since 1988

THE MAG

inside this issue: EXCLUSIVE interview with Elton speaks about the current music scene How TV appearances have influenced Elton's career New Elton candles European tour report & set list What does EJ think of the fans?

Plus News, Lyric Quiz, Your letters, Small Ads, Cartoons, Photos, Tour Dates and more!

June 2002 Issue No: 59 Fanzine of the THE MAG Fan Club

Issue No. 59 FAN CLUB INFORMATION JUNE 2002 HERCULES Chief Editor IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MEMBERS Tammi Law 49 Horseshoe Crescent From 1st January 2002, membership rates will be Peatmoor charged in Euro. Fees will be: Swindon SN5 5AX Europe: Euro 20 Rest of the World: Euro 35 UNITED KINGDOM [email protected] Please be sure to change any standing orders Hercules is a registered member accordingly if you are paying into one of our accounts. Editorial Assistants: of the National Association of Barbara Turner, Michael S English Fan Clubs Design: Turnstyle Design Annual membership fee for the UK is £14 if paid by Translations: Standing Order/VISA/Mastercard. By Cheque/Postal Sabine Asenkerschbaumer Order it is £15. For the rest of Europe it is £14, and Mireille Mölbert for the USA it is 17£/US$30. Please note that your For subscription details, please renewal date is printed on your address label in write to your local HERCULES European format day/month/year. department or to HERCULES Coordinaton: Membership passes are available from your local HERCULES department: send a small photo of yourself when requesting your pass. HERCULES Coordination CONTENTS c/o Stephan Heimbecher Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton Berg-am-Laim-Str. 87 John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. D-81673 München, Letters will be passed on if necessary. GERMANY FEATURES Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 HERCULES is a quarterly publication released in Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 Gus Dudgeon [email protected] talks to Hercules ...... 14 March, June, September and December. In event of circumstances beyond our control, there is no HERCULES Fan Adviser Lunch around the guarantee for punctual shipment. It is published in c/o Mireille Mölbert world ...... 23 Albrechtstr. 32 English and German. D-80636 München, Newsnight Interview ....18 GERMANY Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 St Petersburg Times opinions. All information is based on the best of [email protected] knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only Face to Face revue ....13 HERCULES USA/Canada by prior arrangement with HERCULES. Barb Crowley Tell what the PO Box 692392 papers say...... 21 Member participation is always welcome. We are ORLANDO thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, FL 32869-2392 TV camera never lies....10 articles, photos, drawings, [email protected] What does he really and suggestions. Please HERCULES U.K. think of us ...... 20 send them to the Editor, PLEASE REMEMBER... c/o David Wright Tammi Law. Please 100 Winkworth Road When the rain set in... understand that we cannot ALWAYS state your Banstead SM7 2QR Verona concert always publish all membership no. if you UNITED KINGDOM review ...... 9 contributions. All photos send a cheque to [email protected] will be returned. Hercules, or pay into one of the Club accounts. HERCULES Benelux Web site c/o Tim Blezer ALWAYS let us know the Pastoor Pendersstraat 8 http://www.eltonfan.net 6262 PA banholt REGULARS expiry date of the card, and COPYRIGHT: HERCULES the cardholders name. Tel. +31 (0)43 4571703 Club Information ...... 2 Please note that if you have paid [email protected] Deadline for Issue No. 60 your Membership Fee by Credit News Bullets ...... 4 is 10 August 2002 Card, your card will HERCULES automatically be charged again c/o Luca Zerbini Lyric Quiz ...... 21 No. 60 will be released for the renewal fee, at the end Via Scheiwiller n.9/A September 2002 of your membership year. If I-20139 Milano, ITALY Membership Matters ....24 your card has expired in the [email protected] Front cover pic: meantime, or if you have Letters to the Editor...... 26 Elton shares a relaxed switched companies, please HERCULES Nordic moment as he prepares to forward your new Credit Card Urpu Kallio Small ads ...... 27 address the US Senate with a Uudenklänpolku details to Hercules Coordination 05200 Rajämaki ground breaking speech in time for your next renewal. Tour Dates ...... 27 regarding funding for AIDS FINLAND research, April 11 2002 email: [email protected] 2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club FROM THE

ello and EDITOR... Hwelcome to the summer issue of The Mag, number 59.

The big news this quarter is Elton’s tour with the band, which started in Australia and received rave reviews for the 9 sell-out arena gigs. The tour is currently heading across Europe, see page 27 for details of the dates. On page 9 we have a review of the first European show, with details of the set list.

As most of you will know, the fanzine will be finishing later this year. Please read the details of your remaining membership fee details, and how the changes at Hercules will be affecting you, on page 24.

Elton often seems to be involved in many areas of current affairs these days, not just the music industry. His interest in fashion and art is well documented, and recently he addressed the US Senate as his interest in fund raising for Aids research and politics grows. As a result of these many interests, he is often seen on our TV screens. We have a light hearted look back over Elton’s many TV appearances in the US over the years, and how television helped launch his career, in our specially written article on page 10.

We are very excited that Gus Dudgeon, who had such an influence on Elton’s early career, chose to speak to Hercules recently. Read part one of our exclusive interview on page 14, where Gus reveals what Elton’s famous temperament was like in the early days. Part two of this fascinating interview will follow in our September issue.

Thanks for all your letters and please continue to send them in. I look forward to seeing many of you at Elton’s forthcoming UK shows later this summer. I hope that those of you lucky enough to be seeing Elton and the band during their current tour have a fantastic time! Photograph: J Young J Photograph:

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 3 Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website

ELTON AND BAND KICK OFF ELTON SLAMS UK GOVERNMENT ELTON QUITS WATFORD EUROPEAN SUMMER TOUR 2002 OVER AIDS Elton has resigned as chairman of Watford, ending a After a short holiday to Elton has said the UK 25-year association with the recover from the success of both Government should be English first division club. "With the Face to Face AND the "ashamed" of its record on Aids the huge changes taking place in Australian tour, Elton and the spending. He appealed to the football, it is obviously necessary band kicked off their European British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for the board to be led by a summer tour 2002 in , to pile more cash into the fight chairman who will be able to against the disease. Elton turned devote more time to the club , on May 22. The tour will on the Government and said: than I have been able to," Elton continue with shows in Italy, "They should be thoroughly said in a statement on the club's , , , ashamed of themselves. I did Web site. , Finland, , vote for them, but I'm disgusted "The directors will now Germany, Netherlands, with the way the health service commence their search for a , , the UK and in is operating and to successor and I am sure that they Ireland. Surprises in the set list someone who is passionate about will find the right person who included Holiday Inn and Have Aids, every year seeing the will be able to devote time and Mercy on The Criminal. See amount of aid money allocated energy to leading the club to Aids go down is not good." through these difficult times," report on page 9 for more details added Elton. Elton, who returned Speaking in on May of the set list. to Watford five years ago, has 19th, where he was attending the also resigned as a director of the fundraising Life Ball, Elton said: "I club. QUEEN'S JUBILEE CONCERT would appeal to the Government Watford's chief executive Tim and Tony Blair to say, come on, Shaw thanked the singer for his ON VIDEO we had a great record on Aids role in overseeing Watford's rise when we first started. That record from the old fourth division in Don’t worry if you missed is now not as good as it was the late 1970s to the upper Queen Elizabeth's jubilee under the Thatcher government. reaches of the first division. "On concerts, you'll still be able to You should be ashamed of behalf of the club and all its see Elton’s performance on yourselves - you're socialists, or supporters, I want to thank Elton video. "Party at the Palace" on so you're supposed to be." for everything he has done," June 3, celebrated the 76-year- A Department of Health Shaw said in a statement. "There old monarch's 50 years on the spokesman defended the is no doubt that, without his throne. Held at Buckingham Government's funding record, vision, energy and investment, Palace, the concert included a insisting that spending on the club would never have made the progress that it has over the pre-recorded performance by HIV/Aids treatment ha actually last 25 years." Elton, who was unable to attend increased year on year. the live show due to touring commitments. He was the first CINEMA AGAINST AIDS ELTON A WINNER ON BROADWAY ever pop star to perform at Elton joined Elizabeth Taylor The League of American Buckingham Palace when he Theatres and Producers as they co-hosted a fund raising went there to record his announced the winners of the contribution in May. dinner for the American Second Annual National The official video of the Foundation for AIDS Research's Broadway Theatre Awards Cinema Against AIDS, on May event will also include (NBTAs) at a gala event on May 23. The other hosts at the dinner performances from Brian 20, in Manhattan. The Best in Cannes, France, were Sharon Musical award went to Elton’s Wilson, Eric Clapton, Paul Stone, David Lynch and Iman. McCartney, Phil Collins, Rod , which received a total of Elton helped raise more than five awards, including Best Actor Stewart, and Bryan Adams, who $1.6 million at the annual gala, Musical (Patrick Cassidy), Best all performed on the day of the leading revellers in full black-tie Actress in a Musical (Simone): concert. The video will be regalia in a rousing finale of Twist Aida led the pack with nine released on July 2. and Shout. nominations in total.

4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club ELTON AND DAVID ELTON PRAISES QUEEN ELIZABETH II THE GUINNESS BOOK OF AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL Elton admitted he doesn't BRITISH HIT SINGLES know whether Queen Elizabeth II Elton and made will like the music that he and To tie in with the publication the short trip down to the other rock stars perform for her of the latest edition of The Chopard party in Cannes from Golden Jubilee, but he's sure of Guinness Book of British Hit their villa in on May 17. one thing: she won't let on if she Singles on May 24, a poll of The couple told The Mirror over doesn't. "I don't know how much 31,000 people was dinner at the Majestic Hotel how the queen likes pop music," Elton commissioned. Candle in The they usually avoid the packed said in an interview on BBC Wind 97/Something About The Cannes Film Festival but wanted television on May 17. "She grins Way You Look Tonight came 21st. to pop into the jewellery firm's and bears it. She is probably the The list was headed by Bohemian bash for a couple of hours. best in the world at grinning and Rhapsody, Imagine and Hey Jude "We're so pleased to see you," bearing it at every occasion, in the top 3 places. Elton told Jessica Callan."I have whether it's Maori dancing or been reading all about you girls pop music. I feel so sorry for her in Heat magazine and I have one when she goes to all these BENEFIT SHOW IN ERFURT thing to say - I want to hear more different countries, has to stand Elton has decided to donate gossip about you!" David let us there and watch things, and she the royalties of his forthcoming in on Elton's favourite bit of the must be bored out of her mind concert in Erfurt, Germany, on night at Posh and Becks's World half the time." But, he said, she Cup party last week. He said: June 16th to the victims of the never shows that "because she is school massacre. He got the "Elton loved meeting all the such a professional." footballers. They're his favourite news about the tragic event while guys." he was on tour in Australia. "I was deeply shocked when I saw POSH & BECKS THROW CELEBRITY the coverage on CNN," Elton THIS IS YOUR NEW SONG PARTY said. "It is hard to imagine the emotions of the people on site if Elton has re-recorded his Elton and David were guests you are so far away, on a classic hit as the at their close friends’ party, when different continent. I wanted to official song of Sport Relief, sister England soccer captain David show my solidarity with the charity campaign to Comic Beckham and his pop singer wife victims and their families when Relief. Elton has teamed up with Victoria threw a celebrity- me and my band come to opera star Alessandro Safina to studded dinner on May 12, to Germany, especially as we will perform the rousing duet, raise money for a children's be coming directly to Erfurt." released in the UK on July 1. The charity. Dozens of stars attended song - recently voted Elton's all- the lavish Japanese-themed time best song by fans - was garden party at the couple's ELTON HOSTS WEDDING recorded in New York in early mansion in the UK countryside, May. Elton commented: "I first nicknamed Beckingham Palace. Elton made himself at home at recorded Your Song in 1969 and Guests, who were asked to dress the glittering wedding of Sun it has always been one of my in "white tie and diamonds" columnist Jane Moore – after all, most popular. I know some included many of England's it was in his own house. The purists will think it wrong to re- World Cup soccer squad, tennis singer hosted the ceremony as record it, but I think this version star Greg Rusedski, designer Jane tied the knot with Sony with Alessandro Safina is Vivienne Westwood and actress music chief Gary Farrow at his inspiring. Sport has the power to Joan Collins. Elton and David mansion at Old Windsor, on May change people's lives and, joined the Beckhams on the top 4. Later Elton and David joined hopefully, people like me who table, and Elton was asked to the couple and 200 guests for the live for music and sport can use deputise for them by greeting the reception at top hotel their passion to help make real 300 guests at the door. Claridges. changes to the lives of others."

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 5 Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website

AN AUDIENCE WITH LULU ELTON ADDRESSES US SENATE VIRGIN MEGASTORE IN Lulu’s new album Together MELBOURNE was released on May 20 on Mercury Records, and includes a Fireworks, an LA-style fanfare track named Teardrops, a duet and a brief appearance from with Elton. Other artists who Elton marked the opening of the appear on the album, a collection Virgin Megastore in Melbourne, of duets, include Paul McCartney Australia. Elton flew into and Sting. A TV special, "An Melbourne from New York on the Audience With Lulu" was shown morning of April 16, 2002, for on ITV1 on May 18; Elton joined the start of his Australian Tour. the Scottish singer on stage to Flanked by bodyguards, he said perform Teardrops, and the pair nothing as he walked on to a performed a fantastically energetic live version. specially built stage to join Sir Richard Branson in officially opening the South Yarra store. A THE BODYGUARD bemused Elton waved to the One of Elton's former crowds while Sir Richard sprayed employees has made a career champagne, which nearly hit the change. Alf Weaver is the author musical superstar. of ''The First Rock'n'Roll Elton told a U.S. Senate panel Bodyguard''. , Jimi on April 11 that the world's FASHION GODS BY DAVID Hendrix, Liza Minnelli, David richest nation must do more to Bowie, Sonny and Cher, and stop the world's worst epidemic. FURNISH Marc Bolan were among his Elton had never addressed a According to UK newspaper other clients. Weaver discusses political body before and he said reports, Victoria and David drug dealers, the press and Live in an interview before the hearing Beckham have allowed film Aid as well. Although hardly that he was quite nervous. But he cameras inside their comprehensive - and Elton testified eloquently about the Hertfordshire mansion for David doesn’t feature - the book is still global scourge, which has already Furnish, who is making a an entertaining read. claimed some 25 million lives. "This is the government of the documentary about the fashion richest nation in history and I'm industry for Channel 4. With a EMINEM THE JOKER here asking you for more money working title of Fashion Gods, it The duet between Eminem to stop the worst epidemic in is described as a sequel to and Elton at the Grammy Awards history," he told the Senate Tantrums and Tiaras. Behind-the- show last year all started as a Health, Education, Labor and scenes access to the fashion joke, according to the rapper. The Pensions committee. You can see houses of Versace and Gucci has two performed Stan, Eminem's the transcript of Elton's speech on already been filmed and is song about a deranged fan. our website www.eltonfan.net expected to feature spectacular Eminem tells "Access Hollywood" OLD VIC THEATRE CHIEF displays of prima-donna he had considered boycotting the behaviour by some famous Grammys because of the Elton has taken over as names. David has already filmed controversy over the alleged anti- chairman of the Old Vic Theatre backstage at the Oscar night gay sentiments in his lyrics. He Trust. The formation of the trust party held by Elton: "Elton was told an executive for his record has ensured the future of the supposed to be dressed for the label that he wouldn't go to the historic West End venue. Elton bash by Donatella Versace, but Grammys unless Elton John went replaces Lord Bernstein in the too. Eminen called the remark "a key position. Elton said: "I am she kept him waiting for three stab in the dark," to get out of proud to join the Old Vic Theatre hours while he wandered up and going. But Eminem said the Trust as the new chairman. I am down in his dressing gown record executive called back and immensely excited about getting more and more upset. It's said "We can get him" - and the contributing to the future of this apparently very funny indeed," rest is Grammy history. great theatre." said a Channel 4 source.

6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club ELTON PLAYS "FANTASY HIT SHOPPING DOWN UNDER ELTON LIKES "MALLS AND MOVIES" LIST" GAME The Sun newspaper reported Don't be surprised if you run on April 22 that Elton has gone into Elton at your local mall or Elton enjoys playing an movie theater. That's where he imaginary game show in which on one of his legendary spending sprees during his sell-out tour of likes to spend his free time when the people he hates are shot he's performing on tour in the dead. The singer plays the fantasy Australia. He spent £350,000 on artwork in Adelaide and USA. "I go to the mall or the game with friends. He told Heat cinema and see a movie or see Melbourne including £50,000 on magazine: "We discuss who we'd two movies," Elton told People like to kill. We have this game a single painting. magazine for its March 11 issue. called Culling. It's like an "To me, that's a luxury - to go to imaginary TV show where the the cinema in America at 1 pm." host has a loaded gun and he AIDA BIRTHDAY ON BROADWAY He said he also tries to keep tracks down someone we Aida celebrated its second fit while he's on the road. "I put nominate and kills him." birthday on Broadway on March on weight very easily," he said. "I Asked to disclose who is on play tennis maybe four or five his imaginary hit list, Elton said: 23. To help celebrate the show's anniversary, Elton visited the times a week, and I take a tennis "No! I'll get into trouble. I'm pro on the road because I get advocating killing people here!" company backstage. He also bored in a gym and I don't like But he admitted: "There are a few stayed to watch the musical and the treadmill very much - but I'll tabloid journalists I could received a standing ovation from do it under pressure." mention. That's all I'll say. Some the audience during intermission. of them don't deserve to live." Aida is being performed at the Elton also said he never uses Palace Theatre which is located at OSCAR-NIGHT BENEFIT PARTY the internet - despite starring in a Broadway and 47th Street. Elton hosted his 10th Oscar- Royal Mail advert last Christmas night benefit party at Moomba in to promote online shopping. In West Hollywood on March 24, to the interview, Elton gives a rare NEW MUSICAL? benefit his Aids Foundation. insight into his relationship with The New York Post reported "We're not taking over from the David. Despite having five Vanity Fair party," Elton said. "The homes packed with works of art, on April 25, that Elton is considering a musical production Vanity Fair party is the party to Elton says his most treasured go to. We raise money for a good of the box-office hit movie "Billy possession is a photograph, "It's a cause as well. They spend picture of David when he was a Elliot" for the financially troubled millions on their party. We don't little boy and it's by my bed," he Old Vic in London. spend anything on ours." This said. "It's not worth anything, but year's event raised a record to me it's worth everything." $500,000, aided by a $175,000 ELTON AND BERNIE TO BE donation from M.A.C. Cosmetics' ELTON RECALLS TEEN YEARS HONOURED AIDS Fund. Elton says that he was hardly Elton John and Bernie ’S STEWART BROWN a catch in high school. When he will be honoured in Britain with was a teenager he was "nerdy, the Music Industry Trusts' Dinner We are sad to report that obsessed with music and Award 2002 in recognition of the Stewart Brown died in April after overweight. Nothing's changed!" duo's vast contribution to music suffering from a heart condition he says. Eventually, though, the in the UK. The award will be for some years. Stewart preoccupation with music led to performed at the Hercules presented at the 11th Music his career and to fame. Elton says convention at The Cavern in that along with that came the Industry Trust Dinner at London's last year which saw the autograph seekers. He says he Grosvenor House on November reunion of Elton’s old band for enjoys giving autographs but 4, 2002, when more than 1,000 the first time in 33 years. All at thinks there are some times when guests from the worlds of music Hercules would like to express a fan should perhaps hold back, and entertainment will be on our sympathies to Stewart's like when he is at the movies or hand to honour and celebrate the partner, Suzy, and all his friends in the men's room. pair's achievements. and family.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 7 Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Website

HONEY MAN FINALLY RELEASED LIZA MINELLI'S WEDDING BITE YOUR LIP! On October 30, Universal On March 13 Elton spoke of Records released a 4 CD box his excitement at attending Liza set of Cat Stevens songs, which Minnelli's wedding, despite included the very rare Honey admitting that he prefers Man duet with Elton. For years, funerals. He was among a host Elton John fans have been of stars including Sir Anthony listening to the substandard Hopkins, Michael Douglas and version of Honey Man on Elizabeth Taylor at the New York various bootleg releases. The nuptials when Liza wed audio quality of the bootleg American music producer David version was very grainy with a Gest. "I can't wait for the lot of static. The version on this wedding. It will be fantastic, box set, however, is superb, absolutely amazing. It's unusual superior, and far out shines all for me to look forward to a previously unauthorized wedding, normally I hate them," releases. Although Universal's Elton said on GMTV. "I would press release only mentions that normally rather go to a good Elton provided piano for Honey funeral than a wedding. At least Man, he in fact sings the lead then you are paying a tribute to vocals during all of the verses someone's life rather than a and joins in on the Chorus. American cosmetics depressing wedding where you company, M.A.C., has featured know it won't last more than a year and a half. Some are Elton in their latest AIDS fund ELTON & RYAN different though and special and campaign, which also features this one will definitely be that". Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson and Mary J. Blige. In March, the company launched their Viva Glam IV lipstick at F2F SHOWS POSTPONED stores across the USA. All Elton and Ryan Adams, Elton and Billy Joel proceeds from the Frosted Rose rockers separated by a cancelled all remaining USA And Gold Shimmer lipstick will generation, mingled their "Face to Face" shows in March benefit services for men, country and rock 'n' roll and April on the strict order of influences in April as they paid women, and children affected Billy Joel's doctor. The shows by AIDS/HIV. homage to their heroes and to each other's music at an have been re-scheduled for intimate Nashville performance September and October in the Grand Ole Opry House's 2002. Please see page 27 RAINFOREST FOUNDATION Studio A. The show was a for details. taping for Crossroads, a new BENEFIT CONCERT show on country video network CMT that teams a country artist Elton, Sting, James Taylor, with a rock artist to explore and Ravi Shankar were just common influences and make some of the performers for the new, largely unpredictable annual Rainforest Foundation music. The set featured a striking Benefit Concert at New York's Adams vocal lead on Tiny Carnegie Hall on April 13. The Dancer. The two also collaborated on classic country event is produced yearly by songs such as Jim Reeves' He'll Rainforest Foundation co- Have To Go and the rock’n’roll founder (and Sting's wife) Trudie classic Jerry Lee Lewis' Great Styler. Balls of Fire.

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Elton John and band perform a wet show at Verona's arena on May 25, 2002 Report and photos by Stephan Heimbecher when the rain set in...

THE COMPLETE SET LIST:

t was a hot day in Verona, but encore, Don't Let The Sun Go Funeral For A Friend/Love Ithe rain set in approximately Down On Me. Lies Bleeding 90 minutes before the show As far as the musical started at 9.00 pm sharp. highlights of the evening are Although it had stop raining by concerned, one has to mention Daniel the time Elton and the band Ballad Of The Boy With The Red Someone Saved My Life Tonight came onto the stage, it came Shoes and the wonderful back an hour later during I version of Holiday Inn. The Ballad Of The Boy With The Guess That's Why The Call It The Ryan Adams cover Oh My Red Shoes Blues. And it didn't stop until Sweet Carolina sounded like it Philadelphia Freedom the show was over. was written by Elton himself. The Wasteland From a musical point of view, it Just before Elton kicked off a Rocket Man set of solo songs with Candle In was great to hear American The Wind members of his crew Triangle ending with the same I Guess That's Why They Call ... had to wrap the piano and all note that started Have Mercy I Want Love On The Criminal, although it other band instruments in order This Train Don't Stop There... to keep them dry. Elton was seemed kind of odd to combine already wet at that time, as was these two songs that way when the keyboard of his piano, and looking at the lyrics. most parts of the stage. Later in Elton was in a great mood, as Sacrifice the show he ironically dedicated was the band who he introduced Original Sin to "the people who as "The Subterrainians". And it Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest built the stage". "This is the was like so many times before: Oh My Sweet Carolina wettest I've ever been", Elton The wetter the weather, the American Triangle said when returning for the first better the show was. Have Mercy On The Criminal Holiday Inn Original Sin I'm Still Standing

Don't Let The Sun ...

The audience take cover from the rain EJ’s piano is covered as he continues Your Song under plastic! to perform CITW

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 9 TV CAMERA NEVER LIES By Reggie Zippo Some critics say that Elton to be a hit. In fact, non-hit songs was born to be on TV as a great were encouraged. musical talent, in part because of This gave Elton the unique the outrageous, funny, animated, opportunity to let the TV and flamboyant way his stage audience in on what they were persona attracts fans of all ages. missing if they had not yet In addition, his heartfelt purchased the album. In this contributions to charity events, case it was "Madman Across The the controversial issues he Water". The only requirement to embraces, and the keen sense he be on the show was to have no has to present himself as fresh less than two albums already each time he ventures out into released. By this time, Elton the public eye are all qualities more than satisfied that that ensure a leading success. requirement with six albums But, most fans will argue that it is under his belt. simply his pure musical talent Jumping forward to 1975 and that has kept Elton in the many costume changes later, the forefront of TV since his USA "Cher" variety show introduced a fter television was debut on The Andy Williams side of Elton that was rarely seen A introduced to the Show in 1971. on TV up to that point. Along masses in 1939, musical On January 16, 1971, Elton with Cher and the talented Bette entertainers from all captured the nation's heart with Midler, Elton joined forces as a corners of the globe a solo version of Your Song, trio to sing a string of songs, have utilized this which was his first number one some of which were Elton's own medium in the USA to hit in the USA. There were no hits. However, when Elton came promote, jump start, antics, no strange costumes, and rolling out in an electric wheel enhance, and otherwise no band. It was just a bare chair dressed up as an aging old display their varied bones approach that mesmerized man to participate in a comedy talents to a hungry all who tuned in to watch the sketch about elderly rock stars, viewing audience. From program that evening. fans could hardly believe that he Liberace to ABBA, Elvis This was a very smart move was the same Rocket Man they to Madonna, and The on Elton's part. Following in the had previously adored on stage. Beatles to U2, the giants footsteps of Liberace, Elton's first Who was this convincing old and undiscovered talents priority was to gain a fan base for codger that kept Cher and Bette of the music industry his music. His off-the-wall stage laughing uncontrollably all have all had the personality would be gradually through the entire skit? He was opportunity to gain introduced to the public in years just Elton being his funny self! popularity and to come. Although Elton would In 1977, he would repeat this credibility through the later admit that he was extremely expression of funny antics on the small screen we all call nervous during this particular popular Muppet Show. Dressed TV. And, Elton John is performance, he appeared up as a colorful, flamboyant no exception! flawless and quite confident to chicken, Elton bopped his way the watchful eye of the TV studio through "Crocodile Rock" while camera. surrounded by many Muppet In England, Elton continued to characters, including a crocodile win fans over on TV in much the of course. Elton said that this same manner as he did in the was the most fun he had ever USA. On December 7, 1971, he had on a TV variety show, but he appeared on the popular "Old was quite intimidated when it Grey Whistle Test" musical came time to sing a duet of program to perform Tiny Dancer, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" which was not yet a major hit for with Miss Piggy. At first, Elton Elton. He later recalled that he forgot the words to the song and enjoyed this TV program in Miss Piggy stormed off after particular because of its saying that she was not used to approach in allowing the guests working with amateurs (she was to perform any song of their joking of course), but after choosing. The song didn't have several takes the pair pulled it off

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club with much success. Elton's only appearance on SNL. Indiana for an event that sold out While giving a September Elton did not totally abandon in 90 minutes. The concert was 1980 concert in Central Park, his lighter side, though. He televised live on The Nashville New York, TV viewers once again continued to wear outlandish Network, and a two-hour witnessed how well Elton could costumes for his concert highlight was rebroadcast to 10 poke fun at himself while performances. Following his stint million viewers on CBS. Elton dazzling everyone with his own with SNL, Elton released the sang Daniel and I'm Still brand of unique showmanship. classic video of I'm Still Standing, but it was his Candle In Donned in a Donald Duck Standing. In April 1983, the The Wind that brought tears to costume, Elton confidently world was literally exposed to everyone who witnessed the waddled out on stage to this very camp video creation event. thunderous applause. He could that featured an assortment of In the months leading up to barely contain himself from nearly naked young men dressed Farm Aid, Elton revealed his laughing, though, as he in body paint from head to toe. generosity as an artist by attempted to sing both fun and Elton later confessed that he becoming a surrogate father to serious songs. It was quite a was primarily drunk for most of AIDS victim Ryan White, who memorable event for everyone the video production and that he was in the final stages of the involved and Elton would later was extremely apprehensive disease by the time Elton had say that this event marked the about dancing in front of the agreed to perform at the concert. first time that he had ever cameras. His video acting has He dedicated the song to Ryan, required a police escort in New always been a bit stiff and but was shattered to learn that York. The sheer volume of fans unpolished, but at least he was Ryan had succumbed to the that had gathered in Central Park able to complete this video with disease the very next day. This that day made it impossible for FANtastic results. tragic news, along with his him to use his own security On July 13, 1985, the Live bloated physique and white hair force. Aid awareness concert was appearance as he sang Skyline The fun side of Elton would beamed into the living rooms of Pigeon during Ryan's funeral, take an about face two years 2 billion viewers world wide, famously sparked Elton to finally later, however, when he and with it brought a who's who shape up and get his personal life appeared as the guest singer on music event filled with a spirit of in order by shedding most of his the hit US TV show Saturday goodwill that has gone pounds and vices. Night Live. unmatched by any means. For Several months later, MTV Long before Elton chose to his contribution to help save the viewers were treated to a special shed his wild side image during world from famine and despair, Elton John event titled MTV his "" period, Elton provided 5 songs. Always Unplugged on August 5, 1990. Elton accepted the role of guest the crowd pleaser, he sang 3 of Originally video taped on May performer on Saturday Night Live his hits and a cover tune, but his 17, 1990, Elton was brought in to in New York without the aide of crowning glory came when Kiki perform without the aid of any any gimmicks or clothing props. Dee joined him on stage to sing electric or synthesizers. It On April 17, 1982, Elton their trademark duet, Don't Go would just be Elton and his grand exposed his serious side to Breaking My Heart. piano. Although he still looked American viewers with a heart- Speaking of crowns, Freddie overweight and aging with white wrenching rendition of Empty Mercury would later say that hair, Elton gave a splendid Garden, the classic tribute to his Elton looked more like the performance nonetheless. late friend, John Lennon. Queen Mum on stage rather than The following is an excerpt This performance was a rock star because of the hat from the MTV Unplugged book significant in many ways. Elton chose to wear. The hat is that best describes Elton's Lennon's death hit Elton very indescribable, but Freddie was appearance on the series: hard, and since Lennon was a right on target. "Somewhere near the end of resident of New York at the time Furthering his stance on relief Don't Let The Sun Go Down on of his murder, Elton felt it quite efforts and causes, Elton again Me, it became obvious that Elton fitting to perform this emotional graced the TV stage for yet was enjoying himself. There can song with every ounce of talent another Aid event on April 7, be no other explanation for the packed into each note and 1990. The fourth annual Farm fact that the song's ending syllable. Although the TV Aid concert brought 70 artists actually times out longer than the network (NBC) gathered a together with farmers, tune itself. Elton's voice whopping 16.8 million viewers environmental and consumer vacillated from falsetto to that evening, this would be advocates to Indianapolis, baritone and then drifted into

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 11 gospel tones. It was a startling, Angeles. It was a critic's dream awe-inspiring moment that come true, but those dreams demonstrated that careers like his were shattered when the pair don't happen by accident. Elton effortlessly shined as the then asked if he could stay and darlings of the entire evening. do some more songs, giving us Also that same year, the tragic our first hour long show." World Trade Center catastrophe This brought him full circle brought Elton back to the back to the basic bare bones Madison Square Garden stage, approach he had exhibited but this time to honor the many nearly 20 years before on The lives lost and for those who had Andy Williams Show. tried in vain to rescue the Throughout the 90s decade missing people. As 16 million and into the next century, Elton TV viewers witnessed rock's continued to amaze TV viewers finest superstars giving their in the USA and abroad. There best, Elton and Billy Joel offered was the 1992 Freddy Mercury their Face To Face version of tribute concert, which Your Song, while Elton shockingly paired Elton with individually sang I Want Love Heavy Metal rocker Axel Rose. and the New York laced Mona Then the 1997 death of Lisas And Mad Hatters. Princess Diana and Elton's The year 2001 also marked record breaking tribute song another special event in Elton's Goodbye England's Rose, career. For the first time ever, which he sang during the Elton chose not to act in one of televised funeral, endeared him his music videos. It has been to millions. That alone was an well documented that he has amazing feat. always loathed making music Appearing in such TV shows videos, but this time he decided as The Nanny and Ally McBeal, to do something about it by not which helped record sales participating in front of the skyrocket, Elton once again camera at all. While actor and donned his acting cap to show friend Robert Downey JR. lip- the world that he was more synched to Elton's new hit, I than just a rock superstar. In Want Love, Elton was on holiday 1998 and 1999, Elton in France. This formula would volunteered to be animated in repeat itself again in 2002 when the true sense of the word when the video for This Train Don't he was turned into cartoon Stop There Anymore was characters for both South Park released with NSYNC's Justin and The Simpsons respectively. Timberlake providing the action Elton does admit that he stays in place of Elton. up late at night just to watch Even though he admits that South Park on the Comedy he is no longer the "main Central cable channel. express", Elton has proven that In December 2000, 10 he is still in sync with his fans million TV viewers tuned in to and the general public during witness Elton's fantastic, hit filled every TV event that he has ever One Night Only concert at become involved. He has Madison Square Garden, which shocked us, moved us, and was video taped to coincide with made us laugh, but through it the album release in November all, Elton has shown just how of that year. important TV can be to a rock At the beginning of 2001, star's career because the Elton teamed up with the camera never lies! controversial rap star Eminem to sing Stan during the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Photograph: S Heimbecher Photograph:

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club "Joel, John delicious together" By Gina Vivinetto (Times Pop Music Critic)

and drummer . (Later Johnstone even pulled out that classic St Petersburg rock staple, the double-necked electric .) That song morphed into the Times rollicking Love Lies Bleeding. One after another, John delivered revue of the hits, with fans rising out of their seats and boogying to Philadelphia Freedom. Wisely, he dipped into Face to Face material from Songs From The West Coast, his superb new CD that critics are heralding as a return to form after he Face To Face tour starring pop years of sentimental Disney soundtrack Ticons Elton John and Billy Joel may fare. The current hit I Want Love went As members have reminded some in the sold-out over well with fans, followed by the of Elton’s Ice Palace crowd of more than 19,400 swirling harmonies of the 1970s smash on Saturday of those old Reese's fanclub, we all Rocket Man, featuring John's dazzling Peanut Butter Cup television knew that the keyboard flourishes during a lengthy commercials where two unique jam that inspired a standing ovation. recent Face To flavors blend to form one surprisingly Face tour was John sang a heartfelt I Guess That's yummy result. Why They Call It The Blues, perhaps sure to be a Joel and John are so delightfully winner. But it’s one of the finest pop songs ever different. The flamboyant John wore a written. John's band gave the song nice when the turquoise suit at Saturday's 3 1/2 hour extra oomph with their soaring, soulful local journalists show but acted far less campy than harmonies. It brought another think so too…..! we've seen him. In fact, the dapper standing ovation. Next came Levon, The St Petersburg Brit was downright reserved. It was I'm Still Standing, and a zippy sing- Times had this to New Yorker Joel, dressed in a along Crocodile Rock, his set's closer. say about Elton conservative dark suit, who mugged Joel's set was filled with surprises. and Billy’s show for fans and milked lyrics for comedy. He began with Scenes From An Italian in Tampa, USA on One thing shared by the duo, now Restaurant, Allentown, then teased March 9th…… on their fourth Face To Face tour since fans with a vote for his third song, 1994 - with Saturday's show the first which he ignored and performed of two dates at the Ice Palace - is Don't Ask Me Why. dozens of piano-driven pop hits. Joel on Saturday ranted about The show kicked off with Joel and AC/DC being considered as nominees John hamming it up to Yankee Doodle to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. beneath images of the American flag Then he shocked the audience by and the Union Jack. The pair sat at introducing AC/DC lead singer Brian two grand pianos, Joel singing the first Johnson, a resident of Sarasota, and lines to John's smash Your Song, then bassist Cliff Williams, who performed trading verses with his partner. The the raucous Highway To Hell with two launched into Joel's Just The Way Joel's band. You Are, followed by John's Don't Let Fans' cheers grew even louder The Sun Go Down On Me before Joel when the two stars came together left the stage to give John his 70 again for a final set of combined hits, minutes in the spotlight. including Joel's My Life, You May Be It takes at least that much time to Right, and Piano Man and John's showcase John's three-decade career Bennie and the Jets. filled with hits. His set began with the synth-heavy instrumental Funeral For A Copyright St. Petersburg Times Friend, which sounded very 1970s and 2002. looked the part thanks to John's stuck- in-a-time-warp backing band, Reprinted by kind permission of the musicians he has played with since the St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, Honky Chateau days, including Florida. guitarist - he of the Thanks to Gina Vivinetto and long hair and prog rock arpeggios - Barbara Oliver.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 13 DW: How did it all start? Were you musical at school? Gus Dudgeon GD: No, I’ve never been a musician and I’m still not one talks to Hercules today. DW: How did you get into the studio side of the music PART ONE OF A THREE PART INTERVIEW, BY DAVID WRIGHT business? GD: Total fluke, I’d had 11 jobs in Gus Dudgeon is arguably one of the most important 4 years and I got the sack from every single one. In fact at one people behind Elton John’s rise to superstar status in the early point my P45 was 3 jobs 1970s. In April he kindly invited Hercules into his lovely behind me, trying to catch up, Surrey home where, in his study surrounded by awards and because some jobs only lasted a week. We’re talking about gold discs from a successful career, Gus tells how he started the 60s, a different era, a time in the music business. when if you wanted a job you just went in and got it. There was always a vacancy Gus with some of the gold disks on his walls somewhere.…in fact at home, from his time working with Elton everywhere. I remember going into buy a Whoopee cushion, or some stink bombs or whatever, from The Magic And Fun Shop, which was opposite the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court Road, (London), and suddenly thought it would be fun to work in there. So I asked "Have you got a job?". The guy said, "Not here in the shop, but we have a vacancy at the factory", which he told me was in Moorgate, and he said I could start tomorrow. I was there for precisely a week, working in a conjuring trick factory, how ridiculous is that? That’s how it was in the 60s, you can’t do it nowadays. I had no idea what career I was going to have, but I had always bought a lot of records. Records and clothes were my ‘Achilles’ Heel’….. and still are to this day. DW: What was your first job in music? GD: I just stumbled into a job at , which was off Baker Street at the time. I used to have two EPs of Lonnie Donnegan, I’ve probably still got them, and they were cheap and cheesy sleeves. It was the same photograph on both, a head and shoulders shot, with a microphone in front of him, and they kept reproducing it with a different tint on it for this series of EPs. Behind him, on the wall, were these old- fashioned acoustic tiles with

14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club these little holes drilled in to Sweden and help them out. my own, recording an album, them. As soon as I walked into They flew me over and I did a with nobody on the other side reception at Olympic for the couple of sessions with them, of the glass, but with all this interview, I saw these same which weren’t great, but at music pouring out of the acoustic tiles behind the least we got on like a house on monitors. And we didn’t have receptionist, and the minute I fire, and we made a record closed circuit TV then, so I had saw them a little light- bulb in which was a hit over there, so no idea what was going to my brain went on, and I they were happy. happen next. Anyhow, I thought "Shit, this really is a recorded this album, mixed it, it recording studio!". It had never Then there was a weird album went out on EMI, and got my crossed my mind that this was project with a bloke called first English credit as a producer. even a remote possibility as a Zoot Money, and his Big Soul Plus I wrote the sleeve notes, job for me. By the time I’d Band. Brass section and all. and charged them £25!! walked up through the control Andy Summers was the room to meet the boss I was guitarist. Zoot was a big act on After 5 years at Decca I was hooked. Anyhow, I somehow the London circuit. This was at getting a bit bored with it. I got that job and told myself, the time when the Flamingo thought about what to do next "Gus, this is it. This is what you was going strong, with acts like as I had never considered have to do. Don’t lose this gig." Georgie Fame and Graham myself as a great engineer, Bond. I used to do all those although I had had easily 40 The other jobs I couldn’t have kind of acts….any R&B, and big hits with people from cared less. I just used to get lots of Blues when I was at Marianne Faithfull, to John bored and f**k off, and Decca. Anyway, Zoot said he Mayall, to , and sometimes they didn’t even wanted to do a ‘live’ album The Small Faces, while doing realise I’d gone! They must from Klooks Kleek, which was the job. There would be the have thought, "Hang on, we a gig in a pub a couple of odd session that would turn out haven’t seen him for a month, hundred yards from the studio. really well. I had my moments. he must have left!" This was He asked if I could help him to around 1961. do it. He’d actually left Decca, I’m not really interested in the after doing a couple of singles mechanics of recording. I don’t DW: Who was the first artist you for them, with me engineering, care why a desk works, as long produced for? and wasn’t on the label as you can push a fader up and anymore. But I knew the Decca hear something. I was always GD: Well, after about two years I’d Studio people wouldn’t know interested in the music itself, left Olympic, and I’d eventually that, because Decca’s Head not the business of why it got become a recording engineer at Office was at Albert on tape. Decca Studios. My first Embankment in London, and production, after about three the Studios were in West DW: That surprises me. I thought years there, was for a Swedish Hampstead. So, for geographic that when you said you were band called Ola & The Janglers. reasons, very often the right not a musician you were an Ola now runs one of the hand didn’t know what the left expert in the technical and biggest labels in Sweden, he’s a hand was doing. electronic side of things. very successful man in the record business. They were just I had a great boss at Decca, GD: No, not at all. I’m just a a funny little pop band. They probably the best boss I had, music fan. I had a lot of hits didn’t speak particularly good and he was kind of loose about going just by my ears, I didn’t English and the producer for things. He didn’t mind people really know what it all meant. some reason didn’t bother to doing a few little things on the Half the time when I was deal with that. He’d say side, so I used to do little twiddling knobs trying to find a something, and you could see favours for people and come in frequency, I didn’t know what from their faces that they hadn’t over the weekend when these numbers meant, I just taken on board what he was nobody else was in. I worked twiddled them until I found saying. And when they didn’t with once doing something good. do exactly what he’d wanted, stuff, over a weekend, which he’d get irritated. I was they never knew about –and Or if I was in someone else’s thinking "You can’t do this. The they’re still unreleased! I’ve got session, or wandered in and poor buggers are Swedish, and them in the loft. I should mix heard a great bass sound, I’d go they haven’t understood a word them some day, they’d be pretty and see how it was done and you’ve said". He just wasn’t valuable I would imagine. remember it, and next time I looking in their eyes to make would record a bass I would try sure they understood what he Anyhow, so I did this ‘live’ it out. was saying. For me, eye album. Decca didn’t have a contact is crucial in a recording Mobile Truck, but because the It was just watching and studio, particularly with new club was close, I figured if I learning. artists and musicians. could make the leads long So after the sessions I got enough for the mics, I could run DW: So how did the Elton John talking with them and they them out of the studio window connection come about? were really disappointed about and into the club. It was really the way it had been handled, weird, because I was in the GD: I had done ‘’. and they asked me to go over control-room at Decca, all on They had already hired Paul

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 15 Buckmaster to do the wanted to know that if I wanted there, because that was Dick’s arrangements because of his 24 strings I could have 24 publishing head thinking that work on that record. strings and not have to settle for way. Apparently they went to see 6 or something half-arsed. I George Martin about wanted to be able to do this DW: So even into the second production, and George put his thing properly, not cut any album they were still thinking foot down and said he would corners. of Elton as a songwriter rather like to produce it, but also than a performer? wanted to do the arrangements. Steve said he’ll never agree to He wanted a much bigger that, then I told him my GD: Oh yeah. It was only because involvement than just advance and he said "Christ, the American record company production and amazingly he’s never paid that kind of were so insistent that he went enough they turned him down, money". It was pathetic, it was over to play there, which he which I can’t believe. In those £250. In fact, even on the last didn’t really want to do…...he days George was ‘IT’. few albums I did with him I was fed up with playing live. was still only getting a £250 He’d been doing it for years on DW: This was at the end of The advance ‘cos there wasn’t any crappy little pianos and Beatles. point in cranking it. I was backing soul singers, the whole earning decent money anyway Bluesology thing. from the royalties. So I used to Lo and Behold, get this joke cheque through for DW: And now he never stops God presented me £250! touring 30 years later! with Elton For some reason Dick gave in GD: They had to talk him into on all fronts. He must have going, and when he got there GD: Somehow they’d decided they thought that Elton had a really he didn’t really want to be wanted him to only produce it, good shot. And he paid me there. because they were so keen to more and gave me a bigger use Bucko doing the budget than he’d ever done DW: Elton’s temperament is well arrangements. Obviously Paul before. known, he’s even put out his was falling over himself to work own film about it. What was he with George, so he was very DW: Would that have been like in those days? Is his disappointed I would imagine. because of the strength of the temperament a product of his material? Presumably the songs success and ego or was he Paul said, "If you like Space were already written. quick-tempered then? Oddity, why don’t you go and see Gus?" I suppose it was GD: Of course. The point is that GD: It’s difficult for me to pretty obvious really but it DJM was a publishing comment but I get asked about didn’t dawn on them, so they company, not really a bona-fide it a lot. I only had one serious came to see me and I heard the record company. It had the argument with him, it didn’t first demo tape, and was like record label, but that was really last very long. It was over the "Thank you God!" only a spin-off, that hadn’t had most idiotic thing and after any really big successes. Well, we’d had the argument, he’d I had had 4 hits with 4 different certainly nothing on the scale stormed out of the room, but artists by then and I wanted of Elton. came back in laughing his head one artist to get into a long off ‘cos it was a stupid thing to situation with. Lo and Behold, DW: Obviously didn’t be arguing over. I’ve seen him God presented me with Elton. do anything dramatic pull all kinds of stunts, but commercially. I was wondering what it’s the result of I don’t DW: Can you remember the first if for the second album they know. session, the first song you then thought "Wow this is the recorded with him? business!" I remember Steve Brown told me that Elton had always been GD: The first song, no. It would GD: Maybe, certainly Caleb had like that. He told me a time have been one of the ones pushed very hard on behalf of when they were catching a done on 8 track in order to Elton to get Dick to take him train, Steve, Bernie and Elton. accommodate the budget. seriously as an artist and not Elton was carrying a big heavy There was a whole furore about just as a writer. But the album suitcase up the platform and it the budget and my advance was never made as a potential looked like they wouldn’t catch because I want carte blanche vehicle to launch Elton as an the train so he gave his case to for planning the budget, and act, it was like "Let’s do Bernie and said "Come on, you Steve Brown, who had fabulously good versions of his f**king carry it!" So Bernie originally phoned me and songs and hopefully somebody takes the case and the train asked me if I wanted to work else will cover them". It was starts to move and Elton runs with Elton, said I couldn’t have really a fabulously glamorous and gets on the train, Steve carte blanche, Dick’s never demo. They thought he would does as well, and Bernie’s still spent that kind of money. I get a certain amount of running along the platform said, "You don’t know what recognition, and people carrying Elton’s bloody case as carte blanche is until I’ve hopefully would want to record actually planned it all out". I well as his own, and Elton’s his songs and it would go from shouting "Come on for f**k’s

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club make. But in a way, I don’t mile away – think it really bothered him, I think he used to think it was He was advised by his legal kind of sad. He knew he was people that it would be very taking advantage of these advantageous for him not to pay people, and that in turn would English tax, and the only way to have given him the internal avoid English tax on his earnings question "What am I doing?" as a writer was to write the And if you can’t find a life material abroad. So I was asked partner, you’re always looking, to find a studio in France and I always hoping, which puts you finally came up with the at a disadvantage. It doesn’t Château. make your life rooted in anything very much. And if The plan was, he would arrive you’re that successful you want in France and write the songs to share it with someone, I think when he got there, and then that’s why he’s always been so send his Mum a letter about the generous. He loves to share the songs he’d just written, which success he’s had and he is would give him the proof if he sake, get on the train! What’s incredibly generous. ever had to go into court to wrong with you?!". Steve said defend it, that he wrote them in he was always like that, he So I think his temperament has France. So he was writing letters always expected people to do always been there. If you make to his Mum to tell her how things for him. a lot of money it gives you a lot things were going but also to of power, and a lot of power give himself documentary proof You have to take into can give you the facility to that the songs were written consideration that his personal become corrupt, or to even abroad. So effectively it became life has been in turmoil for corrupt other people. You’re able the way we worked, by default. years and years. In fact as soon to indulge your wildest If the situation hadn’t arisen that as he started becoming a big fantasies….and your worst he needed to write abroad to star it was even more of a behaviour. And I’ve seen it save the tax, he would have turmoil. He was living a lie happen many times, I don’t written and recorded more because he wasn’t admitting to think it’s a unique situation. albums in England. But I guess anybody that he was gay. In if you discover that you’re fact when he did admit he was DW: What was the process for perfectly capable of writing a gay, the record sales took a recording an Elton John album? hit song in half an hour, why tumble, as we all thought they The wonderful Goodbye Yellow not do it that way on a regular might. Brick Road DVD described you basis? all going into the studio, writing Crazy that they should and recording it all as part of the When we were doing the Ice have….but there you go. same process. Was that usually On Fire album I just casually the case? commented to him, 3 or 4 The problem was he had this songs into recording his vocals, major internal turmoil that GD: That was from Honky Château that he had done the last four would throw him through a onwards. master vocals in only three loop sometimes. It’s very takes. He thought about it, and difficult, when you become DW: So you didn’t turn up with 15 then said, "Oh well, I might as successful, it’s impossible to to 20 songs to work on? well keep doing that on every distinguish between someone vocal", and immediately gave who really likes you and wants GD: No, up until then there were himself a new challenge. to get on with you as if you always demos. He’d write songs, were just the guy next door, record them as demos, and we’d He made a point of continuing and the guy who is after work on the album from there. to do that all through the vocals. something. The first take would be a basic DW: It’s been well documented but run through, mostly for making DW: Especially when you have a it seems an unusual way of sure the cans were OK, that he former lover cash-in and write writing an album. was happy with balance, I’d a book. record it, just in case, and there GD: It was because of his would always be some great GD: Yes, but he always knew that confidence in his ability to lines in there. Then the next kind of thing could happen. He come up with something good three takes would be a full-on must have known that if you’re in a short space of time, which attempt to get the vocal a big star and you pull is something he’s always made a absolutely the way he wanted someone in a gay club there’s a big thing of. And also it was it, and he would consistently good chance he’s going to because he said if he ever had nail it. make some money out of it. to go to court……he’s a I’ve seen people who were hopeless liar, he goes red if he END OF PART ONE supposedly his "boyfriend" who lies and looks really Part two will be published in the were quite obviously on the uncomfortable, you can see it a Sept. 2002 issue of The Mag

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 17 Newsnight MADELEINE HOLT: This week, Where are those people Sir Elton John topped the (the artists) going to be in INTERVIEW American charts for the two, three years? They're highest grossing live going to be on the scrap- performance, playing with heap because someone else In a heartfelt Billy Joel: $1.5 million for a newer and younger has night. These days, only a come along, and the record interview with the handful of people can pull company won't care about BBC’s Newsnight that off. In 35 years in the what's happened to that act music industry, Sir Elton has that they've made a fortune programme at the seen it change dramatically, out of. It's kind of disgusting end of February, and, he believes, for the really. worse. Elton tells us why he MH: Not that the music industry regrets making the ELTON: Nowadays, record has ever been exactly One Night Only companies want the quick benevolent. But Sir Elton buck from the Backstreet says when he started out, album, and laments Boys, from the N'Syncs, from you had more of a chance to all that is wrong with the Britney Spears, from the develop your talent. He S Club 7s, from the Steps. played countless gigs before the music industry… They've always been around, getting a contract. If his I'm not knocking the music second album hadn't sold, perhaps, but it's like packets he reckons his label would of cereal. There are too many have stuck by him. Contrast of them, and too many of this with the industry's latest, them are just average and and highly lucrative, new mediocre. I think it damages phenomenon, TV talent real people's chances, real shows where viewers choose talent, of getting airplay. It's an instant star, and some of just fodder. It has no the judges will make more distinguishing marks. A lot of money than any of the stars. it, you couldn't tell one from the other. There's much too Elton: For the guy who won it, I much of it. just hope someone's looking after them. They're on cloud MH: But the record industry is nine at the moment, but in under more pressure now three or four years, what's than ever. Latest figures show going to happen to them? global sales of recorded But good luck to them, music dropped last year by they're probably very 5%, the biggest single fall. talented. I hope the record Sales of CD albums fell for company looks after them the first time by almost as and doesn't discard them. much. And overall sales in the biggest market of all, MH: In Britain, Sir Elton's America, echoed the trend. comments aren't entirely at The demand for short-term odds with some senior profits is intense. thinking in the music business. The new head of Elton: Nowadays, they think Britain's only major record more about their quarterly company, EMI, has said the earnings. There's no industry is failing because it longevity, thinking, "We want lacks big global stars. this artist to be around in ten Instead, it's turned music or 12 years". It's kind of into a three-minute heartbreaking, because you commodity. EMI is right to see most of the emphasis worry, it has issued two placed on instant success. profit warnings in the last six

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club months, and blown millions knowing how much he MH: Sir Elton seems more buying Mariah Carey out of enjoys shopping, perhaps he passionate about the music her contract. Sir Elton has is partly responsible for one business than ever. Will that one solution. good bit of music news. keep him at the heart of it, or Sales in Britain are up more is it time to find some Elton: If it was me, I'd ban every than 5%. But much of that distance? single video being made by a growth is down to greatest new band. I'd get them on hits collections. Four years Elton: I shall carry on. I think, the road, put the money ago, they made up one in ten and this is the first time I've that's put into making a of the top 100 best selling said it publicly, my Achilles video, because it all comes albums. That's now one in heel in the last few years out of their royalty statement four. Even Sir Elton was when making records is that anyway, at the end of the forced, two years ago, to I have had pressure from day. Put it into their record a live album of his record companies to make equipment, put it into putting biggest hits. singles, have singles on them on the road, playing albums, and so you follow. I second on the bill to people. Elton: I squirmed and kicked am influenced by so many That's how I started in and screamed, and then I sorts of music, but I try and America. had to do it. It was copy things or just say, "Oh, successful, it sold over two I'll try something like this". MH: Breaking into America is a million copies world-wide. It Therefore, you don't stay true British problem. In the mid is the record company to yourself, and I have '80s, British stars took 32% eyeing Christmas and probably been guilty of that. of the market. That's now thinking, "We're going to I will put my hand up and fallen to 0.2%. Why? make a quick killing here, so say so. I am not going get the let's put the pressure on". airplay that I did when I was Elton: To break America, you've I shouldn't have done that 23 or 24 and I could do no got to do what Craig David album in a million years, and wrong. But I still feel so has done, you've got to do I did, and I regret doing it. young at heart that I expect every radio station, you've to, and it's just not realistic. got to get up at 7am and do MH: At a concert in the US In a way it's a relief. It's like, 12 radio stations. You've got three months ago, sir Elton it's over, Elton, you had 31 to do go there and play, kicked up about the music years when you had a record you've got to do everything, industry. He said he was sick in the American top 40 every like I did in the first five of it, and was giving up. year. That can't realistically years of my career. That's all he said, until now. happen any more.

MH: Robbie William's latest Elton: I said I was retiring MH: But it's not over quite yet. album, "Swing When You're because I was having a bad He's carrying on with a Winning", spent seven weeks night on stage, but there are gruelling touring schedule at number one in the UK, but some nights where you think until July. When he does wasn't even released in the "Is it bloody well worth it?". choose a quieter life, it may States. And then, of course, it is, be good for Sir Elton's because I just feel that I do creativity, but it can only be Elton: Robbie is clever enough have a duty to speak out, bad for an industry to know that if he wants to and say it is about time some experiencing its worst break America, his next of these younger acts were decline in 20 years. For his album has to sound more nurtured and given the time, millions of fans, he is a beefy, more American. They but there certainly is the genuine pop idol, apparently just play their own bands on talent out there. There is as working double time to keep the radio. much talent out there now as the money rolling in, while when I was doing it. It's just the one- hit wonders come MH: It puts some perspective on that people aren't prepared and go. Maybe Elton had it the annual celebration of the to nourish it, cuddle it like a right 30 years ago. British music industry, the baby, breastfeed it, and put it Brits. Sir Elton was up for into childhood and best male solo artist and best adulthood. It doesn't happen video, alongside Robbie. He very much any more, and it Edited highlights takes an active interest in the is terrible. from interview with current scene. He buys Newsnight Feb 2002 records every week, and

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 19 WHAT DOES HE REALLY THINK OF US? By Tammi Law

Ever wondered what Elton really thinks of the fans? He rarely, if ever, mentions us in interviews. However, in a recent interview with UK magazine Heat, Elton gave us a brief insight into what he thinks of us, and also talks about his favourite hobby, shopping. We reproduce a few extracts from the interview here, and we’ll bring you more extracts in the next issue of The Mag.

When you’re so into shopping, around making sure all the Really? don’t you ever run out of new stuff pictures are hanging absolutely Oh yes! I have three to buy? straight. But I can relax. Before you arrived I was just notebooks full of lists – one for No, there’s always something! lying there reading a book; I’ve DVDs, one for books and one Clothes for example. Fashion learned to relax and switch for CDs – all in alphabetical designers fascinate me off. I enjoy just sitting here order and I cross them off because it’s extraordinary the ordering DVDs and CDs… I’d when I get them in. amount of new stuff they have make a very good secretary. to come up with. Every Is there anything about you that season there’s a new Do you order them using the your fans don’t know? collection. internet then? No. Nothing. It’s terrifying. Do you find it easy to relax? No, I’m a Luddite. I don’t They know what plane I’m have e-mail. I don’t even have Don’t’ you have that compulsive catching, what hotel I’m a mobile phone. I order ordering thing that David staying at. It’s astonishing; I Beckham has? through the office. On Monday the office faxes me a have a hard core of fans who Well I am totally anally list of all the new releases and live their lives through mine. I retentive; everything has to be when I get Heat magazine I see the same faces in the front in its right place. I do go look at the upcoming releases. row of most of my gigs."

Well, it’s this last answer that we find a bit puzzling, Personally, I have never known which hotel EJ is and it hasn’t gone down well with some of you. staying in during a tour, and I would never take the Andy, a long-time Elton fan in the UK, phoned effort to find out. It’s just not relevant, and I know me to say "I’ve got tickets to see all but one of Elton’s all the fans I’ve met over the years feel the same. forthcoming UK shows later this year, but now I’m It’s just about appreciating the music, and enjoying wondering whether I want to go. I get the seeing Elton, the man who wrote such beautiful impression that he doesn’t want to see us there. As beautiful songs, performing them for us. for "living my life through his", well, it’s just not true, It’s true that many of us enjoy seeing more than and even if it was, I simply couldn’t afford to do it! I one EJ show when he visits our home countries. do actually work for a living for the rest of the year!" Over the years, we have become friends and enjoy And after reading the interview, David, another meeting up with other Hercules and Rocket fan in the UK, wrote to me saying "Unfortunately, members. We often recognise familiar faces in the I’ve always thought that Elton has a fairly low front rows of gigs as well. But it is often those opinion of us fans, ever since I saw Tantrums & "same faces" which are the ones enjoying Tiaras, where Elton flicked the V sign when it was themselves the most, and appreciating the music suggested to him that he waves at the fans. I’ve more than anyone. been waiting for another mention ever So, do we think that Elton’s comments since, to see if my impression was correct. indicate a low opinion of the fans? Well, it Unfortunately, this latest comment just largely depends on the tone of his answer, backs up what I thought." which of course is impossible to tell when it is It is understandable that Elton reproduced in print, and we don’t always sometimes feels frightened if fans know that the answers given are really do reproduced in the exact context. know details of his flights and hotels, and we don’t blame him for that. None of us want to We’ll leave you to make up make him feel terrified. your own minds.…

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club JUST FOR FUN Tell me LYRIC QUIZ

Have a go at our popular lyric quiz. what the We give you a line - see if you can name the song! papers (Answers on page 27) 1 Just across from Friday say The weekend circus rolls

By David Wright 2 He said it with devotion He sounded so sincere

3 So keep your auditions for somebody Who hasn’t got so much to Mackenzie lose blames it all on the reporter and news editor, who 4 Through the soft brown earth promised the story had That holds him forever always young been thoroughly checked and failed to warn him 5 Gonna go West to the sea that a journalist at the gates could hear barking. But The Greyhound is swaying those who were there on the day 6 Trying to make wages that remember it rather differently. weren’t even there ost Elton fans will Sun journalist John Askill had Taking hell from a foreman Mremember the infamous not originally filed the story but with the build of a bear series of false stories The Sun merely sent a memo to the newspaper printed in the UK newsdesk following a 7 Looking for an island back in 1987. conversation with an unreliable In our boat upon the sea Kelvin Mackenzie was editor informant. The following Sunday of The Sun at the time. Private the deputy news editor 8 I can’t take any more bad Eye, a satirical UK magazine, mentioned the memo to water reports that he recently Mackenzie. Despite Elton’s libel I’ve been poisoned from my reminisced about his case Mackenzie ordered Askill to head down to my shoes involvement. run the story. Shortly after 6pm, the night 9 I never learned why meteors As Kelvin recalled, while the were formed paper was already facing libel news editor arrived and asked one of the day shift if anyone had I only farmed in schools that writs from Elton for false claims were so worn and torn about teenage rent boys, it then actually gone to Elton’s mansion. The man said he didn’t know, so compounded the offence in style. 10 Sitting in the temple a reporter was dispatched who Mackenzie: "One of the Sun’s Right between your eyes finest (journalists) had come up rang back to say he could clearly hear barking. This information with an absolute belter: The story 11 From boyhood to man was passed to Mackenzie – but was that Elton was having Strangers have found difficulty sleeping at night he decided to run the story themselves fathers because of the barking from nevertheless. guard dogs that patrolled the The rest is history. Elton 12 Why I’m a juvenile delinquent perimeter of his mansion outside issued a further writ for this story In an East End gang London. So he had decided to which was the first case to come have the voiceboxes of the dogs to court. The Sun settled out of removed…" court for a record sum of £1m This was pure fiction of and printed a grovelling front- LYRIC QUIZ course, so why was it printed? page apology.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 21 Photograph: J Young J Photograph:

22 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club lunch around the world

Congratulations to Nancy Case, from USA, who lton fans all around the world earlier this year had the continues and with each year Eorganised the fund-raising get- grows and matures." togethers during the weekend terrific idea for fans to Hercules members in the UK near Elton’s birthday, 25th March. host lunches to raise spent the afternoon at a country In total, more than US$6,000 money for the Elton John pub, enjoying early spring sunshine was raised for the Elton John Aids on Saturday March 23. Around 20 Foundation. Aids Foundation fans gathered at Elton’s local pub, The events took on many The Union Inn at Old Windsor, for different forms; some were held in their contribution to Lunch Around restaurants, some in theatres, some The World. A total of £349 was were parties at home, and one was raised for the Elton John Aids even in the food court of a Foundation. This was a gathering of shopping mall! Nancy, the creator some old friends and we were of the idea, said of her party "We delighted to be joined by four guests all ate too much, including an from eltonjohn.com. There was a "Elton" cake with a photo of him on Nancy Case and her niece raffle and an auction. Thank you to it, and sang along to some all who attended, Elton songs. We had a particularly to Laura Croker great time with the raffle at eltonjohn.com for prizes and the silent donating some exciting auction, I kept trying to items for the auction. And outbid my friend Peter congratulations to Nigel Trappen on an autographed Coleman and John Michie photo of Elton but at last I who won the difficult lyric knew I really should not be quizzes! the winner, he was the Hercules would like to highest bidder on the congratulate Nancy on this photo, it brought in great idea; we too hope it $90.00. I hope in the years will become an annual to come this event event. A Single Man?! UK fans very own version of the album cover, taken in front of Windsor Castle, 25 years after the original!

Fans meet at Elton’s local pub, The Union Inn at Old Windsor

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 23 APRIL THE FUTURE OF HERCULES FOOL! Therefore the Hercules by David Wright n May 8th 2002, our Ofan club celebrated its fanzine will cease to be Those readers who don’t 14th birthday. This year published, with the final edition being No. 60 follow our website will have will see many changes for (September 2002). Meanwhile, missed the story that read, Hercules, and we wrote the Hercules Team has decided "it has already been decided about how these changes to additionally publish a that Look Ma, No Hands will would affect you and your "Farewell" issue in December be the next single release." membership fee in our 2002. March 2002 issue. Here’s a With the fanzine no longer Nothing too dramatic there, quick reminder: being available, all Hercules but then this: "Your picture can More and more Elton John memberships will end on fans, and over 80% of Hercules December 31, 2002. If your be on the cover of the single! renewal date is on July 1, or Elton has decided to feature a members, are gaining access to Elton news via the internet. Our October 1 this year, we kindly collage of fan pictures in "Look website www.eltonfan.net is ask you to adjust your renewal Ma, No Hands" pose on the receiving more than 500 unique fee according to the following cover." visitors each day. Hence, the spreadsheet: fanzine is old news for many of Renewal Date Europe World We were then encouraged its readership in today’s world, to "have someone take a where communication has July 1, 2002 euro 10.00 euro 17.50 picture of yourself in "Look become so fast that we are able or £ 7.00 US$ 17.50 Ma, No Hands" pose, e.g. to bring you a review and riding your bike without complete set list of a concert October 1, 2002 euro 5.00 euro 8.75 within minutes after Elton or £ 3.50 US$ 8.75 holding on. Be original!" leaving the stage. No doubt some fans were In other words, the fanzine If you are paying by credit spurred into action only to is no longer able to compete card or direct debit, we will find out that it was an April with the Internet, and also automatically adjust the membership fee for you. Fool joke dreamt up by our costs more to produce than it Stephan Heimbecher. generates in revenue. It is no Attention UK members: The longer possible for us to bank has advised us that you And the fans weren’t the produce the fanzine must cancel existing Standing only ones to be taken in by economically without a huge Orders individually. If you are increase in subscription rates. currently paying by Standing this – we noticed some other Order, please cancel it and Elton-related websites arrange for a one-time payment "borrowed" the story from us, according to the above and reported the story thinking spreadsheet. it was real news! We are sorry to disappoint idol some of you by the above Anyone who was by Reggie Zippo announcements, but we would disappointed may be pleased like to assure you that they are to know that this writer was the result of a very long planning a trip to a local discussion about the future of relative with a digital camera the Hercules fan club within and in the middle of home the Hercules Team. Speaking of which, it has been impossible improvements – "I’m a handy for us to find successors for any man" – and our Editor, Tammi, of the Hercules positions which called her boss over the also causes us to cut down on weekend to get him to bring some parts of our services. his digital camera into work. If you have any queries on Needless to say the matter was this, please contact your quietly dropped on Monday country/department manager morning! who will be happy to help you (see addresses on page 2).

24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club video announcement SPECIAL OFFER Cavern Club Video... NEW ELTON ...regretfully cancelled CANDLES As you may remember, Our former UK Manager Hercules held a very successful George Matlock was handling this convention in March 2001 at project but following the launch the Cavern Club in Liverpool, of his new venture he can no UK, which saw the first longer commit to producing this reunion of Bluesology for despite the Cavern event taking several decades. We had place some 15 months ago. With copyright issues unlikely to be hoped to be able to bring you a resolved we have no alternative video of this event, so those of but to refund those members who you who had been unable to have paid for the video. We are attend could enjoy this fun sorry for any disappointment this occasion as well. may cause. BRAND NEW line of Elton candles made by Slatkin and Co. has just been released. All three of the original scents idol are available in new modern by Reggie Zippo packaging, with another new scent to be available soon. These candles are packaged in black boxes and the wax is in a silver-coloured cylinder with lid.

#1 original scent of the Elton I candle, blend of four flowers; new candle is hot pink #2 original ginger mango scent of Elton II candle, it is orange in color. #3 scent like the Elton 2000 candle (pineapple leaves/myrtle/peony/musk), medium blue #4 NEW: orchid, licorice, amber, fig. Candle is black.

We can offer these to you at $10 BELOW RETAIL PRICE. They are $24 (US $) each, plus shipping. Email your order to me at [email protected] so that I can compute shipping cost, or write to me: Sharon Kalinoski, P O Box 7745, Romeoville, IL 60446, USA

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002. 25 YOUR LETTERS We always love to hear from you; after all, it is YOUR Elton John fan-club. If you have anything you would like to share with other Elton fans, then please send your letters to the Editor, Tammi Law (address on page 2), or e-mail [email protected] "I'D BUY A BIG HOUSE ..." ELTON ROCKS AUSTRALIA Except for ''Elton John's I think I must have Elton John Flower Fantasies'' and batteries because I have just ''Architectural Digest,'' few been recharged! Monday 29 publications have delved into April at the Sydney the star's domiciles. So it was a Entertainment Centre. It was fan- nice surprise to find TWO bloody-tastic and left my wife and I feeling on top of the profiles in the March Mag. The world. We could have ripped ''Atlanta Journal'' reprint was the chairs out and danced right especially amusing, with its through the entire performance. description of the designers' Opening with Funeral for a struggle to ''saddle up'' equine Friend some of the songs I can't sculptures for Elton's annex. get out of my head include Perhaps the team should have Holiday Inn, Rocket Man (of called upon a Brown Dirt course), Someone Saved My Life Cowboy! Tonight, Ballad of the Boy in Cheryl Herman Red Shoes and This Train. U.S.A. I recall seeing a much younger Elton in Brisbane many years ago sliding across the top of his piano. Well the ELTON SENDS CARD acrobatics may have mellowed I heard an interesting little but the showmanship is anecdote whilst in the car awesome. Needless to say, the listening to DJ and comedian Elton John albums are still going Danny Baker on BBC Radio around and around on our turntable. It was a real surprise London. Someone phoned in to see Nigel Olsen back on with a story that involved South drums after being absent for so Audley Street, London. Once the long. If there had been an caller had gone Danny said, "I election in Sydney Elton would used to work in a record shop have won! What a night, this around there, and Elton John, guy is a wizard. who's offices were opposite, Bob Oscar, Australia used to come in each week to (sent to our website make his purchases. I was 15 at www.eltonfan.net) the time, it was before Elton was out (of the closet), and the press, suspecting, were sniffing around. MEGA FAN ANDY THORPE Express journalists visited me in from London has bought a new my digs that I shared with 2 car. Nothing unusual in that, mates. They were saying, you but take a look at his new know Elton don't you, and registration plate! AT51 ELT. suddenly came out with, "You Nice pic Andy! lived with him for a year didn't you?" My mates, straight faced, went along with it and said ‘Yeah, that's right he did." Danny went onto say that he got a card from Elton saying, ‘Sorry about all the trouble Danny, but you know all the press are ******’. He has still got the card! John Michie, UK Photographs: J Young J Photographs:

26 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club SMALL ADS TOUR DATES 2002 DATE CITY VENUE …are free to Hercules members. Send yours to the Editor, Tammi ELTON & BAND TOUR 2002 Law (address on page 2), or 22-May Benidorm, Spain Football Stadium e-mail her at [email protected] 25-May Verona, Italy Arena (open air) 26-May Pesaro, Italy Sport Palace VINYL SINGLES AND ALBUMS 28-May , France Bercy FROM EJ 29-May Antwerp, Belgium Sportpalais 31-May , Denmark Parken Stadium - they are still around. For a 01-June Oslo, Norway Oslo Spektrum free list write to 02-June Oslo, Norway Oslo Spektrum [email protected] or Bruno 04-June Helsinki, Finland Hartwell Arena Kohli, member of Elton John Fan 05-June Helsinki, Finland Hartwell Arena Club HERCULES, Roessliwiese, 07-June Gothenburg, Sweden Scandinavium CH-8854, Siebnen, Switzerland 08-June , Sweden Globen 10-June Frankfurt, Germany Festhalle REGGIE ZIPPO'S AMAZING 11-June , Netherlands Ahoy 13-June Kiel, Germany Ostseehalle COLLECTIBLES 14-June , Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle You are invited to browse 16-June Erfurt, Germany Messehalle (Benefit Show) through Reggie Zippo's Amazing 17-June Innsbruck, Austria Neuer Tivoli (open air) Collectibles at 19-June Riesa, Germany Sachsenarena http://reggiezippo1.tripod.com. 20-June Duesseldorf, Germany Rheinhalle Reggie has a lot of cool and 22-June , Germany Schleyerhalle unusual movie, TV, music, sports, 23-June , Germany and various collectible 25-June Vienna, Austria Schloss Schönbrunn (open air) memorabilia for sale. Of course, 29-June , Switzerland there are Elton John items as well. 30-June Zurich, Switzerland Hallenstadion Be sure to see the 16 Elton John 02-July , UK NEC Celebrity Cels available. To contact 03-July Birmingham, UK NEC Reggie by snail mail, send 05-July Newcastle, UK Telewest Arena inquiries to Reggie Zippo, PO Box 07-July Killarney, Ireland Fitzgerald Stadium 894, Lebanon, Ohio 45036, USA. 09-July Liverpool, UK King's Dock waterfront He is looking forward to hearing 12-July Divonne, France Hippodrome from you soon! 28-Aug Kelowna, Canada to be confirmed 30-Aug Calgary, Canada to be confirmed PLEASE NOTE... 31-Aug Edmonton, Canada to be confirmed 01-Sep Saskatoon, Canada to be confirmed Eltonjohnworld.com tells Hercules that it is now fully booked ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL TOUR 2002 for the June 1-3 Ultimate Elton John 13-Sep Tampa, FL Ice Palace Tour of UK places of interest for Elton 17-Sep Atlanta, GA Philips Arena and Bernie fans in London and 20-Sep Boston, MA Fleet Center Lincolnshire. If fans are interested in 23-Sep New York, NY Madison Square Garden future events, please email: 25-Sep Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum [email protected]. 27-Sep Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum 02-Oct Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Arena The Hercules UK Hotline, which 04-Oct Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Arena was suspended last year, is being 08-Oct Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Arena reopened from June 2002. Now 11-Oct Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum administered by eltonjohnworld.com, 13-Oct Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum the Hotline is still at 0906 888 2020. ELTON & BAND TOUR 2002 (CONTINUED) 03-Dec , UK M.E.N. Arena LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS 05-Dec , Ireland Odyssee Arena 1: Suit of Wolves 07-Dec , UK S.E.C.C. 2: A Word in Spanish 08-Dec Glasgow, UK S.E.C.C. 3: I’ve Seen That Movie Too 09-Dec , UK Arena 4: One More Arrow 11-Dec London, UK 5: Blues for My Baby and Me 6: Screw You 7: Harmony 12-Dec London, UK Wembley Arena 8: 9: Grey Seal 13-Dec London, UK Wembley Arena 10: Pain 11: Grimsby 12: Street Kids Please note: This is not an official Tour Schedule, as it contains unconfirmed dates at time of going to press. Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 59. June 2002 27