Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Hercules Fanzine No. 53

Hercules Fanzine No. 53

since 1988 “Anyone for Twister??”

THE MAG

inside this issue: Exclusive! Clive Franks Interview part 2 One Weekend only... Madison Square Concert reviewed New Hercules Website launched Elton Goes to Court over missing millions

PLUS: News, Trivia, For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, Quizzes, Your callers in the UK can phone the Letters & more! HERCULESHERCULES HotlineHotline onon 09060906 888888 2020 2020 Calls cost 60p per minute anytime December 2000 Issue No: 53 Fanzine of the THE MAG Fan Club Banstead, SM7 2QR, UK., or e-mail him at [email protected] TOUR DATES Issue No. 53 POSTAL FANS FAN CLUB INFORMATION Looking for Worlwide Elton DECEMBER 2000 ELTON JOHN US SOLO TOUR 2000 (CONT.) Annual membership fee for the UK is £14 if paid by HERCULES Chief Editor John Fans to exchange postal Standing Order/VISA/Mastercard. By Cheque/Postal David Wright letters. Reply guaranteed. 02-Dec-2000 ...... Bossier City, LA Centurytel Center 100 Winkworth Road, Robert Webster Order it is £15. For the rest of Europe it is £14, and Banstead 17 Francis Place 03-Dec-2000 ...... Tulsa, OK Convention Center for the USA it is 17£/US$30. Please note that your Surrey SM7 2QR, U.K. [email protected] Longwell Green renewal date is printed on your address label in 05-Dec-2000 ...... Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall Assistant Editor: Bristol. BS30 9DR UK European format day/month/year. Tammi Law 06-Dec-2000 ...... Wheeling, WV Civic Center Hercules is a registered member Editorial Assistants: of the National Association of Membership passes are available from your local George Matlock, Barbara Turner Fan Clubs EJ CELS! 08-Dec-2000...... Macon, GA Centreplex HERCULES department: send a small photo of Design: Turnstyle Design yourself when requesting your pass. Translations: Similar to the way animation 09-Dec-2000...... Albany, GA Civic Center Sabine Asenkirschbaumer Cels are made. Matted and Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton Mireille Mölbert presented in shadow box frames. 10-Dec-2000...... Montgomery, AL Garrett Coliseum For subscription details, please John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. write to your local HERCULES 16 titles available. Some in Letters will be passed on if necessary. department or to HERCULES limited edition! Visit our web site Coordinaton: at ELTON JOHN & FACE TO FACE TOUR 2001 HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in HERCULES Coordination www.angelfire.com/biz/celebrity March, June, September and December. In event of c/o Stephan Heimbecher cel or request the EJ Cel flier Orleansstr. 59 19-Jan-2001 ...... San Diego, CA Cox Arena circumstances beyond our control, there is no D-81667 München, from Cartoon Creations, PO Box CONTENTS guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in GERMANY 396, Dunedin, FL 34697 USA 22-Jan-2001 ...... Vancouver, BC GM Place Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 English and German. Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 24-Jan-2001 ...... Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome FEATURES [email protected] Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' LIMITED EJ PHONECARDS A Word in Spanish HERCULES Fan Adviser 26-Jan-2001 ...... Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena Marbella concert opinions. All information is based on the best of c/o Mireille Mölbert World-Phonecards.com has reviewed ...... 20 knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only Zaunweg 11 issued a limited edition of Elton 29-Jan-2001 ...... Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center Clive Franks interview by prior with HERCULES. D-80805 München, Part 2 of our exclusive GERMANY John phonecards which are now 31-Jan-2001...... Sacramento, CA Arco Arena interview with Elton’s Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 available at £15 each. Hercules sound engineer ...... 14 Member participation is always welcome. We are [email protected] has negotiated a special offer for 02-Feb-2001 ...... Oakland, CA Oakland Coliseum Kicked off The Moss thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, HERCULES USA/Canada its members: If you order a set c/o Sharon Kalinoski 04-Feb-2001 ...... San Jose, CA San Jose Arena last articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Please P.O. Box 398 of all three Elton John event ...... 24 send them to the Editor, David Wright. Please La Grange, IL 60525, USA phonecards, the price will be 06-Feb-2001 ...... Los Angeles, CA LA Forum Lyrics for American understand that we cannot always publish all [email protected] Triangle ...... 26 reduced to £40 (instead of £45) contributions. All photos will be returned. HERCULES U.K. 13-Feb-2001 ...... Phoenix, AZ America West Arena New Hercules c/o George Matlock - that's a discount of more than 10%! Website ...... 21 P.O. Box 315 17-Feb-2001 ...... Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute) Richmond But hurry, this special offer One Weekend Only Surrey TW9 3QX, UK Madison Garden USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843 Fax: 0870 130 7752 will only last for one month! Concert reviewed...... 10 [email protected] Visit the www.world- Fan meeting report...... 8 Web site http://www.eltonfan.net HERCULES Benelux phonecards.com order your set ELTON JOHN TOUR 2001 The Camera Never Lies c/o Tim Blezer today! Elton photographic COPYRIGHT: HERCULES Pastoor Pendersstraat 8 01-Apr-2001 ...... Lyon, t.b.a. exhibition ...... 22 6262 PA banholt Deadline for Issue No. 54 is 1 February 2001 Tel. +31 (0)43 4571703 03-Apr-2001 ...... , France Bercy OFFERS [email protected] LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS No. 54 will be released 04-Apr-2001 ...... , France S.A. Nikaia Hercules Calendar HERCULES 1 Cartier 2001...... 19 March 2001 c/o Luca Zerbini Via Scheiwiller n.9/A 2 Act of War I-20139 Milano, ITALY 3 All Across the Havens REGULARS [email protected] 4 Chameleon Please note: This is not an official Tour Schedule, as it contains Between 17 and 20 HERCULES Francais 5 Lord of the Flies unconfirmed dates at time of going to press. Elton trivia & gossip ..18 Francoise Linden-Gilles 6 Rock 'n' Roll Madonna Club Information ...... 2 BP-22, B-4900 SPA 7 Letters to the Editor...... 25 [email protected] 8 L'il Refrigerator Lyric Quiz ...... 9 Front Cover: HERCULES Nordic 9 Chasing the Crown Urpu Kallio News Bullets ...... 4 Live at 10 Love is a Cannibal Madison Square Garden c/o Maria Sjöholm Small ads ...... 26 Björkkullavägen 3 A 3 11 Too Young 07880 LILJENDAL 12 Tour Dates ...... 27 FINLAND 2000/2001

2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000 27 SMALL ADS FROM THE EDITOR... Free to Hercules members. Send yours to David Wright, Editor, 100 Winkworth Rd, Photo: S Kalinoski ELTON 2000 CANDLES ello and welcome to the Stephan Heimbecher has revamped the Hercules website. Still available & in stock last issue of 2000 and my first as Editor. He brings us up to date with now: Deluxe $35, Gel $20. H developments on page 21 and It’s been a very busy time as Older versions available as always for Elton - and for us fans. you can see it for yourself at special order. Also, have In this issue we have reports www.eltonfan.net. LYRICS FOR AMERICANTRIANGLEsome Hercules T shirts in USA from surely the most eagerly Hercules member Rob Cargill at $10 each, and Hercules anticipated Elton concert ever at attended a very special evening polo shirts in USA at $20 each, at Wembley Stadium – Elton Seen him playing in his backyard Madison Square Garden and the for USA/Canada shipments Hercules fan event at New York’s performed at the final event young boy just starting out only. All prices are PLUS Hard Rock Café. A live CD before the bulldozers move in. so much history in this landscape shipping. released in record time, TV Read about Rob’s experience in Kicked Off The Moss on page 24. so much confusion so much doubt To order candles or shirts broadcast, video and DVD email sharonk@maxi- release to come, six duets and his I hope my first issue lives up I've been there drinking on that front porch signal.com or write Sharon retirement announced and to Tammi’s high standards. angry kids mean and dumb Kalinoski, P O Box 398, withdrawn – it could only be Tammi was editor for three years looks like the pain(t)? in that blue skyline LaGrange IL 60525 USA. Elton! Kevin Schwartz tells us and took The Mag forward about a very special weekend. immeasurably and deserves God hates fags where we come from We have the second part of thanks from us all for what has WERE YOU AT ? Western sky, don't make it right our exclusive and fascinating become, and I hope will home of the brave, don't make no sense Calling all EJ fans that have interview with Elton’s sound continue to be, an informative and professionally produced I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire been to Elton's show in engineer Clive Franks. Stuttgart on July 1, 2000: My As we went to press the first source of news and information left to die on a high ridge fence friend, who is in a wheel chair, dates of another Face to Face on all things Elton. it's a cold cold wind and myself got to the stage Tour with Billy Joel in 2001 were Please keep your letters coming in. We welcome your during the show, and Elton laid being announced. Currently this it's a cold cold wind input and suggestions. down flat on his face in order is only in the US but hopefully it's a cold wind blowing other parts of the world will be Wishing you all a great to shake my friends hand. Did holiday season and Happy New Wyoming anybody take a picture of this? included later. Either side of this there are further solo dates in the Year from all at Hercules. We are desperately looking for Cheers! a photo (even if it's just poor US and Europe – see page 27 for See two coyotes running down the (deer) ? details. quality). Please contact Elke they (knew) ? what we don't understand There has also been a Middelhauve & Eddi Kadner, you pioneers give up your children gripping court case involving Hindenburgplatz 5, D-74385 Elton who is suing his former but it's your blood that stains their hands Pleidelsheim, Germany, managament company and Western skies, don't make it right phone/fax +49 7144 209745. accountants. Again, timing of home of the brave, don't make no sense publication is against us but we I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire bring you the most up to date report we can on page 4. left to die on a high ridge fence Photo: S Kalinoski it's a cold cold wind PLEASE REMEMBER... it's a cold cold wind HERCULES ELTON/LENNON WEEKEND it's a cold wind blowing ALWAYS state your membership number Cavern Club, March 24-25, 2001 Wyoming if you send a cheque to Hercules, or pay Don't make this an Empty Garden, as Special weekend accommodation & tour into one of the Club accounts. Hercules celebrates Elton's birthday and recalls packages are available direct from Cavern Club ALWAYS let us know the expiry date of Somewhere the road forks up ahead 's memory 20 years after his tragic Tours. Please phone Ray Johnson at Cavern on: the card, and the cardholders name. loss. We're at famous haunt, the to ignorance and innocence +44 151 236 9091 for details, or see their Please note that if you have paid your Cavern Club, Liverpool. Breaking with the website at www.Cavern-Liverpool.co.uk First Membership Fee by Credit Card, your card tradition, Elton's birthday convention is three lives drift on different winds come, first served. No enquiries to Hercules will automatically be charged again for the on the road for the first time ever for this two lives ruined one life spent renewal fee, at the end of your membership about package terms please. year. If your card has expired in the Elton/Lennon Weekend. The convention is free to western sky, don't make it right meantime, or if you have switched all from noon-5pm on March 24, and The Elton tribute acts and special guests are being companies, please forward your new Credit home of the brave, don't make no sense Card details to Hercules Coordination in Beatles-related tours are available on Sunday booked. More details of line-up coming soon. I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire time for your next renewal. March 25, through a special deal with Cavern Check our website regularly, or sign up to free left to die on a high ridge fence Club Tours in association with Hercules UK. Hercules eNewsletters for email news. it's a cold cold wind 26 it's a cold cold wind Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 3 it's a cold wind blowing Wyoming A SMA WILL LL P LETTERS TO THE EDITOR W BE S RIZE RITE ENT R OF TO EAC THE Send or email your letters to David Wright, Editor (address on page 2) PUB H L LISH ETTE Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline ED. R ear oh dear - could there be an performance in him that ultimately Ed: Dinaccuracy or two in gossip appeared on the . Thanks for LEGAL BOYS: HAS THE CASE GOT TEETH? By George Matlock and trivia? I remember the Holiday Inn the info following from interviews with The third verse contained Cliff. George Matlock he much-trailed Elton John Elton and – something within it that the asked Clive Franks about this and the "missing millions" court case Don't Let The Sun Go Down Holiday Inn company would have answer is: “I mixed the album with Topened in London’s High On found objectionable and lawyers Gus at ' studio which was Court on Oct. 30. As Hercules You would probably be aware apparently advised Elton’s team really only a demo studio with very went to press, the case was half- that the recording of the Caribou that the third verse should be basic equipment. Gus recorded most way through an 8-week session. album was fraught with problems dropped ( I can let you have the of Elton's earlier at Trident Elton is suing Andrew Haydon, and Elton could not get used to lyric if you wish - it does exist on studios which had a state of the art former managing director of being in an American studio after some old recording / bootlegs) console and loads of limiters, Elton’s one-time management the Chateau. At a time when Elton Well done for the others - I compressors and effects etc, and a company, John Reid Enterprises was, let us say, at one of his most didn't know them much tighter sound. He felt that he (JRE), and Elton’s former tired and emotional stages (going How about asking Clive Franks could get a cleaner, punchier sound accountants who warned him of through the final stages of leaving ( great to see him - how about there which would be more suited to excessive spending in 1998, DJM and setting up Rocket), the more Roger Pope?) why the the US market. Dave Hentschel was PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Elton and David arrive at court A smiling John Reid recording of DLTSGDOM was 17.11.70 album was remixed and the resident engineer who Gus had Elton alleges Haydon was particularly painful and almost reduced twice, once by Clive in worked with before. negligent in allowing JRE to charge 15 to 17, and on the third day, up anyway. caused major upsets between Elton DJM studios London and once by you have it! I think both him US tour expenses - including apologised for his comments the Mark Hapgood QC, barrister for and Gus, who kept Elton re doing David Hentschel at Trident ? versions sounded great but the real booking agents, accountants and day before. Elton explained: "It was PwC, suggested to Elton he went the vocals time and again - Gus did Cliff Sinclair magic was in the performance from producers. Elton's case is that the a very passionate response and a "spending mad" following a £42m this because he knew Elton had the Elton, Dee and Nigel.” "several millions" (reportedly very irresponsible remark for me to deal with recording company £20m) which he paid out in make at that time. I regret saying Polygram in Feb 1996. touring expenses 1984-98 should that. I was very tired. It was a long Elton said: "I’m not a nest-egg ust walked in the door from his hank you for all your hard work ear Hercules, have been borne by JRE under a re- day of badgering questions." person". JMadison Square Garden concert. Tproviding us with information DThanks for the great seats to negotiated management agreement And what was it Elton said? A Reuters reporter told me out Billy Joel, . Best ever. about Elton. This is just a reminder see Elton at Broadlands this signed in 1986. PwC are accused Andrew Fletcher, barrister for of court: "We all latched onto one But what a downer. Elton to everyone that December 1st is summer in the UK. by Elton of negligence in managing Haydon, suggested to Elton it was comment Elton made. He said he actually told the audience that after World Aids Day, and although I What a lot of fans probably his affairs. Both defendants are his 2001 concert tour "that's it" for realise that day will have passed by don't know is HOW good the highly improbable Mr Reid had had no one to inherit the money. touring. Booooooooooooo! the time most people receive their vigorously contesting Elton's legal deliberately tried to "swindle" the That must have been difficult for seats were. On June 6, I was I sure hope he changes his mind. December issue of The Mag, I think seated with the Hercules grouping action. musician. , in court, to take." In the meantime we have the as EJ fans we should all do our bit. We cannot draw any Elton had replied: "Why would We cannot make any comment on - and to my right was the owner of Greatest Hits Concert CD and the I’m sure everyone could do the stately home himself, Lord conclusions from the case until the someone with a criminal record be that, although it does not in fact CBS special to look forward to. something and send the proceeds to trial ends. We have noted people incapable of doing something like impinge upon the trial’s Thanks for listening EJAF. Every little bit helps and our Montagu. Nice to be in the midst making comments on the Internet that?" determination. Frank D'Agostino, Hillside, NJ contribution could make a difference of such VIPs eh? about the likely outcome, and we Apologising, Elton still accused There were light-hearted to someone’s life. Nigel Coleman, UK member find this reproachable to both Elton Mr Reid of betraying him over moments too. In court, Elton took Ed: But he took it all back the Elton is such an inspiration to us, as well as the defendants in the touring costs. He doubted Mr Reid another chance to quash his MSG following night! how could we not support such a case. Such remarks are prejudicial had made an "honest mistake" concert "quit" outburst. worthy cause. I was cheeky enough to a fair trial. about what was agreed between "There was never any question to introduce myself to Elton at his he weekend that I joined More amusingly, one fan them over tour expenses in St of me retiring." reat work with The Mag. Barbie Ball last December. He is a THercules was one of my GThanks especially for the lovely man and certainly worthy of favorites. It took place in New already made their view known, Tropez in 1984. That contract Mr Fletcher suggested: "We all exclusive interview with Clive handing Elton a toothbrush at the boosted JRE’s earnings from Elton. have to retire at some stage." Elton our admiration and support. So York--when Elton John played Franks. I look forward hugely to the come on everybody, do your bit and Madison Sq. Garden 2 nights in a Antwerp solo show after Elton had JRE had increased its commission retorted: "Do we? Why can’t I drop next instalments. I have been an spent his daytime sensationally to 20% of Elton's pre-tax earnings dead on stage? Lots of other people send a donation to EJAF. row. He looked and sounded so Elton fan since 1971 when I first Diane Strauther, , UK bringing up ex-manager John (previously it had been after-tax do. I have no intention of retiring." heard . My pleasure and young and vibrant. The addition of Reid’s criminal record, to which earnings) together with publishing Cheerily, Elton said outside appreciation has not faltered for one "Club at the End of the Street" was Reid, in Court 17 to hear evidence, income, ratified in 1986. court: "I think I got very fair second. This year I saw him on ust wanted to let you know (as if unexpected but welcome. With all shook his head in disbelief. The Elton said: "It was a contract treatment from all the QCs." About stage, solo at Castle Ashby, Jyou didn't know already!!) that this so fresh in my mind, I could citation was irrelevant to the case. verbally between two people who cross-examination: "I knew the Northampton. We all braved the eltonfan.net is MUCH MUCH better really appreciate the UK solo tour Mr Reid was jailed for a month had lived together for five years. spending thing would come up." cold English summer, but I had than eltonjohn.com. You have much review in Sept's The Mag. And I for punching a woman journalist in He was a huge part of my life. He And the verdict? "We shall just brilliant 4th row seats and it was more news - and the news you offer thought that seeing him solo three New Zealand in 1973 as is well was my partner for five years. have to wait and see what the fantastic. After a superb is on-line far quicker than times in 7 months was pretty documented. Mr Reid is not the When I did a deal with him I didn't judgment is," Elton said. performance of Ticking, Sir Elton eltonjohn.com. good? A pittance compared to the subject of legal action, following a have to write anything down, or so The case continues. pointed and thanked me for my It must be really hard to maintain 13 noted here! £3.4m settlement by Mr Reid to I thought." Hercules' court reporters will applause. The show was of course, it such a way that it's still very Cheryl Herman, U.S.A. Elton after they parted company in At the start of trial, Elton’s bring you the outcome of this trial incredible. Elton to me remains "personal" and friendly, yet 1998. PwC believe the lawyers tried to block evidence of on our website. In March we hope genius, timeless, ageless and unique. informative and professional. compensation covered settlement Elton’s lavish spending being made to publish a chronology of the case Thank you Sir Elton for all those Well done. for all parties. in court by PwC. But in cross- years. Kind regards, in The Mag, together with analysis. Richard Youngman, Norfolk, UK Amanda Lucas Elton was in court November examination, those issues bubbled 4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 25 ercules feels for us to have Hmember Rob our picture taken Cargill gives a with him! personal account Other of a special, and kicked off the standards were expensive, evening Daniel, - tickets were from Philadelphia £1,200. Freedom, RECORD MAKER, RECORDFIRST BREAKER! GLIMPSES OF NEWONE NIGHT WITH LITE Arriving at Wembley Stadium and finally Candle Elton smashed the world Elton John was a special guest moss STUDIO ALBUM from my Hotel in a moss in the Wind. record for the fastest album ever at One Night with Lite presented shuttle service Elton soon had made! According to Billboard.com, specially laid on it feeling more like by Toyota at New York's Madison for the event, I an EJ concert Released on November 13 in Elton John unveiled one of the 15 Square Garden (Theater) on Oct found myself being though - as he did Europe and 8 days later in the US, songs already completed for the 23. Also appearing: Natalie Cole, photographed by a the solo new album One Night Only, was new studio album, which is Kathi Lee Gifford, Lara Fabian, Philly the crowd huge band of taped live at two sell-out shows at expected to be released in spring Bruce Hornsby, LeAnn Rimes, photographers as I Elton meets footballing legend Pele and performs for the select audience started to become New York's Madison Square stepped out of the a bit more 2001. He played it to his live and Bruce McKnight. limo. I had no idea loosened up. Gardens on October 20 and 21. band members during rehearsals who they were Philly changed It hit the shops just 22 days at Madison Square Garden on the mood ELTON WANTS TO ROCK trying to after recording, meaning One Oct 20. The song, American photograph - somewhat and Night Only breaks the record for looking behind me then Elton said Triangle, is about the 1998 Feeling inspired from a recent I discovered that it ''This next one I'm the fastest-ever turn around for an murder of Matthew Shephard, a collaboration with Collective album. The previous record was me! Quite gonna need your Wyoming college student who Soul with whom he recorded help with'' and holder was Plastic Ono Band's who they thought I was brutally killed in a gay hate piano and vocal on a track called may have been I played Crocodile Live Peace album, released within crime. While the live recordings have no idea - it Rock. After this four months. Perfect Day, Elton reported the was hilarious. Elton came over at MSG included well-known experience was so much fun that There were and shook hands band members such as Davey he can't wait to take it to the next 2000 guests with us all. NO RETIREMENT IN 2001, housed in a Before each of Johnstone, John Jorgenson, Guy level. "I've always wanted to be specially built 'see- the songs, Elton OF COURSE! Babylon, , and even in a rock band," he says. "I've through' marquee. ON 2nd NOVEMBER ELTON PLAYED ATtalked THE about his returning drummer , always wanted to smash a guitar Hundreds of LAST EVER EVENT AT WEMBLEY STADIUM BEFOREexperiences ITof IS Elton fans were in shock after none of these have been part of over someone's head. You just 'celebs', mainly Wembley Stadium. Elton announced he’s to retire at from all aspects of DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW STADIUMHe said that his the recordings for the studio can't do that with a piano." UK sport, major TV most memorable end 2001. "Next year will be a album. Producer Pat Leonhard Shows and music. polite applause - but people remained and touching lot of fun," he said during his has no interest in Elton's current - DANCE VERSION Another Elton John fan Emma (aka seated at their given tables. experience there was in 1984 when show at New York's Madison live band. Even new drummer Lady Sam), who I met at Castle Ashby The curtains opened and Elton Watford met Everton in the FA Cup Square Garden on Oct 20, "but at Curt Bisquera, who came into Hurley & Todd have used earlier in the year, won a competition was already seated at his Piano and Final. the end of 2001 ... that's it for organised by the BBC. Having found began Your Song. I said to Emma ''OK It is at this match each year that Elton's band for "The Road to El Elton's instrumental, Song For her we agreed we would 'get down to listen - here's the plan - what we do is the hymn ''Abide with Me'' is sung. me!" The next night’s show, he Dorado" by Leonhard's choice, Guy, and turned it into a modern to start waltzing on the dance floor.'' Watford were to lose to Everton and took it back: "I said I'm gonna the stage area' for Elton’s set. I tried to has been shut out of the new dance/trance version - titled work out a 'plan' because this was by I must have had too much to drink the rolling credits to end the live BBC retire next year, but of course I'm project. Sunstorm. A Maxi CD has been no means a normal Elton Show. but we began getting nearer and broadcast pictured Elton, tears rolling full of shit!" was his introduction nearer to Elton. By the way it was down his face to the tune ''Sad The compere for the evening to the encores. released in Germany (featuring came on stage and said ''We have a completely obvious to all and sundry Songs'' - which was Elton’s single at seven different mixes) and the very special guest for you this evening that we could not waltz but it was the the time. Elton told us that even ELTON ROCKS WILKES-BARRE and they don’t come much bigger only thing I could think of to get us though he had played Wembley seven JOHN JORGENSEN JOINS HERCULES UK (featuring three different than this - he will be coming on stage closer! times it was this football match of Elton and the band rocked the mixes). in about 5 minutes.'' Well the next thing was - other which most memories remained. John Jorgenson of Elton’s band First Union Arena at Wilkes- Emma and I decided to pretend to couples started to waltz too! In no Elton was followed on stage by popped in on the Hercules Barre, PA, on October 18, with a NIGEL OLSSON TO RECORD be heading towards 'our' table close time - we had waltzed our way right Chris de Burgh, Jools Holland and Convention at Hard Rock Café, set list of 27 songs. The show by the stage at the edge of the dance in front of Elton the closest anyone The Bootleg Beatles - 4 look-alikes New York, ahead of the Madison was a pilot for the two One floor. Amazingly, no-one seemed was during the performance - we had who thanked Elton for supporting NEW ALBUM bothered about our foray into the done it!! By this time, Elton was in full them tonight! The evening was Square Garden show Oct. 21. Night Only concerts at New 'expensive' bit (these tickets were swing and it felt more like an Elton rounded off by a truly spectacular York's Madison Square Garden The Official Nigel Olsson Fan £1800.00 each). concert. The dance floor had by now firework display which would have "FACE TO FACE" RETURNS IN 2001 Club told Hercules that Elton Between the nearest tables and completely filled up - but everyone put Disney to shame. days later. Among fresh material the raised stage there was a dance was all very polite and everyone left Emma and I had an absolute Ball!! Piano duellers Elton John and that night: Funeral for a drummer Nigel Olsson started floor. I noticed there were people about 1 ft of space between them and It was just the most amazing thing, Billy Joel will continue their Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, recording his new album for the milling around the Restroom area to the next person. All very civilised – there were we, and Elton just right Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Japanese label 81 Records on the right - we headed off in that not like the mad scrum at normal there in our own personal space - not "Face to Face" tour with some direction by way of an excuse! Elton Concerts. being jostled - like it was just a shows on the US West coast Little Jeanie, , Can October 30, in . Elton The house lights went down and Elton went on to sing Nikita, private concert - we were absolutely between mid-Jan and mid-Feb you Feel the Love Tonight, Don't band members the compere came back on stage: which Elton dedicated to Pele. Elton bowled over by it. 2001. Details are not yet known Go Breaking my Heart, Club at and will be ''Ladies & Gentlemen, our first guest said how pleased he was to have met the End of the Street, I Don't producing. Kiki Dee is scheduled this evening is big - and I mean big Pele and have his photograph with at this point in time, but the tour THIS is Sir Elton John'' More than him - so Elton does now know how it is likely to include concerts in Wanna go on with you like that, to do a duet with Nigel, and Was it worth the £1200 ticket? Seattle, Portland (OR), San , (Say Elton has given Nigel a new song Yes! Francisco, and the LA area as So Much), and Beatles’ Come to record. The album is slated for well as San Diego. Together. release only in Japan.

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 5 Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline 1989. It's amazing the crap on the special display panels. has changed, he said. SUN RECORDS TRIBUTE…ELTONI’M READY VOTED BRITAIN'SNEW ELTON JOHN DVDS younever buy when you're stoned," Elton sorts thelies... photographs by Still, he doesn't care to Musical legends including he said. "When I did sober up, subject or by the know all that much about how FAVOURITE ENTERTAINER "" is Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, released on VHS and DVD on life looked different." photographer. a photo was taken: "I don't Elton and The Who will rock ‘n’ At the BBC Peoples Awards December 12. Released as a Late friend Gianni Versace He treats his photographs care how (photographers) do roll for a 50th anniversary film Oct 8 at London's Royal Albert Special Edition DVD, The Road gave him some advice that he much like paintings, making it," he said. "I'm really nosy. I and soundtrack tribute to Hall, Elton John was voted by the to El Dorado features a multitude follows: "He told me to go out sure the matting and framing want to know who they live pioneering rock 'n' roll label Sun British people their favourite of exciting interactive and see beauty. Take time to are just right. "If they are in a with. These people Records. They’re performing the entertainer. Elton was up against entertainment extras. The DVD go to a gallery or go to a better frame and are treated (photographers) are so music of Carol stiff competition from co- features a DVD-ROM component church and look at the stained more respectfully," he said, interesting. I like to read about Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy nominees , offering an interactive PC Game glass and the mosaics on the "people will stop and stare at a their lives and the times they Orbison, Johnny Cash, and other Travis, and sexbomb Tom Jones. floor." photograph." live in. It's wonderful to read pioneers from the famous label. demo, "Aztec Adventures;" a Singer Lulu was on stage to brain teaser trivia game; letter At first, Elton collected Elton claims to be a about these people." PBS will broadcast a two-hour mostly black-and-white technophobe, and doesn't take tribute in Dec 2001. It will be announce Elton as the winner. and number learning activities; fashion photography and photos himself. Interestingly released through Sire label. Sam But Elton, recording his latest and downloadable colouring Solid Phillips launched the Memphis- album in Los Angeles, appeared pages, mazes and a surprise portraits, but soon he for a man who has launched based Sun label in Feb 1952, only on screen. He said he was screen saver. The DVD also diversified. his namesake on the www, drawing on the gospel, blues and surprised to win: "Especially includes Elton’s music video for "It's an exciting time for Elton said: "I'm Internet Walls country styles of that region of since Robbie is 45,000 years Some Day Out of the Blue colour photography," he said. ignorant. I don't even have a the US. younger!" Elton paid tribute to (Theme From El Dorado); a "Photographers tend to go portable phone. I'm ignorant fans, for making his career special behind-the-scenes further in colour." about technology, but I don't of Photos Elton’s also beginning to hate it." THE BOX IS BACK possible. Presenter Michael featurette, cast and crew bios; Buerk asked: "Will you return to production notes; theatrical collect photographs with a In fact, he's amazed with Because he has about 400 The 4-CD box set "To Be the UK?" Elton replied: "Maybe to marketing materials. In Europe "harder edge." "Those we have technology, especially as it photographs on display at the Continued..." was re-released in borrow Lulu's outfit!" Elton John live in was to take down when the applies to photography. With High Museum's two gallery the US on Oct 31. released on DVD on Aug 21. relatives come," he said, digital imaging and computer- spaces, he says he has "holes" chuckling. aided processing, photography in his walls. "Sick person that I I CRY AT NIGHT Besides live tracks from the 1992 THE DUST SETTLES - show, the DVD also contains a He has expanded his US am, I have about 2,000 more." Elton was moved at the 55-minute special tour report that penthouse apartment from It has come to the point, ELTON TRIBUTE TO DUSTYmovies by performances from was not included with the VHS 2,200 square feet to 18,000 however, that whenever he square feet, "and it's still not Elton contributed to tributes in Julie Walters and new talent released. From Sept. 4, The Very buys a photograph he enough room," he joked. liner notes of Simply Dusty, a 4- Jamie Bell in a preview of their Best Of Elton John was also wonders, "Where the hell am I CD anthology of vocalist Dusty film Billy Elliot, Sept 18. The released on DVD. Slides of his apartment shown going to put it? But I'll buy it Springfield. The box set, from acting chemistry led Elton to to convened media displayed and worry about where to put Mercury Records, was released break down. It’s an emotional floor-to-ceiling panels filled it later," he said. "I'm rather an Sept 25. Memories of the singer, British drama. Walters plays a ELTON ON DAVID LETTERMAN'Swith photographs. insane kind of person." who died in March 1999, are dancing teacher while Bell plays "Oh, that's between my The one thing he does "LATE SHOW" included in a 64-page booklet. a striking miner's son who bathroom and the closet," he worry about is where to leave dreams of joining the Royal Elton John was a guest on said, looking up at one slide of his photographs when he’s wall-to-wall photographs. ELTON JOHN RECEIVES Ballet. David Letterman's Late Show on gone: "I have no heirs," Elton CBS Nov 30. Elton said between his said. "Photography deserves to HUMANITARIAN AWARD collection of photographs, be seen. What concerns me is IN AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN glass sculptures and what happens when I'm not Elton was presented with a ELTON IN SOUTH PARK Elton says he wants to antiquities, he's filled up his here. I want the public to be special award by the American become a producer and actor in Three new "South Park" homes in Atlanta; Nice, in able to enjoy them." edition of GQ magazine. The US France; and Windsor, . GQ "Men of the Year" Awards films. But an animated film about videos with exclusive bonus garden gnomes? Daily Express of footage hit stores Nov 7. In Atlanta alone, he has took place in New York on Oct 900 images on his walls and 26. Elton received the David September 27, reckons Elton’s Christmas in South Park, Best of Yurman Humanitarian Award for new film production project sees South Park, and The Chef his work with EJAF. Elton teaming up with Disney to Experience (including Chef Aid The GQ "Men of the Year" make the extravaganza. Elton has and Chef Aid: Behind the Menu, Awards will air in the US on Fox gnomes in his spacious gardens which features interviews with Network on Dec 9. in England. Elton et al. 6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterlynever Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. lies... 23 be shown in Atlanta," Elton told US media at a packed lecture at Symphony Hall on "" BEGINS US TOUR LONELY OUT IN SPACE the cameraOctober 24, 2000, near the Elton John may face legal new exhibition "This EATS HOLLYWOOD MARCH 2001 collection evolved from my action by organisers of a being here. ... If people want Disney's The Lion King began The countrywide tour of Elton Portuguese concert after he to see it, they can come to the preview performances in and Disney's musical, Aida, walked out half an hour before Hollywood on Sept 28 at the High." begins at Minneapolis' Orpheum he was due to perform. Elton was restored Pantages Theatre. The Theatre March 27, 2001 until scheduled to appear at the Estoril Chorus of Light: Los Angeles limited engagement Photographs from the Sir Elton April 22, 2001. The production Casino near Lisbon September 13 has been extended to Oct 1, but, according to the venue's John Collection is on display 2001 due to the overwhelming will then move to St. Louis, at the High Museum of Art in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and spokesman, 30 minutes before demand for tickets. In its 3rd the show Elton appeared Atlanta. It contains about 320 year of sold-out performances on Denver. As with the New York concerned the theatre was only images by photographers like Broadway at the New Amsterdam edition, the tour will be directed half full. Casino manager Mario Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, Theatre, and a smash hit in by Robert Falls, with Wayne Assis Ferreira told Portuguese Walker Evans, Tina Modotti, London, performances for the Los Cilento working choreography, radio the venue is planning to Norman Parkinson, Irving Angeles production are Tuesdays- and sets and costumes by Bob sue Elton for several tens of Penn, Man Ray, Edward Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturday's at Crowley (see tour list p. 27). Steichen, Alfred Stieglitz and 2:00 pm and 8:00pm and thousands of dollars. “He said he Edward Weston. Sunday's at 1:00 pm and 6:30 was going out to get some air but In addition, a small exhibit pm. (There will be occasional PELL PROGRAMME PULLEDthen he jumped into his car and of 70 images of artists and Weds. Matinees). Tickets are went to the airport to catch his A programme documenting private jet. He never said other celebrities by available at the Pantages Box the antics Benjamin Pell (also goodbye or anything to anyone,” photographers like Andy Office, by calling Ticketmaster at known as Benjy the bin-man) the said a Casino spokesman. Elton Warhol, Stieglitz, Avedon, +1-213-365-5555 or +1-714- was shelved by UK television was reported to have flown back Penn and Bob Willoughby – 703-2510. You can also obtain tickets online at station Channel 4 Television "for to Nice. opened November 6, 2000, at www.lionkingla.com. legal reasons" a spokesman for However, an audience of the High's Folk Art and Channel 4 told Hercules 1,250 people who had each paid Photography Galleries. September 11. Scandal in the TINY DANCER ALMOST 50,000 escudos (£154) per ticket Michael Shapiro, the Bins was an hour-long for dinner and show were in fact director of the museum, FAMOUS AGAIN documentary about Pell, widely there. In all, 1,500 tickets had introduced Elton, who was believed to have been behind the been sold. The unamused and dressed all in black, as a Elton saw a tune he penned sensational press in late 1997 unentertained crowd included collector of a broad range of 30 years ago head north in the and early 1998, which included government ministers, bank photographs that cover early US charts. The song, Tiny a leaked letter depicting Richard presidents and national modernists, still-lifes, nudes Dancer, features heavily in the Branson's spat with Elton over newspaper editors. They were and fashion images. US hit movie "Almost Famous" apparently slow at moving from and was tipped a chart topper. the non-inclusion of Candle in Elton said he started the dining room to the concert US Music channels have picked the Wind 1997 on a Diana, collecting photographs about hall, leaving it to the last minute up on the 1971 song and FM Princess of album, as well the time that he made Atlanta to enter the music chamber. his home in America, and said stations gave it heavy play. as publication in tabloids of Elton's bank statements. Channel display is growing passion for that he managed to triumph lton gives US media a over a different kind of AND A CLINTON FUNDRAISER4 declined to comment who had PRADA PARTY candid (camera) interview photography at an exhibition compulsive addiction, instigated the shelving of the Luxury goods maker Prada's about his photo in his adopted second home Elton appeared Oct. 22 at a E of Atlanta, Georgia, in the alcoholism, about the same programme, and whether it was fundraising gala at the Royal collection, and about his fundraiser in aid of Hillary done on legal advice from USA. time. Clinton's campaign to be elected Academy of Arts Sept 30, was technophobia television lawyers, or on the Elton has decided to "I wanted this collection to "I sold almost everything in to the American Senate. 200 visited by Elton and Courtney tickets each cost $6,000 at New strength of an injunction. If the Love. It was held to coincide York City’s Hudson Theater. Elton latter, the injunction might not with the launch of the is also said to have written a have been imposed by Elton or controversial Apocalypse show at song for Mrs Clinton, First Lady his management company as the world-famous arts gallery. of the and wife of other celebrities were also to Elton wore a polka-dot three- incumbent President Bill Clinton. feature in the programme. piece suit – see the back page! 22 the cameraHercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 7 and gave me a wave. Overall, Elton was brilliant, but the Spanish organisation of the whole thing was really bad; it Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline made me realise just how well the NEW HERCULES WEBSITE UK tour promoters had done with those difficult outdoor venues in BY STEPHAN HEIMBECHER Also new are the Hercules AL GORE FUNDRAISER DOG'S IN THE KITCHENWHO WEARS THESE SHOES? 2000. And I also wonder whether eCards - electronic postcards ost Elton fans with which can be e-mailed. Aside Elton performed at a Elton took a photo for an "Rock Style", the acclaimed Elton himself really realises the effort and discomfort involved in Internet access will from a choice of different Elton fundraiser for US presidential AIDS charity auction. Others New York exhibition celebrating probably have noticed pictures there are also a number music's influence on style and attending a show like that. We M candidate Al Gore Sept 19. In the among 50 snappers included that our often announced new of midi tracks of Elton John songs fashion came to the Barbican queued for 9 hours in the baking San Francisco Bay Area, Elton's Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue Hercules website is now finally which can a provide the musical Centre, London, October 5. Over hot sun, without a drink or toilet available since early October. 45-minute show was the main and Bryan Adams, who were break, and then he was in a bad background for your eCard. event apart from a Gore speech 100 original costumes modelled Under www.eltonfan.net (and An important modification each given an Olympus camera by the world's music icons went mood..... www.eltonfan.com as previously at a wealthy benefactor's All in all, I’m glad I went to the regarding security is the fact that to use. One is by his partner, on display, including Elton's known) we tried to not only all online forms are now mansion. Donations were platform shoes, and the Union concert, because seeing Elton compile all the information about $25,000 per table, $50,000 near David Furnish, of Elton's "star", perform with only his piano is processed in SSL Format via a so- on Hollywood Boulevard. Elton Jack jacket made for David our fan club. At the same time we called Secure Server. Thus, it is the stage! Elton was campaigning Bowie by Alexander McQueen. breathtaking, and it doesn’t get any wanted to create an Elton John absolutely no risk anymore to for Gore because "I do not want snapped his own dog. Some of better than that. portal which links together the send us important data like your this country to have to live under the photos were on display at various official sites and the THE SQUIRRELS ARE OUT TODAY credit card number online. George W Bush." About 300 Mulberrys, New Bond St, uncounted unofficial sites dealing This paves the way for another people paid up attended. London, from November 6, and Sir Elton John, Sir Paul with Elton John. addition to our online content Of course, the new Hercules Wearing a black brocade jacket, will be exhibited at Harrods in McCartney, and Sir Michael Caine which will be opened as the next Elton played nine of his hits, were among a number of stars to set list website still is a reliable source step: the Hercules Online Shop. December. Last bids Dec. 31 to: for all news related to Elton John including Your Song, Daniel, take part in a drawing campaign At the moment, we are still in Fashion Acts, 30 Elgin Crescent, in aid of the endangered red Your Song - the same thing that fans are negotiations with potential Rocket Man, Philadelphia London W11 2JR, England. used to from our previous partners because Hercules itself Freedom and Crocodile Rock. squirrel. Although prevalent in The Greatest Discovery Email: [email protected] websites. We think that our news does not offer any merchandise - Organisers had expected him to continental Europe, the red Someone Saved My Life Tonight pages have become more lucid, squirrel is outnumbered in except articles that are produced do only four songs but he kept and the full text search as much exclusively by us, e.g. the England, where the American grey as the automated archives make it going. Gore and his wife swayed squirrel has adapted to life more Daniel Hercules Calendar. easier to find even older news. And while talking about to the music and joined guests on IT’S ALL JUST GREEK TOsuccessfully. ME It’s feared the red Harmony their feet as the beat picked up Furthermore, we now offer the (e)commerce, we should not squirrel could become extinct in electronic Hercules eNewsletter forget to mention the banners with Benny and the Jets. The Elton John joined the ranks of England in 10 years. "Scribble a Rocket Man which is free of charge for every now gracing many of our pages. Gores broke into a jitterbug next commuters making their way to squirrel" sketches were auctioned fan who has a permanent e-mail Tiny Dancer The tiny revenue from those is to their table. Members of the and from Athens over the on the Internet from Sept 23, to address - whether you are a just enough to cover the costs for audience held candles for the weekend - though his daily raise money. Elton drew a blue Philadelphia Freedom Hercules member or not. server and programs. We took an final song, . journey was squirrel with glasses! Nikita Many other features have effort not to plaster the pages British citizen Elton has never nearly 2,000 improved upon moving to the with any adverts but only with Sacrifice new Website, such as the before given a political miles. Elton Elton relevant banners. So, please fundraiser. Sorry Seems To Be... Hercules Message Board click them from time to time gave back-to- I Guess That's Why They Call It... (previously known as: Bulletin because in the end you will back concerts at Board) which is now much easier Carla/Etude benefit since we plan to further MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY OFthe 2,000-year- to use. We have also improved improve our website. Tonight old Herod the Hercules Poll. We plan to do Finally, we should not forget to ELTON JOHN a new online poll every two say sorry for the substantial delay. Atticus months, as well as Hercules Trivia The One It took much longer to put Hercules member Liz amphitheater which has turned out to be the together the new Hercules Rosenthal has announced her September 9 Blue Eyes secret hit in the first few weeks website than we initially planned. musical biography of Elton John, and 10 at the Empty Garden after the launch of the new Attentive readers of The Mag will His Song: The Musical Journey Hercules Website. remember the one or the other foot of the But there are lots of new Of Elton John, to be published in announcement of the new Acropolis in Crocodile Rock features, too. Those are first Website. Well, it simply turned the US autumn 2001 by Athens. But he introduced with the launch of the out, that such a huge project Billboard Books. Liz is seeking did not stay in Don't Let The Sun Go Down... new Website: cannot be realized overnight - at photos taken by fans that would Athens The Hercules Auction allows least not if you only have your so- be suitable for publication. She visitors of the Hercules Website overnight, called spare time to spend on it. hopes to publish 40 photos, to offer their Elton John rarities in Thanks for your patience! We preferring representing a cross-section of an online auction. Contrary to sincerely hope that waiting was Elton's career. She hopes to find instead to eBay, this service is entirely free worthwhile. at least a few taken by fans in the shuttle to and of charge, and we even provide We would welcome feedback Candle In The Wind your target group - about 500 early 1970s. Anyone who can from his home regarding the new website. Just Elton fans which visit our Internet write to [email protected] help should email in Nice. pages every day. [email protected] as soon as possible. Elton’s squirrel drawing www.eltonfan.net

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 21 of the stadium; he didn’t know airport, and I had wanted to give either. Clive a copy as it contained Part 1 I then found a policeman of our interview with him. outside, who was roping off the However, if I had stopped to make street to stop people from parking polite conversation with him, I outside - but he didn’t know either. would have ruined my chance of a A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF ELTON'SWe walked around the entire decent position for the concert. So, SOLO SHOW IN MARBELLA, , outside of the stadium, in the very as I sprinted past, I yelled “Clive! ROCKET MAN - WRITING JUST FOR FUN ON SEPTEMBER 16. BY TAMMI LAW hot sun, but could find no ticket You’re in the Hercules Mag!” and THE ELTON JOHN STORY Elton John recently signed on LYRIC QUIZ barriers or doors. With still threw a copy at him, and carried as a pop-music critic. He shared no sign of any other fans, we on running at top speed. In the Kiki Dee presented Rocket his views in a monthly column in decided to stand outside a process, I totally put him off what Man - The Elton John Story - 3 Interview magazine. In four Have a go at our popular lyric quiz. closed wooden door. he was doing. So, I’m sorry I didn’t one-hour programmes on BBC We give you a line - see if you can columns so far, he has name the song! a word After 3 hours of standing behave more graciously Clive, but Radio 2. The series started championed Macy Gray, Moby, (Answers on page 27) in the hot Spanish sun, two after reading my “queuing October 31. Contributors Groove Armada and Travis. But more fans appeared and nightmare” I hope you now 1 Drive your roller up to included Tim Rice, Long John he saved his highest praise for Bond Street stood with us. Another hour, understand!! Baldry, Jools Holland, Phil Eminem's controversial The then 2 more. The worst part: When Elton came out on stage, Where royalty and sheiks Collins and . Marshall Mathers LP, which has meet in Spanish at 8pm the crowd-control he was obviously in a bad mood. been criticised in some quarters barriers arrived! By this We had heard that only two days LENNON LINKS as being anti-gay. "It feels like the 2 Well I'm a man of time, we had been queuing before, Elton had walked out of the nuclear bomb has just hit," Elton convenience, I work a for 7 hours, and the queue Casino in Portugal just minutes A collage compiled by John writes of the album. "Rap records Lennon in 1974 and unearthed long hard day After attending 14 Solo shows in behind us was of about 2000 before he was due to go on stage. are often full of shit, and this is After twelve long hours the UK this summer, I couldn't people, stretching all down the My first concern when I heard this in Dick James Studios has gone really hard-core stuff, but it's ain't I got the right to play believe my luck when Elton street. We still didn’t know for sure was for Elton’s health; and he really at a Sotheby’s auction for intelligent hard-core stuff — it's announced one Solo concert in if we were in the right place. A didn’t look happy in Spain. As he £23,000. The collage was found funny, it's clever, it's poetry, and 3 Bearing the crosses i hung - Marbella, Spain, when I already Spanish security guard said “Right , sat down and went into the first by a small business record it's also musically interesting." I hung on my lonely wife had plans to be there for that now I’m going to put up these familiar bars of Your Song, the producer Gerard Smythe, who week. I had already persuaded my barriers so you can all queue spotlight attracted what must have moved into DJM's old offices in ELTON LEADS IN DIRECTOR'S4 And PAY I can still recall wet husband to book a late summer properly. Everybody to my left go been nearly every flying insect in London in June 1999. The item, afternoons holiday for us this year, so I could to the BACK of the queue, because the south of Spain. They were Elton John remains the top- When we were small and believed to have been presented paid director of a show-business attend all the UK concerts. So there is no room for you now the flying into Elton’s mouth, into his to Elton John at a dark time in simply childish "imagine my surprise" when the barriers are here.” And yes, that’s eyes, and bombarding his face. He company, according to UK trade Lennon's life when he was union journal Labour Research, announcement came through, only right, WE were standing to his left!! started shouting at his crew in the separated from wife Yoko Ono, 5 Here in the late great two weeks before the show, that I was so angry and started to argue wings, while attempting to published on September 1. Elton capital and was likely re-presented to earned £25m, through his We burned a bonfire for there was going to be ONE concert but he told me to go to the back of continue singing, and I remember Dick James some years later, in Spain. Not only in the same the queue way down the street or I thinking “He’s not going to stand companies Happenstance and J. you Smythe said, talking in a feature Bondi, the research showed. Next country, but in the same town! wouldn’t be allowed in. Luckily, this; he’ll be off.” But it got better - on the BBC's National Lottery the people who were at the front of they must have changed the filter in line was theatre impresario Sir 6 Well, if she would only slow Live programme, Sept 6. Cameron Mackintosh, on £7.3m. down for a short while lton performed a very similar the right-hand section said we were on the spotlight, because soon the MJI Broadcasting presented ESolo show in Spain to that of with their party, so we were insects disappeared. The crowd Third was guitarist Eric Clapton, I'd get to know her just the UK shows. However, this was allowed to stay. But the were hugely appreciative of Elton, John Lennon: A 60th Birthday with £6.3m. Press reports of the before she leaves a very different concert for a organisation of the whole thing was and they were much more Celebration, a three-hour accounts did not detail what the syndicated radio special October accounting periods were, 7 She is harmless and empty number of reasons. just outrageous, with people enthusiastic than the UK crowds of anything bad At all of the outdoor UK shouting and arguing with the had been. 6-9. It featured rare interviews although implied they were with Lennon, Elton John, and annual accounts for year ending For she once had something venues, seating had been erected ridiculous crowd-control guards, Elton still seemed subdued that most of you had for all ticket holders. I was lucky who simply hadn’t bothered to put though. It took until Daniel, and others. 1999. However, Elton's accounts enough to have bought tickets in the barriers out any earlier which the line “They say Spain is pretty, were specified as being for 18 SMASH HITS 2000 months. A 12-month crude 8 Those crocodile tears the front 3 rows each night, so I would have avoided all the though I’ve never been” which Ain't tears of pain knew before arriving at each of the confusion. brought a huge roar from the estimate for Elton would put him The US Smash Hits well in front on £16.6m. concerts I was sure of a great seat. To add to the poor organisation, crowd, before he cheered up. His tournament benefiting 9 I'm taking a turn in the However, in Spain, the concert was they opened at 9.30pm, head snapped up when he heard the EJAF takes place at right direction in the Marbella Football Stadium, only half an hour before Elton was the cheer, and a big grin appeared Atlanta's Philip's By leaving his soul in the with no fixed seating, and standing- due on stage. They had to get on his face as he acknowledged lost and found only on the football pitch. This 14,000 people through the barrier and responded to the crowd for the Arena on Dec 14. meant that we had to arrive at the in half an hour! The stage was at first time. After that, he was in a Elton and Billie Jean 10 We live in the woods but venue early in the day to start the far end, so we sprinted the great mood, and the show went King will participate we hate the trees queuing outside, to ensure a stage- length of the football pitch to get a really well. The only change to the in a celebrity set and We kill off the jungle but side position. The ticket stated that good position. set list from the UK shows was will coach two we save the leaves the concert was due to start at At this point, I would like to ‘Ticking’ which was dropped, and WORLD TEAM 10pm. We arrived at the stadium at offer a personal apology to Clive not replaced with anything. We TENNIS teams. Andre 11 baby your mother's eyes, about 12.30 mid-day, and there Franks, who was busy doing a were unable to enjoy the usual Agassi and Pete look straight through me Whenever we meet was no-one else there! We found a “One, two, one, two” test from his ‘autograph sweep’ or shake hands Sampras confirmed to small administration office in the sound tower in the middle of the with EJ, as we were all behind a play. The event is 12 Insomnia attacks stadium, and asked where we were pitch. I had collected a few barrier about 1.5 metres away from expected to raise over Watching flies with my supposed to start queuing. No-one September issues of The Mag from the stage. However, Elton did $500,000 eyes. knew. I asked to see the manager the printers on my way to the acknowledge my Hercules banner,

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 9 MADISON SQUARE how good the sound was and how HERCULES CALENDAR 2001 - THERE’S STILL TIME! GARDEN tight the band sounded. Even with the poor vantage point on the floor, I CONCERT REVIEWdefinitely was enjoying the show here’s still time to order your with the great, crisp sound. 2001 Hercules Calendar. This However, it did feel like I was a bit out of the concert being so far back Tlimited edition desk-top CD- and having a TV camera and open case calendar is packed with aisle right in front of me. I was original colour photos and artwork, looking for a way to move up to the not seen anywhere else. On the front section, but it seemed like reverse of each card, important security had all the entrances covered. dates in Elton’s and Hercules diary There were video screens on are noted, leaving you plenty of one- either side of the stage and I watched space to write in your personal those on occasion when I wanted to appointments too. personal review of the two see Elton's hands. But when you Ahistoric shows at New York’s have so many people onstage with Madison Square Garden, by the band, Elton's piano performance Each Calendar will be detailed with weekend can actually get lost in the mix many Hercules Member Kevin Schwartz the limited edition number, to make each times. That's one of the things that is one unique. We cannot guarantee a FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2000 nice about the solo shows is that you lasting supply of these calendars, so order can fully concentrate on his playing the entire show. yours now! only... To order by post, send details of your My first ever concert at Madison The 9-piece band consisted of Square Garden was good, but a little Bob, Davey, John J, John Mahon, name, address and membership number to disappointing as the crowd was Guy, Billy Trudel, Ken Stacey on the postal address below, together with tamer than I thought they were going I wandered down to my seat vocals and guitar for some reason, details of how many Calendars you require. to be and the fact that I didn’t have a around 8:00 and it was disappointing Nigel on drums and backing vocals Sterling cheque orders, sterling bankers great seat. But the sound was to see so many fellow diehard Elton and Curt. drafts (for non-UK fans), UK Postal Orders, outstanding, the band was very tight, fans in the same lousy ej.com section The stage was more elaborate US$ check orders, made payable to and Clive made sure the drums as I was including Elizabeth, Joe than a normal Elton show due to the "Hercules UK" and mail us at: boomed throughout the arena. Wissler, Paul Smith, Gro, Joan and taping of the TV special. There were Stephan Heimbecher, Before the show, I wandered Rick, and others who had flown in curtains all along the upper back of Hercules Co-ordination, Orleansstr. 59, around the MSG outer lobby and for the show. We were all together, the stage which were used to show D-81667 Muenchen, GERMANY talked with other fans who were but we all had the look of "this pictures of Elton's albums based on Or you can order via Credit Card on- picking up their eltonjohn.com which song was playing. There were sucks". There was a barrier right in line at our Website: www.eltonfan.net tickets and it seemed like most front of me and a large gap in front of also huge banks of lights that formed people were disappointed, as I was, a canopy over the back of the stage Please note credit card payments will the barrier which was an aisle and a be debited in German currency, and the to be sitting near the middle of the place for the camera to roll along the and blocked the view of the curtains Prices: UK/Europe: USA/Rest of World: main floor. My ticket was the first rate of exchange which applies at time of track. from my vantage point. So for this Members: £8.00 Members: £11.00 (US$18.00) row to start out the section half way show I thought the curtains were a transaction will be effective. Hercules The show started at 8:20 with Non-members: £9.00 Non-members: £12.00 (US$19) back on the main floor. It's too bad Funeral For A Friend. There wasn't waste because I could barely see reserves the right to refuse orders. that ej.com wouldn't tell us where any smoke or big buildup. Basically them through the lights. Postage is included in the above prices. the tickets would be prior to they just started into it and Elton After Love Lies Bleeding, Elton purchase, because many of us might walked out. Elton was looking good then said they were going to do the be able to do better on our own, in a red and black outfit, but first side of the Goodbye Yellow especially if one was purchasing a unfortunately he was wearing tinted Brick Road album on vinyl in BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 single. red glasses which made it hard to see running order. Unfortunately, it The merchandise for the show his eyes. The first thing that struck would have been a lot cooler to just was disappointing - there were a few me about the show was how cool it have done the first side straight GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!! selections of t-shirts, including one was having two drummers and a through without saying you are going that read "One Night Only - October percussionist. Clive really had the to do it. I always prefer a strong 20th and 21st 2000" which obviously drums turned up in the mix and boom-boom-boom opening or got some laughs. when Nigel and Curt got going on medley to start the show to blow We decided to go in right when people away. Candle in the Wind Funeral for a Friend, it was very id you know that when the he track 'I think I'm going to upert Cavendish, Elton's the doors opened at 7:00 in order to exciting. The disappointing part was was nice with the band and I love look at the stage setup and take in looking around at the MSG crowd. the backing vocals that they do on D'Goon Show' scripts were Tkill myself' on the 'Honky Rfavourite antique dealer of the arena for the first time. We took People have told me how much the song. Bennie and the Jets was an auctioned by Spike Milligan in Chateau' album has tap dancing Biedermeier and Art Deco pieces, a close look at the stage and noted abbreviated version because of the better it is to see Elton in the Garden 1987, Elton bought them. on it. Elton performed this track helped Elton design a new bed all the cameras that were there for versus other arenas, but after seeing need to keep the songs to reasonable the filming of the TV special. There most of the crowd in the lower level lengths for the live album. at his first appearance on the with muslin drapes gathered into were at least 3 boom cameras; there sitting down for nearly the entire The roadies then brought out Royal variety Show at the the talons of an antique eagle for was also a track along the main floor id you know that Elton has show, I have to say the Garden is another 9 foot piano on the right side London palladium in 1972 with his London home. Cavendish half way back that slid back and of the stage to be set up for Billy Joel 13 dogs at his 'Woodside' overrated, at least in terms of the D Legs doing the tap warned Elton, "No swinging on forth together with several hand-held crowd. to come out. Someone next to me house in Old Windsor. cameras. However, I did notice right away had spotted Billy's piano before the dancing. the bed curtains".

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 19 show so it wasn't that big of a changes his mind on things 2 months going up in the air on the "Yeah, surprise and I knew there was rumors from now, and announcing a Yeah,Yeah" part. This is an example one weekend only... that he would be there. Billy retirement decision one year from of how the main floor at MSG was definitely got the biggest cheer of all now didn't seem very believable. better than at other arenas. the special guests of both nights The One was good and I Don't Crocodile Rock was a good choice to the fan meeting when he was announced. Billy and Wanna Go On With You Like That follow I'm Still Standing, but Elton Elton played Goodbye Yellow Brick was outstanding as expected. The pauses too much between the songs member Reggie Zippo from in the end, many fans were Road like they have done on the band even made it better with a nice and does his slow trills of the chords Cartoon Creations). giving him a hard time leaving, Face to Face tour and the song was a brief stop at the end of the bridge before going into the song. I felt the By Stephan Heimbecher Gro Mathisen was our first however, he made it to the definite highlight of the night. that allowed Elton to play a little famous moving of the main floor at prize winner that afternoon, and Garden just in time for Someone Saved My Life Tonight piano before going back into the MSG during some of these songs and n Saturday October 21 some 25 meeting participants rehearsals. was next and was another highlight. chorus. I just love new stuff like that it was noticeable, but not really went home with other Elton I would like to take the It's such a great song and Nigel's and I should make sure to encourage severe. But given the fact I've never Omore than 80 Elton John drums were so loud and crisp it gave Davey sometime to do as much of felt at an arena fans - most of them Hercules goodies that Hercules US opportunity to thank everybody me a sharp and wonderful jolt on that kinda stuff as possible because before, it was pretty cool. members - got together at the manager Sharon Kalinoski had involved with the preparations every fill. I looked through the we love it. Elton did some great The floor really seemed to vibrate Hard Rock Cafe on 57th Street brought from her "archives". of this event: Thanks to the Hard binoculars at Nigel sometimes and piano work at the end. The sad part as the band went into the beginning for an extended lunch and fan The highlight for many Rock Cafe for the great room, other times just looked at the floor is that they followed it with Sorry of Saturday Night's Alright for meeting. attendees that afternoon was thanks to Sharon Kalinoski for with a smile on my face and misty Seems to Be the Hardest Word. The Fighting but then stopped when Elton We were very lucky that a band member John Jorgenson all her support, a big thank you eyes. Then Elton introduced Little crowd is up ready for more and he called things off and said he had a showing up for a surprise visit to John Jorgenson for his Jeannie saying it was one they follows it with a very slow song. The guest to introduce and the band got a private room upstairs had been haven't played on a tour before crowd in my part of the main floor bit carried away. So Elton then available at the Hard Rock Cafe on his way to the sound-check. surprise visit, and thanks to which I'm not sure is true or not. sat down during some of the slow brought out Anastacia who is a that day, as many hungry He could only stay a few everybody for showing up! I The only version I know of is at the songs all around me so I had to sit female singer that nobody has heard tourists were lining up for lunch minutes, but he still took the promise you that we will 1980 Central Park show, but needless down as well. Sacrifice was then of to start into a song that has just outside when the first Elton fans time to sign autographs and arrange a similar event again as to say, it was a treat to hear this played with Elton once again trying been stopped as the crowd was arrived. pose for pictures with fans. And soon as possible. rarely-played song. to explain how the song was his first getting into it. Talk about taking the The idea of the meeting was Kiki Dee was introduced and got number one in England but it wasn't wind out of the arena. I definitely a nice cheer as she came out to join over here. had to cringe at these turn of events. for Elton fans to get to know each Elton on Don't Go Breakin My Heart. Come Together was the cover of The Bitch is Back was next and with other and to be able to put faces The piano player from Aida (and the the night and the band sounded tight the tight band, I got into it by the end to the many names they have Broadway Cares show) was on piano on it. John Mahon on percussion of the song with all the guitars, been hearing for a while. From as Elton waddled with Kiki in the added nice little touches to fill out drums and great sound. The playing what I have been told by many middle of the stage. It was a fun the song. Elton then introduced of Sad Songs/I'm Still attendees after the convention, song and it's always great to see who he said was big Standing/Crocodile Rock/Saturday that part went very well. Elton trying to figure out what to do in . Ronan is in the boy-band Night/Bitch is Back in order was a Another objective of the fan when he's not at the piano. Daniel called Boyzone there and I'm sure good idea. was nice to hear with Nigel on 99% of the people in the place, Elton didn't seem happy with the meeting was to warm up for the drums. Rocket Man was also including myself, have never heard way things went and said they were second show at the Garden, and abbreviated for the live album. of him. just going to go straight through and we did that by eating some of Elton introduced Club at the End Bryan Adams was then not have an encore. We later found the great food as well as by an of the Street saying it wasn't introduced to a big cheer and sang out there was technical problems and Elton raffle with the first prize technically a hit, but they would try practically the whole version of Sad Elton was stressed because of the being a hand-painted Elton cell to sneak it in. It's hard for diehards Songs. I'm Still Standing was solid as long day of rehearsals and the (kindly donated by Hercules to judge how well-known a song is always and the main floor crowd pressure of the TV special taping. So to casual Elton fans. The crowd really showed their stuff with arms Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me seemed to be up and dancing and enjoying the song. The band did a nice stop just before the "You can't sit BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 still" on the bridge which added a little excitement going into the sax solo by John Jorgenson. ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND Blue Eyes did not seem to be a good selection after the crowd was into Club at the End of the Street. The band then went right into I Guess That's Why They Call it the id you know that in 1969 id you know that the id you know that Elton will Blues without stopping. Following Elton auditioned as lead Australian comedy duo be celebrating his 35th these songs, Elton announces that he D D D has "just finished recording 15 tracks singer with group 'King 'Supergirly' famous for satirisinganniversary as a recording artist with Bernie, and that he's going to be Crimson' but was turned down. pop bands, proved so popular atthis month. touring with Mr. Joel next year, but at the Fringe Festival in the end of 2001, that's it for me." 1999 that they've since given Now, I really didn't take the lton told 'Architectural " here's nothing more relaxing retirement announcement that private performances for Digest' (May 2000), "If I than an afternoon of seriously since it seems like Elton E Madonna and Elton. T weren't a musician, I would shopping", Elton once said. "It's love to be a decorator." the only addiction I have left."

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 11 was played right after the Bitch is whole song! The lights pointed it obviously glad I said yes. 100% convinced. He wasn’t rock Back instead of stopping for an out and everyone thought this star material, being a piano starting conversations with anyone Nigel has series of fills while Elton is GM: You play some musical encore. It was great as always. The was amazing choreography! But player. There were some nice up there to look like I was supposed singing "someone saved my life instrument, apart from the Farfisa, song is so much more powerful with to be there as I looked at my watch tonight" over and over. And then the it was not planned! Then when songs but nothing wow until don’t you? the band than solo. hoping the lights would go out soon. band moves into the final chorus and the song reached its final chord, . With no encore, the show at I then just sat in an open seat about 8 I just scan the entire stage with the the dove came to the stage! A CF: Bass as well as keyboards. GM: What are your favourite MSG ended awkwardly even at 2 rows back on the aisle and at 8:15 beautiful backing vocals on "sugar true story. The first album I co-produced songs? hours 25 minutes and it made for a the lights went out and immediately bear", Nigel on drums, Elton singing with Elton for him A Single Man slightly disappointing feeling as I GM: And was it clean? everyone sprinted to the stage. I "you nearly had me roped and tied", we talked about who to use. The CF: I love Rocket Man, walked out the back of the arena. I have never seen so many people rush and everything sounds so clear and I enjoyed the show a lot, but when CF: It was, but some of the bassist wasn’t available. Elton working on that. High-Flying the stage so quickly and forcefully in end up just standing there still, taking audience had little white patches said ‘You play bass don’t you?’ I Bird, Ticking. Before I produced you have very high expectations, my many years of attending concerts. in all the sounds and the color of the there is a chance for feeling a little I was able to manoeuvre my way to a stage with a half smile on my face on their heads. We often talk said ‘yes, but not seriously. I’m for Elton, I engineered Caribou. disappointed. However, Elton shows perfect spot right in front of Elton that and watery eyes. It doesn't get much about that amazing incident. All producing and engineering the Some brilliant stuff. But we all are always very exciting and top let me see both his hands and face better than that. those early shows were album, I can’t play the bass as know that the Troubadour 1970 notch for me in comparison to other perfectly. Still in the glow of Someone memorable, because they were well’, he said ‘yes you can!’ I was was when Elton’s career took off. shows, so even though this show Elton came out again in a not Saved My Life Tonight, it was so outrageous, like the Donald s**tting myself. So, I played bass Then at Phil Ramone’s studio they didn't reach my high expectations, it very dramatic opening to wave to the wonderful watching Elton play the Duck suit in 1980. Musically, on all but one song, Shooting did the 17 November 1970 radio was still a very satisfying night of crowd and sit down at the piano to beautiful opening notes of Tiny there are so many highlights it’s Star, where we needed a double event, Elton, Nigel and Dee. I music. the opening organ sounds of Funeral Dancer on the piano. The pedal hard to remember. bassist and hired . was the remix-engineer. The for a Friend. Things really kicked in steel was nice again by John tapes were sent back to the UK Having known Caleb from Turns out Clive has other for me during - I think Jorgenson. Can You Feel the Love for me to check they were okay. I Dick James Music days, he has musical skills, his mother still a SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER this is because the song was more Tonight gave me a chance to look thought they were unbelievable! fond memories of that period pianist. He plays piano and guitar new to me compared to the live around the arena a little bit. Some Then Gus Dudgeon came in and which was called ‘The Gaff’ to make it four instruments. versions of the hits from Goodbye fans just to my left held up cards that we mixed it together. The original The second night of the two-night (more on that next instalment of stand at Madison Square Garden will Yellow Brick Road that have been said Can You Feel the Love Tonight CF: I would sneak into the mixes were released for the UK this interview serial). For now definitely go down as one of the best engrained in my head over the years. Elton or something like that. studio when the band’s not market. Then they decided to re- concert experiences I have ever had About midway through the first verse Elton introduced Daniel saying it Clive recalls: of Little Jeannie is when I thought was one of his 10 favorites. John around and try out a few do it for the US market. Gus and with the unlikely outcome of getting CF: 1967 to 1972 (at DJM) instruments. I would never be a engineer David Hentschel did to stand at the stage in front of Elton 'this is sooo cool to be here" and felt Jorgenson played the mandolin the tingling feeling. The great feeling nicely on the instrumental part was a great time, which later led Jimi Hendrix or Keith Jarrett, but that for the American market. for the whole show. Elton seemed to to my involvement with Elton. In play enough to strum chords at a Dave was the genius who played be in a better mood at this show vs. on Little Jeannie carried over into the between the two choruses. next 3 songs starting with Club at the End of the Street was 1972 I got a call from Elton party. note by note the opening of the first night and it was thrilling to saying ‘we need an engineer, Funeral For A Friend. That was in be able to look up at him 15 feet Philadelphia Freedom. It was funny one of the highlights again and the GM: Ex-Northwood Hills we’ve been having problems on the days before you could play away with Nigel up above him on watching Curt starting the song stop at the end of the bridge again publican George Hill famously because he gets all worked up and created even more excitement. It this European tour.’ They were two keys together on the same drums and often a picture of a young told Elton not to give up his (non- starts pumping his shoulders up and was so much fun to sing along on picking up local engineers and keyboard. But there are several Elton on the banners behind Nigel. musical) day job. When you first down as he taps the drumsticks this rousing song and everyone got doing one-off shows in Europe. copies of 17.11.70 which have After spending a great day with met Elton in 1966, did you think together to start the band on the fast into it. Elton introduced Mary J Blige The sixth one was the biggest my name on them! fellow fans walking around he would make it? songs. who joined Elton for I Guess That’s show of the six, in a town hall in Greenwich Village and Central Park, Clive was staying at a hotel Someone Saved My Life Tonight Why They Call It The Blues. She Amsterdam, Holland, and they CF: It was early days, and he and attending a great Hercules fan near Elton’s Windsor home for the gathering at the Hard Rock Cafe, we was once again one of the biggest stood at the piano as she exchanged said they really need a good hadn’t met Bernie (Taupin) but I UK shows during this interview. made it down to the Garden early highlights of the night. Every verses with Elton and both did the sound. They were obviously liked him from the off. He was once again to take in all the NY moment of the song is just so tasty first two verses in subdued fashion. and the version with the backing On the last two verses, Elton and playing small venues, as this one different, and very likeable, easy CF: It’s convenient at only 10 atmosphere. My seat for this show was for an audience of 3,500. I’d to get on with. But the songs he minutes from Elton’s home, and was on the far left side of the main vocals of the band is clearly the best. Mary really got it going with them It was so exciting watching Nigel on singing soulfully back and forth and I never done a live show in my life, was writing didn’t appeal to me! I when we use the plane also only floor which was in the front section, but it was just fun to get out of was never all that much into 25 minutes from a private so I didn't have to worry about any this one; it was great to be able to loved watching the excited look on share through his facial reactions the Elton's face as he jumped in vocally the studio routine. I did the show lyrics. I get off on the feel of a airport. I have usually stayed barriers between me and the stage. I but thought the sound was a song. At one stage Elton and with the band in central London had talked with some people who excitement he felt of being onstage to compliment Mary. Mary then had made it to the stage on the with Elton again doing the parts he dramatically leaned in and pointed at disaster. But Elton said it was the Bernie were writing under Dick and with security. But I like it previous night, and it sounded like contributed on these famous songs. Elton across the piano as she stepped best show they’d done! He asked James for Lulu and Engelbert. It here, it’s quiet, and I have a car. all of them got there right when the The other thing that amazed me was it up a notch, and Elton sort of me to join the team! I was was weak, I was one of the how confident and cool he looked bounced up and backwards in his overjoyed. He said we were doubters. One of my friends, lights went out. I saw a friend Part 3 Two Rooms at the End the entire night. I'm not sure what I seat taken aback by the moment and going to America in a month! But Stuart Epps, who also worked for standing in front of the piano about 6 of the World, a review of how was expecting, but I guess I thought at the same time having a huge smile I was also concerned because I Dick James, said he’ll be a star rows from the stage so I decided to Clive lives when he’s not on tour, he would look more rusty or at least on his face as he attempted to keep was now studio manager and one day. I said ‘not with these go hang up there by the stage and will follow on the Hercules have a conversation with her in the like have a look of concentration his mouth at the microphone while chief engineer (DJM) and had a songs!’ When Steve Brown joined website in January 2001 and in hopes of staying there as the lights instead of being so loose and the responding to Mary's soulful singing. secure job earning a steady wage. DJM he asked Elton ‘why are you went down. look of this is so easy. One of my Right after the last line of the The Mag in March. favorite parts is on the bridge when verse was sung, the excitement level You couldn’t be sure that a singer writing this stuff, write for I basically just tried to keep or musician’s career would last yourself’. And upset the apple- beyond one hit. But now I’m cart. But even then I wasn’t

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 17 Make MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SET LIST: Strange Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding Candle in the Wind Sounds, Bennie and the Jets Strange Goodbye Yellow Brick Road the walking music and put in the Crocodile Rock on the Farfisa in the crowd was unbelievable and (with Billy Joel on Friday only) Sounds it correct tape! I just wanted the electric organ. That was me! you just get so caught up in the ground to open up, it was so moment between the verse and the Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Friday) GM: That was you? Seems bloody loud, you couldn’t buildup to the final chorus. It would Little Jeannie disguise it. It actually got as far CF: That was me in a be cool to see what the crowd looks Philadelphia Freedom like in the front of the stage at this as ‘You say yes, I say …’ and I crocodile suit. I played the Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Saturday) pulled it out. Now I’m in keyboard live. I had done that for moment, because it was an overload panic mode because the a year leading up to that. It was a uncontrollable feeling of excitement Tiny Dancer and definitely one of the coolest Can You Feel the Love Tonight house lights and stage are dark, bizarre routine, in the encores. I concert moments I have ever had. and I’m trying to find the right would run down from the mixer, The final chorus was great and Mary Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee, Friday) cassette! Which I did find. someone would take over, just definitely went off the stage to a Daniel Luckily, , who was before that song. I was using one bigger cheer than she got when she Rocket Man then in the band and had one of of Elton’s old three-quarter length was introduced before the song. the loudest laughs, cracked up silver lame Teddy Boys jackets Elton said that they have just finished Club at the End of the Street brokered if Whatever Gets You laughing. I could hear him with a suede collar, I would try recording a version of that song for a Blue Eyes Through the Night got to number acoustically offstage, which set to slick back my (then) long hair single which I assume is the last I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues one in US. When Lennon walked off Elton and the band, and to look like a Teddy Boy, and hope to keep the 30-year top-40 (with Mary J Blige Sat only) out on stage, I’ve never heard a which helped me marginally. I come out to play the organ streak alive. The One roar go on as long, or as loud. It I did really enjoy the curtains shook through the rest of that behind Elton on Crocodile Rock, I Don't Wanna Go on With You Like That must have lasted 10 minutes! show. Probably the biggest and then run back to the behind the stage at this show They played three songs, and that mistake I ever made. audience and carry on mixing. because I could see them right Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word must be the best all-time moment That was before Elton had a behind Elton from my view. They Sacrifice GM: So Elton forgave you. for me. keyboard player. When we did changed the picture on the curtains on every song and would either show Come Together (Beatles cover) Clive’s best moment is also CF: Well, I’m still here. Crocodile Rock in rehearsals, he the album cover or a picture of Elton. Your Song (with Ronan Keating) tried playing the Farfisa and allied with the worst, however. GM: I think you have a lot to Come Together was exciting and missed the piano, and then Sad Songs (with Bryan Adams) CF: We did eight or nine thank Caleb for, he broke the ice. the crowd enjoyed it. Elton played the piano and missed the introduced the song describing how I'm Still Standing nights at The Garden (MSG), CF: Yeah, so now I triple- Farfisa! Well we all knew how the crowd at the Garden cheered for Crocodile Rock Lennon came on only the first check everything! Good job I’m over-the-top this Hollywood 10 minutes straight in 1974 when Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting night. I was on The Beatles not an airline pilot, ha! Bowl show would be, and the John Lennon was brought out as a (with Anastacia Friday only) nostalgia kick that week and costumier had a crocodile head special guest. Elton then brought out There have been other great The Bitch is Back would put on Beatles songs as but the body was all torn. So they Ronan Keating again to sing Your moments for Clive. Dodger walking music before and after draped a black cape around my Song which seemed to go smoother Stadium in 1975. The first night, the show. I had a compilation of body, the audience concentrating than the first night, but it still seems Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me “60,000 people going mental! Beatles cassettes. I remember the on the head. The hardest part like a waste to have a duet on this Brilliant show.” Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee, Saturday) third show we got to the point was that when you put the head special song. Bryan Adams then where we always did Funeral For CF: A third amazing moment on and stood upright, the jaws came out again for Sad Songs. A Friend, which sadly we cannot was in 1973 at the famous pointed to the sky! So I had to I'm Still Standing was awesome Some of the other things I noticed playing a guitar part at the front of as always and it was great to see this throughout the night was how much the stage and barely got out of the really do on the current solo tour. Hollywood Bowl concert. In lean at a 90 degree angle. I Anyway, in those days (1974) we one up close. The MSG crowd was Elton seems to enjoy Bob Birch way in time as Kiki and Elton came those days everything was over- looked a total twit, but it had the pretty lame on Crocodile Rock as onstage. Those two definitely make back together for their vocal parts. couldn’t reproduce all those the-top. It was opened by Linda desired effect! During that show, amazing wind sounds at the start some people in the lower level didn't faces at each other a lot during the The rest of the band got a kick out of Lovelace, from the controversial we did a song which I don’t think even stand up for this one. Saturday show. One unique thing that went that and had a good laugh pointing of the song. So I used to play the film Deep Throat, and then she he’s done since, but wish we Night's Alright for Fighting was on was how much Elton looked into at John and Davey. Don't Go opening from the album on introduced various look-alikes, would, High-Flying Bird. I loved thankfully done without Anastacia. the hand-held camera that was Breakin My Heart was a great way to cassette. The stage went totally who had come to see Elton. The that song. When Elton came out for the directly in front of me. He did a lot close out the show and left the dark, and the dry ice would pour Pope, The Beatles, Batman & encore he sat down at the piano and of poses into the camera and made crowd in a good mood as they GM: Great song, but if you out. It worked for years. Well on Robin, the Marx Brothers, The said he was having a great time and faces or blew a kiss to give the walked out of the arena. don’t play it again, you should this occasion the lights went Queen of England, all came to that "last night, I'm said I'm going to cameraman some good shots. Overall, this was one of the most sell it to an airline commercial! down. I hit the tape, and nothing the front of the stage. On stage retire, but of course I'm full of shit." Don't Let the Sun Go Down on satisfying concert experiences that I happened! My first reaction was were five mock grand CF: There you go! I wasn’t Nigel laughed real hard when he Me opened up the encore and was have ever had and I had just an ‘maybe it’s not loud enough, spray-painted in a rainbow from aware that one of the doves heard this and Elton smiled back at thoroughly satisfying as always when exhilarating feeling after the show. It maybe it is playing’ which is one to the other. Then the didn’t return to the stage. More him. Elton had some very nice it is done so wonderfully with the was truly a show that I'll never ridiculous because I could see celebrities lifted up the piano than an hour into the show, well words for Nigel when he did his band. Elton then brought out Kiki forget. introduction of the band members Dee for the finale of Don't Go where my faders were. So I hit lids, and dozens of doves flew after the doves had returned, and the fader to the top in panic and he said he was happy to have Breaking My Heart which the crowd out of the pianos. They were after Crocodile Rock if I Nigel back onstage and called him loved. There was even a funny mode, and suddenly, at full trained to circle the audience and remember rightly, we played volume, so deafening was the one of the greatest drummers around. moment when John and Davey were fly back, which they did. That High-Flying Bird. And this one See also - Fan meeting article, start of Hello, Goodbye by The was the show where a crocodile dove came from nowhere, and page 18. Beatles! I’d forgotten to take out would come out and play circled the audience for the

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 13 exclusive... Clive live PART 2 OF OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ELTON SOUND ENGINEER CLIVE FRANKS

live, who was preparing to 1983. So I recommended an travel to Liverpool the next engineer from Clair Brothers, the Make Strange day for a special Elton sound company we always use in C America since day 1. He did a concert, gave our UK manager George Matlock a full 2 hour good job, but Elton was very interview on 12 July 2000: happy when I came back. Sounds, It’s easy to understand why In the summer of 1999, while Clive is genuinely loyal to Elton Elton faced heart pacemaker after nearly 30 years working surgery, Clive’s loyalty was tested together. Elton has always been a by his own health. Strange great help to Clive, professionally CF: Ridiculous! I had an and privately, and Clive has had a accident with a finger! We’d had lot of fun delivering the goods. a two-month break after what Clive Franks: Elton’s such a had originally been planned to be Sounds it Seems perfectionist. He hates to lose. a six-week solo tour in 1999 (!) I We used to play backgammon all was excited we were coming to the time. If he lost, he would not Europe in May, Castle, and give up until he had won more . Two days to games than his opponent. go, I had my plane tickets, and I was running upstairs at home, The bond Clive and Elton slipped, and trying to catch formed has dissuaded Clive from myself I thought I’d broken a many temptations. finger. It was worse: I tore the CF: I’ve had so many offers of tendon right out of the bone. I work over the years, I’ve never had to have surgery, and stay had to go looking, but I’ll always home for 8 weeks’ therapy. be there for Elton. There was a Unfortunately, it hasn’t healed at period a few years ago (late all well. It being on the left hand, 1980s) when Elton wasn’t and me being left-handed, I touring, and I was concerned didn’t do the mid-summer shows. ‘I’ve been with him so long, can I My assistant took over. But it was do anything else?’ I had a month great to be back for September. off and then the phone started George Matlock: There is a ringing. It was actually very good group of people who have been for me to experience some close to Elton over the years. change. The first thing I got into was working for Peter Gabriel. I CF: Yes, apart from me, his was a fan of his music. It was personal assistant Bob, and also similar to Elton’s stuff, but with a Brenda, Elton’s late-50s male lot more dynamics, and very valet whose been with him 25 emotional. I loved that tour! He years. We all have girls’ names came to an Elton show, and then from Elton. I won’t tell you mine, I got work. After that, Robert ha! Like Rod Stewart is Phyllis. Plant came along to a Peter Elton always feels comfortable to Gabriel show, and I got working see familiar faces. There are

for him! Then I was with Elton always people who try to get Elton and John Lennon at Madison Square Garden on that historic night in 1974 again, but I got a call from The close to the boss, and who later Who, reforming for a 25th get sussed out and eventually putting him off. But what’s Elton and me it must be the published, regularly. I was even spoons, plates, to make a noise! I anniversary tour in 1989. I kept leave. The rest of us love what perhaps unusual is that Elton moment John Lennon came on on one of their Christmas records can actually hear my voice as I calling the office to speak with we do. rarely tells me to do anything. stage at Madison Square Garden as a party-goer. Every year they deliberately yelled something, Elton. Eventually he said ‘go I’m left to my own devices, and (MSG, 1974). I’m tingling now, as produced these silly little floppy knowing it would get picked up. GM: Occasionally things go to decide on the effects. A lot of I speak about it. I was at singles for the fan club, ha! For In 1974 I never told Lennon that ahead and do it. I’m not touring wrong. On September 5, 1999, for a while.’ About two or three other bands will listen to tapes, rehearsals at some studio in New some reason they switched from I had spoiled his song! Well during Ticking the Police PA get really involved. I quite like York. It was amazing just to be in EMI and did the fan thing at Dick anyway, Lennon was petrified, days into the tour after weeks of sound effect didn’t echo. rehearsals I got a call saying that. the same room, even though as James’, a tiny demo studio! They because he’d not been on stage an engineer at Dick James Music, needed a dozen people to create since The Beatles disbanded in Elton’s decided to tour again! I CF: Maybe I just forgot to GM: What are your fondest I would see The Beatles, on a party scene. I was called in as a 1970. He only agreed to it thought ‘now what am I gonna push it up, or I got a call from moments? do?’ I’d not missed a tour apart the stage, like when Elton’s label which Dick youngster. We were given because of the deal he and Elton from when my son was born in hearing some frequency which is CF: I have two or three. For

14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 15 exclusive... Clive live PART 2 OF OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ELTON SOUND ENGINEER CLIVE FRANKS live, who was preparing to 1983. So I recommended an travel to Liverpool the next engineer from Clair Brothers, the Make Strange day for a special Elton sound company we always use in C America since day 1. He did a concert, gave our UK manager George Matlock a full 2 hour good job, but Elton was very interview on 12 July 2000: happy when I came back. Sounds, It’s easy to understand why In the summer of 1999, while Clive is genuinely loyal to Elton Elton faced heart pacemaker after nearly 30 years working surgery, Clive’s loyalty was tested together. Elton has always been a by his own health. Strange great help to Clive, professionally CF: Ridiculous! I had an and privately, and Clive has had a accident with a finger! We’d had lot of fun delivering the goods. a two-month break after what Clive Franks: Elton’s such a had originally been planned to be Sounds it Seems perfectionist. He hates to lose. a six-week solo tour in 1999 (!) I We used to play backgammon all was excited we were coming to the time. If he lost, he would not Europe in May, , and give up until he had won more Harewood House. Two days to games than his opponent. go, I had my plane tickets, and I was running upstairs at home, The bond Clive and Elton slipped, and trying to catch formed has dissuaded Clive from myself I thought I’d broken a many temptations. finger. It was worse: I tore the CF: I’ve had so many offers of tendon right out of the bone. I work over the years, I’ve never had to have surgery, and stay had to go looking, but I’ll always home for 8 weeks’ therapy. be there for Elton. There was a Unfortunately, it hasn’t healed at period a few years ago (late all well. It being on the left hand, 1980s) when Elton wasn’t and me being left-handed, I touring, and I was concerned didn’t do the mid-summer shows. ‘I’ve been with him so long, can I My assistant took over. But it was do anything else?’ I had a month great to be back for September. off and then the phone started George Matlock: There is a ringing. It was actually very good group of people who have been for me to experience some close to Elton over the years. change. The first thing I got into was working for Peter Gabriel. I CF: Yes, apart from me, his was a fan of his music. It was personal assistant Bob, and also similar to Elton’s stuff, but with a Brenda, Elton’s late-50s male lot more dynamics, and very valet whose been with him 25 emotional. I loved that tour! He years. We all have girls’ names came to an Elton show, and then from Elton. I won’t tell you mine, I got work. After that, Robert ha! Like Rod Stewart is Phyllis. Plant came along to a Peter Elton always feels comfortable to Gabriel show, and I got working see familiar faces. There are for him! Then I was with Elton always people who try to get that historic night in 1974 Elton and John Lennon at Madison Square Garden on again, but I got a call from The close to the boss, and who later Who, reforming for a 25th get sussed out and eventually putting him off. But what’s Elton and me it must be the published, regularly. I was even spoons, plates, to make a noise! I anniversary tour in 1989. I kept leave. The rest of us love what perhaps unusual is that Elton moment John Lennon came on on one of their Christmas records can actually hear my voice as I calling the office to speak with we do. rarely tells me to do anything. stage at Madison Square Garden as a party-goer. Every year they deliberately yelled something, Elton. Eventually he said ‘go I’m left to my own devices, and (MSG, 1974). I’m tingling now, as produced these silly little floppy knowing it would get picked up. GM: Occasionally things go to decide on the effects. A lot of I speak about it. I was at singles for the fan club, ha! For In 1974 I never told Lennon that ahead and do it. I’m not touring wrong. On September 5, 1999, for a while.’ About two or three other bands will listen to tapes, rehearsals at some studio in New some reason they switched from I had spoiled his song! Well during Ticking the Police PA get really involved. I quite like York. It was amazing just to be in EMI and did the fan thing at Dick anyway, Lennon was petrified, days into the tour after weeks of sound effect didn’t echo. rehearsals I got a call saying that. the same room, even though as James’, a tiny demo studio! They because he’d not been on stage an engineer at Dick James Music, needed a dozen people to create since The Beatles disbanded in Elton’s decided to tour again! I CF: Maybe I just forgot to GM: What are your fondest I would see The Beatles, on a party scene. I was called in as a 1970. He only agreed to it thought ‘now what am I gonna push it up, or I got a call from moments? do?’ I’d not missed a tour apart the stage, like when Elton’s Northern Songs label which Dick youngster. We were given because of the deal he and Elton from when my son was born in hearing some frequency which is CF: I have two or three. For

14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 15 Make MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SET LIST: Strange Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding Candle in the Wind Sounds, Bennie and the Jets Strange Goodbye Yellow Brick Road the walking music and put in the Crocodile Rock on the Farfisa in the crowd was unbelievable and (with Billy Joel on Friday only) Sounds it correct tape! I just wanted the electric organ. That was me! you just get so caught up in the ground to open up, it was so moment between the verse and the Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Friday) GM: That was you? Seems bloody loud, you couldn’t buildup to the final chorus. It would Little Jeannie disguise it. It actually got as far CF: That was me in a be cool to see what the crowd looks Philadelphia Freedom like in the front of the stage at this as ‘You say yes, I say …’ and I crocodile suit. I played the Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Saturday) pulled it out. Now I’m in keyboard live. I had done that for moment, because it was an overload panic mode because the a year leading up to that. It was a uncontrollable feeling of excitement Tiny Dancer and definitely one of the coolest Can You Feel the Love Tonight house lights and stage are dark, bizarre routine, in the encores. I concert moments I have ever had. and I’m trying to find the right would run down from the mixer, The final chorus was great and Mary Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee, Friday) cassette! Which I did find. someone would take over, just definitely went off the stage to a Daniel Luckily, Caleb Quaye, who was before that song. I was using one bigger cheer than she got when she Rocket Man then in the band and had one of of Elton’s old three-quarter length was introduced before the song. the loudest laughs, cracked up silver lame Teddy Boys jackets Elton said that they have just finished Club at the End of the Street brokered if Whatever Gets You laughing. I could hear him with a suede collar, I would try recording a version of that song for a Blue Eyes Through the Night got to number acoustically offstage, which set to slick back my (then) long hair single which I assume is the last I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues one in US. When Lennon walked off Elton and the band, and to look like a Teddy Boy, and hope to keep the 30-year top-40 (with Mary J Blige Sat only) out on stage, I’ve never heard a which helped me marginally. I come out to play the organ streak alive. The One roar go on as long, or as loud. It I did really enjoy the curtains shook through the rest of that behind Elton on Crocodile Rock, I Don't Wanna Go on With You Like That must have lasted 10 minutes! show. Probably the biggest and then run back to the behind the stage at this show They played three songs, and that mistake I ever made. audience and carry on mixing. because I could see them right Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word must be the best all-time moment That was before Elton had a behind Elton from my view. They Sacrifice GM: So Elton forgave you. for me. keyboard player. When we did changed the picture on the curtains on every song and would either show Come Together (Beatles cover) Clive’s best moment is also CF: Well, I’m still here. Crocodile Rock in rehearsals, he the album cover or a picture of Elton. Your Song (with Ronan Keating) tried playing the Farfisa and allied with the worst, however. GM: I think you have a lot to Come Together was exciting and missed the piano, and then Sad Songs (with Bryan Adams) CF: We did eight or nine thank Caleb for, he broke the ice. the crowd enjoyed it. Elton played the piano and missed the introduced the song describing how I'm Still Standing nights at The Garden (MSG), CF: Yeah, so now I triple- Farfisa! Well we all knew how the crowd at the Garden cheered for Crocodile Rock Lennon came on only the first check everything! Good job I’m over-the-top this Hollywood 10 minutes straight in 1974 when Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting night. I was on The Beatles not an airline pilot, ha! Bowl show would be, and the John Lennon was brought out as a (with Anastacia Friday only) nostalgia kick that week and costumier had a crocodile head special guest. Elton then brought out There have been other great The Bitch is Back would put on Beatles songs as but the body was all torn. So they Ronan Keating again to sing Your moments for Clive. Dodger walking music before and after draped a black cape around my Song which seemed to go smoother Stadium in 1975. The first night, the show. I had a compilation of body, the audience concentrating than the first night, but it still seems Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me “60,000 people going mental! Beatles cassettes. I remember the on the head. The hardest part like a waste to have a duet on this Brilliant show.” Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee, Saturday) third show we got to the point was that when you put the head special song. Bryan Adams then where we always did Funeral For CF: A third amazing moment on and stood upright, the jaws came out again for Sad Songs. A Friend, which sadly we cannot was in 1973 at the famous pointed to the sky! So I had to I'm Still Standing was awesome Some of the other things I noticed playing a guitar part at the front of as always and it was great to see this throughout the night was how much the stage and barely got out of the really do on the current solo tour. Hollywood Bowl concert. In lean at a 90 degree angle. I Anyway, in those days (1974) we one up close. The MSG crowd was Elton seems to enjoy Bob Birch way in time as Kiki and Elton came those days everything was over- looked a total twit, but it had the pretty lame on Crocodile Rock as onstage. Those two definitely make back together for their vocal parts. couldn’t reproduce all those the-top. It was opened by Linda desired effect! During that show, amazing wind sounds at the start some people in the lower level didn't faces at each other a lot during the The rest of the band got a kick out of Lovelace, from the controversial we did a song which I don’t think even stand up for this one. Saturday show. One unique thing that went that and had a good laugh pointing of the song. So I used to play the film Deep Throat, and then she he’s done since, but wish we Night's Alright for Fighting was on was how much Elton looked into at John and Davey. Don't Go opening from the album on introduced various look-alikes, would, High-Flying Bird. I loved thankfully done without Anastacia. the hand-held camera that was Breakin My Heart was a great way to cassette. The stage went totally who had come to see Elton. The that song. When Elton came out for the directly in front of me. He did a lot close out the show and left the dark, and the dry ice would pour Pope, The Beatles, Batman & encore he sat down at the piano and of poses into the camera and made crowd in a good mood as they GM: Great song, but if you out. It worked for years. Well on Robin, the Marx Brothers, The said he was having a great time and faces or blew a kiss to give the walked out of the arena. don’t play it again, you should this occasion the lights went Queen of England, all came to that "last night, I'm said I'm going to cameraman some good shots. Overall, this was one of the most sell it to an airline commercial! down. I hit the tape, and nothing the front of the stage. On stage retire, but of course I'm full of shit." Don't Let the Sun Go Down on satisfying concert experiences that I happened! My first reaction was were five mock grand pianos CF: There you go! I wasn’t Nigel laughed real hard when he Me opened up the encore and was have ever had and I had just an ‘maybe it’s not loud enough, spray-painted in a rainbow from aware that one of the doves heard this and Elton smiled back at thoroughly satisfying as always when exhilarating feeling after the show. It maybe it is playing’ which is one to the other. Then the didn’t return to the stage. More him. Elton had some very nice it is done so wonderfully with the was truly a show that I'll never ridiculous because I could see celebrities lifted up the piano than an hour into the show, well words for Nigel when he did his band. Elton then brought out Kiki forget. introduction of the band members Dee for the finale of Don't Go where my faders were. So I hit lids, and dozens of doves flew after the doves had returned, and the fader to the top in panic and he said he was happy to have Breaking My Heart which the crowd out of the pianos. They were after Crocodile Rock if I Nigel back onstage and called him loved. There was even a funny mode, and suddenly, at full trained to circle the audience and remember rightly, we played volume, so deafening was the one of the greatest drummers around. moment when John and Davey were fly back, which they did. That High-Flying Bird. And this one See also - Fan meeting article, start of Hello, Goodbye by The was the show where a crocodile dove came from nowhere, and page 18. Beatles! I’d forgotten to take out would come out and play circled the audience for the

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 13 was played right after the Bitch is whole song! The lights pointed it obviously glad I said yes. 100% convinced. He wasn’t rock Back instead of stopping for an out and everyone thought this star material, being a piano starting conversations with anyone Nigel has series of fills while Elton is GM: You play some musical encore. It was great as always. The was amazing choreography! But player. There were some nice up there to look like I was supposed singing "someone saved my life instrument, apart from the Farfisa, song is so much more powerful with to be there as I looked at my watch tonight" over and over. And then the it was not planned! Then when songs but nothing wow until don’t you? the band than solo. hoping the lights would go out soon. band moves into the final chorus and the song reached its final chord, Skyline Pigeon. With no encore, the show at I then just sat in an open seat about 8 I just scan the entire stage with the the dove came to the stage! A CF: Bass as well as keyboards. GM: What are your favourite MSG ended awkwardly even at 2 rows back on the aisle and at 8:15 beautiful backing vocals on "sugar true story. The first album I co-produced songs? hours 25 minutes and it made for a the lights went out and immediately bear", Nigel on drums, Elton singing with Elton for him A Single Man slightly disappointing feeling as I GM: And was it clean? everyone sprinted to the stage. I "you nearly had me roped and tied", we talked about who to use. The CF: I love Rocket Man, walked out the back of the arena. I have never seen so many people rush and everything sounds so clear and I enjoyed the show a lot, but when CF: It was, but some of the bassist wasn’t available. Elton working on that. High-Flying the stage so quickly and forcefully in end up just standing there still, taking audience had little white patches said ‘You play bass don’t you?’ I Bird, Ticking. Before I produced you have very high expectations, my many years of attending concerts. in all the sounds and the color of the there is a chance for feeling a little I was able to manoeuvre my way to a stage with a half smile on my face on their heads. We often talk said ‘yes, but not seriously. I’m for Elton, I engineered Caribou. disappointed. However, Elton shows perfect spot right in front of Elton that and watery eyes. It doesn't get much about that amazing incident. All producing and engineering the Some brilliant stuff. But we all are always very exciting and top let me see both his hands and face better than that. those early shows were album, I can’t play the bass as know that the Troubadour 1970 notch for me in comparison to other perfectly. Still in the glow of Someone memorable, because they were well’, he said ‘yes you can!’ I was was when Elton’s career took off. shows, so even though this show Elton came out again in a not Saved My Life Tonight, it was so outrageous, like the Donald s**tting myself. So, I played bass Then at Phil Ramone’s studio they didn't reach my high expectations, it very dramatic opening to wave to the wonderful watching Elton play the Duck suit in 1980. Musically, on all but one song, Shooting did the 17 November 1970 radio was still a very satisfying night of crowd and sit down at the piano to beautiful opening notes of Tiny there are so many highlights it’s Star, where we needed a double event, Elton, Nigel and Dee. I music. the opening organ sounds of Funeral Dancer on the piano. The pedal hard to remember. bassist and hired Herbie Flowers. was the remix-engineer. The for a Friend. Things really kicked in steel was nice again by John tapes were sent back to the UK Having known Caleb from Turns out Clive has other for me during Little Jeannie - I think Jorgenson. Can You Feel the Love for me to check they were okay. I Dick James Music days, he has musical skills, his mother still a SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER this is because the song was more Tonight gave me a chance to look thought they were unbelievable! fond memories of that period pianist. He plays piano and guitar new to me compared to the live around the arena a little bit. Some Then Gus Dudgeon came in and which was called ‘The Gaff’ to make it four instruments. versions of the hits from Goodbye fans just to my left held up cards that we mixed it together. The original The second night of the two-night (more on that next instalment of stand at Madison Square Garden will Yellow Brick Road that have been said Can You Feel the Love Tonight CF: I would sneak into the mixes were released for the UK this interview serial). For now definitely go down as one of the best engrained in my head over the years. Elton or something like that. studio when the band’s not market. Then they decided to re- concert experiences I have ever had About midway through the first verse Elton introduced Daniel saying it Clive recalls: of Little Jeannie is when I thought was one of his 10 favorites. John around and try out a few do it for the US market. Gus and with the unlikely outcome of getting CF: 1967 to 1972 (at DJM) instruments. I would never be a engineer David Hentschel did to stand at the stage in front of Elton 'this is sooo cool to be here" and felt Jorgenson played the mandolin the tingling feeling. The great feeling nicely on the instrumental part was a great time, which later led Jimi Hendrix or Keith Jarrett, but that for the American market. for the whole show. Elton seemed to to my involvement with Elton. In play enough to strum chords at a Dave was the genius who played be in a better mood at this show vs. on Little Jeannie carried over into the between the two choruses. next 3 songs starting with Club at the End of the Street was 1972 I got a call from Elton party. note by note the opening of the first night and it was thrilling to saying ‘we need an engineer, Funeral For A Friend. That was in be able to look up at him 15 feet Philadelphia Freedom. It was funny one of the highlights again and the GM: Ex-Northwood Hills we’ve been having problems on the days before you could play away with Nigel up above him on watching Curt starting the song stop at the end of the bridge again publican George Hill famously because he gets all worked up and created even more excitement. It this European tour.’ They were two keys together on the same drums and often a picture of a young told Elton not to give up his (non- starts pumping his shoulders up and was so much fun to sing along on picking up local engineers and keyboard. But there are several Elton on the banners behind Nigel. musical) day job. When you first down as he taps the drumsticks this rousing song and everyone got doing one-off shows in Europe. copies of 17.11.70 which have After spending a great day with met Elton in 1966, did you think together to start the band on the fast into it. Elton introduced Mary J Blige The sixth one was the biggest my name on them! fellow fans walking around he would make it? songs. who joined Elton for I Guess That’s show of the six, in a town hall in Greenwich Village and Central Park, Clive was staying at a hotel Someone Saved My Life Tonight Why They Call It The Blues. She Amsterdam, Holland, and they CF: It was early days, and he and attending a great Hercules fan near Elton’s Windsor home for the gathering at the Hard Rock Cafe, we was once again one of the biggest stood at the piano as she exchanged said they really need a good hadn’t met Bernie (Taupin) but I UK shows during this interview. made it down to the Garden early highlights of the night. Every verses with Elton and both did the sound. They were obviously liked him from the off. He was once again to take in all the NY moment of the song is just so tasty first two verses in subdued fashion. and the version with the backing On the last two verses, Elton and playing small venues, as this one different, and very likeable, easy CF: It’s convenient at only 10 atmosphere. My seat for this show was for an audience of 3,500. I’d to get on with. But the songs he minutes from Elton’s home, and was on the far left side of the main vocals of the band is clearly the best. Mary really got it going with them It was so exciting watching Nigel on singing soulfully back and forth and I never done a live show in my life, was writing didn’t appeal to me! I when we use the plane also only floor which was in the front section, but it was just fun to get out of was never all that much into 25 minutes from a private so I didn't have to worry about any this one; it was great to be able to loved watching the excited look on share through his facial reactions the Elton's face as he jumped in vocally the studio routine. I did the show lyrics. I get off on the feel of a airport. I have usually stayed barriers between me and the stage. I but thought the sound was a song. At one stage Elton and with the band in central London had talked with some people who excitement he felt of being onstage to compliment Mary. Mary then had made it to the stage on the with Elton again doing the parts he dramatically leaned in and pointed at disaster. But Elton said it was the Bernie were writing under Dick and with security. But I like it previous night, and it sounded like contributed on these famous songs. Elton across the piano as she stepped best show they’d done! He asked James for Lulu and Engelbert. It here, it’s quiet, and I have a car. all of them got there right when the The other thing that amazed me was it up a notch, and Elton sort of me to join the team! I was was weak, I was one of the how confident and cool he looked bounced up and backwards in his overjoyed. He said we were doubters. One of my friends, lights went out. I saw a friend Part 3 Two Rooms at the End the entire night. I'm not sure what I seat taken aback by the moment and going to America in a month! But Stuart Epps, who also worked for standing in front of the piano about 6 of the World, a review of how was expecting, but I guess I thought at the same time having a huge smile I was also concerned because I Dick James, said he’ll be a star rows from the stage so I decided to Clive lives when he’s not on tour, he would look more rusty or at least on his face as he attempted to keep was now studio manager and one day. I said ‘not with these go hang up there by the stage and will follow on the Hercules have a conversation with her in the like have a look of concentration his mouth at the microphone while chief engineer (DJM) and had a songs!’ When Steve Brown joined website in January 2001 and in hopes of staying there as the lights instead of being so loose and the responding to Mary's soulful singing. secure job earning a steady wage. DJM he asked Elton ‘why are you went down. look of this is so easy. One of my Right after the last line of the The Mag in March. favorite parts is on the bridge when verse was sung, the excitement level You couldn’t be sure that a singer writing this stuff, write for I basically just tried to keep or musician’s career would last yourself’. And upset the apple- beyond one hit. But now I’m cart. But even then I wasn’t

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 17 show so it wasn't that big of a changes his mind on things 2 months going up in the air on the "Yeah, surprise and I knew there was rumors from now, and announcing a Yeah,Yeah" part. This is an example one weekend only... that he would be there. Billy retirement decision one year from of how the main floor at MSG was definitely got the biggest cheer of all now didn't seem very believable. better than at other arenas. the special guests of both nights The One was good and I Don't Crocodile Rock was a good choice to the fan meeting when he was announced. Billy and Wanna Go On With You Like That follow I'm Still Standing, but Elton Elton played Goodbye Yellow Brick was outstanding as expected. The pauses too much between the songs member Reggie Zippo from in the end, many fans were Road like they have done on the band even made it better with a nice and does his slow trills of the chords Cartoon Creations). giving him a hard time leaving, Face to Face tour and the song was a brief stop at the end of the bridge before going into the song. I felt the By Stephan Heimbecher Gro Mathisen was our first however, he made it to the definite highlight of the night. that allowed Elton to play a little famous moving of the main floor at prize winner that afternoon, and Garden just in time for Someone Saved My Life Tonight piano before going back into the MSG during some of these songs and n Saturday October 21 some 25 meeting participants rehearsals. was next and was another highlight. chorus. I just love new stuff like that it was noticeable, but not really went home with other Elton I would like to take the It's such a great song and Nigel's and I should make sure to encourage severe. But given the fact I've never Omore than 80 Elton John drums were so loud and crisp it gave Davey sometime to do as much of felt something like that at an arena fans - most of them Hercules goodies that Hercules US opportunity to thank everybody me a sharp and wonderful jolt on that kinda stuff as possible because before, it was pretty cool. members - got together at the manager Sharon Kalinoski had involved with the preparations every fill. I looked through the we love it. Elton did some great The floor really seemed to vibrate Hard Rock Cafe on 57th Street brought from her "archives". of this event: Thanks to the Hard binoculars at Nigel sometimes and piano work at the end. The sad part as the band went into the beginning for an extended lunch and fan The highlight for many Rock Cafe for the great room, other times just looked at the floor is that they followed it with Sorry of Saturday Night's Alright for meeting. attendees that afternoon was thanks to Sharon Kalinoski for with a smile on my face and misty Seems to Be the Hardest Word. The Fighting but then stopped when Elton We were very lucky that a band member John Jorgenson all her support, a big thank you eyes. Then Elton introduced Little crowd is up ready for more and he called things off and said he had a showing up for a surprise visit to John Jorgenson for his Jeannie saying it was one they follows it with a very slow song. The guest to introduce and the band got a private room upstairs had been haven't played on a tour before crowd in my part of the main floor bit carried away. So Elton then available at the Hard Rock Cafe on his way to the sound-check. surprise visit, and thanks to which I'm not sure is true or not. sat down during some of the slow brought out Anastacia who is a that day, as many hungry He could only stay a few everybody for showing up! I The only version I know of is at the songs all around me so I had to sit female singer that nobody has heard tourists were lining up for lunch minutes, but he still took the promise you that we will 1980 Central Park show, but needless down as well. Sacrifice was then of to start into a song that has just outside when the first Elton fans time to sign autographs and arrange a similar event again as to say, it was a treat to hear this played with Elton once again trying been stopped as the crowd was arrived. pose for pictures with fans. And soon as possible. rarely-played song. to explain how the song was his first getting into it. Talk about taking the The idea of the meeting was Kiki Dee was introduced and got number one in England but it wasn't wind out of the arena. I definitely a nice cheer as she came out to join over here. had to cringe at these turn of events. for Elton fans to get to know each Elton on Don't Go Breakin My Heart. Come Together was the cover of The Bitch is Back was next and with other and to be able to put faces The piano player from Aida (and the the night and the band sounded tight the tight band, I got into it by the end to the many names they have Broadway Cares show) was on piano on it. John Mahon on percussion of the song with all the guitars, been hearing for a while. From as Elton waddled with Kiki in the added nice little touches to fill out drums and great sound. The playing what I have been told by many middle of the stage. It was a fun the song. Elton then introduced of Sad Songs/I'm Still attendees after the convention, song and it's always great to see Ronan Keating who he said was big Standing/Crocodile Rock/Saturday that part went very well. Elton trying to figure out what to do in Ireland. Ronan is in the boy-band Night/Bitch is Back in order was a Another objective of the fan when he's not at the piano. Daniel called Boyzone there and I'm sure good idea. was nice to hear with Nigel on 99% of the people in the place, Elton didn't seem happy with the meeting was to warm up for the drums. Rocket Man was also including myself, have never heard way things went and said they were second show at the Garden, and abbreviated for the live album. of him. just going to go straight through and we did that by eating some of Elton introduced Club at the End Bryan Adams was then not have an encore. We later found the great food as well as by an of the Street saying it wasn't introduced to a big cheer and sang out there was technical problems and Elton raffle with the first prize technically a hit, but they would try practically the whole version of Sad Elton was stressed because of the being a hand-painted Elton cell to sneak it in. It's hard for diehards Songs. I'm Still Standing was solid as long day of rehearsals and the (kindly donated by Hercules to judge how well-known a song is always and the main floor crowd pressure of the TV special taping. So to casual Elton fans. The crowd really showed their stuff with arms Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me seemed to be up and dancing and enjoying the song. The band did a nice stop just before the "You can't sit BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 still" on the bridge which added a little excitement going into the sax solo by John Jorgenson. ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND Blue Eyes did not seem to be a good selection after the crowd was into Club at the End of the Street. The band then went right into I Guess That's Why They Call it the id you know that in 1969 id you know that the id you know that Elton will Blues without stopping. Following Elton auditioned as lead Australian comedy duo be celebrating his 35th these songs, Elton announces that he D D D has "just finished recording 15 tracks singer with group 'King 'Supergirly' famous for satirisinganniversary as a recording artist with Bernie, and that he's going to be Crimson' but was turned down. pop bands, proved so popular atthis month. touring with Mr. Joel next year, but at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the end of 2001, that's it for me." 1999 that they've since given Now, I really didn't take the lton told 'Architectural " here's nothing more relaxing retirement announcement that private performances for Digest' (May 2000), "If I than an afternoon of seriously since it seems like Elton E Madonna and Elton. T weren't a musician, I would shopping", Elton once said. "It's love to be a decorator." the only addiction I have left."

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 11 MADISON SQUARE how good the sound was and how HERCULES CALENDAR 2001 - THERE’S STILL TIME! GARDEN tight the band sounded. Even with the poor vantage point on the floor, I CONCERT REVIEWdefinitely was enjoying the show here’s still time to order your with the great, crisp sound. 2001 Hercules Calendar. This However, it did feel like I was a bit out of the concert being so far back Tlimited edition desk-top CD- and having a TV camera and open case calendar is packed with aisle right in front of me. I was original colour photos and artwork, looking for a way to move up to the not seen anywhere else. On the front section, but it seemed like reverse of each card, important security had all the entrances covered. dates in Elton’s and Hercules diary There were video screens on are noted, leaving you plenty of one- either side of the stage and I watched space to write in your personal those on occasion when I wanted to appointments too. personal review of the two see Elton's hands. But when you Ahistoric shows at New York’s have so many people onstage with Madison Square Garden, by the band, Elton's piano performance Each Calendar will be detailed with weekend can actually get lost in the mix many Hercules Member Kevin Schwartz the limited edition number, to make each times. That's one of the things that is one unique. We cannot guarantee a FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2000 nice about the solo shows is that you lasting supply of these calendars, so order can fully concentrate on his playing the entire show. yours now! only... To order by post, send details of your My first ever concert at Madison The 9-piece band consisted of Square Garden was good, but a little Bob, Davey, John J, John Mahon, name, address and membership number to disappointing as the crowd was Guy, Billy Trudel, Ken Stacey on the postal address below, together with tamer than I thought they were going I wandered down to my seat vocals and guitar for some reason, details of how many Calendars you require. to be and the fact that I didn’t have a around 8:00 and it was disappointing Nigel on drums and backing vocals Sterling cheque orders, sterling bankers great seat. But the sound was to see so many fellow diehard Elton and Curt. drafts (for non-UK fans), UK Postal Orders, outstanding, the band was very tight, fans in the same lousy ej.com section The stage was more elaborate US$ check orders, made payable to and Clive made sure the drums as I was including Elizabeth, Joe than a normal Elton show due to the "Hercules UK" and mail us at: boomed throughout the arena. Wissler, Paul Smith, Gro, Joan and taping of the TV special. There were Stephan Heimbecher, Before the show, I wandered Rick, and others who had flown in curtains all along the upper back of Hercules Co-ordination, Orleansstr. 59, around the MSG outer lobby and for the show. We were all together, the stage which were used to show D-81667 Muenchen, GERMANY talked with other fans who were but we all had the look of "this pictures of Elton's albums based on Or you can order via Credit Card on- picking up their eltonjohn.com which song was playing. There were sucks". There was a barrier right in line at our Website: www.eltonfan.net tickets and it seemed like most front of me and a large gap in front of also huge banks of lights that formed people were disappointed, as I was, a canopy over the back of the stage Please note credit card payments will the barrier which was an aisle and a be debited in German currency, and the to be sitting near the middle of the place for the camera to roll along the and blocked the view of the curtains Prices: UK/Europe: USA/Rest of World: main floor. My ticket was the first rate of exchange which applies at time of track. from my vantage point. So for this Members: £8.00 Members: £11.00 (US$18.00) row to start out the section half way show I thought the curtains were a transaction will be effective. Hercules The show started at 8:20 with Non-members: £9.00 Non-members: £12.00 (US$19) back on the main floor. It's too bad Funeral For A Friend. There wasn't waste because I could barely see reserves the right to refuse orders. that ej.com wouldn't tell us where any smoke or big buildup. Basically them through the lights. Postage is included in the above prices. the tickets would be prior to they just started into it and Elton After Love Lies Bleeding, Elton purchase, because many of us might walked out. Elton was looking good then said they were going to do the be able to do better on our own, in a red and black outfit, but first side of the Goodbye Yellow especially if one was purchasing a unfortunately he was wearing tinted Brick Road album on vinyl in BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 single. red glasses which made it hard to see running order. Unfortunately, it The merchandise for the show his eyes. The first thing that struck would have been a lot cooler to just was disappointing - there were a few me about the show was how cool it have done the first side straight GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!! selections of t-shirts, including one was having two drummers and a through without saying you are going that read "One Night Only - October percussionist. Clive really had the to do it. I always prefer a strong 20th and 21st 2000" which obviously drums turned up in the mix and boom-boom-boom opening or got some laughs. when Nigel and Curt got going on medley to start the show to blow We decided to go in right when people away. Candle in the Wind Funeral for a Friend, it was very id you know that when the he track 'I think I'm going to upert Cavendish, Elton's the doors opened at 7:00 in order to exciting. The disappointing part was was nice with the band and I love look at the stage setup and take in looking around at the MSG crowd. the backing vocals that they do on D'Goon Show' scripts were Tkill myself' on the 'Honky Rfavourite antique dealer of the arena for the first time. We took People have told me how much the song. Bennie and the Jets was an auctioned by Spike Milligan in Chateau' album has tap dancing Biedermeier and Art Deco pieces, a close look at the stage and noted abbreviated version because of the better it is to see Elton in the Garden 1987, Elton bought them. on it. Elton performed this track helped Elton design a new bed all the cameras that were there for versus other arenas, but after seeing need to keep the songs to reasonable the filming of the TV special. There most of the crowd in the lower level lengths for the live album. at his first appearance on the with muslin drapes gathered into were at least 3 boom cameras; there sitting down for nearly the entire The roadies then brought out Royal variety Show at the the talons of an antique eagle for was also a track along the main floor id you know that Elton has show, I have to say the Garden is another 9 foot piano on the right side London palladium in 1972 with his London home. Cavendish half way back that slid back and of the stage to be set up for Billy Joel 13 dogs at his 'Woodside' overrated, at least in terms of the D Legs Larry Smith doing the tap warned Elton, "No swinging on forth together with several hand-held crowd. to come out. Someone next to me house in Old Windsor. cameras. However, I did notice right away had spotted Billy's piano before the dancing. the bed curtains".

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 19 of the stadium; he didn’t know airport, and I had wanted to give either. Clive a copy as it contained Part 1 I then found a policeman of our interview with him. outside, who was roping off the However, if I had stopped to make street to stop people from parking polite conversation with him, I outside - but he didn’t know either. would have ruined my chance of a A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF ELTON'SWe walked around the entire decent position for the concert. So, SOLO SHOW IN MARBELLA, SPAIN, outside of the stadium, in the very as I sprinted past, I yelled “Clive! ROCKET MAN - WRITING JUST FOR FUN ON SEPTEMBER 16. BY TAMMI LAW hot sun, but could find no ticket You’re in the Hercules Mag!” and THE ELTON JOHN STORY Elton John recently signed on LYRIC QUIZ barriers or doors. With still threw a copy at him, and carried as a pop-music critic. He shared no sign of any other fans, we on running at top speed. In the Kiki Dee presented Rocket his views in a monthly column in decided to stand outside a process, I totally put him off what Man - The Elton John Story - 3 Interview magazine. In four Have a go at our popular lyric quiz. closed wooden door. he was doing. So, I’m sorry I didn’t one-hour programmes on BBC We give you a line - see if you can columns so far, he has name the song! a word After 3 hours of standing behave more graciously Clive, but Radio 2. The series started championed Macy Gray, Moby, (Answers on page 27) in the hot Spanish sun, two after reading my “queuing October 31. Contributors Groove Armada and Travis. But more fans appeared and nightmare” I hope you now 1 Drive your roller up to included Tim Rice, Long John he saved his highest praise for Bond Street stood with us. Another hour, understand!! Baldry, Jools Holland, Phil Eminem's controversial The then 2 more. The worst part: When Elton came out on stage, Where royalty and sheiks Collins and Ray Cooper. Marshall Mathers LP, which has meet in Spanish at 8pm the crowd-control he was obviously in a bad mood. been criticised in some quarters barriers arrived! By this We had heard that only two days LENNON LINKS as being anti-gay. "It feels like the 2 Well I'm a man of time, we had been queuing before, Elton had walked out of the nuclear bomb has just hit," Elton convenience, I work a for 7 hours, and the queue Casino in Portugal just minutes A collage compiled by John writes of the album. "Rap records Lennon in 1974 and unearthed long hard day After attending 14 Solo shows in behind us was of about 2000 before he was due to go on stage. are often full of shit, and this is After twelve long hours the UK this summer, I couldn't people, stretching all down the My first concern when I heard this in Dick James Studios has gone really hard-core stuff, but it's ain't I got the right to play believe my luck when Elton street. We still didn’t know for sure was for Elton’s health; and he really at a Sotheby’s auction for intelligent hard-core stuff — it's announced one Solo concert in if we were in the right place. A didn’t look happy in Spain. As he £23,000. The collage was found funny, it's clever, it's poetry, and 3 Bearing the crosses i hung - Marbella, Spain, when I already Spanish security guard said “Right , sat down and went into the first by a small business record it's also musically interesting." I hung on my lonely wife had plans to be there for that now I’m going to put up these familiar bars of Your Song, the producer Gerard Smythe, who week. I had already persuaded my barriers so you can all queue spotlight attracted what must have moved into DJM's old offices in ELTON LEADS IN DIRECTOR'S4 And PAY I can still recall wet husband to book a late summer properly. Everybody to my left go been nearly every flying insect in London in June 1999. The item, afternoons holiday for us this year, so I could to the BACK of the queue, because the south of Spain. They were Elton John remains the top- When we were small and believed to have been presented paid director of a show-business attend all the UK concerts. So there is no room for you now the flying into Elton’s mouth, into his to Elton John at a dark time in simply childish "imagine my surprise" when the barriers are here.” And yes, that’s eyes, and bombarding his face. He company, according to UK trade Lennon's life when he was union journal Labour Research, announcement came through, only right, WE were standing to his left!! started shouting at his crew in the separated from wife Yoko Ono, 5 Here in the late great two weeks before the show, that I was so angry and started to argue wings, while attempting to published on September 1. Elton capital and was likely re-presented to earned £25m, through his We burned a bonfire for there was going to be ONE concert but he told me to go to the back of continue singing, and I remember Dick James some years later, in Spain. Not only in the same the queue way down the street or I thinking “He’s not going to stand companies Happenstance and J. you Smythe said, talking in a feature Bondi, the research showed. Next country, but in the same town! wouldn’t be allowed in. Luckily, this; he’ll be off.” But it got better - on the BBC's National Lottery the people who were at the front of they must have changed the filter in line was theatre impresario Sir 6 Well, if she would only slow Live programme, Sept 6. Cameron Mackintosh, on £7.3m. down for a short while lton performed a very similar the right-hand section said we were on the spotlight, because soon the MJI Broadcasting presented ESolo show in Spain to that of with their party, so we were insects disappeared. The crowd Third was guitarist Eric Clapton, I'd get to know her just the UK shows. However, this was allowed to stay. But the were hugely appreciative of Elton, John Lennon: A 60th Birthday with £6.3m. Press reports of the before she leaves a very different concert for a organisation of the whole thing was and they were much more Celebration, a three-hour accounts did not detail what the syndicated radio special October accounting periods were, 7 She is harmless and empty number of reasons. just outrageous, with people enthusiastic than the UK crowds of anything bad At all of the outdoor UK shouting and arguing with the had been. 6-9. It featured rare interviews although implied they were with Lennon, Elton John, and annual accounts for year ending For she once had something venues, seating had been erected ridiculous crowd-control guards, Elton still seemed subdued that most of you had for all ticket holders. I was lucky who simply hadn’t bothered to put though. It took until Daniel, and others. 1999. However, Elton's accounts enough to have bought tickets in the barriers out any earlier which the line “They say Spain is pretty, were specified as being for 18 SMASH HITS 2000 months. A 12-month crude 8 Those crocodile tears the front 3 rows each night, so I would have avoided all the though I’ve never been” which Ain't tears of pain knew before arriving at each of the confusion. brought a huge roar from the estimate for Elton would put him The US Smash Hits well in front on £16.6m. concerts I was sure of a great seat. To add to the poor organisation, crowd, before he cheered up. His tournament benefiting 9 I'm taking a turn in the However, in Spain, the concert was they opened the doors at 9.30pm, head snapped up when he heard the EJAF takes place at right direction in the Marbella Football Stadium, only half an hour before Elton was the cheer, and a big grin appeared Atlanta's Philip's By leaving his soul in the with no fixed seating, and standing- due on stage. They had to get on his face as he acknowledged lost and found only on the football pitch. This 14,000 people through the barrier and responded to the crowd for the Arena on Dec 14. meant that we had to arrive at the in half an hour! The stage was at first time. After that, he was in a Elton and Billie Jean 10 We live in the woods but venue early in the day to start the far end, so we sprinted the great mood, and the show went King will participate we hate the trees queuing outside, to ensure a stage- length of the football pitch to get a really well. The only change to the in a celebrity set and We kill off the jungle but side position. The ticket stated that good position. set list from the UK shows was will coach two we save the leaves the concert was due to start at At this point, I would like to ‘Ticking’ which was dropped, and WORLD TEAM 10pm. We arrived at the stadium at offer a personal apology to Clive not replaced with anything. We TENNIS teams. Andre 11 baby your mother's eyes, about 12.30 mid-day, and there Franks, who was busy doing a were unable to enjoy the usual Agassi and Pete look straight through me Whenever we meet was no-one else there! We found a “One, two, one, two” test from his ‘autograph sweep’ or shake hands Sampras confirmed to small administration office in the sound tower in the middle of the with EJ, as we were all behind a play. The event is 12 Insomnia attacks stadium, and asked where we were pitch. I had collected a few barrier about 1.5 metres away from expected to raise over Watching flies with my supposed to start queuing. No-one September issues of The Mag from the stage. However, Elton did $500,000 eyes. knew. I asked to see the manager the printers on my way to the acknowledge my Hercules banner,

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 9 and gave me a wave. Overall, Elton was brilliant, but the Spanish organisation of the whole thing was really bad; it Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline made me realise just how well the NEW HERCULES WEBSITE UK tour promoters had done with those difficult outdoor venues in BY STEPHAN HEIMBECHER Also new are the Hercules AL GORE FUNDRAISER DOG'S IN THE KITCHENWHO WEARS THESE SHOES? 2000. And I also wonder whether eCards - electronic postcards ost Elton fans with which can be e-mailed. Aside Elton performed at a Elton took a photo for an "Rock Style", the acclaimed Elton himself really realises the effort and discomfort involved in Internet access will from a choice of different Elton fundraiser for US presidential AIDS charity auction. Others New York exhibition celebrating probably have noticed pictures there are also a number music's influence on style and attending a show like that. We M candidate Al Gore Sept 19. In the among 50 snappers included that our often announced new of midi tracks of Elton John songs fashion came to the Barbican queued for 9 hours in the baking San Francisco Bay Area, Elton's Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue Hercules website is now finally which can a provide the musical Centre, London, October 5. Over hot sun, without a drink or toilet available since early October. 45-minute show was the main and Bryan Adams, who were break, and then he was in a bad background for your eCard. event apart from a Gore speech 100 original costumes modelled Under www.eltonfan.net (and An important modification each given an Olympus camera by the world's music icons went mood..... www.eltonfan.com as previously at a wealthy benefactor's All in all, I’m glad I went to the regarding security is the fact that to use. One is by his partner, on display, including Elton's known) we tried to not only all online forms are now mansion. Donations were platform shoes, and the Union concert, because seeing Elton compile all the information about $25,000 per table, $50,000 near David Furnish, of Elton's "star", perform with only his piano is processed in SSL Format via a so- on Hollywood Boulevard. Elton Jack jacket made for David our fan club. At the same time we called Secure Server. Thus, it is the stage! Elton was campaigning Bowie by Alexander McQueen. breathtaking, and it doesn’t get any wanted to create an Elton John absolutely no risk anymore to for Gore because "I do not want snapped his own dog. Some of better than that. portal which links together the send us important data like your this country to have to live under the photos were on display at various official sites and the THE SQUIRRELS ARE OUT TODAY credit card number online. George W Bush." About 300 Mulberrys, New Bond St, uncounted unofficial sites dealing This paves the way for another people paid up attended. London, from November 6, and Sir Elton John, Sir Paul with Elton John. addition to our online content Of course, the new Hercules Wearing a black brocade jacket, will be exhibited at Harrods in McCartney, and Sir Michael Caine which will be opened as the next Elton played nine of his hits, were among a number of stars to set list website still is a reliable source step: the Hercules Online Shop. December. Last bids Dec. 31 to: for all news related to Elton John including Your Song, Daniel, take part in a drawing campaign At the moment, we are still in Fashion Acts, 30 Elgin Crescent, in aid of the endangered red Your Song - the same thing that fans are negotiations with potential Rocket Man, Philadelphia London W11 2JR, England. used to from our previous partners because Hercules itself Freedom and Crocodile Rock. squirrel. Although prevalent in The Greatest Discovery Email: [email protected] websites. We think that our news does not offer any merchandise - Organisers had expected him to continental Europe, the red Someone Saved My Life Tonight pages have become more lucid, squirrel is outnumbered in except articles that are produced do only four songs but he kept Border Song and the full text search as much exclusively by us, e.g. the England, where the American grey as the automated archives make it going. Gore and his wife swayed squirrel has adapted to life more Daniel Hercules Calendar. easier to find even older news. And while talking about to the music and joined guests on IT’S ALL JUST GREEK TOsuccessfully. ME It’s feared the red Harmony their feet as the beat picked up Furthermore, we now offer the (e)commerce, we should not squirrel could become extinct in Honky Cat electronic Hercules eNewsletter forget to mention the banners with Benny and the Jets. The Elton John joined the ranks of England in 10 years. "Scribble a Rocket Man which is free of charge for every now gracing many of our pages. Gores broke into a jitterbug next commuters making their way to squirrel" sketches were auctioned fan who has a permanent e-mail Tiny Dancer The tiny revenue from those is to their table. Members of the and from Athens over the on the Internet from Sept 23, to address - whether you are a just enough to cover the costs for audience held candles for the weekend - though his daily raise money. Elton drew a blue Philadelphia Freedom Hercules member or not. server and programs. We took an final song, Candle in the Wind. journey was squirrel with glasses! Nikita Many other features have effort not to plaster the pages British citizen Elton has never nearly 2,000 improved upon moving to the with any adverts but only with Sacrifice new Website, such as the before given a political miles. Elton Elton relevant banners. So, please fundraiser. Sorry Seems To Be... Hercules Message Board click them from time to time gave back-to- I Guess That's Why They Call It... (previously known as: Bulletin because in the end you will back concerts at Board) which is now much easier Carla/Etude benefit since we plan to further MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY OFthe 2,000-year- to use. We have also improved improve our website. Tonight old Herod the Hercules Poll. We plan to do Finally, we should not forget to ELTON JOHN Burn Down The Mission a new online poll every two say sorry for the substantial delay. Atticus months, as well as Hercules Trivia The One It took much longer to put Hercules member Liz amphitheater which has turned out to be the together the new Hercules Rosenthal has announced her September 9 Blue Eyes secret hit in the first few weeks website than we initially planned. musical biography of Elton John, and 10 at the Empty Garden after the launch of the new Attentive readers of The Mag will His Song: The Musical Journey Take Me to the Pilot Hercules Website. remember the one or the other foot of the But there are lots of new Of Elton John, to be published in announcement of the new Acropolis in Crocodile Rock features, too. Those are first Website. Well, it simply turned the US autumn 2001 by Athens. But he introduced with the launch of the out, that such a huge project Billboard Books. Liz is seeking did not stay in Don't Let The Sun Go Down... new Website: cannot be realized overnight - at photos taken by fans that would Athens The Hercules Auction allows least not if you only have your so- be suitable for publication. She visitors of the Hercules Website overnight, called spare time to spend on it. hopes to publish 40 photos, Circle of Life to offer their Elton John rarities in Thanks for your patience! We preferring representing a cross-section of Bennie And The Jets an online auction. Contrary to sincerely hope that waiting was Elton's career. She hopes to find instead to eBay, this service is entirely free worthwhile. at least a few taken by fans in the shuttle to and of charge, and we even provide We would welcome feedback Candle In The Wind your target group - about 500 early 1970s. Anyone who can from his home regarding the new website. Just Elton fans which visit our Internet write to [email protected] help should email in Nice. pages every day. [email protected] as soon as possible. Elton’s squirrel drawing www.eltonfan.net

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 21 be shown in Atlanta," Elton told US media at a packed lecture at Symphony Hall on "THE LION KING" AIDA BEGINS US TOUR LONELY OUT IN SPACE the cameraOctober 24, 2000, near the Elton John may face legal new exhibition "This EATS HOLLYWOOD MARCH 2001 collection evolved from my action by organisers of a being here. ... If people want Disney's The Lion King began The countrywide tour of Elton Portuguese concert after he to see it, they can come to the preview performances in and Disney's musical, Aida, walked out half an hour before Hollywood on Sept 28 at the High." begins at Minneapolis' Orpheum he was due to perform. Elton was restored Pantages Theatre. The Theatre March 27, 2001 until scheduled to appear at the Estoril Chorus of Light: Los Angeles limited engagement Photographs from the Sir Elton April 22, 2001. The production Casino near Lisbon September 13 has been extended to Oct 1, but, according to the venue's John Collection is on display 2001 due to the overwhelming will then move to St. Louis, at the High Museum of Art in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and spokesman, 30 minutes before demand for tickets. In its 3rd the show Elton appeared Atlanta. It contains about 320 year of sold-out performances on Denver. As with the New York concerned the theatre was only images by photographers like Broadway at the New Amsterdam edition, the tour will be directed half full. Casino manager Mario Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, Theatre, and a smash hit in by Robert Falls, with Wayne Assis Ferreira told Portuguese Walker Evans, Tina Modotti, London, performances for the Los Cilento working choreography, radio the venue is planning to Norman Parkinson, Irving Angeles production are Tuesdays- and sets and costumes by Bob sue Elton for several tens of Penn, Man Ray, Edward Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturday's at Crowley (see tour list p. 27). Steichen, Alfred Stieglitz and 2:00 pm and 8:00pm and thousands of dollars. “He said he Edward Weston. Sunday's at 1:00 pm and 6:30 was going out to get some air but In addition, a small exhibit pm. (There will be occasional PELL PROGRAMME PULLEDthen he jumped into his car and of 70 images of artists and Weds. Matinees). Tickets are went to the airport to catch his A programme documenting private jet. He never said other celebrities by available at the Pantages Box the antics Benjamin Pell (also goodbye or anything to anyone,” photographers like Andy Office, by calling Ticketmaster at known as Benjy the bin-man) the said a Casino spokesman. Elton Warhol, Stieglitz, Avedon, +1-213-365-5555 or +1-714- was shelved by UK television was reported to have flown back Penn and Bob Willoughby – 703-2510. You can also obtain tickets online at station Channel 4 Television "for to Nice. opened November 6, 2000, at www.lionkingla.com. legal reasons" a spokesman for However, an audience of the High's Folk Art and Channel 4 told Hercules 1,250 people who had each paid Photography Galleries. September 11. Scandal in the TINY DANCER ALMOST 50,000 escudos (£154) per ticket Michael Shapiro, the Bins was an hour-long for dinner and show were in fact director of the museum, FAMOUS AGAIN documentary about Pell, widely there. In all, 1,500 tickets had introduced Elton, who was believed to have been behind the been sold. The unamused and dressed all in black, as a Elton saw a tune he penned sensational press in late 1997 unentertained crowd included collector of a broad range of 30 years ago head north in the and early 1998, which included government ministers, bank photographs that cover early US charts. The song, Tiny a leaked letter depicting Richard presidents and national modernists, still-lifes, nudes Dancer, features heavily in the Branson's spat with Elton over newspaper editors. They were and fashion images. US hit movie "Almost Famous" apparently slow at moving from and was tipped a chart topper. the non-inclusion of Candle in Elton said he started the dining room to the concert US Music channels have picked the Wind 1997 on a Diana, collecting photographs about hall, leaving it to the last minute up on the 1971 song and FM Princess of Wales album, as well the time that he made Atlanta to enter the music chamber. his home in America, and said stations gave it heavy play. as publication in tabloids of Elton's bank statements. Channel display is growing passion for that he managed to triumph lton gives US media a over a different kind of AND A CLINTON FUNDRAISER4 declined to comment who had PRADA PARTY candid (camera) interview photography at an exhibition compulsive addiction, instigated the shelving of the Luxury goods maker Prada's about his photo in his adopted second home Elton appeared Oct. 22 at a E of Atlanta, Georgia, in the alcoholism, about the same programme, and whether it was fundraising gala at the Royal collection, and about his fundraiser in aid of Hillary done on legal advice from USA. time. Clinton's campaign to be elected Academy of Arts Sept 30, was technophobia television lawyers, or on the Elton has decided to "I wanted this collection to "I sold almost everything in to the American Senate. 200 visited by Elton and Courtney tickets each cost $6,000 at New strength of an injunction. If the Love. It was held to coincide York City’s Hudson Theater. Elton latter, the injunction might not with the launch of the is also said to have written a have been imposed by Elton or controversial Apocalypse show at song for Mrs Clinton, First Lady his management company as the world-famous arts gallery. of the United States and wife of other celebrities were also to Elton wore a polka-dot three- incumbent President Bill Clinton. feature in the programme. piece suit – see the back page! 22 the cameraHercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 7 Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline 1989. It's amazing the crap on the special display panels. has changed, he said. SUN RECORDS TRIBUTE…ELTONI’M READY VOTED BRITAIN'SNEW ELTON JOHN DVDS younever buy when you're stoned," Elton sorts thelies... photographs by Still, he doesn't care to Musical legends including he said. "When I did sober up, subject or by the know all that much about how FAVOURITE ENTERTAINER "The Road to El Dorado" is Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, released on VHS and DVD on life looked different." photographer. a photo was taken: "I don't Elton and The Who will rock ‘n’ At the BBC Peoples Awards December 12. Released as a Late friend Gianni Versace He treats his photographs care how (photographers) do roll for a 50th anniversary film Oct 8 at London's Royal Albert Special Edition DVD, The Road gave him some advice that he much like paintings, making it," he said. "I'm really nosy. I and soundtrack tribute to Hall, Elton John was voted by the to El Dorado features a multitude follows: "He told me to go out sure the matting and framing want to know who they live pioneering rock 'n' roll label Sun British people their favourite of exciting interactive and see beauty. Take time to are just right. "If they are in a with. These people Records. They’re performing the entertainer. Elton was up against entertainment extras. The DVD go to a gallery or go to a better frame and are treated (photographers) are so music of Elvis Presley Carol stiff competition from co- features a DVD-ROM component church and look at the stained more respectfully," he said, interesting. I like to read about Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy nominees Robbie Williams, offering an interactive PC Game glass and the mosaics on the "people will stop and stare at a their lives and the times they Orbison, Johnny Cash, and other Travis, and sexbomb Tom Jones. floor." photograph." live in. It's wonderful to read pioneers from the famous label. demo, "Aztec Adventures;" a Singer Lulu was on stage to brain teaser trivia game; letter At first, Elton collected Elton claims to be a about these people." PBS will broadcast a two-hour mostly black-and-white technophobe, and doesn't take tribute in Dec 2001. It will be announce Elton as the winner. and number learning activities; fashion photography and photos himself. Interestingly released through Sire label. Sam But Elton, recording his latest and downloadable colouring Solid Phillips launched the Memphis- album in Los Angeles, appeared pages, mazes and a surprise portraits, but soon he for a man who has launched based Sun label in Feb 1952, only on screen. He said he was screen saver. The DVD also diversified. his namesake on the www, drawing on the gospel, blues and surprised to win: "Especially includes Elton’s music video for "It's an exciting time for Elton said: "I'm Internet Walls country styles of that region of since Robbie is 45,000 years Some Day Out of the Blue colour photography," he said. ignorant. I don't even have a the US. younger!" Elton paid tribute to (Theme From El Dorado); a "Photographers tend to go portable phone. I'm ignorant fans, for making his career special behind-the-scenes further in colour." about technology, but I don't of Photos Elton’s also beginning to hate it." THE BOX IS BACK possible. Presenter Michael featurette, cast and crew bios; Buerk asked: "Will you return to production notes; theatrical collect photographs with a In fact, he's amazed with Because he has about 400 The 4-CD box set "To Be the UK?" Elton replied: "Maybe to marketing materials. In Europe "harder edge." "Those we have technology, especially as it photographs on display at the Continued..." was re-released in borrow Lulu's outfit!" Elton John live in Barcelona was to take down when the applies to photography. With High Museum's two gallery the US on Oct 31. released on DVD on Aug 21. relatives come," he said, digital imaging and computer- spaces, he says he has "holes" chuckling. aided processing, photography in his walls. "Sick person that I I CRY AT NIGHT Besides live tracks from the 1992 THE DUST SETTLES - show, the DVD also contains a He has expanded his US am, I have about 2,000 more." Elton was moved at the 55-minute special tour report that penthouse apartment from It has come to the point, ELTON TRIBUTE TO DUSTYmovies by performances from was not included with the VHS 2,200 square feet to 18,000 however, that whenever he square feet, "and it's still not Elton contributed to tributes in Julie Walters and new talent released. From Sept. 4, The Very buys a photograph he enough room," he joked. liner notes of Simply Dusty, a 4- Jamie Bell in a preview of their Best Of Elton John was also wonders, "Where the hell am I CD anthology of vocalist Dusty film Billy Elliot, Sept 18. The released on DVD. Slides of his apartment shown going to put it? But I'll buy it Springfield. The box set, from acting chemistry led Elton to to convened media displayed and worry about where to put Mercury Records, was released break down. It’s an emotional floor-to-ceiling panels filled it later," he said. "I'm rather an Sept 25. Memories of the singer, British drama. Walters plays a ELTON ON DAVID LETTERMAN'Swith photographs. insane kind of person." who died in March 1999, are dancing teacher while Bell plays "Oh, that's between my The one thing he does "LATE SHOW" included in a 64-page booklet. a striking miner's son who bathroom and the closet," he worry about is where to leave dreams of joining the Royal Elton John was a guest on said, looking up at one slide of his photographs when he’s wall-to-wall photographs. ELTON JOHN RECEIVES Ballet. David Letterman's Late Show on gone: "I have no heirs," Elton CBS Nov 30. Elton said between his said. "Photography deserves to HUMANITARIAN AWARD collection of photographs, be seen. What concerns me is IN AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN glass sculptures and what happens when I'm not Elton was presented with a ELTON IN SOUTH PARK Elton says he wants to antiquities, he's filled up his here. I want the public to be special award by the American become a producer and actor in Three new "South Park" homes in Atlanta; Nice, in able to enjoy them." edition of GQ magazine. The US France; and Windsor, England. GQ "Men of the Year" Awards films. But an animated film about videos with exclusive bonus garden gnomes? Daily Express of footage hit stores Nov 7. In Atlanta alone, he has took place in New York on Oct 900 images on his walls and 26. Elton received the David September 27, reckons Elton’s Christmas in South Park, Best of Yurman Humanitarian Award for new film production project sees South Park, and The Chef his work with EJAF. Elton teaming up with Disney to Experience (including Chef Aid The GQ "Men of the Year" make the extravaganza. Elton has and Chef Aid: Behind the Menu, Awards will air in the US on Fox gnomes in his spacious gardens which features interviews with Network on Dec 9. in England. Elton et al. 6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterlynever Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. lies... 23 ercules feels for us to have Hmember Rob our picture taken Cargill gives a with him! personal account Other of a special, and kicked off the standards were expensive, evening Daniel, - tickets were from Philadelphia £1,200. Freedom, RECORD MAKER, RECORDFIRST BREAKER! GLIMPSES OF NEWONE NIGHT WITH LITE Arriving at Crocodile Rock Wembley Stadium and finally Candle Elton smashed the world Elton John was a special guest moss STUDIO ALBUM from my Hotel in a moss in the Wind. record for the fastest album ever at One Night with Lite presented shuttle service Elton soon had made! According to Billboard.com, specially laid on it feeling more like by Toyota at New York's Madison for the event, I an EJ concert Released on November 13 in Elton John unveiled one of the 15 Square Garden (Theater) on Oct found myself being though - as he did Europe and 8 days later in the US, songs already completed for the 23. Also appearing: Natalie Cole, photographed by a the piano solo new album One Night Only, was new studio album, which is Kathi Lee Gifford, Lara Fabian, Philly the crowd huge band of taped live at two sell-out shows at expected to be released in spring Bruce Hornsby, LeAnn Rimes, photographers as I Elton meets footballing legend Pele and performs for the select audience started to become New York's Madison Square stepped out of the a bit more 2001. He played it to his live and Bruce McKnight. limo. I had no idea loosened up. Gardens on October 20 and 21. band members during rehearsals who they were Philly changed It hit the shops just 22 days at Madison Square Garden on the mood ELTON WANTS TO ROCK trying to after recording, meaning One Oct 20. The song, American photograph - somewhat and Night Only breaks the record for looking behind me then Elton said Triangle, is about the 1998 Feeling inspired from a recent I discovered that it ''This next one I'm the fastest-ever turn around for an murder of Matthew Shephard, a collaboration with Collective album. The previous record was me! Quite gonna need your Wyoming college student who Soul with whom he recorded help with'' and holder was Plastic Ono Band's who they thought I was brutally killed in a gay hate piano and vocal on a track called may have been I played Crocodile Live Peace album, released within crime. While the live recordings have no idea - it Rock. After this four months. Perfect Day, Elton reported the was hilarious. Elton came over at MSG included well-known experience was so much fun that There were and shook hands band members such as Davey he can't wait to take it to the next 2000 guests with us all. NO RETIREMENT IN 2001, housed in a Before each of Johnstone, John Jorgenson, Guy level. "I've always wanted to be specially built 'see- the songs, Elton OF COURSE! Babylon, Bob Birch, and even in a rock band," he says. "I've through' marquee. ON 2nd NOVEMBER ELTON PLAYED ATtalked THE about his returning drummer Nigel Olsson, always wanted to smash a guitar Hundreds of LAST EVER EVENT AT WEMBLEY STADIUM BEFOREexperiences ITof IS Elton fans were in shock after none of these have been part of over someone's head. You just 'celebs', mainly Wembley Stadium. Elton announced he’s to retire at from all aspects of DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW STADIUMHe said that his the recordings for the studio can't do that with a piano." UK sport, major TV most memorable end 2001. "Next year will be a album. Producer Pat Leonhard Shows and music. polite applause - but people remained and touching lot of fun," he said during his has no interest in Elton's current SONG FOR GUY - DANCE VERSION Another Elton John fan Emma (aka seated at their given tables. experience there was in 1984 when show at New York's Madison live band. Even new drummer Lady Sam), who I met at Castle Ashby The curtains opened and Elton Watford met Everton in the FA Cup Square Garden on Oct 20, "but at Curt Bisquera, who came into Hurley & Todd have used earlier in the year, won a competition was already seated at his Piano and Final. the end of 2001 ... that's it for organised by the BBC. Having found began Your Song. I said to Emma ''OK It is at this match each year that Elton's band for "The Road to El Elton's instrumental, Song For her we agreed we would 'get down to listen - here's the plan - what we do is the hymn ''Abide with Me'' is sung. me!" The next night’s show, he Dorado" by Leonhard's choice, Guy, and turned it into a modern to start waltzing on the dance floor.'' Watford were to lose to Everton and took it back: "I said I'm gonna the stage area' for Elton’s set. I tried to has been shut out of the new dance/trance version - titled work out a 'plan' because this was by I must have had too much to drink the rolling credits to end the live BBC retire next year, but of course I'm project. Sunstorm. A Maxi CD has been no means a normal Elton Show. but we began getting nearer and broadcast pictured Elton, tears rolling full of shit!" was his introduction nearer to Elton. By the way it was down his face to the tune ''Sad The compere for the evening to the encores. released in Germany (featuring came on stage and said ''We have a completely obvious to all and sundry Songs'' - which was Elton’s single at seven different mixes) and the very special guest for you this evening that we could not waltz but it was the the time. Elton told us that even ELTON ROCKS WILKES-BARRE and they don’t come much bigger only thing I could think of to get us though he had played Wembley seven JOHN JORGENSEN JOINS HERCULES UK (featuring three different than this - he will be coming on stage closer! times it was this football match of Elton and the band rocked the mixes). in about 5 minutes.'' Well the next thing was - other which most memories remained. John Jorgenson of Elton’s band First Union Arena at Wilkes- Emma and I decided to pretend to couples started to waltz too! In no Elton was followed on stage by popped in on the Hercules Barre, PA, on October 18, with a NIGEL OLSSON TO RECORD be heading towards 'our' table close time - we had waltzed our way right Chris de Burgh, Jools Holland and Convention at Hard Rock Café, set list of 27 songs. The show by the stage at the edge of the dance in front of Elton the closest anyone The Bootleg Beatles - 4 look-alikes New York, ahead of the Madison was a pilot for the two One floor. Amazingly, no-one seemed was during the performance - we had who thanked Elton for supporting NEW ALBUM bothered about our foray into the done it!! By this time, Elton was in full them tonight! The evening was Square Garden show Oct. 21. Night Only concerts at New 'expensive' bit (these tickets were swing and it felt more like an Elton rounded off by a truly spectacular York's Madison Square Garden The Official Nigel Olsson Fan £1800.00 each). concert. The dance floor had by now firework display which would have "FACE TO FACE" RETURNS IN 2001 Club told Hercules that Elton Between the nearest tables and completely filled up - but everyone put Disney to shame. days later. Among fresh material the raised stage there was a dance was all very polite and everyone left Emma and I had an absolute Ball!! Piano duellers Elton John and that night: Funeral for a drummer Nigel Olsson started floor. I noticed there were people about 1 ft of space between them and It was just the most amazing thing, Billy Joel will continue their Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, recording his new album for the milling around the Restroom area to the next person. All very civilised – there were we, and Elton just right Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Japanese label 81 Records on the right - we headed off in that not like the mad scrum at normal there in our own personal space - not "Face to Face" tour with some direction by way of an excuse! Elton Concerts. being jostled - like it was just a shows on the US West coast Little Jeanie, Tiny Dancer, Can October 30, in California. Elton The house lights went down and Elton went on to sing Nikita, private concert - we were absolutely between mid-Jan and mid-Feb you Feel the Love Tonight, Don't band members Davey Johnstone the compere came back on stage: which Elton dedicated to Pele. Elton bowled over by it. 2001. Details are not yet known Go Breaking my Heart, Club at and Guy Babylon will be ''Ladies & Gentlemen, our first guest said how pleased he was to have met the End of the Street, I Don't producing. Kiki Dee is scheduled this evening is big - and I mean big Pele and have his photograph with at this point in time, but the tour THIS is Sir Elton John'' More than him - so Elton does now know how it is likely to include concerts in Wanna go on with you like that, to do a duet with Nigel, and Was it worth the £1200 ticket? Seattle, Portland (OR), San The Bitch is Back, Sad Songs (Say Elton has given Nigel a new song Yes! Francisco, and the LA area as So Much), and Beatles’ Come to record. The album is slated for well as San Diego. Together. release only in Japan.

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 5 A SMA WILL LL P LETTERS TO THE EDITOR W BE S RIZE RITE ENT R OF TO EAC THE Send or email your letters to David Wright, Editor (address on page 2) PUB H L LISH ETTE Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website and Hotline ED. R ear oh dear - could there be an performance in him that ultimately Ed: Dinaccuracy or two in gossip appeared on the album. Thanks for LEGAL BOYS: HAS THE CASE GOT TEETH? By George Matlock and trivia? I remember the Holiday Inn the info following from interviews with The third verse contained Cliff. George Matlock he much-trailed Elton John Elton and Gus Dudgeon – something within it that the asked Clive Franks about this and the "missing millions" court case Don't Let The Sun Go Down Holiday Inn company would have answer is: “I mixed the album with Topened in London’s High On Me found objectionable and lawyers Gus at Dick James' studio which was Court on Oct. 30. As Hercules You would probably be aware apparently advised Elton’s team really only a demo studio with very went to press, the case was half- that the recording of the Caribou that the third verse should be basic equipment. Gus recorded most way through an 8-week session. album was fraught with problems dropped ( I can let you have the of Elton's earlier albums at Trident Elton is suing Andrew Haydon, and Elton could not get used to lyric if you wish - it does exist on studios which had a state of the art former managing director of being in an American studio after some old recording / bootlegs) console and loads of limiters, Elton’s one-time management the Chateau. At a time when Elton Well done for the others - I compressors and effects etc, and a company, John Reid Enterprises was, let us say, at one of his most didn't know them much tighter sound. He felt that he (JRE), and Elton’s former tired and emotional stages (going How about asking Clive Franks could get a cleaner, punchier sound accountants who warned him of through the final stages of leaving ( great to see him - how about there which would be more suited to excessive spending in 1998, DJM and setting up Rocket), the more Roger Pope?) why the the US market. Dave Hentschel was PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Elton and David arrive at court A smiling John Reid recording of DLTSGDOM was 17.11.70 album was remixed and the resident engineer who Gus had Elton alleges Haydon was particularly painful and almost reduced twice, once by Clive in worked with before. negligent in allowing JRE to charge 15 to 17, and on the third day, up anyway. caused major upsets between Elton DJM studios London and once by So there you have it! I think both him US tour expenses - including apologised for his comments the Mark Hapgood QC, barrister for and Gus, who kept Elton re doing David Hentschel at Trident ? versions sounded great but the real booking agents, accountants and day before. Elton explained: "It was PwC, suggested to Elton he went the vocals time and again - Gus did Cliff Sinclair magic was in the performance from producers. Elton's case is that the a very passionate response and a "spending mad" following a £42m this because he knew Elton had the Elton, Dee and Nigel.” "several millions" (reportedly very irresponsible remark for me to deal with recording company £20m) which he paid out in make at that time. I regret saying Polygram in Feb 1996. touring expenses 1984-98 should that. I was very tired. It was a long Elton said: "I’m not a nest-egg ust walked in the door from his hank you for all your hard work ear Hercules, have been borne by JRE under a re- day of badgering questions." person". JMadison Square Garden concert. Tproviding us with information DThanks for the great seats to negotiated management agreement And what was it Elton said? A Reuters reporter told me out Billy Joel, Kiki Dee. Best ever. about Elton. This is just a reminder see Elton at Broadlands this signed in 1986. PwC are accused Andrew Fletcher, barrister for of court: "We all latched onto one But what a downer. Elton to everyone that December 1st is summer in the UK. by Elton of negligence in managing Haydon, suggested to Elton it was comment Elton made. He said he actually told the audience that after World Aids Day, and although I What a lot of fans probably his affairs. Both defendants are his 2001 concert tour "that's it" for realise that day will have passed by don't know is HOW good the highly improbable Mr Reid had had no one to inherit the money. touring. Booooooooooooo! the time most people receive their vigorously contesting Elton's legal deliberately tried to "swindle" the That must have been difficult for seats were. On June 6, I was I sure hope he changes his mind. December issue of The Mag, I think seated with the Hercules grouping action. musician. David Furnish, in court, to take." In the meantime we have the as EJ fans we should all do our bit. We cannot draw any Elton had replied: "Why would We cannot make any comment on - and to my right was the owner of Greatest Hits Concert CD and the I’m sure everyone could do the stately home himself, Lord conclusions from the case until the someone with a criminal record be that, although it does not in fact CBS special to look forward to. something and send the proceeds to trial ends. We have noted people incapable of doing something like impinge upon the trial’s Thanks for listening EJAF. Every little bit helps and our Montagu. Nice to be in the midst making comments on the Internet that?" determination. Frank D'Agostino, Hillside, NJ contribution could make a difference of such VIPs eh? about the likely outcome, and we Apologising, Elton still accused There were light-hearted to someone’s life. Nigel Coleman, UK member find this reproachable to both Elton Mr Reid of betraying him over moments too. In court, Elton took Ed: But he took it all back the Elton is such an inspiration to us, as well as the defendants in the touring costs. He doubted Mr Reid another chance to quash his MSG following night! how could we not support such a case. Such remarks are prejudicial had made an "honest mistake" concert "quit" outburst. worthy cause. I was cheeky enough to a fair trial. about what was agreed between "There was never any question to introduce myself to Elton at his he weekend that I joined More amusingly, one fan them over tour expenses in St of me retiring." reat work with The Mag. Barbie Ball last December. He is a THercules was one of my GThanks especially for the lovely man and certainly worthy of favorites. It took place in New already made their view known, Tropez in 1984. That contract Mr Fletcher suggested: "We all exclusive interview with Clive handing Elton a toothbrush at the boosted JRE’s earnings from Elton. have to retire at some stage." Elton our admiration and support. So York--when Elton John played Franks. I look forward hugely to the come on everybody, do your bit and Madison Sq. Garden 2 nights in a Antwerp solo show after Elton had JRE had increased its commission retorted: "Do we? Why can’t I drop next instalments. I have been an spent his daytime sensationally to 20% of Elton's pre-tax earnings dead on stage? Lots of other people send a donation to EJAF. row. He looked and sounded so Elton fan since 1971 when I first Diane Strauther, Nottingham, UK bringing up ex-manager John (previously it had been after-tax do. I have no intention of retiring." heard Your Song. My pleasure and young and vibrant. The addition of Reid’s criminal record, to which earnings) together with publishing Cheerily, Elton said outside appreciation has not faltered for one "Club at the End of the Street" was Reid, in Court 17 to hear evidence, income, ratified in 1986. court: "I think I got very fair second. This year I saw him on ust wanted to let you know (as if unexpected but welcome. With all shook his head in disbelief. The Elton said: "It was a contract treatment from all the QCs." About stage, solo at Castle Ashby, Jyou didn't know already!!) that this so fresh in my mind, I could citation was irrelevant to the case. verbally between two people who cross-examination: "I knew the Northampton. We all braved the eltonfan.net is MUCH MUCH better really appreciate the UK solo tour Mr Reid was jailed for a month had lived together for five years. spending thing would come up." cold English summer, but I had than eltonjohn.com. You have much review in Sept's The Mag. And I for punching a woman journalist in He was a huge part of my life. He And the verdict? "We shall just brilliant 4th row seats and it was more news - and the news you offer thought that seeing him solo three New Zealand in 1973 as is well was my partner for five years. have to wait and see what the fantastic. After a superb is on-line far quicker than times in 7 months was pretty documented. Mr Reid is not the When I did a deal with him I didn't judgment is," Elton said. performance of Ticking, Sir Elton eltonjohn.com. good? A pittance compared to the subject of legal action, following a have to write anything down, or so The case continues. pointed and thanked me for my It must be really hard to maintain 13 noted here! £3.4m settlement by Mr Reid to I thought." Hercules' court reporters will applause. The show was of course, it such a way that it's still very Cheryl Herman, U.S.A. Elton after they parted company in At the start of trial, Elton’s bring you the outcome of this trial incredible. Elton to me remains "personal" and friendly, yet 1998. PwC believe the lawyers tried to block evidence of on our website. In March we hope genius, timeless, ageless and unique. informative and professional. compensation covered settlement Elton’s lavish spending being made to publish a chronology of the case Thank you Sir Elton for all those Well done. for all parties. in court by PwC. But in cross- years. Kind regards, in The Mag, together with analysis. Richard Youngman, Norfolk, UK Amanda Lucas Elton was in court November examination, those issues bubbled 4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 25 SMALL ADS FROM THE EDITOR... Free to Hercules members. Send yours to David Wright, Editor, 100 Winkworth Rd, Photo: S Kalinoski ELTON 2000 CANDLES ello and welcome to the Stephan Heimbecher has revamped the Hercules website. Still available & in stock last issue of 2000 and my first as Editor. He brings us up to date with now: Deluxe $35, Gel $20. H developments on page 21 and It’s been a very busy time as Older versions available as always for Elton - and for us fans. you can see it for yourself at special order. Also, have In this issue we have reports www.eltonfan.net. LYRICS FOR AMERICANTRIANGLEsome Hercules T shirts in USA from surely the most eagerly Hercules member Rob Cargill at $10 each, and Hercules anticipated Elton concert ever at attended a very special evening polo shirts in USA at $20 each, at Wembley Stadium – Elton Seen him playing in his backyard Madison Square Garden and the for USA/Canada shipments Hercules fan event at New York’s performed at the final event young boy just starting out only. All prices are PLUS Hard Rock Café. A live CD before the bulldozers move in. so much history in this landscape shipping. released in record time, TV Read about Rob’s experience in Kicked Off The Moss on page 24. so much confusion so much doubt To order candles or shirts broadcast, video and DVD email sharonk@maxi- release to come, six duets and his I hope my first issue lives up I've been there drinking on that front porch signal.com or write Sharon retirement announced and to Tammi’s high standards. angry kids mean and dumb Kalinoski, P O Box 398, withdrawn – it could only be Tammi was editor for three years looks like the pain(t)? in that blue skyline LaGrange IL 60525 USA. Elton! Kevin Schwartz tells us and took The Mag forward about a very special weekend. immeasurably and deserves God hates fags where we come from We have the second part of thanks from us all for what has WERE YOU AT STUTTGART? Western sky, don't make it right our exclusive and fascinating become, and I hope will home of the brave, don't make no sense Calling all EJ fans that have interview with Elton’s sound continue to be, an informative and professionally produced I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire been to Elton's show in engineer Clive Franks. Stuttgart on July 1, 2000: My As we went to press the first source of news and information left to die on a high ridge fence friend, who is in a wheel chair, dates of another Face to Face on all things Elton. it's a cold cold wind and myself got to the stage Tour with Billy Joel in 2001 were Please keep your letters coming in. We welcome your during the show, and Elton laid being announced. Currently this it's a cold cold wind input and suggestions. down flat on his face in order is only in the US but hopefully it's a cold wind blowing other parts of the world will be Wishing you all a great to shake my friends hand. Did holiday season and Happy New Wyoming anybody take a picture of this? included later. Either side of this there are further solo dates in the Year from all at Hercules. We are desperately looking for Cheers! a photo (even if it's just poor US and Europe – see page 27 for See two coyotes running down the (deer) ? details. quality). Please contact Elke they (knew) ? what we don't understand There has also been a Middelhauve & Eddi Kadner, you pioneers give up your children gripping court case involving Hindenburgplatz 5, D-74385 Elton who is suing his former but it's your blood that stains their hands Pleidelsheim, Germany, managament company and Western skies, don't make it right phone/fax +49 7144 209745. accountants. Again, timing of home of the brave, don't make no sense publication is against us but we I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire bring you the most up to date report we can on page 4. left to die on a high ridge fence Photo: S Kalinoski it's a cold cold wind PLEASE REMEMBER... it's a cold cold wind HERCULES ELTON/LENNON WEEKEND it's a cold wind blowing ALWAYS state your membership number Cavern Club, Liverpool March 24-25, 2001 Wyoming if you send a cheque to Hercules, or pay Don't make this an Empty Garden, as Special weekend accommodation & tour into one of the Club accounts. Hercules celebrates Elton's birthday and recalls packages are available direct from Cavern Club ALWAYS let us know the expiry date of Somewhere the road forks up ahead John Lennon's memory 20 years after his tragic Tours. Please phone Ray Johnson at Cavern on: the card, and the cardholders name. loss. We're at The Beatles famous haunt, the to ignorance and innocence +44 151 236 9091 for details, or see their Please note that if you have paid your Cavern Club, Liverpool. Breaking with the website at www.Cavern-Liverpool.co.uk First Membership Fee by Credit Card, your card London tradition, Elton's birthday convention is three lives drift on different winds come, first served. No enquiries to Hercules will automatically be charged again for the on the road for the first time ever for this two lives ruined one life spent renewal fee, at the end of your membership about package terms please. year. If your card has expired in the Elton/Lennon Weekend. The convention is free to western sky, don't make it right meantime, or if you have switched all from noon-5pm on March 24, and The Elton tribute acts and special guests are being companies, please forward your new Credit home of the brave, don't make no sense Card details to Hercules Coordination in Beatles-related tours are available on Sunday booked. More details of line-up coming soon. I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire time for your next renewal. March 25, through a special deal with Cavern Check our website regularly, or sign up to free left to die on a high ridge fence Club Tours in association with Hercules UK. Hercules eNewsletters for email news. it's a cold cold wind 26 it's a cold cold wind Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000. 3 it's a cold wind blowing Wyoming Fanzine of the Elton John THE MAG Fan Club Banstead, Surrey SM7 2QR, UK., or e-mail him at [email protected] TOUR DATES Issue No. 53 POSTAL FANS FAN CLUB INFORMATION Looking for Worlwide Elton DECEMBER 2000 ELTON JOHN US SOLO TOUR 2000 (CONT.) Annual membership fee for the UK is £14 if paid by HERCULES Chief Editor John Fans to exchange postal Standing Order/VISA/Mastercard. By Cheque/Postal David Wright letters. Reply guaranteed. 02-Dec-2000 ...... Bossier City, LA Centurytel Center 100 Winkworth Road, Robert Webster Order it is £15. For the rest of Europe it is £14, and Banstead 17 Francis Place 03-Dec-2000 ...... Tulsa, OK Convention Center for the USA it is 17£/US$30. Please note that your Surrey SM7 2QR, U.K. [email protected] Longwell Green renewal date is printed on your address label in 05-Dec-2000 ...... Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall Assistant Editor: Bristol. BS30 9DR UK European format day/month/year. Tammi Law 06-Dec-2000 ...... Wheeling, WV Civic Center Hercules is a registered member Editorial Assistants: of the National Association of Membership passes are available from your local George Matlock, Barbara Turner Fan Clubs EJ CELS! 08-Dec-2000...... Macon, GA Centreplex HERCULES department: send a small photo of Design: Turnstyle Design yourself when requesting your pass. Translations: Similar to the way animation 09-Dec-2000...... Albany, GA Civic Center Sabine Asenkirschbaumer Cels are made. Matted and Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton Mireille Mölbert presented in shadow box frames. 10-Dec-2000...... Montgomery, AL Garrett Coliseum For subscription details, please John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. write to your local HERCULES 16 titles available. Some in Letters will be passed on if necessary. department or to HERCULES limited edition! Visit our web site Coordinaton: at ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL FACE TO FACE TOUR 2001 HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in HERCULES Coordination www.angelfire.com/biz/celebrity March, June, September and December. In event of c/o Stephan Heimbecher cel or request the EJ Cel flier Orleansstr. 59 19-Jan-2001 ...... San Diego, CA Cox Arena circumstances beyond our control, there is no D-81667 München, from Cartoon Creations, PO Box CONTENTS guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in GERMANY 396, Dunedin, FL 34697 USA 22-Jan-2001 ...... Vancouver, BC GM Place Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 English and German. Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 24-Jan-2001 ...... Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome FEATURES [email protected] Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' LIMITED EJ PHONECARDS A Word in Spanish HERCULES Fan Adviser 26-Jan-2001 ...... Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena Marbella concert opinions. All information is based on the best of c/o Mireille Mölbert World-Phonecards.com has reviewed ...... 20 knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only Zaunweg 11 issued a limited edition of Elton 29-Jan-2001 ...... Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center Clive Franks interview by prior arrangement with HERCULES. D-80805 München, Part 2 of our exclusive GERMANY John phonecards which are now 31-Jan-2001...... Sacramento, CA Arco Arena interview with Elton’s Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 available at £15 each. Hercules sound engineer ...... 14 Member participation is always welcome. We are [email protected] has negotiated a special offer for 02-Feb-2001 ...... Oakland, CA Oakland Coliseum Kicked off The Moss thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, HERCULES USA/Canada its members: If you order a set c/o Sharon Kalinoski 04-Feb-2001 ...... San Jose, CA San Jose Arena last Wembley stadium articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Please P.O. Box 398 of all three Elton John event ...... 24 send them to the Editor, David Wright. Please La Grange, IL 60525, USA phonecards, the price will be 06-Feb-2001 ...... Los Angeles, CA LA Forum Lyrics for American understand that we cannot always publish all [email protected] Triangle ...... 26 reduced to £40 (instead of £45) contributions. All photos will be returned. HERCULES U.K. 13-Feb-2001 ...... Phoenix, AZ America West Arena New Hercules c/o George Matlock - that's a discount of more than 10%! Website ...... 21 P.O. Box 315 17-Feb-2001 ...... Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute) Richmond But hurry, this special offer One Weekend Only Surrey TW9 3QX, UK Madison Garden USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843 Fax: 0870 130 7752 will only last for one month! Concert reviewed...... 10 [email protected] Visit the www.world- Fan meeting report...... 8 Web site http://www.eltonfan.net HERCULES Benelux phonecards.com order your set ELTON JOHN TOUR 2001 The Camera Never Lies c/o Tim Blezer today! Elton photographic COPYRIGHT: HERCULES Pastoor Pendersstraat 8 01-Apr-2001 ...... Lyon, France t.b.a. exhibition ...... 22 6262 PA banholt Netherlands Deadline for Issue No. 54 is 1 February 2001 Tel. +31 (0)43 4571703 03-Apr-2001 ...... Paris, France Bercy OFFERS [email protected] LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS No. 54 will be released 04-Apr-2001 ...... Nice, France S.A. Nikaia Hercules Calendar HERCULES Italy 1 Cartier 2001...... 19 March 2001 c/o Luca Zerbini Via Scheiwiller n.9/A 2 Act of War I-20139 Milano, ITALY 3 All Across the Havens REGULARS [email protected] 4 Chameleon Please note: This is not an official Tour Schedule, as it contains Between 17 and 20 HERCULES Francais 5 Lord of the Flies unconfirmed dates at time of going to press. Elton trivia & gossip ..18 Francoise Linden-Gilles 6 Rock 'n' Roll Madonna Club Information ...... 2 BP-22, B-4900 SPA Belgium 7 Lady Samantha Letters to the Editor...... 25 [email protected] 8 L'il Refrigerator Lyric Quiz ...... 9 Front Cover: HERCULES Nordic 9 Chasing the Crown Urpu Kallio News Bullets ...... 4 Live at 10 Love is a Cannibal Madison Square Garden c/o Maria Sjöholm Small ads ...... 26 Björkkullavägen 3 A 3 11 Too Young 07880 LILJENDAL 12 Too Low for Zero Tour Dates ...... 27 FINLAND 2000/2001

2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 53. December 2000 27 since 1988 “Anyone for Twister??”

THE MAG

inside this issue: Exclusive! Clive Franks Interview part 2 One Weekend only... Madison Square Concert reviewed New Hercules Website launched Elton Goes to Court over missing millions

PLUS: News, Trivia, For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, Quizzes, Your callers in the UK can phone the Letters & more! HERCULESHERCULES HotlineHotline onon 09060906 888888 2020 2020 Calls cost 60p per minute anytime December 2000 Issue No: 53

Top View