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Hercules Fanzine No. 48

Hercules Fanzine No. 48

since 1988

THE MAG

inside this issue:

News of Eltons health scare The split with John Reid Review: Solo Tour Exclusive interview with Charlie Morgan Announcing: First Ever For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, Worldwide callers in the UK can call the Convention HERCULESHERCULES HotlineHotline onon 09060906 888888 2020 2020 Calls cost 60p per minute anytime September 1999 Issue No: 48 Fanzine of FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND the HERCULES is very sad to report the THE MAG Fan Club passing of a very dear friend of many Hercules members and staff, as well as many Elton fans worldwide. Keith Levine of New York City died on August 22, 1999 TOURPlans & Rumours DATES Issue No. 48 at the young age of 38. He has left FAN CLUB INFORMATION many broken hearts among his SEPTEMBER 1999 friends. We will always remember SOLO TOUR EUROPE Annual membership fee is £14 in the UK/Europe HERCULES Chief Editor all he did for us, in getting together and £17/US$30 for the USA and Rest of the World. Tammi Law EJ fans on many occasions in the 4-Sept-99 ...... Maidstone, Kent, UK. Leeds Castle (open air) 49 Horseshoe Crescent, 1980's and 90's. Please note that your renewal date is printed on Peatmoor Keith, you will be missed so much. 5-Sept-99 ...... Maidstone, Kent, UK. Leeds Castle (open air) your address label in European format Swindon SN5 5AX, U.K. day/month/year. Tel. +44 (0)1793 881 264 6-Sept-99 ...... Maidstone, Kent, UK. Leeds Castle (open air) [email protected] Please note that if you have paid your Membership Fee by Credit Card, your Membership passes are available from your local Editorial Assistants: card will automatically be charged George Matlock SOLO PIANO TOUR USA HERCULES department: send a small photo of Barbara Turner again for the renewal fee, at the end of yourself when requesting your pass. David Wright your membership year. If your card has 23-Sept-99 ...... Jacksonville, FL. Coliseum expired in the meantime, or if you Urpu Kallio have switched companies, please 24-Sept-99 ...... Atlanta, GA. Phillips Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton (Hercules Nordic) forward your new Credit Card John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. Francoise Linden-Gilles 28-Sep-99...... Springfield, IL. tba (Hercules Francais) details to Hercules Letters will be passed on if necessary. Coordination in time for your 29-Sep-99...... Rockford, IL. Metro Center Design: next renewal. HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in Turnstyle Design 01-Oct-99 ...... Champaign-Urbana, IL. Assembly Hall March, June, September and December. In event of Translations: 02-Oct-99 ...... Moline, IL. Sabine Asenkirschbaumer ...... Mark Of The Quad Cities Arena circumstances beyond our control, there is no Stefanie Ganter guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in Mireille Mölbert 05-Oct-99...... Madison, WI. tba CONTENTS English and German. For subscription details, 15-Oct-99 ...... New York, NY please write to your local ...... Madison Square Garden FEATURES Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' HERCULES department or to HERCULES Coordinaton: Elton John & Hercules opinions. All information is based on the best of 16-Oct-99 ...... New York, NY. at Halle ...... 8 knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only HERCULES Coordination ...... Madison Square Garden Heart in the right by prior arrangement with HERCULES. c/o Stephan Heimbecher place... Orleansstr. 59 Insight into D-81667 München, SMASH HITS / MISCELLANEOUS pacemakers ...... 12 Member participation is always welcome. We are GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 I don’t have much thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, 21-Sept-99 ...... Kansas City, KS. Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 ...... Missouri Municipal Auditorium, money, but if I did articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Please [email protected] Elton discusses his send them to the Editor, Tammi Law or to the Fan ...... Smash Hits Tennis Tournament ‘mis-managed funds’ 10 HERCULES Fan Adviser Looking like a True Adviser. Please understand that we cannot always c/o Mireille Mölbert 25-Sept-99 ...... Las Vegas, NV Survivor publish all contributions. Zaunweg 11 ...... MGM Grand Arena, Part 2 of our exclusive D-80805 München, ...... Andre Agassi's Grand Slam Charlie Morgan GERMANY interview ...... 12 UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute) Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 Yet another USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843 [email protected] ELTON JOHN & TINA TURNER overnight drive HERCULES USA/Canada continuing John Web site http://www.eltonfan.com 30-Dec-99...... Las Vegas, Jorgenson’s tour c/o Sharon Kalinoski ...... NV Thomas & Mack Center diary...... 20 P.O. Box 398 COPYRIGHT: HERCULES La Grange, IL 60525, USA [email protected] REGULARS TOUR 2000 Between 17 and 20 Deadline for Issue No. 49 HERCULES U.K. Elton trivia & gossip ..18 is 1 November 1999 P.O. Box 315 18-June-00 Prague, Czech Republic, t.b.a. Club Information ...... 2 Richmond ...... (postponed from June 30, 1999) Convention Reports...... 18 No. 49 will be released Surrey TW9 3QX, UK [email protected] Kaleidoscope Eyes 1 December 1999 EJ’s TV & Video HERCULES Benelux appearances ...... 14 c/o Arjen Buikstra Letters to the Editor...... 26 Sav. Lohmannstr. 1 NL-3214 XA Zuidland Lyric Quiz ...... 15 Backcover: Tel. +31 (0)1881 451511 News Bullets ...... 4 Elton at Halle [email protected] Small ads ...... 24 (Photo: Jimmie Collins) Assistant: Tim Blezer Take Down To HERCULES Italy The Ocean - Watford’s new strip - with c/o Luca Zerbini 1999~2000 This is no official tour schedule, EJ web site reviews ....16 thanks to Peter Cook & Via Scheiwiller n.9/A Watford FC web site Smash Hits Auction Dec.'98 as it also includes rumoured and unconfirmed dates. Tour Dates ...... 27 I-20139 Milano, ITALY [email protected] (Photo: Sharon Kalinoski) Watford Watch ...... 24

2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 27 PUFFING LIKE A GRAND OLD LADY... Strong FROM THE EDITOR... Hello. I love the new design and the name for the Hercules quarterly, now called "The Mag"! Thank you for a reaction to job well done. I did find one tiny error, though. In the last issue (#47), there was an article about site exists. The quarterly fanzine is ("You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" by George new-look a great way to catch up on Elton’s Matlock) which contained an omission that I think you and recent news stories, collector’s EJ's fans might have missed. Mr. Matlock stated that Dusty articles, and to read about fellow appeared as a background singer on only one Hercules he big news this season has EJ fans experiences over the years, (). I guess he forgot about when been Elton’s health scare but if you need more immediate she, along with Clyde King, Sherlie Matthews, and Jessie Tand heart operation - he information, please read page 23 Mae Smith, sang background vocals on "" Fanzine certainly had us all worried for a for more details. (Caribou). I'm sure that it was an honest mistake, but one while! But the good news is that We are delighted to announce that needed to be acknowledged. Who, besides me, takes Well, it seems as though you he is well on the way to a full new, better, discounts for the time to read and remember every little detail of the love your new-look Hercules recovery, and has already Hercules members on Elton album credits anyway? Well, I'm looking forward to the fanzine! We received a great returned to work, performing a merchandise from Wrap It Up! next issue of "The Mag" with many more to come. response from you after the June private concert in Florida just From August 1, 1999, fans can Dixie Lily (Ed’s note: yes, really!), USA issue of The Mag was published weeks after the surgery. Elton enjoy a universal 10% discount - here are just a few of your also plans to record a new studio on orders they place - just quote comments... album this year, for release in the "Hercules Universe" when Spring. See our news pages for ordering from Alan. AND IT’S TIMES LIKE THESE WHEN WE ALL I thought the last issue of more information about the Thanks for all your letters and NEED TO HEAR THE RADIO..... Hercules was absolutely brilliant. pacemaker operation. opinions about the new-look It now has an even more Hercules organised a "Get well fanzine - it appears you really like professional look and it’s soon book" on behalf of fans - it! You can read some of the When I was asked to come on a radio show recently, I and we received many letters, comments I received on page 26. mentioned to them Hercules was the name of Elton's certainly worthy of the musical superstar we all love so much. cards and presents from you for For the next issue - I would like to international fan club, when talking about Elton's full Keep up the good work! Elton. All of your get well wishes hear from you about a certain name. This was a 30 minute long interview on one of D Hewett, UK were forwarded to EJ via his topic; over the years I know lots

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR LETTERS TO France's biggest radio networks - France Inter, on a show office. of you have seen Elton in concert called "Hexagonal Pursuit". Nice job on the new Mag There are many benefits of many times. I would like to hear I was interviewed as a fan and a specialist of Elton's with better paper and color belonging to Hercules - and one about your thoughts on Elton’s career. The journalists were very impressed about how cover. My preference as an EJ of them is the regular meetings performances during his well- knowledgeable I am on this subject! They couldn't find fan is the Hercules Mag over any and conventions which we documented and self-confessed any question I couldn't answer. It was a great experience. others available out there, which organise. These can vary from just years of drug abuse. Olivier Flous, France at present have no direction. a few like-minded people having Do you think the drugs Ed’s note: Thank you Olivier for remembering Hercules contents are what EJ a chat over a drink - to much affected his performances and Hercules. Many fans go to pieces when asked about Elton fans really want to read. Once larger conventions with have his concerts improved since by media. If you're on radio, tv, or a newspaper, please again, good job. competitions and raffles etc. Some he recovered from his addictions? remember to mention Hercules like Olivier did. Fooska, USA UK members decided to carry on I, for one, remember coming out with their gathering at a venue of a few shows in the late ’80s Love the new look. I drooled close to Leeds Castle, although wondering whether he had Send your letters to Tammi Law, Editor (address on when I took The Mag out of the Elton’s concert planned for that deliberately sung a certain verse page 2) or e.mail her at [email protected]. mailing envelope. Impressive evening had been cancelled just twice…….! I’ll print some of the and a big boost for HERCULES. two days earlier due to his illness. replies in the next issue - I look LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS Very pleasing to the eyes and You can read details of this get- forward to hearing from you. The easier to read. Graphics are together, along with others on address to write to is on page 2. 1) Tonight 7) Better off dead always a good reference point And finally, we have two new 2) I guess that's why they call it the blues 8) I never knew her name pages 18 and 19. Also in this 3) 9) Love lies bleeding when trying to quickly find the issue we announce our plans for members of the Hercules team, to 4) Curtains 10) Club at the end of the street text again. Looking forward to our first ever international fan offer you an even better service! 5) Runaway train 11) Amy many more issues. Keep those convention. For French-speaking fans, we 6) Latitude 12) Hymn 2000 printing presses rolling! We realise that the majority of have Francoise Linden-Gilles, and Reggie Zippo, USA people who read The Mag do not Urpu Kallio, who lives in Finland, has become the Nordic PLEASE REMEMBER... have access to the Internet, and it Thank you so much for the can be a bit frustrating to keep representative. ALWAYS state your membership number if you send a cheque to great coloured magazine issue reading about our Web site for Hercules, or pay into one of the Club accounts. for June 99. I appreciate you those who have not yet seen it. taking the time, and look However, as it is part of the ALWAYS let us know the expiry date of the card, and the forward to hearing more about service which Hercules provides, cardholders name. Sir Elton soon! we feel that it is important that E Perry, N Ireland you are made aware that the Web (photos: C Hochmuth, June 1999)

26 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 3 NEWS BULLETS... HEART IN THE RIGHT

Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site PLACE...

DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART... Fan and Club Member David Wright gives us his views, with some interesting facts, about Elton's recent heart operation..... ews of Elton’s illness every postponed show. "My his shoulder. Doctors have given Well, didn’t Elton give us all a scare? When the Italian concerts were spread fast, and within 24 doctors have ordered me to rest him a two-month convalescence cancelled due to heat-stroke my first reaction was “silly so-and-so, he’s hours of having an for the rest of the month and I period in total." old enough and ugly enough to know how much sun and heat he can N will not therefore be able to play Mr Barrett said Sir Elton must operation to install a pacemaker cope with!” When he then had an ear infection I began to wonder if on July 9th, we were pleased to at any of the concerts planned rest to allow the wires attached something was really wrong. Then the pacemaker operation was see EJ walking out of hospital, this month'', Elton explained. to the pacemaker to become announced and I am sure many fans were seriously worried. The media and laughing and joking with the On behalf of all his fans embedded inside his heart. coverage I saw gave some of the information but didn’t answer all the waiting press reporters the Hercules wishes Elton a full and General movements, even those questions I wanted to ask. So I spoke to one the world’s leading heart following morning. speedy recovery! as simple as brushing your hair surgeons, Dr Tony Rickards, for some help with the following facts: The hour long procedure was, (!!) could dislodge the wires, he by all appearances, a success. "I John Barrett, the charge nurse added. An incision would have 1. Elton has had a long history of 4. I was concerned that Elton 6. We were told that a simple feel very well," Elton told managing the cardiac floor of been made in the left side of the alcoholism, cocaine addiction and had gone back to Nice when movement such as brushing his reporters awaiting him in front of Wellington Hospital in north chest before wires were inserted bulimia but this is not likely to have his Windsor home is very close hair could dislodge the wires. London’s Wellington Hospital. London, said Sir Elton was fine into the heart. The wires are then contributed to his recent scare. to the London clinic. However, This brought images of him "I'm a bit stiff, a bit sore, but and there were no problems with attached to the battery-operated there are complications with tiptoeing around forever, but it is 2. If his heart problem had not everything went really well. It the operation. "I would expect no pacemaker. less than 1% of pacemaker only a concern for the first 48 been diagnosed, he would have came as a bit of a shock, but the complications. The procedure is Sir Elton described the patients. hours. operation was a simple very simple and less than 1% of operation in which his started fainting with the danger procedure, the only thing I really patients get a complication." pacemaker was fitted: "It was a 2- of death. 5. Dr Rickards has patented 7. A pacemaker lasts for 8 to 10 several pacemakers himself years and would then need regret is cancelling my shows.'' Sir Elton: "Thank God for the hour operation, but I was 3. I cringed at the thought of local but Elton is not carrying one replacing. (referring to the open-air UK British medical system" conscious for the last 25 anaesthetic for such an operation, of his. shows, which were subsequently The BBC's Lisa Holland: "He minutes.... but I was in no pain but apparently this is normal! 8. And now the big one. re-scheduled for the beginning of is now well on the way to whatsoever. I could chat to the Pacemaker patients can expect to September) recovery. Sir Elton has been surgeons as they finished." return to a normal life quite What was first thought to be given strict orders not to make The life expectancy of a quickly. It concerned me that the result of heat stroke, then an any sudden movements to ensure pacemaker is between eight and Elton does not lead a normal life! ear infection, finally was that the wires attached to his 10 years. He has an incredibly busy diagnosed as an irregular heart become properly schedule and hasn’t stopped heartbeat. "Literally, I was on the embedded. He will be unable to See page 25 for more touring for several years. We plane to David and Victoria's play tennis or play the piano for information on Elton's have seen backstage footage of wedding, but I was ill and had to at least two weeks, because he pacemaker him fighting for breath. On top of have some tests," Elton said. "But must not lift his left arm above that there have been film scores I was given the all-clear so went and musicals. Whilst composing back to France, with medication and recording are probably not for an ear-infection." too stressful, performing is “Then I was playing tennis in physically very demanding. It the afternoon when David seriously worried me that if he (Furnish) suddenly rushed down doesn’t slow his schedule down to the court and said ‘You have he could finish himself off. Should to stop playing, your doctor’s he slow down or stop been on the phone - there’s a performing? Dr Rickards says problem with your heart’..... so I “Let him carry on.” immediately flew back to 9. Elton’s life expectancy is no hospital in London.” different than it was before. An official statement from Elton said the only downside of wearing a pacemaker "is that I I would like to express my have to carry a card explaining thanks to Dr Rickards for his help. why I set off the alarms when I Also, if Elton reads this and thinks I am being intrusive or walk through airport security. I critical of his lifestyle, I hope I am will resume a normal lifestyle not. Like all fans, I was simply after a couple of months rest. Life concerned and, it goes without will get back to normal." saying I wish him all the very best Elton promised to reschedule Elton waves to fans as he leaves hospital for a full recovery.

4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 25 atford NEWS BULLETS... atch These news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site ELTON BACK ON STAGE! of Wyoming's Arena-Auditorium According to Sarah McMullen, SMALL ADS Elton gave his first on June 1 - a benefit show for the EJAF's publicity director, anti-hate organisations. It's the Michael Petrelis of the AIDS relegated in record time, but performance since he was fitted EJ PHOTOS FOR SALE with a heart pacemaker last first time he's performed Candle Accountability Project insinuated W even if they do go back down, W month. According to spokesman since Princess Diana's funeral. EJAF failed to provide tax records they will be richer for the For sale: 10 beautiful photos Simon Prytherch, Elton gave a after he requested them numerous experience, both financially (EJ close-ups) taken at the W Ludwigslust concert in June 99, private concert in Orlando, SATELLITE times. US law requires charities to W and in footballing terms, and make tax returns available to the price: DEM 20 (including Florida, on August 14, 1999. "He Elton's solo concert in Lucca, ercules’ regular Watford I’m sure they will bounce played a full solo set for 3,500 public upon request. FC reporter, David straight back for another go. postage). Brigitte Obermaier, Italy July 2, was broadcast live on Ehegarten 4, D-88494 Neumarkt people. The concert went "(EJAF) has always fully Wright, looks forward to And Elton himself has said; the national radio RAI RADIO 2. complied with this law," H – St. Veit, GERMANY, brilliantly," Prytherch said, It proved to be the last Italian the new season; “I think anyone who saw me according to a statement released +49 (0) 8722 / 1498. quoting EJ as saying: "It's been a show before his heart operation. After a shorter summer on television when we won the while since I played. I'm a little by EJAF. McMullen claims EJAF break than ever, Watford play-off final on 31 May will rusty, but I hope you like it." first found out about Petrelis' kicked-off their first season in have no doubt about what END OF SEASON SALE: FANS ARRIVE AT request for the records a week the top flight for 11 years in playing in the Premiership Vinyl , 7" & 12" before, and promptly mailed August. Last season they played means. For those who didn't singles; some rarities; from my EJ NEW ALBUM CANCELLED GIG them. The press release stated, the likes of Bury, Stockport and see it, yes, I got a bit emotional, collection. Request a full list According to unconfirmed Media coverage of Elton’s ill "from 1992 through 1998, the QPR. This season it will be and rightly so. This has been a from: Mireille Mölbert, Zaunweg sources, Elton and the band will health was so extensive that only Elton John AIDS Foundation Arsenal, Manchester United massive achievement for 11, D-80805 Munich, be back in the studio later in nine people arrived at Leeds funded more than 1,100 grants in and Chelsea. Watford. GERMANY; e-mail: 1999 to record a new studio Castle, UK, unaware that the North America. To date, the Elton Yes, a big percentage of [email protected] album expected to be released in long-awaited performances were John AIDS Foundation has clubs who go up come straight spring 2000. Elton will take a one not going ahead. The open-air distributed over $12 million in year break from touring - except gigs had only been postponed 2 grants in North America and $5 down again, but since when LOOKING FOR EVERYTHING have Watford, Graham Taylor, for the five postponed UK solo days before. Castle special events million internationally." our players and our fans ever ABOUT ELTON JOHN shows late August/early manager Nick Day said: "We had September. Be prepared to see four people on the Saturday, been put off by a challenge? Esp. Recent videos from 1990 CHARITY GIG APPEARANCE We can do our best to run a on (TV appearances, interviews, him back on the road with the three on Sunday and two on band in June/July 2000. Monday, all from overseas. Elton flew in from US professional, welcoming concerts), newspaper clippings, Midwest between concerts to organisation. We have always and so-called rare EJ-songs (b- Mansfield, Massachusetts on June tried to come at things from a sides, demo versions etc.): Esther SHOWS POSTPONED ELTON KNOWS THE SCORE!5, for the 20th annual KISS slightly different angle and our Kapohl, Dostojewskistr. Elton's solo shows in Linz, Comedy movie was concert at the Tweeter Center. He challenge now is to see if we 17, D-65187 Wiesbaden, Austria (June 27) and in Prague, released in USA on August 20. It played , then was can stand out again - DEUTSCHLAND. Czech Republic (June 30) were has an Elton music score, and presented with two cheques irrespective of where we are in postponed to year 2000. The Hercules sneaked in to offer a totalling $50,000, one from KISS- the table.” LIST OF ELTON JOHN ITEMS latter, because of rumours of preview in the June 1999 fanzine 108 (a Boston radio station), and poor ticket sales, was edition. a second from Brooks Pharmacy Whilst some of their new FOR SALE rescheduled to June 18, 2000. chain, to the Genesis Fund opponents have been spending Small, but beautifully formed Also postponed (for health AIDS FOUNDATION Charity. £10 million or more on one list of Elton John items for sale - reasons) were Brescia, Trieste, player, manager Graham Taylor Graz, Madrid and UK. In June, Elton took heat from including 7", 12", LPs, CDS, ON TV has spent nothing – not a bean! books and other memorabilia. AIDS activists who want him to account for money raised UK independent TV network He has brought three new Please write to; Stuart Plant, CANDLE IN THE WIND players in by free transfer, but 22,Paris Road, Scholes, through EJAF. The AIDS ITV, televised Falling for a Star on no-one who will set the football Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, UK or RE-INTRODUCED Accountability Project says it's May 30 - interviews with several world alight. Elton has been e.mail:[email protected] been bugging EJ for 3 years for celebrities about their Elton finished the second leg forms required by the U.S. tax true to his word in not spending relationships and cuts David of his US Solo Tour 1999 at the authority, the Internal Revenue his millions. Furnish in and out of the WANTED - ELTON CONCERT Providence Civic Center June 19. Service. An Elton representative programme several times In these big money days it He experiments on the set list is quoted saying: "We have between other famous people has been a fantastic PHOTOS every other show. Elton's accountants who deal with these and their partners. David talks achievement to get promoted, ... of the Wembley Stadium reported rehearsing Amazes Me, things and I'm sure they just about his relationship and life but it will be an even bigger concert in June 98 (without Billy Come Down In Time and haven't gotten the forms yet." with Elton, telling us that Elton task to stay up. Hopefully, Joel). Please write to: Mark Believe. Surprisingly, Elton Meanwhile, attorneys for EJAF was very protective towards him Watford FC will not be Snape, 6 Dundonald Road, replaces The Last Song with fire back at the AIDS activists. in the beginning. Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9TB, UK. Candle In The Wind at University

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 5 NEWS BULLETS... www.eltonfan.com Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site

ELTON "AND" TINA TURNERELTON HOSTS SUMMER BALL Even though the stage was still Remember back before Elton quite high, the crowd was in the and Tina Turner had their public mood to party and let us know. falling out a few months ago and During "" cancelled their plans for a joint Billy and Elton cracked each tour? Well, they do plan to other (and the bands) up by perform at year's end in Las quoting all kinds of songs during Vegas, but they're not performing their "trade-off" solos at the end together. On December 30, 1999 of the song- everything from they'll perform, separately, at the "The Lumberjack Song" to "Pop Thomas & Mack Center. And the Goes The Weasel"! next really big night both will be performing in Caesars Palace -- 22nd March 1998 in two different showrooms, for (2nd show) invitation-only. We said a collective farewell to Australia last night during THE WEB A BIG SEASON FOR Melbourne's second gig. The THE WEB WATFORD FC show went really well, and again Billy and Elton were in a great Watford FC is playing in the Elton with his mother, mood and joking around. Elton Premier League this season! But stepfather and David even got up from his piano and Elton says he won't bankroll the during the Summer Ball joined Davey, Tommy, Dave team even though they need at Woodside Santos, and myself millions of pounds to survive in doing some "choreography" the Premiership. during "You May Be Right", and Sir Elton said: "When I came Sir Elton's summer ball rolled ANOTHER GUEST APPEARANCEduring "The Bitch Is Back" Billy back as chairman I made it clear on July 1. And despite reports of financial problems, everything Elton makes a cameo Joel "played" my with his it would not be a case of red fly-swatter! It felt very much bottomless pockets. It has to be smells of roses in England. Even appearance on the new Mary J. the flowers for Elton's party at Blige album "Mary" which is like the "closing night" of a tour, up to the club to raise the as we won't see a lot of the local HERCULES ON THE INTERNET finances. We have to acquire Woodside - which cost £30,000 - released August 17, 1999. Other are paid for by sponsors OK! appearances are by Lauryn Hill, crew again. We will sorely miss many new players and improve the caterers, "More than a Even if you don't have PC at home or office... our overall standard but Graham Magazine. The party bill is Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, read on for details of how to visit our Web site £150,000. Elton invites stars and K-Ci. Morsel" - they have been (Taylor) will be cautious because cooking up the best food that he knows we do not have the including , ex- Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, actress I've ever had from a catering Whatever your worries are and read about the latest news. funds that other clubs have. We "LES LUNETTES D'ELTON JOHN"company. about not getting Elton news in And the special Hercules Web have to stay in the Premiership Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, , and Sir The English play "Elton John's After the show, the promoters between editions of THE MAG, Member costs just $20 (£14) a and try to establish ourselves. I Hercules offers a great Internet year, and you can join online. David Frost. Guests stump up glasses" by David Farr has been threw an end of tour party at one know how difficult that will be adapted in French and will be of the hotels. I was enjoying service, THE WEB - and a special Combine it with your but we already have a good £1,000 for tickets to benefit the new service since January 1999 - subscription to Hercules THE Elton John Aids Foundation. running at the Tristan Bernard visiting with , his band collection of young players and Theatre in Paris from August 23, and crew, and the promoter's Hercules Web Member. MAG, and you enjoy a 25% Hercules Web Member discount on the WHOLE package they will give it their best shot." 1999. staff. ELTON & DAVID AT provides extra news, interviews - called the Hercules Gold I'll soon say a fond farewell and features exclusive to membership. If you don't have DON’T LET THE SUN FASHION EXHIBITION ON THE STAGE as I get near to the end of my Hercules, called Hercules Web internet access at home or in the first trip to Australia. I know I'll Specials. There's also an archive office, then don't worry! Web GO DOWN ON ME Elton and partner David Elton and Tim Rice's Aida will be back soon- I've made too Furnish attended the Versace debut at Chicago's Palace and search facility, allowing you Cafes are everywhere! These Elton's Don't Let The Sun Go many new friends not to come to check for stories over the offer a coffee, bite to eat, PCs Down On Me turned out to be Fashion Exhibition in Via Del Theater December 9. It moves to back to this amazing continent. Gesù, Milan, June 27. The next New York April 6, 2000. This years, and exclusive video and and friendly technical support. the hush-hush anthem of the total The next post will be coming audio clips for your enjoyment. You can enjoy our web site at eclipse of the sun that happened morning, they walked to the new version of the musical - a bit from Japan- Goodbye from It’s free to visit the Web site www.eltonfan.com over parts of Europe on August Versace shop in Via Monte different from the first staging in OZ!!!! 11, 1999. German radio stations Napoleone to do some shopping. Atlanta in 1998 - directed by Please be assured that despite the fascination of this new medium, played the original song and its After less than an hour they came Robert Falls, will again star Hercules will also give you the best service possible via the various cover versions all day out and walked back to their Heather Headley as Aida. traditional ways of communication. long. hotel. Later that same day Elton The Mag also continues to go from strength to strength! and David flew back to Nice.

6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 23 JJ’S NEWS BULLETS... TOUR DIARY Full details of these items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site of food at the bought some clothes from him, had a couple days off, and I took ROCKET RECORDS FINISHED?YOU DUMMY! CANDLE SCORE ON DISPLAY gigs. as well as , Billy advantage of the time to see a bit Media reports say Universal Elton is one of the highlights The autographed musical Before Connolly, and bassist Lee Sklar. more of Sydney Harbor by taking Music Group/Island are to close of Madame Tussaud's Celebrity score of Candle in the Wind the show, a cruise aboard the Bounty. Then Elton's Rocket Records label. No Encounter in Las Vegas' newest 1997, as performed by Sir Elton Elton called The Saturday night crowd was over to the Centerpoint Tower for comment was available from attraction, The Venetian Resort at Princess Diana’s funeral, and me into his ready to party, and really gave us a spectacular view of the whole Island executives as to why. But Hotel & Casino. The wax the handwritten manuscript with dressing some great feedback. It started to city from up in the air. Elton will continue to record for museum opened doors July 22. the song's new words written by room to rain during Billy's set, but that This morning we said Island. Nevertheless, Elton tells Bernie , are now housed say hello didn't dampen the enthusiasm of goodbye to Sydney and took a The Mirror newspaper July 17 ELTON AND BERNIE ARE in the "tribute room" at the and to the crowd, who were all on their late morning flight over to he's considering leaving Diana, Princess of Wales' introduce feet for the encore segment. Adelaide. The hotel was so close Universal in USA. FAITHFUL museum in Althorp. me to Backstage the hospitality room to the venue that I could see the Lawrence was decorated like Bondi Beach, stage from the window of my The new Marianne Faithful Fishburne, complete with waiters dressed in room! All of our audiences on EUROPEAN SOLO TOUR SONGSalbum, Vagabond Ways, is ELTON TO APPEAR AT available in Europe. It features who had come the lifeguard uniforms! Charlie this tour have been big - this one Before his operation blocked EXPO 2000 out to see the Morgan put one on and played was no exception at around the European Tour, Elton played a the Elton John/ show. He is the encore set dressed as a 37,000 or so. The stage was nearly 3 hour solo show at song For Wanting You. In the According to German news down here lifeguard, with two of the waiters quite a bit higher than usual, and Ludwigslust, Germany, on June USA, the album is only available agency dpa, Elton is planning to working on a on either side of his drum set. made us feel even more 25 - less than a week since as import. perform a show during the World movie with We all were cracking up totally! disconnected with the audience. ending the US leg. Elton drops Exhibition Expo 2000 in Keanu Reeves, You just never know what's I don't think the people standing (replaced by MONEY MATTERS... Hannover, Germany, next year. and was a going to happen next... up front could even see Elton! EJ Live Like Horses), Blessed, Can The Expo will open doors June 1 There has been much and run until October 31, 2000. very warm and friendly person. It decided to eliminate "" You Feel The Love Tonight, and speculation in the press regarding shows just how good an actor he from the set tonight, and I have a Recover Your Soul. In German Elton’s finances, with new details is--he was scary as Ike Turner! 16th March 1998 feeling it might be permanently tennis stadium at Halle's Gerry emerging almost weekly. NOT ELTON, NOT AT The sound onstage tonight was Sydney, Australia (3rd show) out of the set. Weber Stadium (June 26), he According to The Sunday Times THE WEDDING! excellent, and that made for a It was very casual and adds Something About The Way June 27, Elton seeks a £25m loan very comfortable set. Elton is still The show started an hour "camplike" backstage, and with You Look Tonight, but doesn't to pay off his bills. Elton puts the battling a cold, but was in a great earlier than usual, so the first the weather being really pleasant play Written In The Stars. At the record straight in a frank interview mood and performed well. Clive third of our set was still in we all sat backstage and relaxed, show in Lucca, Italy (July 2) he about mis-management of funds said from his perspective that we daylight, eliminating the lighting listening to Billy's set while we works in into the on page 10. Elton's new manager, all played well, and he had a effects. The audience was a little waited to go back on stage for intro of . Frank Presland, is quoted "Elton good night with the sound also. more laid back than the Saturday the encore set. Sometimes "the John's finances are sound." During the encore segment, night crowd, but still got up on waiting is the hardest part", but it ELTON TO HOST CHAT SHOWAccording to Presland, Elton is just Dave Santos (BJ's bassist) and I their feet by the end of the show. wasn't tonight! We head out reorganising his finances and he is try to rock harder each night on Elton was in fine form, and spent early to fly to Melbourne - it's a Before news of Elton’s illness broke, it was reported that he is trying to gain more control over "You May Be Right"--and tonight a good deal of one of the encore pity that there isn't a bit more his back catalogue. I think we outdid ourselves! We songs making some hysterically time to check out Adelaide, but to host his own TV chat show. rocked so hard that we had to funny faces at me! Both Billy and that's life on the road! Pal DJ Chris Evans persuaded high five each other after that Elton love to joke around, and him to interview stars such as EJ TALKS TO THE MIRROR song. Tomorrow is a day off here Billy cracked me up during "I 21st March 1998 newly weds Posh Spice and Elton gave an exclusive In a great spoof of the Posh in Sydney, and I'm looking Guess That's Why They Call It Melbourne (1st show) David Beckham, interview to The Mirror newspaper Spice and David Beckham forward to that after a good The Blues" to the point where I and in six one-hour July 17. He spoke of his medical Wedding, London's Evening night's sleep. couldn't keep singing my Just back to the hotel after the specials on Saturday evenings in ordeal, about his new projects and Standard newspaper July 5, harmony parts! first concert in Melbourne, and I the UK. Ginger Television boss about saying goodbye to his recent called upon the help of our very 14th March 1998 We've got two days off here have to say it was the most fun of Evans will act as executive manager, Colin Bell, and how he own Hercules member and look- Sydney, Australia in Sydney before we head over any show so far of the tour. Elton producer on the shows, already felt let down by John Reid. a-like Raymond Johnson to re- to Adelaide, so I'm looking was in a great mood and was the subject of fierce bidding create the special day. A grand between BBC1 and ITV. A friend Friday was a day off, and I forward to seeing more of this joking around backstage between ELTON III CANDLE colour photo of Elton (Raymond) did a little shopping at the area and playing tourist for a segments of the show. I heard of Elton said: "He'll be a natural graced the cover of the pull-out Slatkin & Co., New York has Queen Victoria Building. It's a couple days... that Status Quo had come to the for this kind of show. With his section. The newspaper claims recently informed us that they beautiful old building show, so we did some rockin' personality, he'll put people at that while OK! Magazine paid will have a new Elton III candle transformed into a shopping 19th March 1998 and posing in their honor. The their ease. Elton's also got loads £1m for pictures of the real in the year 2000. You read it here center full of specialty boutiques Adelaide, Australia weather in Melbourne was quite of contacts in showbiz so getting wedding...the Evening Standard first! The great news is that the and shops. The designer Joe was hot and dry today, but by top calibre guests will be easy." It paid...a few pence! Elton III candle will be available there and told me that Elton had After the last Sydney show we showtime was very pleasant. is not known whether EJ’s recent illness has changed these plans. later this year.

22 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 7 ELTON JOHN AND HERCULES IN HALLE (WESTFALEN/GERMANY)

o far, this 26 June From 11am the fans had been concert reminded me not only of much time in the EJ/BJ show. others that I didn't know. They Billy and Elton are both feeling 1999 had been a arriving at the hotel the latest US tour, which had Elton has been battling a cold for sounded great and were soon more comfortable with the show perfect day and it "Ravensburger Hof" in Bielefeld finished just one week ago, but the past few days--it's hard to joined by a gruff male voice that now, and are starting to goof S avoid when we go through these I recognised as Joe Cocker's!!! around with each other, trying to should even become to meet for a warm-up party. also of his concerts with Ray better as we were now on More than 50 Hercules members Cooper in 1994. The only extreme climate changes. It's Then the piano got unlocked and crack each other up during the our way to the Gerry and their partners found their difference being that Elton made his voice a bit gravelly, but a full jam took place until about songs. Billy succeeded when he Weber Stadium in Halle way to Bielefeld where we spent remained on stage on his own all he still gave the audience his all 6 am! Amazing to think that started banging his piano key (Westfalen/Germany) the time with rare video and evening. and no one is left unsatisfied! Elton John's band, Billy Joel and with a fly swatter during "Bennie his band, Joe Cocker and his and the Jets"! Billy, like Elton looking forward to an audio recordings of Elton´s While he had performed 11th March 1998 band and Oasis would all be in loves a good joke and never Elton John concert of concerts as well as with Talking Old Soldiers in the USA probably several hours. Brisbane, Australia the same hotel on the same night misses an opportunity to pull a memories of former tours and it was now replaced by Live Like in New Zealand! gag. our own adventures in Horses. But this was almost the Lots has happened since my The next day was a bit rough connection with EJ. only variation to the American last report. Upon finishing up my after the late night, but the fun 12th March 1998 At 5pm we formed a long car set. Undoubtably, a first highlight reports after the second show in was worth the price. I sadly said Sydney, Australia line and drove the 10 miles to was Rocket Man which sounded Auckland, I remembered that goodbye to New Zealand for Halle. amazingly fresh and new after so Oasis had checked into the hotel now. We took an afternoon flight Wednesday afternoon we The Hercules members took many years and uncountable live earlier, and so I went down to to Brisbane, arriving there in the took a flight from Brisbane down SET LIST their seats in section C under an versions. Yet again, Elton gave the bar to see if Jason (Noel's evening. The following day I to Sydney. The weather is almost perfect blue sky and with this classic a new touch. If I guitar tech) was there so I could went to the Lone Pine Koala beautiful here. Spent most of the temperatures of about 30°C at remember correctly, this was the thank him for helping me get Reserve. It was a very day wandering around the 6pm. In tough negotiations with first time that he didn´t end the tickets to their Manchester show. worthwhile experience, and I neighbourhood around the hotel, The Greatest Discovery the tour organisers we had song with "I think it´s gonna be a Well, when I got down there the would recommend it to anyone just shopping and sightseeing. managed to get a big number of long, long time" but with "I'm a party was in full swing, even who visits the Brisbane area. The band bus was practically full though it was 2 am! I had a The show in Brisbane went on the way to the show, as most Live Like Horses connected seats for members. rocket man". We even got them a bit cheaper Unfortunately, this highlight chance to let Steve Cohen know well--no surprises really, except everyone's wives and children Daniel what a great job he was doing on for a guy who jumped onstage have come down to Sydney for a than the "normal" tickets booked was immediately followed by a the lights. bypassing all the security guards visit. It made for a different vibe-- Rocket Man in advance. Unfortunately, we lowpoint - in my opinion: I heard some harmonising and shook both Elton's and a little more like the Willie Sacrifice were seated in the upper circle Sacrifice. Although I enjoyed the going on in the corner--Billy Billy's hands before jumping Nelson Family Band or the Better Off Dead and not in the inside like I had solo version a little bit more than Joel's backup singer Becca back off again. The Brisbane Grateful Dead! The caterers in House hoped. Still, in my opinion it was the one with the band, it has just Bramlett, guitarist Tommy Burns crowd was a little tamer than the Australia are excellent--we've all Something About The Way nevertheless a special experience never been one of my favourite and percussionist Crystal Talifieri Kiwis in Auckland, but seemed been enjoying some great You Look Tonight to spend a whole concert songs. But more than 10,000 were singing with a couple to enjoy themselves anyway. cooking and creative selections I Guess That's Why They Call together with like-minded people people in the audience were It The Blues and longtime friends. crazy for it. Ticking At exactly 7pm instrumental The next song, House, was Carla Etude music from AIDA started and another highlight, which still Tonight only a few minutes later Elton surprises me as the song is rather I Don't Wanna Go On appeared on stage with rather simply made. Perhaps that’s With You Like That strangely coiffed hair. He exactly its secret. When Elton The One immediately started with the first started with "Something About Blue Eyes notes of Your Song. After that he The Way You Look Tonight" and Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters welcomed the German audience, not "I Guess That's Why They Take Me To The Pilot announced some well-known Call It The Blues" as he had done Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word and some less well-known songs the evening before I felt a little Levon and declared how proud he was hope that this could be my first to perform in the stadium, as he concert for years where I didn´t Crocodile Rock is a big tennis fan and had often have to hear it. But of course, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me seen it on TV. Elton played it immediately But after that Elton´s pleasure afterwards. Bennie And The Jets in talking was almost done, and But now I don't want to stress Candle In The Wind he continued with what he does the negative aspects too much - best: playing the piano and there is absolutely no reason for singing. The first part of the doing so. A perfect sound and an

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 21 Yet another overnight drive... JJ’S Extracts from 's tour diary elton john & THIS ISSUE'S FEATURE: ELTON & BILLY TOUR AUSTRALIA, 1998 by Stephan Heimbecher TOUR 5th March 1998 7th March 1998 hercules at Elton in splendid performing Perth, Australia Auckland, New Zealand (Day 1) mood made this concert unforgettable. Especially so We got down to Perth last After a nice day off in when he played the series of DIARY Saturday after a long flight from Auckland, we had our first show Ticking, Carla Etude and Tonight. L.A. to Sydney, then another to here tonight. Although it was hot This was certainly the climax of Perth. We had a half day to in the daytime, by 7:30 when the H the evening. recover from jetlag before it was concert started it was very nice Our block of 100 Hercules time to start rehearsing and and cool with a breeze. The members tried to make the soundchecking. We did a little stage setup was a little better, audience move from their seats each day, some with just and Davey, Bob and I were on a EJ's band, some with riser. I found it much easier to during the following I Don't Elton and the band and perform when I could see the Wanna Go On With You Like some with Billy Joel, audience! The crowd was much That but we only succeeded half Elton and both bands! more energetic than in Perth, and an hour later when Elton played The show starts with EJ people were up and dancing at Crocodile Rock. Before that he and BJ doing "Your Song" the edge of the stage midway performed a brilliant version of and "Honesty" with just their through our set, and just got A Take Me To The Pilot. This again two . Then EJ's band better from there. After we did was - like Rocket Man - a small comes onstage for a 90 our set, I went out by the surprise for me because you minute set in which BJ soundboard to watch Billy Joel's have heard this so so many times guests on "..The Blues". set. He and his band sounded during the last years. Then BJ and his band do great, and it was fun to see the Nevertheless, Take Me To The a 90 minute set with EJ lighting effects. Pilot sounded amazingly "new". as a guest. Then When we all got back on Another surprise was that Written BOTH bands join stage for the encores, it felt much In The Stars was left out. Elton together for encores. more comfortable, as I've had a hadn´t played it in Ludwigslust Then for a final encore chance to start getting to know either, meaning that this was a EJ and BJ are back to just the BJ's band members. It's much L show without the current single, two pianos for "Piano Man". easier to perform onstage with The audience was pretty laid someone when you know them a although the concert was back, it had been quite hot little! The strange part of the introduced with sounds of AIDA. during the day, and since the show for me is getting warmed Because of all that, a set show started at 6:30 there wasn't up, then sitting around for an without a lot of unexpected and a chance for the temperature to hour and coming back onstage unusual songs still became cool down at all before the show. again. Keeping the energy level interesting and exciting. 33,000 is quite a big crowd for up is the trick for me. Although Elton had already quit Perth though, and I think they all his abstinence from Candle In had a good time. 8th March 1998 The Wind at the end of his US Right now we're on a Auckland, New Zealand (Day 2) tour, it was yet somehow strange chartered flight to Auckland, NZ L to hear it as an encore after a with our crew, and Billy Joel, his The crowd at the show three-hours non-stop band and crew. For about two tonight was even better than last programme. hours we've had a big sing-a- night - up to the stage in the third Although the audience had long, led by Billy Joel himself. All number and rockin' out from needed some time to warm up - the 50's, Beatles, --you then on! A very good-looking no wonder when there are only OHN name it, they've been sung in the audience I must say too. We cut J cabin by everybody who wanted a couple of songs out to make some pseudo-VIPs in the first ten to join in. The cabin attendants our set more in line with Billy rows who seemed unable to have been well entertained! Joel's, time wise. I did miss them show enthusiasm - it finally We'll have a day off in Auckland to be honest-- "If The River Can celebrated Elton with standing J before the two shows on Bend", "" and E ovations after Crocodile Rock. Saturday and Sunday. "Believe". Oh well--they'll He obviously enjoyed this and probably be put back in for the returned thanks to the fans in JORGENSON US shows, but there is only so front of the stage with lengthy autograph sessions. (Photo: Jimmie Collins) Jimmie (Photo:

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 9 I don’t have much money, speaking

were happy to meet "old pals" GERMANY again after such a long time. FINLAND by Stephan Heimbecher Many people who were present have been with Hercules since ave you seen The North? UT IF I DID... fter a long break, we finally the very beginning in May 1988, The hot and sunny weather caused a lack of ELTON TALKS ABOUT HIS BITTER SPLIT WITH JOHN REID, hadAND the chance to organise and so the meeting had many H people at the inaugural hilst Aanother fan meeting in elements of a "family re-union". convention in Finland on July 10. recovering REVEALS THE TRUTH ABOUT THOSE FINANCIAL RUMOURSGermany. This time, we took the But there was also Elton-stuff to Still a few brave, loyal fans from his heartB operation chance of Elton's solo show at look at, including our German W the Gerry Weber tennis stadium Elton look-a-like, Andreas Herr. gathered to meet each other and in the South of France, Elton Bacon and a Magritte. He'd sold it business adviser I was always kept to have fun. We had a long, reportedly took the opportunity off at less than favourable rates in the dark. When I discovered in Halle/Westfalen to meet in Later in the afternoon, the interesting discussion about to break his silence over the and he creamed a hefty what had gone on it came as a nearby Bielefeld prior to the group made the 15-minute trip Elton's recent activities. However, recent split with long-time commission off the top." very severe blow. It's bad enough show. Since this was a Saturday to the stadium where a block of we didn't yet know about his manager John Reid. The UK’s The Mirror reported that Elton to lose £20 million to someone (June 26), more than 50 fans more than 100 seats had been pacemaker operation, so there Daily Mirror newspaper reported has been angered by a series of you trusted, but the money really made the effort to drive to the reserved for Hercules members! was a lot of guessing about his on July 16 that Elton phoned highly inaccurate reports about is of secondary importance. It's hotel in Bielefeld condition of health. them with allegations of Reid’s the state of his finances and called the act of betrayal which really so they could Some rare videos were also mis-management. He launched a The Mirror to put the record hurts, especially a betrayal of participate in the watched, and everybody stinging attack on his former straight. And he apparently someone I trusted. He used to "warm up" event refreshed their memories about manager, whom he accused of confirmed that he has taken out a hate me doing things for the Elton for the following Elton's last summer concert in creaming off millions from his £25 million loan to buy back all John Aids Foundation because it show. However, Helsinki. Everyone agreed that it pop fortune with excessive his assets and the rights to his wasn't earning him any money.” this would have was the best day of their life. management fees. own music and will have no Elton fired John Reid, 49, in been better After having a 4-hour Elton Party He sensationally revealed that trouble paying it back. May last year. Frank Presland scheduled as a we went out into the beautiful Reid even secretly remortgaged "There's a lot to sort out and immediately took over as chief "cool down" weather to see the town. his beloved 37-acre home, that takes a lot of time and executive for Elton’s companies convention as It was fun, but next time we Woodside, in Windsor. And the energy," said Elton. "For and began the long process of outside will do it at some cooler time, trusted aide had also quietly sold years the management clawing the cash back. temperatures were when it's more like Finland! off the rights to his first six albums of my finances was Among the exceeding 30 For future Finland fan - the most successful and lucrative carried out behind my astonishing discoveries degrees Celsius. activities, contact Urpu Kallio, work of his glittering career - for a back and was reported by the It was obvious German fans let EJ know how they feel. Hercules Nordic Representative. paltry £3 million. "As far as I'm disgraceful. As the Mirror was that that many fans concerned John Reid's a liar and a full extent of Elton had made cheat," Elton was reported to have the troubles a £12,000 loss said. "It all started in Atlanta a were on a sell-out BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 couple of years ago. I'd been with explained to 44-date US John for 28 years - five of them in me I literally tour in GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!! a personal relationship. He was went into 1980 while my first love. shock, but I his "I figured out something was had a great manager wrong so I asked my lawyer, Frank support team had made Presland, who's been with me for with me and nearly Elton has a green and I’m sure Elton’s ex-wife On the 9th September The famous giant 18 years, to take a look at my they are helping £600,000. white Sydney tram Renate has a good 1988, the banners Doc finances. It was the first time I'd me now. And Elton nestled in the gardens singing voice, but on advertising the Martin boots from the asked for an audit in all those "It's ludicrous went on to of his house in Windsor November 4th 1987 at Sotheby’s sale of the film Tommy sold at the years. I didn't know how much and untrue to say comment about which he bought in a children's charity ‘Elton John Collection’ Sotheby’s auction in money I had. And what did we I'm in financial the recent 1984 whilst touring in concert in London, sold for £550 each. September 1988 for find? The biggest mess you can difficulty. I'm not rumours of his Australia. David Elton said he would They had been hanging £11,000. imagine. There were literally skint, nothing could financial currently uses it as his donate £7000 if Renate outside their front door dozens of horrendous deals. It was be further from problems; "The office. was stopped from and were added as an a total mess and very alarming. I the truth, but my truth is, I do singing on stage with extra lot at the end of estimate £20 million had gone. team and I have spend a lot of Jonathan Ross, Bob the auction. The auction "I discovered £5.5 million one goal - to build money. I don't Geldof and a host of raised £4,838022 - well worth of borrowings secured on for the future. I “I thought deny that. It's other stars. in excess of the we were estimated £3 million. the Windsor house plus two of my trusted John as a friends” rubbish to favourite paintings - a Francis friend, but as a Elton and John Reid suggest that I

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 19 conventionally ANNOUNCING HERCULES FAN come down to the Castle on July The weather was superb, full HERCULES FAN 10. We had a great time, as fans sunshine, about 28 degrees, and by George Matlock from Belgium, Netherlands, a light breeze. Some fans went CONVENTION 2000 Germany, New Zealand and over to Leeds Castle to inspect CONVENTION 2000 his was due to be a pre- Japan joined British fans for a what might have been, and to concert convention in a pub jamboree at the George Inn pub. soak up the atmosphere of an Tnear to Leeds Castle, on the Naturally, fans were hardly in aborted midsummer concert. This is an early announcement for a Hercules Fan day of Elton’s first open-air UK the mood for a sing-a-long, and Excitement soon built up again Convention that is planned to be held in Las Vegas show. We had heard just a couple their thoughts were with Elton at the thought of the postponed September 10-16, 2000. While Hercules is still of days before that the show following the shock health news. shows taking place in just a few negotiating with some of the Las Vegas’ hotels, we would be postponed, so naturally However, Hercules sales weeks time! spend more than I earn although, would like to give fans an early chance to mark this disappointment and concern for manager Alan from Wrap It Up! Media interest was high, and that said, I do spend a lot. I date in their calendars. EJ’s health were the main feelings was able to provide a few gift local press published reports of believe in living while you're We hope as many of you as possible will be able for the day. But thank you to ideas for the fans, and a fun the event. It was even briefly living. I've got nobody to leave it to come to our first ever International event. Its a those of you who made the effort event was enjoyed by all. mentioned in The Sun to, but my partner, David great chance for Elton John fans from all over the to keep your Saturday free and newspaper! Furnish, my family and my world to get together. You have a whole year to plan employees. I'm very proud of my for it - and as there will also be plenty of free time - employees and trust them make the trip part of your annual family holiday. For implicitly which is why John's that reason we have scheduled a one-week program betrayal hurts me so much. You which is planned to proceed something like this: know, I've paid off the mortgages of many of my staff so they didn't Sunday have to worry about their futures. "All the stuff over the years of Dinner party with some special guests. Reid discovering me as some Elton look-a-like competition kind of pub pianist and making me a superstar, well it's just bulls***. I got where I am today Monday thanks to bloody hard work and All day convention with trade area, music, , the man who first videos, seminars, contests and surprises believed in me and made me a (photos: G Matlock) star in America before Reid was Tuesday Leeds Castle - where are you EJ?? The George Inn - spot the Hercules logo! even in the picture. But we've moved on. It's interesting to see All day convention continued until 6 pm he doesn't manage anyone of any Wednesday - Friday BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 significance any more." The Mirror said that Elton has Diverse activities in and around Las Vegas. ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND not spoken with Reid since he (e.g. Hoover Dam tour, fired him and has no plans to do Grand Canyon tour, etc.) so in the future. “We were friends for a hell of a long time - Saturday or at least I thought we were On the 13th of this The Album ‘’ On 23rd December James Galway, the friends." Departure month (Sept.) it will be was so called because 1974 The Daily classical flautist John Reid denied allegations exactly 19 years since at 33 years of age it was Telegraph reported ‘no includes Elton’s ‘Little of mis-management in a report We’re still working on the details which will be Elton dressed up as Elton’s 21st album. amount of spangled Jeannie’ as the final run by UK’s Daily Mail made available as soon as possible. You should Donald Duck for his gimmickry, clowning or track on his album newspaper later that same week. expect a registration fee of approx. $150 for the concert in Central Park, The first piano that Elton noise can hide his great ‘James Galway - A Reid also told the Mail he is three-day convention (Sun-Tue). Room rates will be New York. ever bought was a black talent as a musician and Portrait’, recorded in considering legal action for approx. $100 single or double a night. Tours and Steinway grand which a performer of good 1996 (BMG/RCA defamation against Elton. He other activities (Wed-Fri) will be charged separately. he has subsequently had songs’ (we could have Victor). We think it was added that if and when the case If you want to receive future updates on the On March 7th 1976 painted to look as told them that!!) included on the album comes to court in London, Reid Hercules Fan Convention 2000, simply send a Elton was the first rock though it is made of as a thank you to Elton will be exonerated by the facts. postcard with your complete postal address to star since to Walnut. To have had a for writing the award Hercules understands that case Stephan Heimbecher, Hercules Fan Convention be immortalised in wax new one made in actual winning film score song (due this autumn) will be settled 2000, Orleansstr. 59, D-81667 Muenchen, Germany, at Madame Tussaud’s in Walnut would have ‘Basque’ which Galway out of court, however. or e-mail us at [email protected]. London. been too costly. performed.

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 11 looking like a true survivor/the.ocean ERCULES was delighted to band for a long time." welcome Elton’s ex- The fans are choking to know, Please keep in mind that these reviews do not reflect the opinions of Hdrummer Charlie Morgan why did Elton release Charlie last HERCULES, its staff members, nor its supporters. to the UK Convention in year? Like , who London, March 99. We continue was released in the mid-1970s here where we left it in the June and rehired in the 1980s, this is issue, with the second part of also Charlie's second exit from THE HEALING HANDS ELTON JOHN WEBSITE this exclusive interview. the band. Charlie briefly left in Before his departure from the 1989 when "Sleeping with the http://members.tripod.com/HealingHandsSwinger/index.htm band, Charlie was the only UK Past" was recorded with another resident on board. "Previously drummer. irectly after visiting "The to distract the fact that their In Charlie's own words: "I there had been a time when in Elton John Worship content is amateurish at best. don't know. But being the only 1985/86 the entire brass section Page", I happened upon Not so here. The information UK resident, I got caught up in a D was very professionally were UK residents, David "The Healing Hands Elton John Paynton the bass player was UK, lot of problems over my salary. researched and the pages are There was a period when I hadn't Website" almost immediately. all the singers were UK too, presented in a simple, no been paid for six months. The "This could not be just a Shirley Lewis, Alan Carvell, and chance encounter", I thought. nonsense manner. My only Gordon Neville. It was only management had changed, and PART 2 OF OUR the money stopped coming in. As the main page loaded in, I gripe is the lack of the and Fred I'd just left my wife, so she was met with the same solemn navigational links on all of the Mandell who were US residents. EXCLUSIVE wasn't phoning up the reverence that the first site subpages. So, until that error is But that changed. "So I was management to ask where the provided. That is where the corrected, I must reluctantly always a bit on a limb because I money was, and I was on tour! similarities ended, though. bestow 2 Royal Waves for this was always dealing with the INTERVIEW "I got angry and made noises I While the webmaster of this site. management in the UK, they might not go on the next tour. were dealing with management WITH DRUMMER site had the best of intentions, The only wedge I could drive to the "Healing Hands" theme in the US. I became separated get paid. It was all sorted out in from the rest of the guys. They ended after the "To Be CHARLIE the end by the new Continued" photo loaded in at were seeing each other socially management." all the time. the beginning. So much could MORGAN Charlie thinks that a lot of it have been done to expand on "The only time I did see them was misunderstanding. "And I the title of the website. As with RATING: 2 ROYAL WAVES socially was for instance in don't think Elton was even aware Ludvigshist, Germany. June '99 September 1997. I went over to Charlie hopes to join her in of any of this. Elton was an all "tripod" websites, that pesky (Photo: H Reppel) Los Angeles ahead of the tour the USA. He's applied for US innocent bystander to this, as popup advert reared its ugly rehearsals and John Mahon residence, his Green Card. He indeed was I to a large extent." head as the main page loaded (percussionist) and already has a work VISA, and a Charlie feels the new in. This is no fault of the took me up the Burbank Hills to house owned in Orlando, and management was left worrying webmaster, though. Since this do some mountain biking. hopes to work out of Nashville. "I he wouldn't tour. "But I didn't get site does not provide any "I never saw much of them off think Elton is aware I will be US a chance to tell them I wouldn't navigational links on any of the the road. When we played in LA resident and I will be in touch have left them in the lurch. subpages, you must go back to they were at home and when we with the guys in the band." When I was talking about leaving the main page every time to played here, I was at home. The rapport's still there. And the band, I was talking about access each section. This is a You're not going to put someone will he return to the band? "The three or four months' notice." major turn off. Additionally, up in a hotel if they live 20 miles door's not been closed. This has Returning to his new love, there are no "back to the home away. It was different on the happened before. It's not the first Charlie admits he met her on the page" links either. The content road. It's a false environment, time I've left the band. But we're internet. Yes, there is hope for all provided is exceptional in that contracted on a tour by tour basis and an extended family. I you anoraks out there!! Charlie there are updated news and became separated and I had and there's always a chance I'll was the band's pioneer at setting concert dates, discography and huge problems with my marital be picked up on the next tour." up a web site in 1995. charting information, a few life for three years. Charlie, echoing comments to "Yes, during the autumn of cool concert photos, and even "It has to be a very strong Hercules by guitarist John 1997 I had a well-established relationship when you're on the Jorgenson last year when the web site for a couple of years, an EJ poll to cast a vote. road so much. My wife shut shock news of Charlie's release and I was writing reports with a Concerning the overall herself off. My (new) fiancee was announced, admitted: digital camera on a weekly basis. construction, typical EJ understands me and backs me all "Sometimes change is a good Several people knew my AOL webmasters try to "window the way." thing. Elton hadn't changed the screen name I was using at the dress" each page with graphics

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 17 take.me.down/to time, and when I went on at Paul Goddard asks is Charlie Nigel pioneered with Elton's a.web.surfer's/guide/to.finding/ej/on.the.net night I'd get instant messages for friends with Bernie? "Don't see music." "Bob Barnet". much of him. We respect his low Like Nigel, who continues to by Reggie Zippo ([email protected]) All websites are rated from 0 to 4 Royal Waves. "There were messages from a profile. He turns up for opening play sessions, Charlie has no lady called "Laura" who lived just nights in the US, and anywhere Bitter Fingers either! As well as south of Atlanta. She was 14 near LA. supporting the Papa George THE ELTON JOHN WORSHIP PAGE years old and a very keen Elton Charlie admits that although Band, he does session work. Two fan. She loved animals. She told Nigel Olsson was also a big weeks ago he did a session for a http://eltonworship.virtualave.net me all about her life. Owned and influence on Charlie, and he had film soundtrack which Iceland's looked after a horse. She said she to try to follow closely Elton's Bjork is scoring. o some fans, Elton John was going to the Tallahassee back catalogue to Nigel's original Prior to Christmas, Charlie is THE greatest singer concert on 21 November 1997. beat, their styles were very supported old friend Tom and of all She told me her mother would different. "I wouldn't call it trying Robinson for a couple of weeks T drive her down, wait for her, and to mimic Nigel. I'd say it was at the Birmingham outpost of time. To others, he is merely an outlet for social and drive her back. I thought they more of a tribute to him. Certain Britain's most famous jazz club, must love each other a lot, get on drum fills had to be played the Ronnie Scott's. "We've also personal expression. To the well, especially for a 14 year old! way he had done them. In others, recorded some tracks in my webmaster of "The Elton John She told me they were very I introduced some of my own studio for Tom's new album." Worship Page", however, close." So impressed was Charlie style." Among his association with Elton is the basis of a religion by the family tie, he managed to Charlie says that on "Don't Let Tom 20 years ago, Charlie where EJ reigns supreme. As reserve Laura's mother a ticket to the Sun" and "Someone Saved recorded with him the the main page of this site the show! My Life Tonight" he had to match Elton/Robinson classic "Never loads in, the visitor is met He agreed to meet them in Nigel's style: "It's the huge great Gonna Fall In Love Again" - a with a very sombre and the hotel lobby before the slow rock ballad style which disco version in 1979 for a Gay concert. "I had no idea Pride week album. They reverent atmosphere. "All what Laura looked like, also toured the US and Homage To The Elton". This let alone the mother!" Europe that year. website is steeped in Charlie was already in Closing off the spirituality! As you venture the midst of marital interview, we return forward, this theme is quite problems. "Basically, we 'back to the future'. prevalent throughout all of met in the lobby, Laura Internet-enthusiast the subsequent "worship" said to me she's a mad Charlie has some advice pages. The black blonde. There was this for Davey Johnstone. background of the main dark-haired lady, Jerilyn, Davey told Hercules in who is about the same Zurich last June that he's page, however, is replaced age as me. After the not much interested in with pure white for the rest show, we talked in the web sites and will be of the site. This change gives bar to practically three enjoying a cool drink on you the feeling of basking in testimonials, and fellowship The Elton" worship graphics. or four in the morning!" January 1, 2000, when his divine light and wisdom. pages (to name just a few). Needless to say, after fully Charlie thinks they'll computers crash and While most EJ sites are Concerning the text of each exploring this site, I am able marry. His divorce came users freak out. created with a particular section, the webmaster is to offer 4 Royal Waves to through earlier this year. "He'll be enjoying a theme and the best of At this stage, we nice cool drink, while his quite careful to keep the such a deserving EJ religious open the interview up to fax machine blows up, intentions in mind, the content in line with the experience. "All Homage To club members at the his air conditioning unit purpose is usually lost on all theme. The "usual" EJ The Elton"! convention. Edinburgh goes to town, while his of the subpages. The same, information is a refreshing fan Steven Betts asked cellular phone ceases to though, cannot be said of change from the normal how Charlie gets on work, and the gas, water this uniquely constructed repetition that the other sites with fellow Scot Davey and electricity stop site. In the sanctuary of "The provide. You must read the EJ Johnstone. "Very well. working, failing to chill Church of Elton Worship" prayers too. They are all very He's a good musical his drinks because the director, able to smooth local company provider there are "Holy Cards", well written. Before leaving, over troubles. He tries to hasn't got its system Y2K "Sacred Chants", A hymn be sure to download your RATING: 4 ROYAL WAVES translate what Elton compatible. So I'm not book, worship events, very own "All Homage To wants from us before sure about that!" sermons, worship resources, shows." "Anything you can do... " (Photo: Mark Swinden)

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 13 Should you be able to add the missing Directors, or know of any video singles which aren’t listed, please email KALEIDOSCOPE EYES [email protected] or write to Hercules UK, PO Box 315, KALEIDOSCOPE EYES Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3QX, England. Thanks to Wayne Martin.

Part Four of 1985 Cry to Heaven / Ice On 1988 Town Of Plenty / Reg 1992 The One / The One - our collectors Fire - Dir: Ken Russell Strikes Back Dir: 1985 Nikita / Ice In Fire - Dir: 1989 Club At The End Of The 1992 The Last Song / The One series on Ken Russell Street / - Dir: Gus Van Sant Elton's TV and 1985 / Ice On 1989 Healing Hands / 1993 Simple Life / The One - Video Fire - Dir: Russell Mulcahy Sleeping with the Past - Dir: Russell Mulcahy 1986 Paris / Leather Jackets Dir: Russell Mulcahy 1993 Don't Go Breaking My byappearances George Matlock 1989 When We Was Fab / Heart with Ru Paul / Duets 1986 Slow Rivers / Leather and Sharon Kalinoski. George Harrison's "Cloud" - Dir: Randy Barbato & Jackets Fenton Baily VIDEOS 1986 Heartache All Over The 1989 Through the Storm with 1993 True Love with World / Leather Jackets Aretha Franklin / Duets - Dir: Vadim Jean 1986 That's what Friend's Are 1989 Japanese Hands / Reg 1994 Can You Feel The Love THAT For / Dionne Warwick's Strikes Back Tonight?/"" "Friends" 1990 Sacrifice / Sleeping with soundtrack - Dir: Matthew Amos HAVE 1987 Take Me To The Pilot / the Past - Dir: Alex Keshishian 1994 Circle Of Life / "The Live In Australia - Dir: Mark Lion King" soundtrack - BEEN Fitzgerald 1990 / "The Days of Dir: Mathew Amos 1987 Flames Of Paradise 1995 Believe / Made In w/Jennifer Rush / Heart Thunder" soundtrack MADE Dir: Andy Morahn England - Dir: Marcus Over Mind Nispell 1990 Easier To Walk Away / 1987 Candle In The Wind / 1995 Blessed / Made In FOR THE Live In Australia - Dir: Mark New Song From the "To Be Continued" England - Dir: David & Fitzgerald Raphael Vital-Durand PROMOTION 1988 I Don't Wanna Go On 1991 Don't Let The Sun Go 1995 Made In England / Made With You Like That / Reg Down On Me with George In England - Dir: Marcus OF A SINGLE. Strikes Back - Dir: Russell Michael Dir: George Nispel Mulcahy Michael & Andy Morahan 1995 Please / Made In England 1992 Runaway Train with (Directors credited where known) 1988 A Word In Spanish / Reg - Dir: Howard Greenhald Eric Clapton / The One Strikes Back Part 5 continues in December 99. Continued from previous issue, where we itemised the videos up to 1980 JUST FOR FUN Please be aware Hercules LYRIC QUIZ is unable to supply any of these recordings to you! How well do you know your Elton lyrics? Test yourself with the following - we give you a line - can you name the song title? (Answers on page 26) 1981 Donner Pour Donner 1 I see the storm approaching 7 Well they've locked up their daughters with France Gall / Long before the rain starts falling. And battened the hatches. Franco-Deutsch Single 2 Just stare into space 8 I was killing time with Jesus 1981 The Fox album. Each 1983 I Guess That's Why 1984 Sad Songs (Say So Much) Picture my face in your hands When the wedding bells began track produced as a video - / - They Call It The Blues/ 3 Hollywood created a superstar 9 You're a bluebird on a telegraph line Dir: Russell Mulcahy - Dir: Russell Mulcahy And pain was the price you paid. I hope you're happy now Dir: Russell Mulcahy, 1982 Blue Eyes / Jump Up! - 1984 Passengers / Breaking 4 Beneath these branches 10 There's a downtown smell of cooking Dir: Stephen Priest, filmed in south of France Hearts - Dir: Simon Milne I once wrote such childish words for you. From the flame on an open grill filmed in Australia 1983 I'm Still Standing / Too 1984 Who Wears These Shoes 5 Tell Monday I'll be around next week 11 I don’t whistle at you down the street 1982 Empty Garden / Jump Low For Zero - / Breaking Hearts I'm running ahead of my days I would if I could, but I can’t whistle you see. Up! - filmed in Australia Dir: Russell Mulcahy, filmed in south of France 1984 In Neon / Breaking 6 Window frames capture 12 And I don’t want to be 1982 Ball & Chain / Jump Up! Moments in time The son of any freak 1983 Kiss The Bride / Too Low Hearts - Dir: Bernie Taupin 1983 Cold As Christmas / Too For Zero - Dir: Godley & 1985 Act Of War with Millie JUST FOR FUN Low For Zero Creme Jackson / 14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 15 Should you be able to add the missing Directors, or know of any video singles which aren’t listed, please email KALEIDOSCOPE EYES [email protected] or write to Hercules UK, PO Box 315, KALEIDOSCOPE EYES Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3QX, England. Thanks to Wayne Martin.

Part Four of 1985 Cry to Heaven / Ice On 1988 Town Of Plenty / Reg 1992 The One / The One - our collectors Fire - Dir: Ken Russell Strikes Back Dir: Russell Mulcahy 1985 Nikita / Ice In Fire - Dir: 1989 Club At The End Of The 1992 The Last Song / The One series on Ken Russell Street / Sleeping with the Past - Dir: Gus Van Sant Elton's TV and 1985 Wrap Her Up / Ice On 1989 Healing Hands / 1993 Simple Life / The One - Video Fire - Dir: Russell Mulcahy Sleeping with the Past - Dir: Russell Mulcahy 1986 Paris / Leather Jackets Dir: Russell Mulcahy 1993 Don't Go Breaking My appearancesby George Matlock 1989 When We Was Fab / Heart with Ru Paul / Duets 1986 Slow Rivers / Leather and Sharon Kalinoski. George Harrison's "Cloud" - Dir: Randy Barbato & Jackets Fenton Baily VIDEOS 1986 Heartache All Over The 1989 Through the Storm with 1993 True Love with Kiki Dee World / Leather Jackets Aretha Franklin / Duets - Dir: Vadim Jean 1986 That's what Friend's Are 1989 Japanese Hands / Reg 1994 Can You Feel The Love THAT For / Dionne Warwick's Strikes Back Tonight?/"The Lion King" "Friends" 1990 Sacrifice / Sleeping with soundtrack - Dir: Matthew Amos HAVE 1987 Take Me To The Pilot / the Past - Dir: Alex Keshishian 1994 Circle Of Life / "The Live In Australia - Dir: Mark Lion King" soundtrack - BEEN Fitzgerald 1990 You Gotta Love Someone / "The Days of Dir: Mathew Amos 1987 Flames Of Paradise 1995 Believe / Made In w/Jennifer Rush / Heart Thunder" soundtrack MADE Dir: Andy Morahn England - Dir: Marcus Over Mind Nispell 1990 Easier To Walk Away / 1987 Candle In The Wind / 1995 Blessed / Made In FOR THE Live In Australia - Dir: Mark New Song From the "To Be Continued" England - Dir: David & Fitzgerald Raphael Vital-Durand PROMOTION 1988 I Don't Wanna Go On 1991 Don't Let The Sun Go 1995 Made In England / Made With You Like That / Reg Down On Me with George In England - Dir: Marcus OF A SINGLE. Strikes Back - Dir: Russell Michael Dir: George Nispel Mulcahy Michael & Andy Morahan 1995 Please / Made In England 1992 Runaway Train with (Directors credited where known) 1988 A Word In Spanish / Reg - Dir: Howard Greenhald Eric Clapton / The One Strikes Back Part 5 continues in December 99. Continued from previous issue, where we itemised the videos up to 1980 JUST FOR FUN Please be aware Hercules LYRIC QUIZ is unable to supply any of these recordings to you! How well do you know your Elton lyrics? Test yourself with the following - we give you a line - can you name the song title? (Answers on page 26) 1981 Donner Pour Donner 1 I see the storm approaching 7 Well they've locked up their daughters with France Gall / Long before the rain starts falling. And battened the hatches. Franco-Deutsch Single 2 Just stare into space 8 I was killing time with Jesus 1981 The Fox album. Each 1983 I Guess That's Why 1984 Sad Songs (Say So Much) Picture my face in your hands When the wedding bells began track produced as a video - / Breaking Hearts - They Call It The Blues/ 3 Hollywood created a superstar 9 You're a bluebird on a telegraph line Dir: Russell Mulcahy Too Low For Zero - Dir: Russell Mulcahy And pain was the price you paid. I hope you're happy now Dir: Russell Mulcahy, 1982 Blue Eyes / Jump Up! - 1984 Passengers / Breaking 4 Beneath these branches 10 There's a downtown smell of cooking Dir: Stephen Priest, filmed in south of France Hearts - Dir: Simon Milne I once wrote such childish words for you. From the flame on an open grill filmed in Australia 1983 I'm Still Standing / Too 1984 Who Wears These Shoes 5 Tell Monday I'll be around next week 11 I don’t whistle at you down the street 1982 Empty Garden / Jump Low For Zero - / Breaking Hearts I'm running ahead of my days I would if I could, but I can’t whistle you see. Up! - filmed in Australia Dir: Russell Mulcahy, filmed in south of France 1984 In Neon / Breaking 6 Window frames capture 12 And I don’t want to be 1982 Ball & Chain / Jump Up! Moments in time The son of any freak 1983 Kiss The Bride / Too Low Hearts - Dir: Bernie Taupin 1983 Cold As Christmas / Too For Zero - Dir: Godley & 1985 Act Of War with Millie JUST FOR FUN Low For Zero Creme Jackson / Ice On Fire 14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 15 take.me.down/to time, and when I went on at Paul Goddard asks is Charlie Nigel pioneered with Elton's a.web.surfer's/guide/to.finding/ej/on.the.net night I'd get instant messages for friends with Bernie? "Don't see music." "Bob Barnet". much of him. We respect his low Like Nigel, who continues to by Reggie Zippo ([email protected]) All websites are rated from 0 to 4 Royal Waves. "There were messages from a profile. He turns up for opening play sessions, Charlie has no lady called "Laura" who lived just nights in the US, and anywhere Bitter Fingers either! As well as south of Atlanta. She was 14 near LA. supporting the Papa George THE ELTON JOHN WORSHIP PAGE years old and a very keen Elton Charlie admits that although Band, he does session work. Two fan. She loved animals. She told Nigel Olsson was also a big weeks ago he did a session for a http://eltonworship.virtualave.net me all about her life. Owned and influence on Charlie, and he had film soundtrack which Iceland's looked after a horse. She said she to try to follow closely Elton's Bjork is scoring. o some fans, Elton John was going to the Tallahassee back catalogue to Nigel's original Prior to Christmas, Charlie is THE greatest singer concert on 21 November 1997. beat, their styles were very supported old friend Tom and songwriter of all She told me her mother would different. "I wouldn't call it trying Robinson for a couple of weeks T drive her down, wait for her, and to mimic Nigel. I'd say it was at the Birmingham outpost of time. To others, he is merely an outlet for social and drive her back. I thought they more of a tribute to him. Certain Britain's most famous jazz club, must love each other a lot, get on drum fills had to be played the Ronnie Scott's. "We've also personal expression. To the well, especially for a 14 year old! way he had done them. In others, recorded some tracks in my webmaster of "The Elton John She told me they were very I introduced some of my own studio for Tom's new album." Worship Page", however, close." So impressed was Charlie style." Among his association with Elton is the basis of a religion by the family tie, he managed to Charlie says that on "Don't Let Tom 20 years ago, Charlie where EJ reigns supreme. As reserve Laura's mother a ticket to the Sun" and "Someone Saved recorded with him the the main page of this site the show! My Life Tonight" he had to match Elton/Robinson classic "Never loads in, the visitor is met He agreed to meet them in Nigel's style: "It's the huge great Gonna Fall In Love Again" - a with a very sombre and the hotel lobby before the slow rock ballad style which disco version in 1979 for a Gay concert. "I had no idea Pride week album. They reverent atmosphere. "All what Laura looked like, also toured the US and Homage To The Elton". This let alone the mother!" Europe that year. website is steeped in Charlie was already in Closing off the spirituality! As you venture the midst of marital interview, we return forward, this theme is quite problems. "Basically, we 'back to the future'. prevalent throughout all of met in the lobby, Laura Internet-enthusiast the subsequent "worship" said to me she's a mad Charlie has some advice pages. The black blonde. There was this for Davey Johnstone. background of the main dark-haired lady, Jerilyn, Davey told Hercules in who is about the same Zurich last June that he's page, however, is replaced age as me. After the not much interested in with pure white for the rest show, we talked in the web sites and will be of the site. This change gives bar to practically three enjoying a cool drink on you the feeling of basking in testimonials, and fellowship The Elton" worship graphics. or four in the morning!" January 1, 2000, when his divine light and wisdom. pages (to name just a few). Needless to say, after fully Charlie thinks they'll computers crash and While most EJ sites are Concerning the text of each exploring this site, I am able marry. His divorce came users freak out. created with a particular section, the webmaster is to offer 4 Royal Waves to through earlier this year. "He'll be enjoying a theme and the best of At this stage, we nice cool drink, while his quite careful to keep the such a deserving EJ religious open the interview up to fax machine blows up, intentions in mind, the content in line with the experience. "All Homage To club members at the his air conditioning unit purpose is usually lost on all theme. The "usual" EJ The Elton"! convention. Edinburgh goes to town, while his of the subpages. The same, information is a refreshing fan Steven Betts asked cellular phone ceases to though, cannot be said of change from the normal how Charlie gets on work, and the gas, water this uniquely constructed repetition that the other sites with fellow Scot Davey and electricity stop site. In the sanctuary of "The provide. You must read the EJ Johnstone. "Very well. working, failing to chill Church of Elton Worship" prayers too. They are all very He's a good musical his drinks because the director, able to smooth local company provider there are "Holy Cards", well written. Before leaving, over troubles. He tries to hasn't got its system Y2K "Sacred Chants", A hymn be sure to download your RATING: 4 ROYAL WAVES translate what Elton compatible. So I'm not book, worship events, very own "All Homage To wants from us before sure about that!" sermons, worship resources, shows." "Anything you can do... " (Photo: Mark Swinden)

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 13 looking like a true survivor/the.ocean ERCULES was delighted to band for a long time." welcome Elton’s ex- The fans are choking to know, Please keep in mind that these reviews do not reflect the opinions of Hdrummer Charlie Morgan why did Elton release Charlie last HERCULES, its staff members, nor its supporters. to the UK Convention in year? Like Nigel Olsson, who London, March 99. We continue was released in the mid-1970s here where we left it in the June and rehired in the 1980s, this is issue, with the second part of also Charlie's second exit from THE HEALING HANDS ELTON JOHN WEBSITE this exclusive interview. the band. Charlie briefly left in Before his departure from the 1989 when "Sleeping with the http://members.tripod.com/HealingHandsSwinger/index.htm band, Charlie was the only UK Past" was recorded with another resident on board. "Previously drummer. irectly after visiting "The to distract the fact that their In Charlie's own words: "I there had been a time when in Elton John Worship content is amateurish at best. don't know. But being the only 1985/86 the entire brass section Page", I happened upon Not so here. The information UK resident, I got caught up in a D was very professionally were UK residents, David "The Healing Hands Elton John Paynton the bass player was UK, lot of problems over my salary. researched and the pages are There was a period when I hadn't Website" almost immediately. all the singers were UK too, presented in a simple, no been paid for six months. The "This could not be just a Shirley Lewis, Alan Carvell, and chance encounter", I thought. nonsense manner. My only Gordon Neville. It was only management had changed, and PART 2 OF OUR the money stopped coming in. As the main page loaded in, I gripe is the lack of the Davey Johnstone and Fred I'd just left my wife, so she was met with the same solemn navigational links on all of the Mandell who were US residents. EXCLUSIVE wasn't phoning up the reverence that the first site subpages. So, until that error is But that changed. "So I was management to ask where the provided. That is where the corrected, I must reluctantly always a bit on a limb because I money was, and I was on tour! similarities ended, though. bestow 2 Royal Waves for this was always dealing with the INTERVIEW "I got angry and made noises I While the webmaster of this site. management in the UK, they might not go on the next tour. were dealing with management WITH DRUMMER site had the best of intentions, The only wedge I could drive to the "Healing Hands" theme in the US. I became separated get paid. It was all sorted out in from the rest of the guys. They ended after the "To Be CHARLIE the end by the new Continued" photo loaded in at were seeing each other socially management." all the time. the beginning. So much could MORGAN Charlie thinks that a lot of it have been done to expand on "The only time I did see them was misunderstanding. "And I the title of the website. As with RATING: 2 ROYAL WAVES socially was for instance in don't think Elton was even aware Ludvigshist, Germany. June '99 September 1997. I went over to Charlie hopes to join her in of any of this. Elton was an all "tripod" websites, that pesky (Photo: H Reppel) Los Angeles ahead of the tour the USA. He's applied for US innocent bystander to this, as popup advert reared its ugly rehearsals and John Mahon residence, his Green Card. He indeed was I to a large extent." head as the main page loaded (percussionist) and Bob Birch already has a work VISA, and a Charlie feels the new in. This is no fault of the took me up the Burbank Hills to house owned in Orlando, and management was left worrying webmaster, though. Since this do some mountain biking. hopes to work out of Nashville. "I he wouldn't tour. "But I didn't get site does not provide any "I never saw much of them off think Elton is aware I will be US a chance to tell them I wouldn't navigational links on any of the the road. When we played in LA resident and I will be in touch have left them in the lurch. subpages, you must go back to they were at home and when we with the guys in the band." When I was talking about leaving the main page every time to played here, I was at home. The rapport's still there. And the band, I was talking about access each section. This is a You're not going to put someone will he return to the band? "The three or four months' notice." major turn off. Additionally, up in a hotel if they live 20 miles door's not been closed. This has Returning to his new love, there are no "back to the home away. It was different on the happened before. It's not the first Charlie admits he met her on the page" links either. The content road. It's a false environment, time I've left the band. But we're internet. Yes, there is hope for all provided is exceptional in that contracted on a tour by tour basis and an extended family. I you anoraks out there!! Charlie there are updated news and became separated and I had and there's always a chance I'll was the band's pioneer at setting concert dates, discography and huge problems with my marital be picked up on the next tour." up a web site in 1995. charting information, a few life for three years. Charlie, echoing comments to "Yes, during the autumn of cool concert photos, and even "It has to be a very strong Hercules by guitarist John 1997 I had a well-established relationship when you're on the Jorgenson last year when the web site for a couple of years, an EJ poll to cast a vote. road so much. My wife shut shock news of Charlie's release and I was writing reports with a Concerning the overall herself off. My (new) fiancee was announced, admitted: digital camera on a weekly basis. construction, typical EJ understands me and backs me all "Sometimes change is a good Several people knew my AOL webmasters try to "window the way." thing. Elton hadn't changed the screen name I was using at the dress" each page with graphics

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 17 conventionally ANNOUNCING HERCULES FAN come down to the Castle on July The weather was superb, full HERCULES FAN UNITED KINGDOM 10. We had a great time, as fans sunshine, about 28 degrees, and by George Matlock from Belgium, Netherlands, a light breeze. Some fans went CONVENTION 2000 Germany, New Zealand and over to Leeds Castle to inspect CONVENTION 2000 his was due to be a pre- Japan joined British fans for a what might have been, and to concert convention in a pub jamboree at the George Inn pub. soak up the atmosphere of an Tnear to Leeds Castle, on the Naturally, fans were hardly in aborted midsummer concert. This is an early announcement for a Hercules Fan day of Elton’s first open-air UK the mood for a sing-a-long, and Excitement soon built up again Convention that is planned to be held in Las Vegas show. We had heard just a couple their thoughts were with Elton at the thought of the postponed September 10-16, 2000. While Hercules is still of days before that the show following the shock health news. shows taking place in just a few negotiating with some of the Las Vegas’ hotels, we would be postponed, so naturally However, Hercules sales weeks time! spend more than I earn although, would like to give fans an early chance to mark this disappointment and concern for manager Alan from Wrap It Up! Media interest was high, and that said, I do spend a lot. I date in their calendars. EJ’s health were the main feelings was able to provide a few gift local press published reports of believe in living while you're We hope as many of you as possible will be able for the day. But thank you to ideas for the fans, and a fun the event. It was even briefly living. I've got nobody to leave it to come to our first ever International event. Its a those of you who made the effort event was enjoyed by all. mentioned in The Sun to, but my partner, David great chance for Elton John fans from all over the to keep your Saturday free and newspaper! Furnish, my family and my world to get together. You have a whole year to plan employees. I'm very proud of my for it - and as there will also be plenty of free time - employees and trust them make the trip part of your annual family holiday. For implicitly which is why John's that reason we have scheduled a one-week program betrayal hurts me so much. You which is planned to proceed something like this: know, I've paid off the mortgages of many of my staff so they didn't Sunday have to worry about their futures. "All the stuff over the years of Dinner party with some special guests. Reid discovering me as some Elton look-a-like competition kind of pub pianist and making me a superstar, well it's just bulls***. I got where I am today Monday thanks to bloody hard work and All day convention with trade area, music, Dick James, the man who first videos, seminars, contests and surprises believed in me and made me a (photos: G Matlock) G (photos: star in America before Reid was Tuesday Leeds Castle - where are you EJ?? The George Inn - spot the Hercules logo! even in the picture. But we've moved on. It's interesting to see All day convention continued until 6 pm he doesn't manage anyone of any Wednesday - Friday BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 significance any more." The Mirror said that Elton has Diverse activities in and around Las Vegas. ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND not spoken with Reid since he (e.g. Hoover Dam tour, fired him and has no plans to do Grand Canyon tour, etc.) so in the future. “We were friends for a hell of a long time - Saturday or at least I thought we were On the 13th of this The Album ‘21 at 33’ On 23rd December James Galway, the friends." Departure month (Sept.) it will be was so called because 1974 The Daily classical flautist John Reid denied allegations exactly 19 years since at 33 years of age it was Telegraph reported ‘no includes Elton’s ‘Little of mis-management in a report We’re still working on the details which will be Elton dressed up as Elton’s 21st album. amount of spangled Jeannie’ as the final run by UK’s Daily Mail made available as soon as possible. You should Donald Duck for his gimmickry, clowning or track on his album newspaper later that same week. expect a registration fee of approx. $150 for the concert in Central Park, The first piano that Elton noise can hide his great ‘James Galway - A Reid also told the Mail he is three-day convention (Sun-Tue). Room rates will be New York. ever bought was a black talent as a musician and Portrait’, recorded in considering legal action for approx. $100 single or double a night. Tours and Steinway grand which a performer of good 1996 (BMG/RCA defamation against Elton. He other activities (Wed-Fri) will be charged separately. he has subsequently had songs’ (we could have Victor). We think it was added that if and when the case If you want to receive future updates on the On March 7th 1976 painted to look as told them that!!) included on the album comes to court in London, Reid Hercules Fan Convention 2000, simply send a Elton was the first rock though it is made of as a thank you to Elton will be exonerated by the facts. postcard with your complete postal address to star since The Beatles to Walnut. To have had a for writing the award Hercules understands that case Stephan Heimbecher, Hercules Fan Convention be immortalised in wax new one made in actual winning film score song (due this autumn) will be settled 2000, Orleansstr. 59, D-81667 Muenchen, Germany, at Madame Tussaud’s in Walnut would have ‘Basque’ which Galway out of court, however. or e-mail us at [email protected]. London. been too costly. performed.

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 11 I don’t have much money, speaking

were happy to meet "old pals" GERMANY again after such a long time. FINLAND by Stephan Heimbecher Many people who were present have been with Hercules since ave you seen The North? UT IF I DID... fter a long break, we finally the very beginning in May 1988, The hot and sunny weather caused a lack of ELTON TALKS ABOUT HIS BITTER SPLIT WITH JOHN REID, hadAND the chance to organise and so the meeting had many H people at the inaugural hilst Aanother fan meeting in elements of a "family re-union". convention in Finland on July 10. recovering REVEALS THE TRUTH ABOUT THOSE FINANCIAL RUMOURSGermany. This time, we took the But there was also Elton-stuff to Still a few brave, loyal fans from his heartB operation chance of Elton's solo show at look at, including our German W the Gerry Weber tennis stadium Elton look-a-like, Andreas Herr. gathered to meet each other and in the South of France, Elton Bacon and a Magritte. He'd sold it business adviser I was always kept to have fun. We had a long, reportedly took the opportunity off at less than favourable rates in the dark. When I discovered in Halle/Westfalen to meet in Later in the afternoon, the interesting discussion about to break his silence over the and he creamed a hefty what had gone on it came as a nearby Bielefeld prior to the group made the 15-minute trip Elton's recent activities. However, recent split with long-time commission off the top." very severe blow. It's bad enough show. Since this was a Saturday to the stadium where a block of we didn't yet know about his manager John Reid. The UK’s The Mirror reported that Elton to lose £20 million to someone (June 26), more than 50 fans more than 100 seats had been pacemaker operation, so there Daily Mirror newspaper reported has been angered by a series of you trusted, but the money really made the effort to drive to the reserved for Hercules members! was a lot of guessing about his on July 16 that Elton phoned highly inaccurate reports about is of secondary importance. It's hotel in Bielefeld condition of health. them with allegations of Reid’s the state of his finances and called the act of betrayal which really so they could Some rare videos were also mis-management. He launched a The Mirror to put the record hurts, especially a betrayal of participate in the watched, and everybody stinging attack on his former straight. And he apparently someone I trusted. He used to "warm up" event refreshed their memories about manager, whom he accused of confirmed that he has taken out a hate me doing things for the Elton for the following Elton's last summer concert in creaming off millions from his £25 million loan to buy back all John Aids Foundation because it show. However, Helsinki. Everyone agreed that it pop fortune with excessive his assets and the rights to his wasn't earning him any money.” this would have was the best day of their life. management fees. own music and will have no Elton fired John Reid, 49, in been better After having a 4-hour Elton Party He sensationally revealed that trouble paying it back. May last year. Frank Presland scheduled as a we went out into the beautiful Reid even secretly remortgaged "There's a lot to sort out and immediately took over as chief "cool down" weather to see the town. his beloved 37-acre home, that takes a lot of time and executive for Elton’s companies convention as It was fun, but next time we Woodside, in Windsor. And the energy," said Elton. "For and began the long process of outside will do it at some cooler time, trusted aide had also quietly sold years the management clawing the cash back. temperatures were when it's more like Finland! off the rights to his first six albums of my finances was Among the exceeding 30 For future Finland fan - the most successful and lucrative carried out behind my astonishing discoveries degrees Celsius. activities, contact Urpu Kallio, work of his glittering career - for a back and was reported by the It was obvious German fans let EJ know how they feel. Hercules Nordic Representative. paltry £3 million. "As far as I'm disgraceful. As the Mirror was that that many fans concerned John Reid's a liar and a full extent of Elton had made cheat," Elton was reported to have the troubles a £12,000 loss said. "It all started in Atlanta a were on a sell-out BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20 couple of years ago. I'd been with explained to 44-date US John for 28 years - five of them in me I literally tour in GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!! a personal relationship. He was went into 1980 while my first love. shock, but I his "I figured out something was had a great manager wrong so I asked my lawyer, Frank support team had made Presland, who's been with me for with me and nearly Elton has a green and I’m sure Elton’s ex-wife On the 9th September The famous giant 18 years, to take a look at my they are helping £600,000. white Sydney tram Renate has a good 1988, the banners Pinball Wizard Doc finances. It was the first time I'd me now. And Elton nestled in the gardens singing voice, but on advertising the Martin boots from the asked for an audit in all those "It's ludicrous went on to of his house in Windsor November 4th 1987 at Sotheby’s sale of the film Tommy sold at the years. I didn't know how much and untrue to say comment about which he bought in a children's charity ‘Elton John Collection’ Sotheby’s auction in money I had. And what did we I'm in financial the recent 1984 whilst touring in concert in London, sold for £550 each. September 1988 for find? The biggest mess you can difficulty. I'm not rumours of his Australia. David Elton said he would They had been hanging £11,000. imagine. There were literally skint, nothing could financial currently uses it as his donate £7000 if Renate outside their front door dozens of horrendous deals. It was be further from problems; "The office. was stopped from and were added as an a total mess and very alarming. I the truth, but my truth is, I do singing on stage with extra lot at the end of estimate £20 million had gone. team and I have spend a lot of Jonathan Ross, Bob the auction. The auction "I discovered £5.5 million one goal - to build money. I don't Geldof and a host of raised £4,838022 - well worth of borrowings secured on for the future. I “I thought deny that. It's other stars. in excess of the we were estimated £3 million. the Windsor house plus two of my trusted John as a friends” rubbish to favourite paintings - a Francis friend, but as a Elton and John Reid suggest that I

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 19 Yet another overnight drive... JJ’S Extracts from John Jorgenson's tour diary elton john & THIS ISSUE'S FEATURE: ELTON & BILLY TOUR AUSTRALIA, 1998 by Stephan Heimbecher TOUR 5th March 1998 7th March 1998 hercules at Elton in splendid performing Perth, Australia Auckland, New Zealand (Day 1) mood made this concert unforgettable. Especially so We got down to Perth last After a nice day off in when he played the series of DIARY Saturday after a long flight from Auckland, we had our first show Ticking, Carla Etude and Tonight. L.A. to Sydney, then another to here tonight. Although it was hot This was certainly the climax of Perth. We had a half day to in the daytime, by 7:30 when the H the evening. recover from jetlag before it was concert started it was very nice Our block of 100 Hercules time to start rehearsing and and cool with a breeze. The members tried to make the soundchecking. We did a little stage setup was a little better, audience move from their seats each day, some with just and Davey, Bob and I were on a EJ's band, some with riser. I found it much easier to during the following I Don't Elton and the band and perform when I could see the Wanna Go On With You Like some with Billy Joel, audience! The crowd was much That but we only succeeded half Elton and both bands! more energetic than in Perth, and an hour later when Elton played The show starts with EJ people were up and dancing at Crocodile Rock. Before that he and BJ doing "Your Song" the edge of the stage midway performed a brilliant version of and "Honesty" with just their through our set, and just got A Take Me To The Pilot. This again two pianos. Then EJ's band better from there. After we did was - like Rocket Man - a small comes onstage for a 90 our set, I went out by the surprise for me because you minute set in which BJ soundboard to watch Billy Joel's have heard this so so many times guests on "..The Blues". set. He and his band sounded during the last years. Then BJ and his band do great, and it was fun to see the Nevertheless, Take Me To The a 90 minute set with EJ lighting effects. Pilot sounded amazingly "new". as a guest. Then When we all got back on Another surprise was that Written BOTH bands join stage for the encores, it felt much In The Stars was left out. Elton together for encores. more comfortable, as I've had a hadn´t played it in Ludwigslust Then for a final encore chance to start getting to know either, meaning that this was a EJ and BJ are back to just the BJ's band members. It's much L show without the current single, two pianos for "Piano Man". easier to perform onstage with The audience was pretty laid someone when you know them a although the concert was back, it had been quite hot little! The strange part of the introduced with sounds of AIDA. during the day, and since the show for me is getting warmed Because of all that, a set show started at 6:30 there wasn't up, then sitting around for an without a lot of unexpected and a chance for the temperature to hour and coming back onstage unusual songs still became cool down at all before the show. again. Keeping the energy level interesting and exciting. 33,000 is quite a big crowd for up is the trick for me. Although Elton had already quit Perth though, and I think they all his abstinence from Candle In had a good time. 8th March 1998 The Wind at the end of his US Right now we're on a Auckland, New Zealand (Day 2) tour, it was yet somehow strange chartered flight to Auckland, NZ L to hear it as an encore after a with our crew, and Billy Joel, his The crowd at the show three-hours non-stop band and crew. For about two tonight was even better than last programme. hours we've had a big sing-a- night - up to the stage in the third Although the audience had long, led by Billy Joel himself. All number and rockin' out from needed some time to warm up - the 50's, Beatles, Motown--you then on! A very good-looking no wonder when there are only OHN name it, they've been sung in the audience I must say too. We cut J cabin by everybody who wanted a couple of songs out to make some pseudo-VIPs in the first ten to join in. The cabin attendants our set more in line with Billy rows who seemed unable to have been well entertained! Joel's, time wise. I did miss them show enthusiasm - it finally We'll have a day off in Auckland to be honest-- "If The River Can celebrated Elton with standing J before the two shows on Bend", "Tiny Dancer" and E ovations after Crocodile Rock. Saturday and Sunday. "Believe". Oh well--they'll He obviously enjoyed this and probably be put back in for the returned thanks to the fans in JORGENSON US shows, but there is only so front of the stage with lengthy autograph sessions. (Photo: Jimmie Collins)

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 9 ELTON JOHN AND HERCULES IN HALLE (WESTFALEN/GERMANY) o far, this 26 June From 11am the fans had been concert reminded me not only of much time in the EJ/BJ show. others that I didn't know. They Billy and Elton are both feeling 1999 had been a arriving at the hotel the latest US tour, which had Elton has been battling a cold for sounded great and were soon more comfortable with the show perfect day and it "Ravensburger Hof" in Bielefeld finished just one week ago, but the past few days--it's hard to joined by a gruff male voice that now, and are starting to goof S avoid when we go through these I recognised as Joe Cocker's!!! around with each other, trying to should even become to meet for a warm-up party. also of his concerts with Ray better as we were now on More than 50 Hercules members Cooper in 1994. The only extreme climate changes. It's Then the piano got unlocked and crack each other up during the our way to the Gerry and their partners found their difference being that Elton made his voice a bit gravelly, but a full jam took place until about songs. Billy succeeded when he Weber Stadium in Halle way to Bielefeld where we spent remained on stage on his own all he still gave the audience his all 6 am! Amazing to think that started banging his piano key (Westfalen/Germany) the time with rare video and evening. and no one is left unsatisfied! Elton John's band, Billy Joel and with a fly swatter during "Bennie his band, Joe Cocker and his and the Jets"! Billy, like Elton looking forward to an audio recordings of Elton´s While he had performed 11th March 1998 band and Oasis would all be in loves a good joke and never Elton John concert of concerts as well as with Talking Old Soldiers in the USA probably several hours. Brisbane, Australia the same hotel on the same night misses an opportunity to pull a memories of former tours and it was now replaced by Live Like in New Zealand! gag. our own adventures in Horses. But this was almost the Lots has happened since my The next day was a bit rough connection with EJ. only variation to the American last report. Upon finishing up my after the late night, but the fun 12th March 1998 At 5pm we formed a long car set. Undoubtably, a first highlight reports after the second show in was worth the price. I sadly said Sydney, Australia line and drove the 10 miles to was Rocket Man which sounded Auckland, I remembered that goodbye to New Zealand for Halle. amazingly fresh and new after so Oasis had checked into the hotel now. We took an afternoon flight Wednesday afternoon we The Hercules members took many years and uncountable live earlier, and so I went down to to Brisbane, arriving there in the took a flight from Brisbane down SET LIST their seats in section C under an versions. Yet again, Elton gave the bar to see if Jason (Noel's evening. The following day I to Sydney. The weather is almost perfect blue sky and with this classic a new touch. If I guitar tech) was there so I could went to the Lone Pine Koala beautiful here. Spent most of the Your Song temperatures of about 30°C at remember correctly, this was the thank him for helping me get Reserve. It was a very day wandering around the Skyline Pigeon 6pm. In tough negotiations with first time that he didn´t end the tickets to their Manchester show. worthwhile experience, and I neighbourhood around the hotel, The Greatest Discovery the tour organisers we had song with "I think it´s gonna be a Well, when I got down there the would recommend it to anyone just shopping and sightseeing. Border Song managed to get a big number of long, long time" but with "I'm a party was in full swing, even who visits the Brisbane area. The band bus was practically full though it was 2 am! I had a The show in Brisbane went on the way to the show, as most Live Like Horses connected seats for members. rocket man". We even got them a bit cheaper Unfortunately, this highlight chance to let Steve Cohen know well--no surprises really, except everyone's wives and children Daniel what a great job he was doing on for a guy who jumped onstage have come down to Sydney for a than the "normal" tickets booked was immediately followed by a Honky Cat the lights. bypassing all the security guards visit. It made for a different vibe-- Rocket Man in advance. Unfortunately, we lowpoint - in my opinion: I heard some harmonising and shook both Elton's and a little more like the Willie Sacrifice were seated in the upper circle Sacrifice. Although I enjoyed the going on in the corner--Billy Billy's hands before jumping Nelson Family Band or the Better Off Dead and not in the inside like I had solo version a little bit more than Joel's backup singer Becca back off again. The Brisbane Grateful Dead! The caterers in House hoped. Still, in my opinion it was the one with the band, it has just Bramlett, guitarist Tommy Burns crowd was a little tamer than the Australia are excellent--we've all Something About The Way nevertheless a special experience never been one of my favourite and percussionist Crystal Talifieri Kiwis in Auckland, but seemed been enjoying some great You Look Tonight to spend a whole concert songs. But more than 10,000 were singing with a couple to enjoy themselves anyway. cooking and creative selections I Guess That's Why They Call together with like-minded people people in the audience were It The Blues and longtime friends. crazy for it. Ticking At exactly 7pm instrumental The next song, House, was Carla Etude music from AIDA started and another highlight, which still Tonight only a few minutes later Elton surprises me as the song is rather I Don't Wanna Go On appeared on stage with rather simply made. Perhaps that’s With You Like That strangely coiffed hair. He exactly its secret. When Elton The One immediately started with the first started with "Something About Blue Eyes notes of Your Song. After that he The Way You Look Tonight" and Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters welcomed the German audience, not "I Guess That's Why They Take Me To The Pilot announced some well-known Call It The Blues" as he had done Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word and some less well-known songs the evening before I felt a little Levon and declared how proud he was hope that this could be my first to perform in the stadium, as he concert for years where I didn´t Crocodile Rock is a big tennis fan and had often have to hear it. But of course, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me seen it on TV. Elton played it immediately Circle Of Life But after that Elton´s pleasure afterwards. Bennie And The Jets in talking was almost done, and But now I don't want to stress Candle In The Wind he continued with what he does the negative aspects too much - best: playing the piano and there is absolutely no reason for singing. The first part of the doing so. A perfect sound and an

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 21 JJ’S NEWS BULLETS... TOUR DIARY Full details of these items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site of food at the bought some clothes from him, had a couple days off, and I took ROCKET RECORDS FINISHED?YOU DUMMY! CANDLE SCORE ON DISPLAY gigs. as well as Cliff Richard, Billy advantage of the time to see a bit Media reports say Universal Elton is one of the highlights The autographed musical Before Connolly, and bassist Lee Sklar. more of Sydney Harbor by taking Music Group/Island are to close of Madame Tussaud's Celebrity score of Candle in the Wind the show, a cruise aboard the Bounty. Then Elton's Rocket Records label. No Encounter in Las Vegas' newest 1997, as performed by Sir Elton Elton called The Saturday night crowd was over to the Centerpoint Tower for comment was available from attraction, The Venetian Resort at Princess Diana’s funeral, and me into his ready to party, and really gave us a spectacular view of the whole Island executives as to why. But Hotel & Casino. The wax the handwritten manuscript with dressing some great feedback. It started to city from up in the air. Elton will continue to record for museum opened doors July 22. the song's new words written by room to rain during Billy's set, but that This morning we said Island. Nevertheless, Elton tells Bernie Taupin, are now housed say hello didn't dampen the enthusiasm of goodbye to Sydney and took a The Mirror newspaper July 17 ELTON AND BERNIE ARE in the "tribute room" at the and to the crowd, who were all on their late morning flight over to he's considering leaving Diana, Princess of Wales' introduce feet for the encore segment. Adelaide. The hotel was so close Universal in USA. FAITHFUL museum in Althorp. me to Backstage the hospitality room to the venue that I could see the Lawrence was decorated like Bondi Beach, stage from the window of my The new Marianne Faithful Fishburne, complete with waiters dressed in room! All of our audiences on EUROPEAN SOLO TOUR SONGSalbum, Vagabond Ways, is ELTON TO APPEAR AT available in Europe. It features who had come the lifeguard uniforms! Charlie this tour have been big - this one Before his operation blocked EXPO 2000 out to see the Morgan put one on and played was no exception at around the European Tour, Elton played a the Elton John/Bernie Taupin show. He is the encore set dressed as a 37,000 or so. The stage was nearly 3 hour solo show at song For Wanting You. In the According to German news down here lifeguard, with two of the waiters quite a bit higher than usual, and Ludwigslust, Germany, on June USA, the album is only available agency dpa, Elton is planning to working on a on either side of his drum set. made us feel even more 25 - less than a week since as import. perform a show during the World movie with We all were cracking up totally! disconnected with the audience. ending the US leg. Elton drops Exhibition Expo 2000 in Keanu Reeves, You just never know what's I don't think the people standing Talking Old Soldiers (replaced by MONEY MATTERS... Hannover, Germany, next year. and was a going to happen next... up front could even see Elton! EJ Live Like Horses), Blessed, Can The Expo will open doors June 1 There has been much and run until October 31, 2000. very warm and friendly person. It decided to eliminate "Sad Songs" You Feel The Love Tonight, and speculation in the press regarding shows just how good an actor he from the set tonight, and I have a Recover Your Soul. In German Elton’s finances, with new details is--he was scary as Ike Turner! 16th March 1998 feeling it might be permanently tennis stadium at Halle's Gerry emerging almost weekly. NOT ELTON, NOT AT The sound onstage tonight was Sydney, Australia (3rd show) out of the set. Weber Stadium (June 26), he According to The Sunday Times THE WEDDING! excellent, and that made for a It was very casual and adds Something About The Way June 27, Elton seeks a £25m loan very comfortable set. Elton is still The show started an hour "camplike" backstage, and with You Look Tonight, but doesn't to pay off his bills. Elton puts the battling a cold, but was in a great earlier than usual, so the first the weather being really pleasant play Written In The Stars. At the record straight in a frank interview mood and performed well. Clive third of our set was still in we all sat backstage and relaxed, show in Lucca, Italy (July 2) he about mis-management of funds said from his perspective that we daylight, eliminating the lighting listening to Billy's set while we works in Song For Guy into the on page 10. Elton's new manager, all played well, and he had a effects. The audience was a little waited to go back on stage for intro of Take Me To The Pilot. Frank Presland, is quoted "Elton good night with the sound also. more laid back than the Saturday the encore set. Sometimes "the John's finances are sound." During the encore segment, night crowd, but still got up on waiting is the hardest part", but it ELTON TO HOST CHAT SHOWAccording to Presland, Elton is just Dave Santos (BJ's bassist) and I their feet by the end of the show. wasn't tonight! We head out reorganising his finances and he is try to rock harder each night on Elton was in fine form, and spent early to fly to Melbourne - it's a Before news of Elton’s illness broke, it was reported that he is trying to gain more control over "You May Be Right"--and tonight a good deal of one of the encore pity that there isn't a bit more his back catalogue. I think we outdid ourselves! We songs making some hysterically time to check out Adelaide, but to host his own TV chat show. rocked so hard that we had to funny faces at me! Both Billy and that's life on the road! Pal DJ Chris Evans persuaded high five each other after that Elton love to joke around, and him to interview stars such as EJ TALKS TO THE MIRROR song. Tomorrow is a day off here Billy cracked me up during "I 21st March 1998 newly weds Posh Spice and Elton gave an exclusive In a great spoof of the Posh in Sydney, and I'm looking Guess That's Why They Call It Melbourne (1st show) David Beckham, Michael Jackson interview to The Mirror newspaper Spice and David Beckham forward to that after a good The Blues" to the point where I and Madonna in six one-hour July 17. He spoke of his medical Wedding, London's Evening night's sleep. couldn't keep singing my Just back to the hotel after the specials on Saturday evenings in ordeal, about his new projects and Standard newspaper July 5, harmony parts! first concert in Melbourne, and I the UK. Ginger Television boss about saying goodbye to his recent called upon the help of our very 14th March 1998 We've got two days off here have to say it was the most fun of Evans will act as executive manager, Colin Bell, and how he own Hercules member and look- Sydney, Australia in Sydney before we head over any show so far of the tour. Elton producer on the shows, already felt let down by John Reid. a-like Raymond Johnson to re- to Adelaide, so I'm looking was in a great mood and was the subject of fierce bidding create the special day. A grand between BBC1 and ITV. A friend Friday was a day off, and I forward to seeing more of this joking around backstage between ELTON III CANDLE colour photo of Elton (Raymond) did a little shopping at the area and playing tourist for a segments of the show. I heard of Elton said: "He'll be a natural graced the cover of the pull-out Slatkin & Co., New York has Queen Victoria Building. It's a couple days... that Status Quo had come to the for this kind of show. With his section. The newspaper claims recently informed us that they beautiful old building show, so we did some rockin' personality, he'll put people at that while OK! Magazine paid will have a new Elton III candle transformed into a shopping 19th March 1998 and posing in their honor. The their ease. Elton's also got loads £1m for pictures of the real in the year 2000. You read it here center full of specialty boutiques Adelaide, Australia weather in Melbourne was quite of contacts in showbiz so getting wedding...the Evening Standard first! The great news is that the and shops. The designer Joe was hot and dry today, but by top calibre guests will be easy." It paid...a few pence! Elton III candle will be available there and told me that Elton had After the last Sydney show we showtime was very pleasant. is not known whether EJ’s recent illness has changed these plans. later this year.

22 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 7 NEWS BULLETS... www.eltonfan.com Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site

ELTON "AND" TINA TURNERELTON HOSTS SUMMER BALL Even though the stage was still Remember back before Elton quite high, the crowd was in the and Tina Turner had their public mood to party and let us know. falling out a few months ago and During "Bennie and the Jets" cancelled their plans for a joint Billy and Elton cracked each tour? Well, they do plan to other (and the bands) up by perform at year's end in Las quoting all kinds of songs during Vegas, but they're not performing their "trade-off" solos at the end together. On December 30, 1999 of the song- everything from they'll perform, separately, at the "The Lumberjack Song" to "Pop Thomas & Mack Center. And the Goes The Weasel"! next really big night both will be performing in Caesars Palace -- 22nd March 1998 in two different showrooms, for Melbourne (2nd show) invitation-only. We said a collective farewell to Australia last night during THE WEB A BIG SEASON FOR Melbourne's second gig. The THE WEB WATFORD FC show went really well, and again Billy and Elton were in a great Watford FC is playing in the Elton with his mother, mood and joking around. Elton Premier League this season! But stepfather and David even got up from his piano and Elton says he won't bankroll the during the Summer Ball joined Davey, Tommy, Dave team even though they need at Woodside Santos, Mark Rivera and myself millions of pounds to survive in doing some "choreography" the Premiership. during "You May Be Right", and Sir Elton said: "When I came Sir Elton's summer ball rolled ANOTHER GUEST APPEARANCEduring "The Bitch Is Back" Billy back as chairman I made it clear on July 1. And despite reports of financial problems, everything Elton makes a cameo Joel "played" my guitar with his it would not be a case of red fly-swatter! It felt very much bottomless pockets. It has to be smells of roses in England. Even appearance on the new Mary J. the flowers for Elton's party at Blige album "Mary" which is like the "closing night" of a tour, up to the club to raise the as we won't see a lot of the local HERCULES ON THE INTERNET finances. We have to acquire Woodside - which cost £30,000 - released August 17, 1999. Other are paid for by sponsors OK! appearances are by Lauryn Hill, crew again. We will sorely miss many new players and improve the caterers, "More than a Even if you don't have PC at home or office... our overall standard but Graham Magazine. The party bill is Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, read on for details of how to visit our Web site £150,000. Elton invites stars and K-Ci. Morsel" - they have been (Taylor) will be cautious because cooking up the best food that he knows we do not have the including George Michael, ex- Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, actress I've ever had from a catering Whatever your worries are and read about the latest news. funds that other clubs have. We "LES LUNETTES D'ELTON JOHN"company. about not getting Elton news in And the special Hercules Web have to stay in the Premiership Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Sean Connery, and Sir The English play "Elton John's After the show, the promoters between editions of THE MAG, Member costs just $20 (£14) a and try to establish ourselves. I Hercules offers a great Internet year, and you can join online. David Frost. Guests stump up glasses" by David Farr has been threw an end of tour party at one know how difficult that will be adapted in French and will be of the hotels. I was enjoying service, THE WEB - and a special Combine it with your but we already have a good £1,000 for tickets to benefit the new service since January 1999 - subscription to Hercules THE Elton John Aids Foundation. running at the Tristan Bernard visiting with Billy Joel, his band collection of young players and Theatre in Paris from August 23, and crew, and the promoter's Hercules Web Member. MAG, and you enjoy a 25% Hercules Web Member discount on the WHOLE package they will give it their best shot." 1999. staff. ELTON & DAVID AT provides extra news, interviews - called the Hercules Gold I'll soon say a fond farewell and features exclusive to membership. If you don't have DON’T LET THE SUN FASHION EXHIBITION AIDA ON THE STAGE as I get near to the end of my Hercules, called Hercules Web internet access at home or in the first trip to Australia. I know I'll Specials. There's also an archive office, then don't worry! Web GO DOWN ON ME Elton and partner David Elton and Tim Rice's Aida will be back soon- I've made too Furnish attended the Versace debut at Chicago's Palace and search facility, allowing you Cafes are everywhere! These Elton's Don't Let The Sun Go many new friends not to come to check for stories over the offer a coffee, bite to eat, PCs Down On Me turned out to be Fashion Exhibition in Via Del Theater December 9. It moves to back to this amazing continent. Gesù, Milan, June 27. The next New York April 6, 2000. This years, and exclusive video and and friendly technical support. the hush-hush anthem of the total The next post will be coming audio clips for your enjoyment. You can enjoy our web site at eclipse of the sun that happened morning, they walked to the new version of the musical - a bit from Japan- Goodbye from It’s free to visit the Web site www.eltonfan.com over parts of Europe on August Versace shop in Via Monte different from the first staging in OZ!!!! 11, 1999. German radio stations Napoleone to do some shopping. Atlanta in 1998 - directed by Please be assured that despite the fascination of this new medium, played the original song and its After less than an hour they came Robert Falls, will again star Hercules will also give you the best service possible via the various cover versions all day out and walked back to their Heather Headley as Aida. traditional ways of communication. long. hotel. Later that same day Elton The Mag also continues to go from strength to strength! and David flew back to Nice.

6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 23 atford NEWS BULLETS... atch These news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site ELTON BACK ON STAGE! of Wyoming's Arena-Auditorium According to Sarah McMullen, SMALL ADS Elton gave his first on June 1 - a benefit show for the EJAF's publicity director, anti-hate organisations. It's the Michael Petrelis of the AIDS relegated in record time, but performance since he was fitted EJ PHOTOS FOR SALE with a heart pacemaker last first time he's performed Candle Accountability Project insinuated W even if they do go back down, W month. According to spokesman since Princess Diana's funeral. EJAF failed to provide tax records they will be richer for the For sale: 10 beautiful photos Simon Prytherch, Elton gave a after he requested them numerous experience, both financially (EJ close-ups) taken at the W Ludwigslust concert in June 99, private concert in Orlando, SATELLITE times. US law requires charities to W and in footballing terms, and make tax returns available to the price: DEM 20 (including Florida, on August 14, 1999. "He Elton's solo concert in Lucca, ercules’ regular Watford I’m sure they will bounce played a full solo set for 3,500 public upon request. FC reporter, David straight back for another go. postage). Brigitte Obermaier, Italy July 2, was broadcast live on Ehegarten 4, D-88494 Neumarkt people. The concert went "(EJAF) has always fully Wright, looks forward to And Elton himself has said; the national radio RAI RADIO 2. complied with this law," H – St. Veit, GERMANY, brilliantly," Prytherch said, It proved to be the last Italian the new season; “I think anyone who saw me according to a statement released +49 (0) 8722 / 1498. quoting EJ as saying: "It's been a show before his heart operation. After a shorter summer on television when we won the while since I played. I'm a little by EJAF. McMullen claims EJAF break than ever, Watford play-off final on 31 May will rusty, but I hope you like it." first found out about Petrelis' kicked-off their first season in have no doubt about what END OF SEASON SALE: FANS ARRIVE AT request for the records a week the top flight for 11 years in playing in the Premiership Vinyl albums, 7" & 12" before, and promptly mailed August. Last season they played means. For those who didn't singles; some rarities; from my EJ NEW ALBUM CANCELLED GIG them. The press release stated, the likes of Bury, Stockport and see it, yes, I got a bit emotional, collection. Request a full list According to unconfirmed Media coverage of Elton’s ill "from 1992 through 1998, the QPR. This season it will be and rightly so. This has been a from: Mireille Mölbert, Zaunweg sources, Elton and the band will health was so extensive that only Elton John AIDS Foundation Arsenal, Manchester United massive achievement for 11, D-80805 Munich, be back in the studio later in nine people arrived at Leeds funded more than 1,100 grants in and Chelsea. Watford. GERMANY; e-mail: 1999 to record a new studio Castle, UK, unaware that the North America. To date, the Elton Yes, a big percentage of [email protected] album expected to be released in long-awaited performances were John AIDS Foundation has clubs who go up come straight spring 2000. Elton will take a one not going ahead. The open-air distributed over $12 million in year break from touring - except gigs had only been postponed 2 grants in North America and $5 down again, but since when LOOKING FOR EVERYTHING have Watford, Graham Taylor, for the five postponed UK solo days before. Castle special events million internationally." our players and our fans ever ABOUT ELTON JOHN shows late August/early manager Nick Day said: "We had September. Be prepared to see four people on the Saturday, been put off by a challenge? Esp. Recent videos from 1990 CHARITY GIG APPEARANCE We can do our best to run a on (TV appearances, interviews, him back on the road with the three on Sunday and two on band in June/July 2000. Monday, all from overseas. Elton flew in from US professional, welcoming concerts), newspaper clippings, Midwest between concerts to organisation. We have always and so-called rare EJ-songs (b- Mansfield, Massachusetts on June tried to come at things from a sides, demo versions etc.): Esther SHOWS POSTPONED ELTON KNOWS THE SCORE!5, for the 20th annual KISS slightly different angle and our Kapohl, Dostojewskistr. Elton's solo shows in Linz, Comedy movie The Muse was concert at the Tweeter Center. He challenge now is to see if we 17, D-65187 Wiesbaden, Austria (June 27) and in Prague, released in USA on August 20. It played Crocodile Rock, then was can stand out again - DEUTSCHLAND. Czech Republic (June 30) were has an Elton music score, and presented with two cheques irrespective of where we are in postponed to year 2000. The Hercules sneaked in to offer a totalling $50,000, one from KISS- the table.” LIST OF ELTON JOHN ITEMS latter, because of rumours of preview in the June 1999 fanzine 108 (a Boston radio station), and poor ticket sales, was edition. a second from Brooks Pharmacy Whilst some of their new FOR SALE rescheduled to June 18, 2000. chain, to the Genesis Fund opponents have been spending Small, but beautifully formed Also postponed (for health AIDS FOUNDATION Charity. £10 million or more on one list of Elton John items for sale - reasons) were Brescia, Trieste, player, manager Graham Taylor Graz, Madrid and UK. In June, Elton took heat from including 7", 12", LPs, CDS, DAVID FURNISH ON TV has spent nothing – not a bean! books and other memorabilia. AIDS activists who want him to account for money raised UK independent TV network He has brought three new Please write to; Stuart Plant, CANDLE IN THE WIND players in by free transfer, but 22,Paris Road, Scholes, through EJAF. The AIDS ITV, televised Falling for a Star on no-one who will set the football Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, UK or RE-INTRODUCED Accountability Project says it's May 30 - interviews with several world alight. Elton has been e.mail:[email protected] been bugging EJ for 3 years for celebrities about their Elton finished the second leg forms required by the U.S. tax true to his word in not spending relationships and cuts David of his US Solo Tour 1999 at the authority, the Internal Revenue his millions. Furnish in and out of the WANTED - ELTON CONCERT Providence Civic Center June 19. Service. An Elton representative programme several times In these big money days it He experiments on the set list is quoted saying: "We have between other famous people has been a fantastic PHOTOS every other show. Elton's accountants who deal with these and their partners. David talks achievement to get promoted, ... of the Wembley Stadium reported rehearsing Amazes Me, things and I'm sure they just about his relationship and life but it will be an even bigger concert in June 98 (without Billy Come Down In Time and haven't gotten the forms yet." with Elton, telling us that Elton task to stay up. Hopefully, Joel). Please write to: Mark Believe. Surprisingly, Elton Meanwhile, attorneys for EJAF was very protective towards him Watford FC will not be Snape, 6 Dundonald Road, replaces The Last Song with fire back at the AIDS activists. in the beginning. Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9TB, UK. Candle In The Wind at University

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 5 NEWS BULLETS... HEART IN THE RIGHT

Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site PLACE...

DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART... Fan and Club Member David Wright gives us his views, with some interesting facts, about Elton's recent heart operation..... ews of Elton’s illness every postponed show. "My his shoulder. Doctors have given Well, didn’t Elton give us all a scare? When the Italian concerts were spread fast, and within 24 doctors have ordered me to rest him a two-month convalescence cancelled due to heat-stroke my first reaction was “silly so-and-so, he’s hours of having an for the rest of the month and I period in total." old enough and ugly enough to know how much sun and heat he can N will not therefore be able to play Mr Barrett said Sir Elton must operation to install a pacemaker cope with!” When he then had an ear infection I began to wonder if on July 9th, we were pleased to at any of the concerts planned rest to allow the wires attached something was really wrong. Then the pacemaker operation was see EJ walking out of hospital, this month'', Elton explained. to the pacemaker to become announced and I am sure many fans were seriously worried. The media and laughing and joking with the On behalf of all his fans embedded inside his heart. coverage I saw gave some of the information but didn’t answer all the waiting press reporters the Hercules wishes Elton a full and General movements, even those questions I wanted to ask. So I spoke to one the world’s leading heart following morning. speedy recovery! as simple as brushing your hair surgeons, Dr Tony Rickards, for some help with the following facts: The hour long procedure was, (!!) could dislodge the wires, he by all appearances, a success. "I John Barrett, the charge nurse added. An incision would have 1. Elton has had a long history of 4. I was concerned that Elton 6. We were told that a simple feel very well," Elton told managing the cardiac floor of been made in the left side of the alcoholism, cocaine addiction and had gone back to Nice when movement such as brushing his reporters awaiting him in front of Wellington Hospital in north chest before wires were inserted bulimia but this is not likely to have his Windsor home is very close hair could dislodge the wires. London’s Wellington Hospital. London, said Sir Elton was fine into the heart. The wires are then contributed to his recent scare. to the London clinic. However, This brought images of him "I'm a bit stiff, a bit sore, but and there were no problems with attached to the battery-operated there are complications with tiptoeing around forever, but it is 2. If his heart problem had not everything went really well. It the operation. "I would expect no pacemaker. less than 1% of pacemaker only a concern for the first 48 been diagnosed, he would have came as a bit of a shock, but the complications. The procedure is Sir Elton described the patients. hours. operation was a simple very simple and less than 1% of operation in which his started fainting with the danger procedure, the only thing I really patients get a complication." pacemaker was fitted: "It was a 2- of death. 5. Dr Rickards has patented 7. A pacemaker lasts for 8 to 10 several pacemakers himself years and would then need regret is cancelling my shows.'' Sir Elton: "Thank God for the hour operation, but I was 3. I cringed at the thought of local but Elton is not carrying one replacing. (referring to the open-air UK British medical system" conscious for the last 25 anaesthetic for such an operation, of his. shows, which were subsequently The BBC's Lisa Holland: "He minutes.... but I was in no pain but apparently this is normal! 8. And now the big one. re-scheduled for the beginning of is now well on the way to whatsoever. I could chat to the Pacemaker patients can expect to September) recovery. Sir Elton has been surgeons as they finished." return to a normal life quite What was first thought to be given strict orders not to make The life expectancy of a quickly. It concerned me that the result of heat stroke, then an any sudden movements to ensure pacemaker is between eight and Elton does not lead a normal life! ear infection, finally was that the wires attached to his 10 years. He has an incredibly busy diagnosed as an irregular heart become properly schedule and hasn’t stopped heartbeat. "Literally, I was on the embedded. He will be unable to See page 25 for more touring for several years. We plane to David and Victoria's play tennis or play the piano for information on Elton's have seen backstage footage of wedding, but I was ill and had to at least two weeks, because he pacemaker him fighting for breath. On top of have some tests," Elton said. "But must not lift his left arm above that there have been film scores I was given the all-clear so went and musicals. Whilst composing back to France, with medication and recording are probably not for an ear-infection." too stressful, performing is “Then I was playing tennis in physically very demanding. It the afternoon when David seriously worried me that if he (Furnish) suddenly rushed down doesn’t slow his schedule down to the court and said ‘You have he could finish himself off. Should to stop playing, your doctor’s he slow down or stop been on the phone - there’s a performing? Dr Rickards says problem with your heart’..... so I “Let him carry on.” immediately flew back to 9. Elton’s life expectancy is no hospital in London.” different than it was before. An official statement from Elton said the only downside of wearing a pacemaker "is that I I would like to express my have to carry a card explaining thanks to Dr Rickards for his help. why I set off the alarms when I Also, if Elton reads this and thinks I am being intrusive or walk through airport security. I critical of his lifestyle, I hope I am will resume a normal lifestyle not. Like all fans, I was simply after a couple of months rest. Life concerned and, it goes without will get back to normal." saying I wish him all the very best Elton promised to reschedule Elton waves to fans as he leaves hospital for a full recovery.

4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 25 PUFFING LIKE A GRAND OLD LADY... Strong FROM THE EDITOR... Hello. I love the new design and the name for the Hercules quarterly, now called "The Mag"! Thank you for a reaction to job well done. I did find one tiny error, though. In the last issue (#47), there was an article about Dusty Springfield site exists. The quarterly fanzine is ("You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" by George new-look a great way to catch up on Elton’s Matlock) which contained an omission that I think you and recent news stories, collector’s EJ's fans might have missed. Mr. Matlock stated that Dusty articles, and to read about fellow appeared as a background singer on only one album Hercules he big news this season has EJ fans experiences over the years, (Tumbleweed Connection). I guess he forgot about when been Elton’s health scare but if you need more immediate she, along with Clyde King, Sherlie Matthews, and Jessie Tand heart operation - he information, please read page 23 Mae Smith, sang background vocals on "The Bitch Is Back" Fanzine certainly had us all worried for a for more details. (Caribou). I'm sure that it was an honest mistake, but one while! But the good news is that We are delighted to announce that needed to be acknowledged. Who, besides me, takes Well, it seems as though you he is well on the way to a full new, better, discounts for the time to read and remember every little detail of the love your new-look Hercules recovery, and has already Hercules members on Elton album credits anyway? Well, I'm looking forward to the fanzine! We received a great returned to work, performing a merchandise from Wrap It Up! next issue of "The Mag" with many more to come. response from you after the June private concert in Florida just From August 1, 1999, fans can Dixie Lily (Ed’s note: yes, really!), USA issue of The Mag was published weeks after the surgery. Elton enjoy a universal 10% discount - here are just a few of your also plans to record a new studio on orders they place - just quote comments... album this year, for release in the "Hercules Universe" when Spring. See our news pages for ordering from Alan. AND IT’S TIMES LIKE THESE WHEN WE ALL I thought the last issue of more information about the Thanks for all your letters and NEED TO HEAR THE RADIO..... Hercules was absolutely brilliant. pacemaker operation. opinions about the new-look It now has an even more Hercules organised a "Get well fanzine - it appears you really like professional look and it’s soon book" on behalf of fans - it! You can read some of the When I was asked to come on a radio show recently, I and we received many letters, comments I received on page 26. mentioned to them Hercules was the name of Elton's certainly worthy of the musical superstar we all love so much. cards and presents from you for For the next issue - I would like to international fan club, when talking about Elton's full Keep up the good work! Elton. All of your get well wishes hear from you about a certain name. This was a 30 minute long interview on one of D Hewett, UK were forwarded to EJ via his topic; over the years I know lots

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THE TO LETTERS France's biggest radio networks - France Inter, on a show office. of you have seen Elton in concert called "Hexagonal Pursuit". Nice job on the new Mag There are many benefits of many times. I would like to hear I was interviewed as a fan and a specialist of Elton's with better paper and color belonging to Hercules - and one about your thoughts on Elton’s career. The journalists were very impressed about how cover. My preference as an EJ of them is the regular meetings performances during his well- knowledgeable I am on this subject! They couldn't find fan is the Hercules Mag over any and conventions which we documented and self-confessed any question I couldn't answer. It was a great experience. others available out there, which organise. These can vary from just years of drug abuse. Olivier Flous, France at present have no direction. a few like-minded people having Do you think the drugs Ed’s note: Thank you Olivier for remembering Hercules contents are what EJ a chat over a drink - to much affected his performances and Hercules. Many fans go to pieces when asked about Elton fans really want to read. Once larger conventions with have his concerts improved since by media. If you're on radio, tv, or a newspaper, please again, good job. competitions and raffles etc. Some he recovered from his addictions? remember to mention Hercules like Olivier did. Fooska, USA UK members decided to carry on I, for one, remember coming out with their gathering at a venue of a few shows in the late ’80s Love the new look. I drooled close to Leeds Castle, although wondering whether he had Send your letters to Tammi Law, Editor (address on when I took The Mag out of the Elton’s concert planned for that deliberately sung a certain verse page 2) or e.mail her at [email protected]. mailing envelope. Impressive evening had been cancelled just twice…….! I’ll print some of the and a big boost for HERCULES. two days earlier due to his illness. replies in the next issue - I look LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS Very pleasing to the eyes and You can read details of this get- forward to hearing from you. The easier to read. Graphics are together, along with others on address to write to is on page 2. 1) Tonight 7) Better off dead always a good reference point And finally, we have two new 2) I guess that's why they call it the blues 8) I never knew her name pages 18 and 19. Also in this 3) Candle in the wind 9) Love lies bleeding when trying to quickly find the issue we announce our plans for members of the Hercules team, to 4) Curtains 10) Club at the end of the street text again. Looking forward to our first ever international fan offer you an even better service! 5) Runaway train 11) Amy many more issues. Keep those convention. For French-speaking fans, we 6) Latitude 12) Hymn 2000 printing presses rolling! We realise that the majority of have Francoise Linden-Gilles, and Reggie Zippo, USA people who read The Mag do not Urpu Kallio, who lives in Finland, has become the Nordic PLEASE REMEMBER... have access to the Internet, and it Thank you so much for the can be a bit frustrating to keep representative. ALWAYS state your membership number if you send a cheque to great coloured magazine issue reading about our Web site for Hercules, or pay into one of the Club accounts. for June 99. I appreciate you those who have not yet seen it. taking the time, and look However, as it is part of the ALWAYS let us know the expiry date of the card, and the forward to hearing more about service which Hercules provides, cardholders name. Sir Elton soon! we feel that it is important that E Perry, N Ireland you are made aware that the Web (photos: C Hochmuth, June 1999)

26 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 3 Fanzine of FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND the Elton John HERCULES is very sad to report the THE MAG Fan Club passing of a very dear friend of many Hercules members and staff, as well as many Elton fans worldwide. Keith Levine of New York City died on August 22, 1999 TOURPlans & Rumours DATES Issue No. 48 at the young age of 38. He has left FAN CLUB INFORMATION many broken hearts among his SEPTEMBER 1999 friends. We will always remember SOLO PIANO TOUR EUROPE Annual membership fee is £14 in the UK/Europe HERCULES Chief Editor all he did for us, in getting together and £17/US$30 for the USA and Rest of the World. Tammi Law EJ fans on many occasions in the 4-Sept-99 ...... Maidstone, Kent, UK. Leeds Castle (open air) 49 Horseshoe Crescent, 1980's and 90's. Please note that your renewal date is printed on Peatmoor Keith, you will be missed so much. 5-Sept-99 ...... Maidstone, Kent, UK. Leeds Castle (open air) your address label in European format Swindon SN5 5AX, U.K. day/month/year. Tel. +44 (0)1793 881 264 6-Sept-99 ...... Maidstone, Kent, UK. Leeds Castle (open air) [email protected] Please note that if you have paid your Membership Fee by Credit Card, your Membership passes are available from your local Editorial Assistants: card will automatically be charged George Matlock SOLO PIANO TOUR USA HERCULES department: send a small photo of Barbara Turner again for the renewal fee, at the end of yourself when requesting your pass. David Wright your membership year. If your card has 23-Sept-99 ...... Jacksonville, FL. Coliseum expired in the meantime, or if you Urpu Kallio have switched companies, please 24-Sept-99 ...... Atlanta, GA. Phillips Arena Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton (Hercules Nordic) forward your new Credit Card John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. Francoise Linden-Gilles 28-Sep-99...... Springfield, IL. tba (Hercules Francais) details to Hercules Letters will be passed on if necessary. Coordination in time for your 29-Sep-99...... Rockford, IL. Metro Center Design: next renewal. HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in Turnstyle Design 01-Oct-99 ...... Champaign-Urbana, IL. Assembly Hall March, June, September and December. In event of Translations: 02-Oct-99 ...... Moline, IL. Sabine Asenkirschbaumer ...... Mark Of The Quad Cities Arena circumstances beyond our control, there is no Stefanie Ganter guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in Mireille Mölbert 05-Oct-99...... Madison, WI. tba CONTENTS English and German. For subscription details, 15-Oct-99 ...... New York, NY please write to your local ...... Madison Square Garden FEATURES Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' HERCULES department or to HERCULES Coordinaton: Elton John & Hercules opinions. All information is based on the best of 16-Oct-99 ...... New York, NY. at Halle ...... 8 knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only HERCULES Coordination ...... Madison Square Garden Heart in the right by prior arrangement with HERCULES. c/o Stephan Heimbecher place... Orleansstr. 59 Insight into D-81667 München, SMASH HITS / MISCELLANEOUS pacemakers ...... 12 Member participation is always welcome. We are GERMANY Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 I don’t have much thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, 21-Sept-99 ...... Kansas City, KS. Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 ...... Missouri Municipal Auditorium, money, but if I did articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Please [email protected] Elton discusses his send them to the Editor, Tammi Law or to the Fan ...... Smash Hits Tennis Tournament ‘mis-managed funds’ 10 HERCULES Fan Adviser Looking like a True Adviser. Please understand that we cannot always c/o Mireille Mölbert 25-Sept-99 ...... Las Vegas, NV Survivor publish all contributions. Zaunweg 11 ...... MGM Grand Arena, Part 2 of our exclusive D-80805 München, ...... Andre Agassi's Grand Slam Charlie Morgan GERMANY interview ...... 12 UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute) Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 Yet another USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843 [email protected] ELTON JOHN & TINA TURNER overnight drive HERCULES USA/Canada continuing John Web site http://www.eltonfan.com 30-Dec-99...... Las Vegas, Jorgenson’s tour c/o Sharon Kalinoski ...... NV Thomas & Mack Center diary...... 20 P.O. Box 398 COPYRIGHT: HERCULES La Grange, IL 60525, USA [email protected] REGULARS TOUR 2000 Between 17 and 20 Deadline for Issue No. 49 HERCULES U.K. Elton trivia & gossip ..18 is 1 November 1999 P.O. Box 315 18-June-00 Prague, Czech Republic, t.b.a. Club Information ...... 2 Richmond ...... (postponed from June 30, 1999) Convention Reports...... 18 No. 49 will be released Surrey TW9 3QX, UK [email protected] Kaleidoscope Eyes 1 December 1999 EJ’s TV & Video HERCULES Benelux appearances ...... 14 c/o Arjen Buikstra Letters to the Editor...... 26 Sav. Lohmannstr. 1 NL-3214 XA Zuidland Lyric Quiz ...... 15 Backcover: Tel. +31 (0)1881 451511 News Bullets ...... 4 Elton at Halle [email protected] Small ads ...... 24 (Photo: Jimmie Collins) Assistant: Tim Blezer Take Me Down To HERCULES Italy The Ocean - Watford’s new strip - with c/o Luca Zerbini 1999~2000 This is no official tour schedule, EJ web site reviews ....16 thanks to Peter Cook & Via Scheiwiller n.9/A Watford FC web site Smash Hits Auction Dec.'98 as it also includes rumoured and unconfirmed dates. Tour Dates ...... 27 I-20139 Milano, ITALY [email protected] (Photo: Sharon Kalinoski) Watford Watch ...... 24

2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 48. September 1999 27 since 1988

THE MAG

inside this issue:

News of Eltons health scare The split with John Reid Review: Solo Tour Exclusive interview with Charlie Morgan Announcing: First Ever For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, Worldwide callers in the UK can call the Convention HERCULESHERCULES HotlineHotline onon 09060906 888888 2020 2020 Calls cost 60p per minute anytime September 1999 Issue No: 48

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