting Elton’s genteel 12 I’d rather have ham in my think he started there in 1960 as Then The Beatles turned it the trains. He would come to version of the St. Tropez sandwich than cheese well. They got him into the upside down. In 1961-63 it was our house sometimes and meeting at which Elton agreed But complaining wouldn’t choir, much to his disgust! He still a phoney war! Metroland entertain my parents with piano more generous remuneration do any good liked singing, so I think it was was like in Philip Norman’s solos, much to their delight. We

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 21 had a grand pianola, and he GM: He’s always been close to DM: It was the only time I saw used to visit on his way home his mother Sheila. Elton tried to him go shopping, but he was and play. bury a long-standing dispute definitely revelling in it! Whether LAST STAND IN OPEN COUNTRY with his father, just before he it was because he was getting By George Matlock GM: What songs did he play? died in 1993. Did he ever talk money out of his father, who about his real father? knows? It was again a contrast. DM: He used to play a Floyd My father didn’t have accounts Cramer song Last Date, and DM: I was aware Fred was his at clothiers, and I would not taught me to play it – badly, very stepfather. The only time I have been sent to buy badly! It fascinated me, this remember Reg talking about his gentlemen’s clothes. Country and Western song. He father [Stanley Dwight] was did it pretty slick. He also did a when we went on a hilarious GM: And Reg was deciding what wonderful Semprini to buy, style and colour? impersonation, playing his music shopping expedition, to the tailors Hornes, in The Strand, and talking in a fake Italian DM: Yes. These were amazing London. His father had an Semprini voice. There used to be clothes. We weren’t flamboyant account there. His father said he a radio programme called at that time. Soon after we both would buy Reg some clothes. Semprini Serenade, particularly got into flared trousers! We had awful! Each song would be Instead of going together, his both been conservative dressers introduced by this guy with an father said Reg could go into the up to that point. But he was Italian accent. Reg also used to store and buy them on this definitely starting to go for more play Side Saddle, turning to give father’s account. Reg asked me: unusual clothes. And he was a this wonderful Russ Conway leer. ‘You wanna come?’ I said: total chocoholic. He used to Conway used to turn to the ‘Absolutely!’. I phoned my consume a mind-boggling audience and give this gap- parents to say I’d be delayed amount of chocolate. We used to toothed grin (much like Elton), coming home. This was a stop at the kiosk on Baker Street, really awful! It’s sad that I just Saturday lunchtime. We were London. I would say ‘you can’t read about Russ’s death the other In Happier times: after 1993 Bulimia court victory. Clockwise: Elton, Frank Presland, Reid about 14 years old. He went in possibly eat all that!’ But he day. Reg used to bounce around store and identified himself, and would! A Mars bar, and as he played. ELTON’S MISSING MILLIONS BRITISH HIGH COURT ACTION ABOUT it was ‘yes Mr Dwight, no Mr something else, and something Dwight, three bags full Mr else, just gone like that! OVERSEAS TOURING COSTS CLOSED FEB. 1, AND THE LIKELY VERDICT GM: Did you get the impression Reg was going to be a top star, Dwight’. It was such an off-the- WAS ON KNIFE EDGE. GM: Chocolate is supposed to or did you think that despite his wall experience I will remember suppress depression. Was there t the end of the hearing, Mr appear for PwC after the relationship with his boss abilities, he would end up doing it forever! He had a card they any innate depression, given the Justice Ferris reserved his accountants promised not to sue crumbled after the publication something else? hand you in the store. And he A just bought stuff and put it on the unhappiness surrounding his real decision, not expected for him if they lost the case to of the figures in 1998, the court several weeks, and had not Elton, 53. heard. DM: I remember being in some counter. He bought a fairly father? adjudicated as Hercules went Elton alleges Haydon was "He was incandescent with awe, and depressed! I wasn’t a outrageous pair of pyjamas. And to press. negligent in allowing JRE to rage and he believed that musician of that calibre. He then a pair of stretched trousers, DM: He was light-hearted, and But not before John Reid, the charge him most tour expenses. someone from John Reid took great delight in something I’d never seen before. good company. My father had equally flamboyant former Elton Elton’s case is that the "several Enterprises had sold that entertaining my parents. In We were in hysterics. I had my strong opinions, like all people manager, had his stand in court. millions" which he paid out in information to the newspapers contrast, I hated entertaining, of that generation. But apart from violin case and music case, and Mr Reid spoke of Elton’s touring expenses should have and told me in no uncertain although I did play guitar many being smacked when naughty, I he had his music case, and we "incandescence" over media been borne by JRE under a terms to find out how it years later in clubs. I hated came from a happy family. Had were walking about this place leaks, and of the snub over the revised and agreed management happened", explained Mr Reid. performing at Christmas, you there been any problems in his like a pair of Middle Eastern ceremony which made Elton a agreement. PwC are accused by Mr Reid hit back in court, can imagine, as did my brother family, I would have Bedouins. "Sir". Elton of negligence in managing after sitting through Elton’s own and sister. I couldn’t understand remembered it. But he did seem Mr Reid was giving evidence his affairs. Both defendants are evidence on Nov. 16, when why Reg loved it so much. a bit different. He didn’t talk GM: And did he buy anything about his stint in the Northwood at London’s High Court on Dec. contesting vigorously. The case, Elton had accused Mr Reid of which began Oct. 30, was dishonesty and betrayal, citing for you, or was it before he Hills pub – I found out after the 4, the 20th day of Elton’s GM: Did you meet his parents? expected to last eight weeks but that Mr Reid was somebody he became generous, ha? event. He was very modest missing millions case brought against John Reid Enterprises’ overran. trusted, but that he’d been DM: No. Although he used to about his musical ability. DM: No Cartier watch for me! (JRE) former managing director, Describing relations with "caught with his hands in the talk about them endlessly. Well, Andrew Haydon, and the Elton, Mr Reid said Elton till." Elton was not in court to We were going to go home GM: Even now, he’s very modest about his mother at least. And rockstar’s former accountants exploded with rage when The hear Mr Reid’s riposte. when he suggested the shopping about his achievements when this guy Fred [Fairbrother, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Mirror newspaper published a "It wasn’t until afterwards diversion. you see him in TV chat stepfather] or "Derf" as he used Mr Reid, 51, who previously letter from PwC exposing the that we discovered it had been to call him. He was a window interviews, such as the recent singer’s spending exploits and Benjamin Pell, who claims to GM: Was his shopoholicalism settled with Elton in a cleaner as I recall. He spoke a BBC Parkinson show. reportedly £3.4m out of court warning him to cut back. Mr have gotten the letter from the evident even then? lot about both of them. deal, told the court he agreed to Reid’s personal and professional rubbish bins," he said. Later, Mr

22 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 7 DM: That was the best interview hairstyle, big glasses and chubby DM: I think for the few years I I have seen him give, and he build, eating chocolate all the knew Reg, we were. Every came over like a nice, ordinary time. He didn’t talk about either Saturday we were together. How bloke, natural and even caught sex really. And his name was close are friends at that age? Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline out Parky on a few occasions. totally out of fashion even then. I Sadly, we didn’t take photos. The Some of the earlier interviews, knew no one else with that only time I got close again was SONG FOR NOBODY?! PHILADELPHIA FREEDOMOUT OF THE CLOSET III when he was taking drugs, he name. Kids can be cruel. But I around 1974. I was working for looked uneasy, and putting on a wasn’t aware of him getting P&O Ferries in the City of Reports in the British press on Out of the Closet III, the shop Elton will christen the performance. bullied for his name. And neither London. One of the secretaries, December 20 stated that that was only open for three and Philadelphia's new performing of us had nicknames. Jean Tomlin, was a devoted fan, Madonna had asked Elton to play arts centre more than two a half days raised a total of GM: No brothers or sisters. Was and a West Ham supporter, Song For Guy as a tribute to her decades after he had a hit with £428,000 for the Elton John Aids he shy? GM: How about the name to going to a benefit night at West groom, British film director Guy the song Philadelphia Freedom. Foundation. More than 15,000 become: Elton John? Ham, and Elton was going to be Ritchie, at their wedding at He will perform at the opening of items belonging to Elton and DM: Very shy. All the more there. I don’t follow football. I Scotland's Skibo Castle on the Kimmel Centre for the David Furnish went on sale at a December 22, 2000. However, store in London's New Bond surprising that without much DM: I had a friend from school. said to her: ‘I was a good friend Elton put the record straight on Performing Arts in December Street in December. "Out of the 2001 and will be joined by Bill prompting from my parents, he When I came back from of Elton as teenagers. If you don’t TFI Friday, which was aired on Closet III" was the most would go into performer mode. university, he said: ‘have you believe go up to him and say the day of the wedding, saying Cosby, Wynton Marsalis, the successful of all the clothes sales Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra heard that song Skyline Pigeon Dick Morgan sends his regards.’ that not only had he not been so far, beating the previous GM: Music was a form of by Elton John?’ I said yes. He She agreed to do that. She was a asked to play the song, but that and the Philadelphia Orchestra. record of £330,000. Elton said: he hadn’t even been invited to "It's brilliant that the shop raised escapism from unhappiness over said: ‘have you heard Your lovely girl, maybe I had an his father, later becoming a way Song?’ I said yes. He said: ‘do ulterior motive! Ha! And I wasn’t the wedding! ONE NIGHT ONLY over £428,000 in less than four days trading and we still have the of life, and he was destined to you know who Elton John is?’ I single by then! She came into play. said no. He said it’s Reggie the office next day, absolutely NEW ALBUM IN HELLO MAGAZINE sale of my Grand Piano featured in the store to come in the Dwight! I said: ‘bollocks! That speechless! Apparently Elton At the time of going to press, The December 19 edition of spring." (Read Mark Giles’ report DM: When I lost contact with can’t be right’. He challenged asked how was I doing? there is still no official release UK magazine Hello, featured a on page 17) Reg, when he worked at music me to go and check the album date for Elton’s new album, free VHS video on the making of publishers [Mills], I’d heard he sleeve, so I rushed to a record Special thanks to Dick which he was working on in the One Night Only. The video, SHE’LL HAVE TO GO! was in the mailroom, desperate shop. I looked at the cover and Morgan. The series continues on studio at the end of last year. which runs for 27 minutes, to get into the music business. was gobsmacked! the Hercules website, with a Latest indications are that the features interviews with Elton and During UK’s Channel 4 He was very interested in pop second article to appear around album will be released worldwide all the One Night Only guests, Television quiz show Fifteen-to- music, but I don’t remember him GM: Would you have called March 25, Elton’s birthday, and in the summer of 2001. plus unique behind-the-scenes One in January, the very first ever saying he wanted to be a yourselves close friends? in the fanzine in June 2001. coverage. (Hercules regrets we question was: 'Which honky tonk pop star. ELTON AT BRITISH COMEDYare unable AWARDS to supply copies of pianist, who had a string of hits over 40 years and was much this video). GM: When did you last see him? The British Comedy Awards loved by the Queen Mother, died show was rounded off with a last month?' The answer was Russ HEY HEY JOHNNY Conway. The elderly contestant DM: Just before university, to duet between comedy character read Navel Architecture, summer Alan Partridge and Elton. The answered: 'ELTON JOHN'! idol pair sang Don't Go Breaking My Elton performed a very of 1965. He went to the sixth Heart while making jokes at each emotional version of Empty ELTON SINGS BACKING VOCALSform for one year, and then left other’s expense. Afterwards Elton Garden in Macon, GA on school for Mills. Metroland in said it had been a lot of fun December 8, and received a 2-3 British recording artist Mal London is vast, and it’s easy to working with Partridge - who is minute standing ovation. He Pope's CD Golden Days 21st lose touch with people. I saw played by Steve Coogan - and introduced it as the song he Century Remix features two him at one or two parties. He said he would think about him wrote for his dear friend John songs with Elton on backing had a friend who was a girl, as when he got home that night Lennon who was killed twenty vocals (If I Wasn't There and opposed to a girlfriend. Can’t before he went to sleep. years ago that day - telling he How It Hurts). remember her name, I’m sure he would never forget when he does! I went to a flat party, and ELTON IN PARIS MATCH learned of Lennon's death while SOLO TOUR IN THE USA saw the pair of them. They were on a plane flight in Australia. real friends and hanged around The French magazine Paris Shortly after finishing the together. After we both left the Match (issue of December 21, European leg of his Solo Tour AT LAST! Royal Academy, I had in any 2000) featured an eight page Elton went back to the USA for a case only seen him sporadically. article titled "The new drug of few more solo shows. He kicked Elton John: Photography". Elton "Finally I've made it to off in Bossier City, LA, on talks about his passion for Johnson City," were Elton's first December 2, 2000. The set list of GM: In adolescence, did he ever photography and says: "During 20 words after he entered the stage these US shows was exactly the talk about girls? years, I have been photographed at Freedom Hall in Johnson City, same as during the final shows of all the time, and I hated that. Now TN, on December 5, 2000. The the European leg, however, DM: No, not really. He was I can accept being photographed show had been postponed from American Triangle made it back rather shy and had this awful by Reggie Zippo even without make-up." April last year. into the show.

6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 23 Listen & Save...

DIGITAL SHEET MUSIC CATALOGUEELTON JOHN DAY ON ANYONE FOR TENNIS? ...on John Jorgenson’s Musicnotes.com, an RAINBOWNETWORK.COM The Eighth Annual DuPont interactive online sheet music World Team Tennis All-Star store featuring 10,000 digital RainbowNetwork.com saluted Smash Hits, hosted by Elton and New Album titles, has acquired the digital the talents of Elton on Friday Billie Jean King, took place at the rights from Warner Bros January 26. They had a Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA, on Publishing to an extensive competition to win a Versace December 14. The event raised n celebration of John Jorgenson's appearance at the Hercules selection of songs by Elton. three-quarter length coat - "I approximately $500,000, with Musicnotes.com is currently IElton/Lennon Weekend March 24, 2001, John's European record hope you have as much fun $172,500 coming from the label Assassination Music, is kindly making a special offer to featuring 26 different Elton John wearing it as I had," Elton passed classics including Goodbye auction before the event. The Hercules members on the breakthrough album, Emotional Savant. on to the prospective winner. money goes to the Elton John Until the end of March 2001, you can order John Jorgenson's latest Yellow Brick Road, Daniel, Bennie and the Jets, Candle in Aids Foundation and AID album for just £11.99 - direct from the record label. That price Atlanta. "We've always wanted to includes postage and packing and is also below the recommended the Wind, and Crocodile Rock. COLLECTIVE SOUL AND More songs will be added to the bring the event here because I retail price of £12.99. site in the near future. ELTON SINGLE reside here and it's a great tennis town," Elton said. "I'm psyched Emotional Savant is available from: Perfect Day, the strikingly TINA STILL THE BEST FOR ELTON? we're here because I love this soulful duet between bandleader town." Assassination Music Promotions Ltd Ed Roland and Elton, will be It is (just) possible singers Tina Tudor House released as the second single Pinstone Way Turner and Elton will bury the ELTON'S CHAT SHOW DEBUT hatchet of their infamous 1999 from Collective Soul's album Gerrards Cross bust-up. Following news on Blender. Bucks Elton was a huge success as December 30, when Tina told he hosted the final ever episode SL9 7BJ fans during her European Tour United Kingdom EJ CHAT SHOW? of UK Channel 4’s TFI Friday, on that she's quitting tours this year, December 22nd. During the her spokesman said: "Tina might Elton could be set to front his Sterling cheques, sterling postal orders, or bankers' drafts only, hour-long show, EJ was in a great still do the odd Sting gig for the own chat show, according to payable to "Assassination Music Promotions Ltd". mood as he joked and chatted to rainforests or an Elton John Aids Peoplenews, January 8. He has No credit cards or Eurocheques for this offer. Offer closes March gig, which she has done in the guests, including Victoria been approached by Britain's 31, 2001. past, if she is asked." Beckham (Posh Spice), and John will also be available to sign copies of his album at the Channel 4 Television to host a comedian Graham Norton. The Hercules Convention, Cavern Club, Liverpool, England, on March 24. similar series to TFI Friday. The show attracted 2.3 million WHITE MILK, WHITE POWDER?new show would be aired at 6 viewers, compared to the show pm on Fridays - the same time ... your Elton has shaken the British just 2 weeks earlier (hosted by milk marketing people, by saying slot as TFI. Regular readers of Donna Air and Fun Lovin' no to backing British milk. He’s The Mag will know that these Criminals frontman Huey), which backing US milk instead. A rumours have surfaced before, only pulled in one million chanceJohn Jorgensonto Competition but have, so far, come to nothing. viewers. council source said last night: ercules is delighted to give you the chance to "Elton is an English superstar - not an American one. We tried to WHITE LADY, WHITE POWDERTHE TIES THAT BIND win the Hwin an autographed copy of John Jorgenson’s lure him twice to appear in the White Stuff campaign, but he The February 2001 edition of Elton spent £7,500 on superb debut solo album, Emotional Savant. said no. You can imagine our Britain’s Q Magazine has a neckties in a matter of minutes As we all know, John is a talented musician. To have surprise when we then saw him special report on the artists, Album promoting milk in America." for charity on December 20, your chance of winning, send us a list of all the Marketing manager Andrew including Elton, who fell victim 2000. The marathon spend had instruments John can play. Ovens said: "It's a shame. We to hard drugs. The two anecdotes Elton buying 30 designer ties, at would still like to work with cited are when in summer 1975, £250 each. David Furnish was by The longest list of correct answers wins. In the event Elton and are looking into further Elton swallowed a bottle of his side. The ties were sold to of a tie the winning entry will be drawn from a hat. scripts." Elton appears on Valium tablets, and leapt into the raise cash for Unicef Gallery boss billboards across America with a outdoor swimming pool and art dealer Kapil Jariwala said: Answers to the Editor at the address on page 2 or milky moustache next to the screaming he was going to die. "He was in for about 20 minutes by e-mail to [email protected]. slogan "I'm Still Standing". He The other tale was when on his and he was absolutely fantastic, Closing date 15th April. will be donating his fee for the wedding night February 14, totally positive about the whole ad to the Elton John Aids 1984, Elton took four grammes of thing. I asked if they were all Foundation. Cocaine to help him make it going to be used and he said through the night! 'yes'."

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 5 A S W MAL ILL B L PR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WR E SE IZE ITER NT T OF O T P EAC HE Send or email your letters to David Wright, Editor (address on page 2) UBL H LE ISHE TTER Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline D.

FACE TO FACE ... ELTON'S BIG PICTURES! SECOND ANNUAL Dear Hercules, Dear any of us fans who weren't at MSG for that great show Hercules, "WITH THIS KISS" AROUND THE WORLD! Elton's private photo last October were even more baffled by Elton's have a few questions on collection on display at a US M Road to Eldorado The second annual "With This comments about quitting than those caught in stupor in the I Elton and Billy Joel kicked off museum has proved too explicit 1/ The album was going to be their joint Face to Face tour in the Kiss" campaign was launched on audience. Sure, it's not the first time he's said this in concert...but for some schools, reported the released in March 2000. I had Western part of the USA in February 6. Hosted by Yahoo! the fact he has kept on apologising for this comment suggests Press Association January 17. The Auctions and Yahoo! Greetings, problems finding it in the stores, January, and at the time of going exhibition in Atlanta includes there's more to this. In fact, he said earlier in 2000 he was bored to press more and more dates are celebrities and consumers and was fobbed off with excuses some snaps of nude men - of touring and recording and wanted to slip into the film business the album had been put bank to being announced for the two puckered up to generate full-time. He's toyed with other outlets, like television presenting prompting one education contributions for the Elton John July release. I found three copies piano men in the Eastern US last December. states. In between tour legs with authority to ditch its planned AIDS Foundation. Last year, in a second-hand record shop in Billy Joel, Elton will also tour solo school field trips. The show Yahoo!'s "With This Kiss" England! The album, when includes 316 photos Elton has campaign helped raise more than available, was out on July 31, again in Europe. In Elton said he was bored August/September, he is expected collected. The event is getting $17,000 for EJAF. Consumers you could only buy it in Virgin to bring Billy along for some rave reviews. "There were just were able to bid on-line for of touring... Megastores locally. Recently, it's European Face To Face shows. two or three questionable original autographed Celebrity appeared in a few other stores! I photographs, but the school Kisses, created using lipsticks think it wasn't well-marketed! After that, the tour is likely to donated by MAC Cosmetics. continue in Asia and Australia. system felt it was better not to 2/ Is it true new producer Pat Nothing is confirmed at the time take students to the exhibit," said Leonard has no interest in Elton's of going to press, but we will Cobb schools spokesman Jay TV GUIDE NOMINATIONS current band? Is that why John bring you more news on the tour Dillon. The museum says it has Jorgenson left the band? schedule as soon as possible. (See had no complaints about the TV Guide on January 29, 3/ Thirdly, no grumbles: just tour Dates on page 27). If you display. announced the finalists for its wanted to thank Hercules for the have access to e-mail, and to third annual awards based on 30 Raby Castle ticket I bought last million reader votes. The winners ensure you don't miss out on the ELTON’S TV BLUNDER year. I know that few members hot news, make sure to sign up will be announced at a Los took up the offer on that for our free Hercules eNewsletter! Angeles gala on March 7. Elton’s particular venue, most choosing CHANNEL 4 has apologised One Night Only - Greatest Hits for an on-air gaffe by Elton, Live is in the running for "Music more southern based shows in "...IF IT KILLS ME!" according to the Isle of Man Special of the Year". 2000. But I had a ball! I rushed newspaper, February 10. Elton up to Elton, and he signed my Elton performed his first show claimed during the final edition of copy of Road to Eldorado. Been LEGENDARY COVERS of the New Year with a reduced UK’s Channel 4 TFI Friday, a fan for nearly 30 years. It was band and bad voice at Blaisdell broadcast on December 22, that But before we despair, here are a few sobering contractual the first time I had anything The Big Eye label released a signed by Elton! Thank you so Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, on homosexuality is still illegal on "new" CD with Elton singing 16 things to bear in mind. January 12. Elton said, "My much Hercules! the Island. He joked about it and cover songs from the "Top of the In April 1992 Elton and Bernie signed agreement with management company screwed told millions of British viewers he Pops" (1969 - 1970) era, on Polygram (as was) to commit to 6 albums, and this was followed Nigel Coleman, UK up so our equipment did not wouldn’t be going to the island February 13. It includes tracks in Nov. 1992 with a record-breaking advance of £26m from US arrive until today, so we on holiday. Island viewers were such as Natural Sinner, Spirit In publishers Warner/Chappell Music contingent upon making those rehearsed all day!". He outraged because his claim was The Sky, Signed Sealed Delivered, Dear Hercules, six more albums. The loan was to be deducted from royalties apologised for his voice being inaccurate. Elton’s agent Paul and Yellow River. The album is ’m Jim from Austria and I’m worn out due to that day's Carey said no offence was meant similar to the already released over the next 12 years. a great fan of Elton John. It’s rehearsals. The band was down to I by the comments. Chartbusters Go Pop. That means that (even counting the June 1992 "The One" really fantastic for me, to see, six members following the push release), Elton is looking at two more studio albums, including (?) of Curt Biscquera, Billy Trudel that Nigel Olsson is back in TWO JOKING PIANO MEN the one planned for spring 2001 release, and the "One Night and John Jorgenson. Just before EASIER TO WALK AWAY Elton' s band. Only" release, but excluding the various soundtrack work which I I love his playing style and I Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Elton and Billy Joel skipped the Word Elton said: "This should be Elton and Billy Joel appeared guess doesn't count. If it does, then the only things keeping Elton think, Nigel and his drum- on Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" intermission at the fourth show of from retirement are the lingering concerns about his cash:asset playing makes Elton’s interesting as well". When he got their Face to Face Tour 2001 in to the final line he sang 'Sorry (NBC) on February 7, during their ratio following his loan in 1999. And good health - which we all compositions unbelievable. Portland, OR, on January 26. But Listen to "Troubadour Club 1970" seems to be the ...' stopped, then USA Face to Face tour. As Jay they didn't skip the fun: Elton wish him in abundance, although that pacemaker needs a risky sang the line again in a lower Leno introduced the two, Billy laughed his way through You new battery every 10 years. I guess we should still see Elton on - unbelievable. register. Elton apologised many wheeled Elton out in a Maybe Right when he first looked the road until he is 60! Hope to see Nigel in Elton's times for his bad voice. His wheelchair, due to a sprained calf up to Billy who had borrowed a band as long as I'm living. speaking voice was even worse Elton got from playing tennis. giant pair of glasses from the A. Spriggs, UK Jump up and best wishes than his singing voice. About Elton and Billy performed audience. And during Piano Man Jim, Austria midway he said "I will get Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and it was Elton's turn to distract Billy through this if it kills me!". Piano Man. by acting like he is a puppeteer!

4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 25 IMPORTANT CHANGES TO HERCULES BANKING HERCULES ELTON/LENNON HERCULES HAS CHANGED ITS BANKING DETAILS FROM MARCH 1, 2001. WEEKEND To reduce confusion for fans, if you pay by cheque, you no AT CAVERN CLUB, LIVERPOOL longer need to write "Hercules UK". From now on, just write "Hercules". MARCH 24-25, 2001 So, whether you are in the UK, USA, or elsewhere, it’s just FROM THE Don't make this an Empty Garden, as Hercules celebrates "Hercules". Elton's birthday and recalls John Lennon's memory 20 years EDITOR... after his tragic loss. Eurocheques no longer accepted by UK banks FOR ONE DAY ONLY If sending a payment to the Hercules UK office, we no ello and welcome to longer accept Eurocheques – even if made payable in sterling. Recent Elton band member Sadly, this flexible means of payment is no longer accepted by Hanother issue. British banks. We have not one but two John Jorgenson CONFIRMED major interviews this time. Nigel We welcome cheques payable in Euros Olsson tells us his latest news, Original Bluesology band - CONFIRMED what it’s like to back in the band If you have a Euro Currency Account, you can now pay for and about his new solo album. More names to follow! Hercules that way. If you are in the UK or Europe, normal subscription of £14 is EUR22. If you live outside of Europe, but We also have part 3 of the Hercules is proud to announce the March 24, 2001 have a Euro Account, your normal subscription of £17, or Clive Franks interview. Convention. The prestigious Cavern Club in Liverpool will US$30, can be paid as EUR27. Mark Giles reports from the play host to these top acts. They will perform live Elton John third Out of the Closet shop in and John Lennon tributes, and will also take fan questions US$ checks, German DEM, sterling banker’s drafts, sterling London. from the floor on the big day. postal orders, VISA/Mastercard credit cards, still ok. George Matlock reports on The day starts early - at There is likely to be an We still accept US$ checks, which must be drawn on a US- the latest from Elton’s ‘missing noon, and the fun continues admission charge to all visi- based bank, the rate being $30, and also sterling banker’s millions’ court case. until 10 pm. We will also be tors to the convention this drafts, and British postal orders are acceptable, all payable to We have a competition - see serving special Elton John cock- year - but we think it will be "Hercules". You can also pay by VISA or Mastercard credit page 24 for your chance to win tails called Blue Eyes, using the well worth it! This is no ordi- cards. German DEM payment to Hercules Co-Ordination, a signed copy of John Cavern Club's very own recipe. nary line up we are offering - in the normal way. Jorgenson’s brilliant CD And in case you are won- with more top names to be Emotional Savant. dering this is the Cavern Club confirmed. This is the first UK Standing Orders will also remain valid. where The Beatles performed time Europe has been able to Elton continues to be as busy thirty-five years ago. It had to rival the Elton Expos run bi- as ever currently with the US leg Hercules is committed to ensuring membership payment be demolished in 1980, and annually in the USA, and to the fan club offers convenient options, but we encourage use of the Face to Face tour with recreated brick-by-brick in many fans cannot visit that of credit card payment or Standing Orders (UK only) Billy Joel, plenty of TV 1983! Using the SAME bricks as one. wherever possible. appearances and more Solo the old club, in fact. Elton John So, show your Elton dates in Europe. See page 27 for has also been inside the club. colours, and come along! the latest Tour Dates. One great British institution Register your interest by visited another! This emailing us at One administration note – event is a once-only chance to [email protected] could I draw your attention to capture a life and soul of Cavern Club Tours Ltd, some changes to banking Elton's music, performed espe- which operates the Cavern Photo: J Collins Photo: arrangements on page 26. cially by John Jorgenson. And Club, are offering accommo- I hope to see many of you in coming from Bluesology will be dation and tour packages to PLEASE REMEMBER... Liverpool on 24 and 25 March Mick Inkpen and Stu Brown. suit you. Please contact them for what promises to be the best Other Bluesology members are direct. On March 25, 2001, currently being invited. And if Elton's birthday, Cavern Club ALWAYS state your membership number ever UK Convention. See the you know where they are, drop Tours will run a series of tours if you send a cheque to Hercules, or pay insert and check our website – a note to event organisers at: for those of you interested in into one of the Club accounts. www.eltonfan.net - for the latest [email protected] seeing The Beatles' Liverpool. ALWAYS let us know the expiry date of news. the card, and the cardholders name. Cheers! NOT TO BE MISSED!! Please note that if you have paid your Membership Fee by Credit Card, your card will automatically be charged again for the renewal fee, at the end of your membership STOCKHOLM CONVENTION year. If your card has expired in the meantime, or if you have switched companies, please forward your new Credit To coincide with Elton’s Sweden show, Hercules Nordic Card details to Hercules Coordination in is holding a fan convention on July 24, 2001 in time for your next renewal. Stockholm. All welcome. For more details please contact Urpu Kallio, address on page 2. Photo: J Collins Photo:

26 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001. 3 Fanzine of the Elton John SMALL ADS THE MAG Fan Club Free to Hercules members. Send yours to David Wright, Editor, 100 Winkworth Rd, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2QR, UK., or e-mail him at [email protected] TOUR DATES Issue No. 54 FAN CLUB INFORMATION EJ CELS! MARCH 2001 ELTON JOHN SOLO TOUR 2001 Annual membership fee for the UK is £14 if paid by HERCULES Chief Editor Similar to the way animation DATE CITY VENUE David Wright Standing Order/VISA/Mastercard. By Cheque/Postal 100 Winkworth Road, Cels are made. Matted and 03-Apr-2001 Paris, France: BERCY Order it is £15. For the rest of Europe it is £14, and Banstead presented in shadow box frames. 04-Apr-2001 Nice, France: S.A. NIKAIA for the USA it is 17£/US$30. Please note that your Surrey SM7 2QR, U.K. [email protected] 16 titles available. Some in 05-Apr-2001 Nice, France: S.A. NIKAIA renewal date is printed on your address label in Assistant Editor: limited edition! Visit our web site European format day/month/year. Tammi Law at Hercules is a registered member Editorial Assistants: ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL FACE TO FACE TOUR 2001 (CONT.) of the National Association of Membership passes are available from your local George Matlock, Barbara Turner www.angelfire.com/biz/celebrity Fan Clubs HERCULES department: send a small photo of Design: Turnstyle Design cel or request the EJ Cel flier DATE CITY VENUE 09-Apr-2001 Denver, CO: Pepsi Center yourself when requesting your pass. Translations: from Cartoon Creations, PO Box Sabine Asenkirschbaumer 12-Apr-2001 Kansas City, MO: Kemper Arena Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton Mireille Mölbert 396, Dunedin, FL 34697 USA For subscription details, please 14-Apr-2001 Memphis, TN: Pyramid Arena CONTENTS John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. write to your local HERCULES Letters will be passed on if necessary. department or to HERCULES 17-Apr-2001 New Orleans, LA: New Orleans Arena Coordinaton: TICKETS FOR BERCY FEATURES 19-Apr-2001 Charlotte, NC: Charlotte Coliseum HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in HERCULES Coordination The following have tickets Last Stand in Open March, June, September and December. In event of c/o Stephan Heimbecher available for the Paris-Bercy 21-Apr-2001 Nashville, TN: Gaylord Entertainment Center Country... Orleansstr. 59 Elton’s missing circumstances beyond our control, there is no D-81667 München, show on April 3. 24-Apr-2001 Atlanta, GA: Philips Arena millions ...... 7 guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in GERMANY Thierry Keller 26-Apr-2001 Louisville, KY: Freedom Hall Front Row Seats?! English and German. Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 Here’s the secret...... 9 Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 [email protected] has 28-Apr-2001 Greensboro, NC: Greensboro Coliseum [email protected] one ticket. One Day at a Time Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' 03-May-2001 Montreal, Canada: Molson Center Nigel Olsson talks to HERCULES Fan Adviser Agnès Blondeau George Matlock...... 10 opinions. All information is based on the best of c/o Mireille Mölbert 05-May-2001 Syracuse, NY: Carrier Dome knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only Zaunweg 11 [email protected] has Clive Franks interview D-80805 München, 09-May-2001 Chicago, IL: Allstate Arena Part 3 of our exclusive by prior arrangement with HERCULES. GERMANY two tickets. interview with Elton’s Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 13-May-2001 Cincinatti, OH: Firstar Center sound engineer ...... 14 Member participation is always welcome. We are [email protected] 15-May-2001 Minneapolis, MN: Target Center Tantrums & Liars ...... 13 thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, HERCULES USA/Canada ELTON MEMORABILIA c/o Sharon Kalinoski 16-May-2001 Minneapolis, MN: Target Center Out of the Closet articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Please P.O. Box 398 For Sale: Various Elton The first day ...... 17 send them to the Editor, David Wright. Please La Grange, IL 60525, USA memorabilia. Vinyl, Rare CDs, This is my House [email protected] understand that we cannot always publish all Videos, Cassettes, ELTON JOHN SOLO TOUR 2001 (CONT.) Hercules member contributions. All photos will be returned. HERCULES U.K. Rob Cargill has c/o George Matlock Pictures, Books, Magazines, DATE CITY VENUE moved house ...... 13 P.O. Box 315 12-July-2001 Bremen, Germany: Galopprennbahn School Report: UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute) Richmond Contact Danny Hayes, 62 Teenage Idol Surrey TW9 3QX, UK Swinley House, Redhill Street, 14-July-2001 Würzburg, Germany: Residenzplatz Elton’s school friend USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843 Fax: 0870 130 7752 talks ...... 20 [email protected] London, NW1 4BB, UK. 15-July-2001 Berlin, Germany: Waldbühne Web site http://www.eltonfan.net Tel: 0207 387 0082 or e- HERCULES Benelux 21-July-2001 Riga, Latvia: Skonto Stadium c/o Tim Blezer mail: [email protected] for OFFERS, PROMOS & COPYRIGHT: HERCULES Pastoor Pendersstraat 8 22-July-2001 Tallin, Estonia: Lauluväljakul CONVENTIONS 6262 PA banholt list. Hercules Elton/Lennon Deadline for Issue No. 55 is 1 May 2001 Netherlands 24-July-2001 Stockholm, Sweden: The Globe Weekend ...... 3 Tel. +31 (0)43 4571703 [email protected] LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS Win John Jorgenson’s No. 55 will be released new album ...... 24 HERCULES Italy 1 Ego Fan Tickets are available for shows indicated . Please refer to June 2001 c/o Luca Zerbini www.eltonfan.net/tournews.shtml for further details and ticket prices. Via Scheiwiller n.9/A 2 Michelle’s Song REGULARS I-20139 Milano, ITALY 3 A Dandelion Dies in the Wind [email protected] 4 Ballad of a Well-Known Gun Please note: This is not an official Tour Schedule, as it contains Between 17 and 20 unconfirmed dates at time of going to press. Elton trivia & gossip ..18 Front Cover: HERCULES Francais 5 Gypsy Heart Illustration by Reggie Zippo Francoise Linden-Gilles Club Information ...... 2 BP-22, B-4900 SPA 6 All the Nasties Letters to the Editor...... 25 Belgium 7 Rotten Peaches [email protected] Lyric Quiz ...... 8 8 Hard Luck Story Back Cover: HERCULES Nordic 9 Midnight Creeper News Bullets ...... 4 John Jorgenson at Birmingham Urpu Kallio Uudenklänpolku 10 Rope Around a Fool Small ads ...... 27 8 November 2000 05200 Rajämaki 11 Idol Tour Dates ...... 27 (Photo: S Heimbecher) FINLAND 12 Roy Rogers email: [email protected] 2001 2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 54. March 2001 27 Meet John Jorgenson since 1988 at the Hercules UK Convention on 24th March See inside for details THE MAG

inside this issue: Exclusive! Clive Franks Interview part 3 Nigel Olsson talks about the past year We talk to one of Elton’s schoolfriends John Jorgenson competition

PLUS: News, Trivia, For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, Quizzes, callers in the UK can phone the Your Letters & more! HERCULESHERCULES HotlineHotline onon 09060906 888888 2020 2020 Calls cost 60p per minute anytime March 2001 Issue No: 54

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