Hercules Fanzine No. 61

FAREWELL ISSUE

March 2003 Issue No: 61 Fanzine of the Elton John THE MAG Fan Club

Issue No. 61 FAN CLUB INFORMATION MARCH 2003 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 subscription details, please for the USA it is 17£/US$30. Please note that your write to your local HERCULES renewal date is printed on your address label in department or to HERCULES European format day/month/year. Coordinaton:

Membership passes are available from your local CONTENTS HERCULES Coordination HERCULES department: send a small photo of c/o Stephan Heimbecher yourself when requesting your pass. Berg-am-Laim-Str. 87 REVIEWS D-81673 München, GERMANY Elton - LIVE at the Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the Elton Tel. +49 (0)89 48900369 Opera House ...... 8 Fax +49 (0)89 48900370 John management, but to HERCULES Coordination. [email protected] Letters will be passed on if necessary. HERCULES Fan Adviser HERCULES - The Mag c/o Mireille Mölbert Goodbye to the fanzine - Albrechtstr. 32 BUT NOT TO THE Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' D-80636 München, FAN CLUB!...... 4 GERMANY opinions. All information is based on the best of Tel. +49 (0)89 3244146 In Italy ...... 16 knowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted only [email protected] In Memory ...... 13 by prior arrangement with HERCULES. HERCULES USA/Canada The AIDS fundraising ..22 Barb Crowley PO Box 692392 The Albums ...... 10 Member participation is always welcome. We are ORLANDO The Covers...... 14 FL 32869-2392 thankful for your submissions of any kind: reports, [email protected] The Fans & articles, photos, drawings, Fan meetings ...... 23 HERCULES U.K. and suggestions. Please PLEASE REMEMBER... c/o David Wright The Future - send them to the Editor, 100 Winkworth Road The internet ...... 12 ALWAYS state your Banstead Tammi Law. Please Surrey SM7 2QR The Interviews ...... 9 understand that we cannot membership no. if you UNITED KINGDOM The Surveys ...... 21 send a cheque to [email protected] always publish all Hercules, or pay into one The Team ...... 18 contributions. All photos of the Club accounts. HERCULES Benelux The Tours ...... 6 will be returned. c/o Tim Blezer ALWAYS let us know the Pastoor Pendersstraat 8 6262 PA banholt expiry date of the card, and NETHERLANDS The Acknowledgments 25 Web site the cardholders name. Tel. +31 (0)43 4571703 http://www.eltonfan.net Please note that if you have paid [email protected] your Membership Fee by Credit REGULARS Card, your card will HERCULES Italy COPYRIGHT: HERCULES automatically be charged again c/o Luca Zerbini Club Information ...... 2 for the renewal fee, at the end Via Scheiwiller n.9/A of your membership year. If I-20139 Milano, ITALY Lyric Quiz ...... 17 your card has expired in the [email protected] Cover picture: Reggie Zippo meantime, or if you have Letters to the Editor...... 26 switched companies, please HERCULES Nordic forward your new Credit Card Urpu Kallio Small ads ...... 27 Uudenklänpolku details to Hercules Coordination 05200 Rajämaki in time for your next renewal. Tour Dates ...... 27 FINLAND email: [email protected]

2 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club FROM THE EDITOR...

or the very last time, welcome to the latest issue of The FMag! As you will all know by now, the time has come for the paper fanzine to finish, although the Hercules fan club continues to go from strength to strength, with our internet presence and club activities.

This issue of the fanzine is a very different one to usual. We have taken a look back over the past 15 years since the fanzine was launched, and how Elton’s relationship with the fans has developed in that time.

We also talk about the future for Elton and the fan club, take a look back over the all the tours and albums which we have reported on, compare the different surveys you have taken part in, and discuss your efforts in fundraising for Elton’s AIDS charities.

We hope that you will continue with your Hercules membership by subscribing to our website www.eltonfan.net If you don’t have access to the internet, then we are also launching a new free newsletter service, where your Hercules team will print out copies of the News pages from our website and mail them to you, on request. See page 13 for details.

The end of the paper fanzine in no way reflects a diminishing in Elton’s punishing work schedule. He is currently touring the United States with Billy Joel; this latest leg of the Face to Face tour continues during March, April and May. After that, there is also a handful of Elton’s acclaimed Solo shows to look forward to in Europe in June and July.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank all of you for your letters, contributions and support of the fanzine over the years. I’ve made some great friends through Hercules during my years as Editor, and it’s always nice to see so many familiar faces at the concerts and conventions. And finally, I’d like to thank Elton for all the wonderful music. Life just wouldn’t be the same without you!

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 3 since 1988 G E MA GOODBYE TO THE FANZINE TH By Stephan Heimbecher

Today - fourteen years, six old days. For your convenience, GOODBYEmonths and 17 days later - while there are references to the writing these lines on Christmas respective fanzine issues in which still remember Day 2002 I am still proud. Proud of you will find the full stories. Many that day in June what the fan club team and all back issues are still available at I those loyal supporters (see ‘Thanks’ www.eltonfan.net/backissues.shtml. 1988 when I was on on page 25) have achieved in the Back to the first issue published my way to the offices of past 5,344 days. But this pride is in June 1988: it was put together superseded with sadness, because with a typewriter, and for some of compositor Alfons Mann the issue you hold in your hand the headlines we simply cut out in my then-hometown marks the end of an era. What you words and letters from newspapers are about to read is a farewell to 60 and magazines and put them Neuss (Germany) ready fanzine issues, a summary of some together in a new order – to pick up the first issue 1,700 pages filled with stories sometimes feeling like a of the fan club’s fanzine, about our common denominator, blackmailer. This issue was sent free namely Elton John. of charge to some 30 German and still called Rocket Fan But this is not the swan song for Swiss fans of the former Elton John back then. Full of anxiety the fan club at large which will Fan Club. hopefully continue to exist for Only four months later (the I opened the box with many years to come. It’s just that – fanzine was published on a two just over 50 copies of the for various, mainly financial months cycle in the early days), 20 page, German-only reasons - we have to turn away issue #3 was the first to be from the paper fanzine, a accompanied by an English magazine and found communication media which has translation. Issue #27 then was the myself filled with pride revolutionised the world since first to be produced as two separate Gutenberg perfected letterpress in issues – German and English – for what my fellow fans the 15th century, but seems old- shortly after French and Italian and co-founders of the fashioned today. The world we live translations had been added to the fan club, Sabine Krupp in is experiencing another major list starting with issue #26 in March revolution in communication with 1994. That same year also saw the and Holger Wagner, and the Internet being the buzz word. formation of worldwide network of myself had put together The fan club has always been open fan club departments with branches to this fascinating way of global in the USA, Japan and many in just a few days since networking (see ‘The Future For European countries. the official birthday of Hercules: the Internet’ on page 12) In February 1989, the fan club which now turns out to be the made one of its first major the fan club on killer of the printed fanzine. investments by acquiring a May 8, 1988. But before we draw the curtain computer. Issue #5 was the first to over the fanzine, we would like to be prepared with the aid of this invite you to enjoy the retrospect then-modern piece of technology, on the following pages. While I but it was barely more than a was browsing through the fanzine means of putting together an article archive over the past few days I got step by step, storing it half way carried away in memories. It’s not through on floppy discs twice the that I have forgotten any of the size of a fanzine, and getting a experiences of the past fifteen years chance of proof-reading before or so, but there have just been so printing … instead of re-typing a many stories and anecdotes that page with too many errors. It some of them had moved into the would still take a few more years back of my brain. until computers would allow for Now with it all being pulled layout and other fancy things like back into my long-term memory, it that. has become clear that it will be Despite this giant step towards impossible to even come close to a professionalism, we had to accept full compendium of what has been the fact that we just couldn’t keep reported in those sixty fanzine up with the two months issues. Instead, we would like you publication cycle (issue #8 marked to read this as a summary of the the switch to a quarterly fanzine), highlights and we would like to only to find out that 20 pages encourage you to grab those old weren’t enough for all the news of issues yourself in order to relive the a three month period. Hence, issue

4 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club – BUT NOT TO THE FAN CLUB

#9 was the first to be extended Rocket companies. So issue contain two more special to 28 pages. With issue #26 we #28 was the first to be publications: In October 1992 we reached 32 pages, then 36 released under the name of celebrated "Four Years of Fun" with pages with issue #36 and up to Hercules. 28-page magazine called Rocket as much as 40 pages, where Issue #38 in March Fun. And to mark the fan club’s we arrived with issue #35. 1997 – the fanzine 10th birthday in May 1998, we Back in those days, we relating to Elton’s 50th produced the only A4-sized had to find a way to birthday, packed magazine, Hercules – The first 10 keep up with Elton’s with Elton’s Years, which was accompanied by increase in productivity. personal birth a special CD (also see issue #41). Mid 1998, when the fan horoscope, a very Besides the fanzine, the fan club established its detailed Elton club has also produced quite a Internet presence and "Family Tree" number of different items of the website would (music-wise) and merchandise. The first calendar was utilise more and more - was the available back in 1989 (see issue more of the first to be #3). After a long break, more published with professional calendars were also a colour available in 2000 and 2001. In cover. It was September 1989 the fan club our printer’s created a very special and birthday extremely limited Swiss watch. present to Only 50 copies have been Elton and the produced, one of which has been fans, but presented to Elton personally in as October 1989. In addition, there have been Rocket Fan and Hercules stickers, shirts, coats, umbrellas … you name it. Most of these items are completely sold out today and constitute a valuable collector’s item for those happy owners. However, we still have small quantities of some of this merchandise in stock which we will make available via www.eltonfan.net in the future. But enough of just the fan club’s history. Let’s move on to a more exciting retrospection of albums, tours and more. The fan club team has put together a bouquet of stories and anecdotes from the past almost 15 years which we hope you will enjoy reading. Personally, I have tried to retreat from my fan much as club job many times over the past increasing we liked the sixty issues (e.g. see issue #17). But number of news items, idea to continue that way, we just like Elton has announced his we decided to go back to 28-page had to step back to black & white retirement quite a few times over fanzine with the publication of once we had been informed about the past 26 years and is still issue #43. the additional costs. It would take standing, the same holds true for Meanwhile, the fanzine had two more years until we could me. And now that the fanzine is greatly improved in terms of layout finally afford this extra feature. backing out, there will be new and printing quality. In issue #27 Issue #47 not only came along with interesting tasks awaiting me in we presented our new fan club a complete redesign of the fanzine regard of the fan club’s website. logo which then had to be changed layout, it also marked the beginning Because there is one thing that I again only three months later as we of a colourful fanzine era. have learned: I will never be able had been asked by Elton’s In addition to the sixty official to dump my affiliation with the management to shed the name fanzine issues and this farewell Elton world … as long as Rocket Fan in order to avoid issue, a complete Rocket the club shall live. confusion with the official lot of Fan/Hercules collection should also

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 5 TOURS by Mireille

ver since the fanzine (then along with TV station ZDF’s then came hilariously funny ERocket Fan) went into April’s Fool Joke: Elton (falsely) descriptions of anything that publication, the editors have confirmed that he is going to happens when one Elton fan been doing their best to keep buy Borussia Mönchengladbach, meets another: up with Elton’s never-ending a popular German soccer club. "Once upon a time, three tour schedule. A steady stream Whereas the first show Elton John Fans (Made in of dates has been winding its reports we printed were Europe- Germany) set out to follow an way through the fanzine since and US-centred we were later elderly man (Made in England) issue No. 5. (The European tour able to publish reports from through Austria and dates for 1989 were unusual concert venues such as Switzerland. They went by a car announced.) Sometimes, we Japan (issue No. 31) and Brazil Made in Japan." (by Michaela were even able to offer you the (issue No. 35). Stürtzer, Rainer Preuss, and tour dates before they were Reading through all those Michael Sperken in issue No. officially announced. And as reports, you get the impression 32) soon as we had published those that not only the number of In order to make an attempt dates, everyone wanted to get concert reports has increased at reporting all the fun that goes hold of tickets. We would have during the years but also the along with Elton fandom on the loved to be able to offer you, quality. Some of you have road, Hercules published the fans, special tickets for become great writers! Whereas several specials, including the each and every concert in the many early reports almost notorious Rocket Fun. World – row No. 1 for every exclusively consist of phrases Another angle of tour fan. Alas, that was only a like "He was so cute… The reporting came from John dream. greatest night of my life… The Jorgenson, who thankfully From issue No. 4 on, concert music was great…", the more allowed us to reprint his online reviews were a constant feature recent reviews offer detailed "Reports From The Road" in in Rocket Fan / Hercules. The descriptions of Elton’s rendition Hercules (starting with issue No. first ever review we published of the songs, his mood, his 42). He certainly saw things that was an edited newspaper clothes, jokes, etc. – certainly a fan will never experience. article. In issue No. 5 we were always with a complete set list. Even if Elton was not on tour, proud to print our first ever full Through many editions of Hercules had plenty of live report of the Madison Square Hercules, fans have discussed shows to report. Elton would Garden Show (October 22, which live songs they liked and not be Elton if he had not filled 1988) by a FAN. A tradition of which they would love to hear. gaps between tours with special eye- and ear witness reports by (See page 21 for the report shows such as benefit concerts fans and the Rocket about Hercules Polls.) We and other special performances. Fan/Hercules team started. certainly have grown more If no one from the Hercules Issue No. 6 saw our first critical about Elton’s choice of Team was able to see such a major tour report. Stephan not songs for the concerts. special show, then most times only provided Rocket Fan with Many fans travelled all over there was a member who had the first complete set list of the the World to see Elton in attended and provided us with a 1989 shows in Germany and concert, often accompanied by review. detailed show reports, but also other fans who have become The first outstanding report with his backstage experiences. friends. These travels were about such a special show was Most German fans will widely documented in Hercules. "the Swiss Connection’s" remember that Elton played Along with a concert report tongue-in-cheek approach to

6 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club Elton’s – let’s say – under- Issue No. 35 included the circumstances of this show in representation at Knebworth first member report on the issue No. 40. Festival (UK) on May 19, 1990. annual Rainforest Benefit Show. Some fans even managed to Thus, in issue No. 12 you read: This show from 1996 will gain access to his exclusive Live "His [Elton’s] musical probably stick in our memory At The Ritz show in Paris/France presentation is unbearable. After because the finale was starring on January 14, 1998: some keyboard tinkling we Diana Ross, Don Henley, James "After the doors had been recognise Sacrifice. His voice Taylor, Robin Williams, and opened, everything was like a does not sound good, more like Elton – the "New Supremes". All fairytale. Everything was hushing or talking. […] Then the men dressed in black only indescribably beautiful. We follow Sad Songs and Saturday with long white gloves, except were led to the concert venue. Night’s Alright. And that was it. Elton who wore bright pink It was next to the swimming Without a thank you or gloves and fluorescent glasses. pool." goodbye, he disappears. What a From that year on, Hercules And after the show: "We had disappointment!" provided a report about the a hard time leaving the place What is bright green and Rainforest Benefit almost every where a dream had come true warm on a white and icy year. The 1997 show was for us." (Oliver Flous in issue ground? Just think about Elton at summarised in issue No. 39. No. 43) Surely an enviable the Top Of The Mountain The most memorable moment of experience. Concert in Ischgl/Austria on the 1999 Rainforest Benefit is Unfortunately there is no April 30, 1995. Member Roland captured on the cover of issue fan in the World who can Eggenberger wrote in issue No. 47: Elton "weds" the veiled possibly be able to see each No. 31: Sting to the sound of "Love And and every one of Elton’s live "I could write that Elton Marriage". appearances. That is why we at came on stage completely With Elton’s ever-increasing Hercules have tried to provide tasteless, in a green latex suit interest in various charities, he fans with impressions of Elton’s and gaudy red boots. I could performed more and more shows all over the World – also write that it was snowing or benefit shows. Whenever you "from the end of the World to raining during the whole open thought "no tour this year" a your town". This was only air concert. I could also write not-to-be-missed benefit show possible with your help that Elton played very well was sure to come around the because most of these reports despite the altitude, that his corner. Thus, on July 8, 1997 were mailed to the Hercules grand piano was flown in fans from Central Europe editors by fans. Thanks to especially or that the stage was gathered in everyone who contributed complete slush…" (This report Aschaffenburg/Germany for throughout the years. was about Elton’s and Ray Elton’s only German show that But keep in mind: Hercules Cooper’s grimacing during the year – benefiting Unicef. does not cease to exist with this entire show.) Anyone who was there will last issue of The Mag. We still That afternoon, an important remember that Hercules need your help. Keep sending in event in the history of Hercules members with a membership your concert reports to our took place: Stephan presented pass were allowed on the website at Elton with a cheque of £1.000 grounds – i.e. the front row – http://www.eltonfan.net for the EJAF. You can marvel at just before the gates opened Fans from all over the World EJ’s wide grin upon receiving this officially. Stephan provided an thank you! on the cover of issue No. 31. in-depth report about the

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 7 ELTON JOHN – LIVE AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE 1 DECEMBER 2002 by David Wright

rguably the most eagerly celebrities there. Elvis Costello main event. The familiar opening Aawaited Elton John concert shied away from the media and chords of Sixty Years On came for years took place at The Royal entered through an adjacent from behind a slowly opening Opera House on Sunday 1 door. Former England football curtain, which revealed the 100- December. manager Glenn Hoddle was piece orchestra on tiered seating Elton was only the second there and told reporters he is a behind Elton. The orchestra, contemporary artist to perform at big fan. Graham Norton, on conducted by former band this prestigious venue, following whose chat show Elton was a member James Newton-Howard, in the footsteps of Bjork. guest in 2001, proved that really came into its own with This was Elton’s first celebrities didn’t have to wear Carla Etude leading into Tonight. black tie. Also present were performance with an orchestra in A personal highlight was Have the UK for over 30 years. After Princess Margaret’s son Viscount that occasion, at the Royal Linley and several British TV Mercy On The Criminal; Festival Hall in 1972, he personalities. Special mention wonderful throughout the band criticised the attitude of the goes to Lulu, a real Elton fan tour, but taken to a new level orchestra and said he would who doesn’t need the possibility with the orchestra. Sorry Seems never do that again. Well, he did of a camera to get her to come To Be The Hardest Word was it again, but not until 1986 and and see him. beautiful, and it was a joy to hear that was in Australia with the Our own Elton celebrities Believe, surprisingly a rarity in Melbourne Symphony Orchestra were around too. Sound engineer Elton’s set list. for a 27 date tour; the tour which Clive Franks, author of His Song On a poignant note, the produced a wonderful live album Elizabeth Rosenthal and Laura sound was to have been despite his deteriorating voice. from eltonjohn.com were all produced by Gus Dudgeon. Elton Tickets were priced from mingling before the show. dedicated the concert to Gus and £100 to a terrifying £500 in the Having bought our Sheila and, introducing Your stalls. Rocket seats were in the programmes it was time to take Song, said "I would not be here Amphitheatre, the highest level our seats. This involved an without the skill of Gus as a but with an excellent view of the escalator and a brief glimpse of producer, an editor and a friend." stage. some very plush restaurants – Speaking with other fans after there was no confusing this with Being a black-tie event, this the show, it was clear that this was the first concert for which I Wembley Arena! have had to hire an outfit. The show started with Elton would be remembered by many Meeting friends outside the alone at the piano for Skyline as their favourite Elton John venue was strange – not an Elton Pigeon and Border Song. He was concert. Highlights of the John t-shirt nor pair of jeans to then joined by Davey and John concert have been screened in be seen! Television cameras and for Mona Lisas. The rest of the several countries but as yet, a red carpet added to the sense band came on stage for five more surprisingly, there is no word of of excitement; this was going to songs - the highlight being Circle an official DVD release. be a special evening. of Life with the choir. There were plenty of After an interval came the

Hercules members John Michie, Mark Giles, David Wright (UK Manager) and Rob Cargill at The Royal Opera House. Not a pair of jeans in sight!

8 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club THE SET LIST: THE HERCULES INTERVIEWS s well as countless exclusive Solo Aarticles and reviews on Elton Skyline Pigeon himself, Hercules has been proud to Tell Me What The Papers Say Border Song provide many exclusive interviews This was easily the most over the years with band members Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters enjoyable and most satisfying and those who have influenced with Davey Johnstone and John live performance I’ve seen from Elton’s career. We have also aquired Mahon Elton John. First, it continued the other interviews which have been in With the Band trend away from the piano- the public domain and we have been stomping rock’n’rolling towards Tiny Dancer able to share with Hercules members. something more dignified. When we started to look through Original Sin Second, the venue was our archive of interviews over the Holiday Inn magnificent and played its part years, the list was so overwhelming in creating the best sound that we have decided to simply tell Someone Saved My Life Tonight reproduction I have heard at any you which interviews we have Circle Of Life with choir pop concert, anywhere, ever. brought to you over the years, And third, he was accompanied Interval together with the issue number, so by the Orchestra and Choir of you can order that particular issue With The Royal Academy Of Music the Royal Academy, was added from us if you missed it at the time! Symphony Orchestra drama, depth and sheer Sixty Years On spectacle to this sumptuous show. Issue 4: Bernie Taupin part 1 I Need You To Turn To Daily Telegraph 31: Signing session with Elton and The Greatest Discovery Bernie in LA Carla Etude – Tonight The huge orchestra added 36: Interview Long John Baldry another dimension as well as 38: Interview Hugh Nicholson Take Me To The Pilot spectacle. Its performance on (Blue) This Train Don’t Stop There complex instrumental Carla 39: 30 years of Elton John and Anymore Etude allowed John to show off Bernie Taupin (star registry) Have Mercy On The Criminal his compositional skills to full 42: First part of series "John effect, and the combination of Sorry Seems To Be The Jorgenson online diary" (until dramatic strings and electric Issue 48) Hardest Word guitar on Have Mercy On The Criminal made it a perfect 44: Interview with Davey Johnstone Believe and John Jorgenson; report Philadelphia Freedom candidate for a James Bond theme. Electrifying versions of Farmdogs show (June 6, 1998) Burn Down The Mission Philadelphia Freedom and Burn 47: Interview Charlie Morgan; Don’t Let the Sun Go Down The Mission should have interview John Jorgenson Down On Me successfully put bad ideas into 48: Part 2 Charlie Morgan the heads of all the music Your Song 50: Interview with Nigel Olsson; scholars present: study hard, and Charlie Morgan article Saturday Night’s Alright you too could be a rock star. 51: Part 2 Nigel Olsson For Fighting Evening Standard 52: Interview with Clive Franks About The Royal Opera House 53: Part 2 Clive Franks 54: Interview Nigel Olsson; part 3 Clive Franks 55: Interview Roger Pope; Interview Kiki Dee; Interview Bluesology; report John Jorgenson show in London (November 20, 2000) 56: Review Nigel Olsson CD "Move The Universe" 57: Interview Bernie (LA Times) 59: Interview Gus Dudgeon 60: Part 2 Gus Dudgeon; special Gus issue; Interview Bernie (Radio Times)

Our thanks go to all those who have taken part.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 9 ALBUMS by Mireille

ereading all reviews of Elton’s how you make a hit single"; The Lion King: Ralbums released during the "Stone’s Throw From Hurtin’ – is For the first time in many publication of Rocket Fan/The someone else singing this?" years, Elton has written the Mag, I cannot resist the feeling "Sacrifice – a kingdom for a soundtrack for a movie. Certainly that we have grown much more surgeon who will remove this the occasion for Rocket Fan to critical of Elton’s work. That song from my record". In issue publish a review of both soundtrack and movie under the does not mean we are not fans No. 9 the readers’ opinions of headline "How a warthog and a anymore, but I rather think that the album were published. we are not in a stage of green monkey made Elton No. 1 "Everything that he does is great" Mixed feelings for everyone. in the US". (review in issue No. anymore. I think this is good. 28 by Stephan) Some opinions about songs Two Rooms: and albums that we voiced in the This is not really an Elton Made In England: fanzine may have changed over John album in the classic sense The Hercules team was once the years. This probably happens but since it was a tribute album again able to listen to the album to every fan: Some days, you just by music’s biggest names, this before the official release date. love to listen to "Candy By The album received an extensive Every team member stated Pound" while on other days you feature in Rocket Fan issue No. his/her view in brief bullet points compare it to "This Train Don’t 17. Opinions about the different and an overall impression (in Stop There Anymore" and find it’s interpretations of the songs issue No. 30). General comments were: complete trash. differed then and now. In the following paragraphs, "May many more Elton albums you will find quotes from reviews like that follow because this that were published in Rocket The One: music is really unique." (Holger Fan/Hercules/The Mag. They do For the first time, Rocket Fan Wagner). "You have to take your not necessarily reflect the current did not feature a review by the time for this but after each song opinions of the Hercules Team or team or the fans but the reprint you fall in love with it more and the fans but are just a plain over- of a very well-balanced more." (Luca Zerbini). "When I view of reviews. newspaper review (in issue No. heard Pain for the first time last 20). year, I hoped that I would love Reg Strikes Back: the rest of the upcoming album In the very first issue of Rocket Duets: just as much – and that has Fan, the album is considered as Even within the Rocket Fan happened!" (Mireille). "Elton in his best in many years. Town Of team, opinions about this album the right direction, back to the Plenty is called "The Crocodile Seventies." (Stephan). went as wide apart as possible. Rock of the Eighties" and voted There was a lot to say about best song on the album. Great The result in issue No. 25 is two this album so issue No. 31 pop music, even with one sure reviews – positive and negative, featured several more reviews by disco hit: I Don’t Wanna Go On just like a duet. fans and team members. With You Like That. (review by "If I was not a fan, I would not Everyone seemed to be happy Rainer Nagel) become one because of this with Elton’s latest work. album. […] The duets were Sleeping With The Past: probably meant to ‘sweeten up’ The Big Picture: For the first time, the Rocket the wait for the next tour. The Hercules team reviewed Fan Team received a demo tape Unfortunately, way too much this album in issue No. 40. We from Phonogram Germany before sugar was added." (review by agreed that it was a very good the release date. Only because of Mireille) album but also very different this generous gesture, Rocket Fan "This album has something for from Made In England. Some was able to feature a review of examples: everyone. Starting with romantic an album that was to be released Long Way From Happiness: two weeks after publication of pieces like True Love […] "A great start! A very beautiful the fanzine’s issue No. 8. through vocally unrivalled duets ballad." (Luca Zerbini); Live Like Opinions of the Rocket Fan like Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Horses: "I am happy that team members included the Thing […] to the dancefloor track Pavarotti does not sing along." following quotes: "Healing Don’t Go Breaking My Heart." (Mireille); The End Will Come: Hands – strong chorus, that’s (review by Holger Wagner) "Misleading title!" (Sharon

10 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM A FAN Kalinoski); Big Picture: "An influence of A Dandelion Dies In Hard to believe the time has come to say goodbye to the The Wind […] can be detected." Hercules fanzine. It's been, to quote Elton's beloved lyricist, "a (George Matlock); Recover Your time we never can or shall erase." Since 1988, the magazine Soul: "Eats itself into your ears." (Holger Wagner) January: "Great has served as a gathering place for the far-flung legions of Elton piece! Reminds me of fans by providing an entirely underrated service, that of always Philadelphia Freedom." (Sabine bringing us enough fodder to last till the next album, the next Asenkerschbaumer). concert, the next talk show appearance, whatever space it was in Elton's career that needed to be filled. Aida: For 14 years, the magazine has filled those spaces in earnest, For the review of Aida in issue No. 46 the Hercules team and the capable staff have consistently volunteered their time had Elton’s demos of the original and talents toward capturing all of Elton's magic that they can songs as basis of judgment. For for us on the printed page. the first time, the reviewers had The previous issue of Hercules is a good example, which ran to give each song points an interview with Elton's ex-producer Gus Dudgeon right before depending how much they liked he died in a car accident. Nowhere else would we have been it. The Messenger ended up as loser (with only 26 points) able to share such an intimate conversation with a member of whereas the best-loved My Elton's closest circle. That's what made the magazine so Strongest Suit and How I Know special, and it's a sad to see something like that come to an end. You scored a whopping 81 and Now, though, we turn the page on an important part of our 78 points. story as Elton John fans. Like all good things, the magazine had Since Aida is not just an album but also has an interesting a brilliant beginning and a poignant end. "Seasons change," story, this issue of Hercules also Elton once sang. "The circle turns again." The focus of the featured a summary of the plot. magazine has always been on him, the man who wrote the soundtrack to our lives; the magazine may be gone, but the The Road To El Dorado: soundtrack is still being written. Again not a "classic" Elton We owe the staff of Hercules all our thanks for letting us John album. Thus we decided to treat it the same way as Aida: share some of the moments in Elton's life we might not Team review plus plot summary otherwise have been a part of. As the last issue of the magazine (in issue No. 51. This time, the comes to a close, a fitting farewell image can be found at the three most popular songs came end of the Captain Fantastic album, in the last song, Curtains: in very close: The Panic In Me, El Dorado, and Someday Out Of The Blue "But that's okay, There's treasure children always seek to find Songs From The West Coast: Thanks to eltonjohn.com, And just like us some Hercules team members were able to attend a playback You must have had session of this album in a A once upon a time." London studio, well ahead of the release date. In issue No. 56 the It seems fitting to let the curtains close on the magazine with attendees reported that the such a personal statement from the songwriters, who continue to audience broke into spontaneous applause after they had first remain so close to our hearts. For me at least, it's something I heard Elton’s latest work. This is learned as a child and then forgot along the way. reflected in the review: Everyone Thank you Elton and Bernie, and all the staff at Hercules, for seems to be very happy with this making me believe in "Once upon a time" again. album – unanimity at last. Andy Meek, USA

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 11 THEthe FUTURE internet FOR HERCULES: hen the fan club was the Information Age, and Internet would become so Wformed in May 1988, the profoundly affects the world in popular in such a short time that Internet already existed with which we live. it would actually displace the some 50,000 Internet hosts The fan club has been traditional printed fanzine, of worldwide, but it was still far travelling this Information which we are so proud. But that from being what we refer to as Superhighway from very early exact news was the result of a the Internet of today. In 1991, on. In issue #32 (September member survey which we the World Wide Web (www) was 1995) you will find an article conducted in September 2001 born, but it wasn’t until 1993 about ‘Elton Goes CompuServe’. (see issue #56), which made the before it became more widely Our first fan club homepage fan club team vote for an end to used with the help of Mosaic, launched in April 1996 at the printed fanzine with the the first graphic-based web- http://ourworld.compuserve.com/ publication of issue #60 in browser. Traffic on the Internet homepages/sheimbecher (see September 2002. expanded at an alarming growth issue #35). With more and more We are aware that - despite rate of 341,634% year on year. Elton John fan sites going online the popularity of the Internet at The first mention of the www in the following months, the large – this decision is not very in the fanzine can be found in fanzine started the new column popular amongst what we refer issue #29, published in ‘Take Me Down To The Ocean’ (a to as ‘offline fans’, i.e. those December 1994. In that same reference to ‘surfing the net’) Hercules members who do not year, the Rolling Stones reviewing Elton-related websites yet have Internet access. The broadcast the Voodoo Lounge with issue #42 in March 1998. simple fact is that we can no tour over the Internet, Marc Only a few months later, the fan longer afford publicising a Andreesen and Jim Clark formed club launched its new website, printed fanzine for an ever- Netscape Communications Corp www.eltonfan.com, on May 8, decreasing number of readers. So and Pizza Hut accepted online 1998 – the fan club’s 10th our decision was more a vote for orders for a mushroom, birthday (see issue #43). the continuation of the fan club, pepperoni with extra cheese. The Hercules website was rather than a ruling against what But the Age of the Internet completely re-launched in early has been our figurehead for more only arrived in 1996 when users 2000 (see issue #50) as Elton than a decade. in almost 150 countries around John Portal on www.eltonfan.net Just as most of us use the the world were connected and albeit a little bit behind schedule. telephone today, the Internet will the number of computer hosts Within days, the new website also become an integral part of approached 10 million. As the reached an average of 500 and our daily routines in a short time, Internet celebrated its 25th more unique visitors per day. much shorter than many of us anniversary, the military strategies That number has increased since, will anticipate. It’s our strong that influenced its birth became despite the launch of the official belief that our ‘offline fans’ will historical footnotes. Within 30 Elton John website, come aboard soon. But for the years, the Internet had grown www.eltonjohn.com, on March meantime, we don’t want to from a Cold War concept for 25, 2000 (see issue #51 & #52). leave you out in the cold, i.e. if controlling the tattered remains In early October 2000, the fan you don’t have Internet access at of a post-nuclear society to the club added more features to its home, at the office or at a Information Superhighway. website (see issue #53) making it friend’s place and if there is no Just as the railroads of the 19th even more attractive to Elton Internet café nearby, we will be century enabled the Machine Age, John fans from all over the globe. happy to feed you the latest Elton and revolutionised the society of Nobody in the fan club team John news by mail (see box the time, the Internet takes us into was aware, however, that the oposite for details).

12 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club IN MEMORY To forgive and be forgiven If it's the last thing I can do Then in death's release I may find the peace That in life I never knew

(from A Simple Man; Elton John/Gary Osborne)

And, as for our avid readers to thank you for your continuous While most of the past 14 with Internet access, we invite support of the Hercules website, years had been lots of fun, there you to visit the Hercules website www.eltonfan.net. On January also were those moments of at www.eltonfan.net and to 26, 2003 our counter reached sadness and mourning. Here, continue your membership 1,000,000 hits! It all began less we would just like to remember online at a reduced rate of only than three years ago when the a few of those moments which Euro 10 per year. We will try to Hercules website was completely meant difficult times for Elton revitalise the spirit of the printed re-launched in early 2000. Since as well as to his fans. fanzine as part of the protected then, an average of 1,000 fans The first tragic loss which the member area. visit our web pages on a daily fans shared with Elton was the The Hercules team would like basis! death of Dee Murray. The bass player and member of Elton’s original band lost his battle against skin cancer on January 14, 1992. On March 15, 1992 Elton honoured his longtime NEWSLETTER SERVICE. musical companion with two solo shows in Nashville/US, f you do not have internet access, and would like to receive the Murray’s hometown since 1985. Ilatest news about Elton, we are offering a new newsletter service, For these shows, Elton especially by post. Members of our Hercules team will print out the last few rehearsed "That’s What Friends pages of news from our website and mail them to you, on request. Are For", a song he had never Please note that these will NOT have the appearance of a designed played live and solo before. fanzine, but will be a black and white printout from our web site. On July 15, 1997, fashion designer and close friend of This up-to-date list with Elton news can be obtained by Elton, Gianni Versace, was shot sending an self-addressed envelope to one of the following dead in front of his house in Hercules departments: Miami Beach. The fan club FOR FANS IN GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA, FRANCE: dedicated issue #40 to Gianni Versace’s commemoration. Hercules Fan Adviser, c/o Mireille Mölbert, Albrechtstr. With that shock hardly out of 32, D-80636 Munich, Germany the minds of Elton and ourselves, Please include one International Response Coupon (IRC)! tragedy continued with the sudden death of Princess Diana FOR FANS IN THE UK, REST OF EUROPE: on August 31, 1997. Again, the Hercules UK, c/o David Wright, 100 Winkworth Road, fan club published a tribute Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2QR, UK (issue #41) in memory of one Elton’s close friends. Please include UK postage for a standard letter or one International The latest incident, I assume, Response Coupon (IRC) if you live outside the UK! will still be in most people’s memory as it was issue #60, FOR FANS FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD: the last official publication of Hercules US, c/o Barb Madruga, P.O. Box 692392, our fanzine, which was put Orlando, FL 32869-2392, USA together in memory of producer Gus Dudgeon, who was killed Please include US Priority Mail stamp or one International by a car accident on July 21, Response Coupon (IRC) if you live outside the US! 2002 together with his wife Sheila.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 13 COVER All the issues of the fanzine, from Issue 1 ISSUE NO 1 ISSUE NO 7 ISSUE NO 13 ISSUE NO 19 ISSUE NO 25 ISSUE NO 2 ISSUE NO 8 ISSUE NO 14 ISSUE NO 20 ISSUE NO 26 ISSUE NO 3 ISSUE NO 9 ISSUE NO 15 ISSUE NO 21 ISSUE NO 27 ISSUE NO 4 ISSUE NO 10 ISSUE NO 16 ISSUE NO 22 ISSUE NO 28 ISSUE NO 5 ISSUE NO 11 ISSUE NO 17 ISSUE NO 23 ISSUE NO 29 ISSUE NO 6 ISSUE NO 12 ISSUE NO 18 ISSUE NO 24 ISSUE NO 30

14 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club STORY!! in 1988, through to Issue 60 in 2003! ISSUE NO 55 ISSUE NO 49 ISSUE NO 43 ISSUE NO 37 ISSUE NO 31 ISSUE NO 56 ISSUE NO 50 ISSUE NO 44 ISSUE NO 38 ISSUE NO 32 ISSUE NO 57 ISSUE NO 51 ISSUE NO 45 ISSUE NO 39 ISSUE NO 33 ISSUE NO 58 ISSUE NO 52 ISSUE NO 46 ISSUE NO 40 ISSUE NO 34 ISSUE NO 59 ISSUE NO 53 ISSUE NO 47 ISSUE NO 41 ISSUE NO 35 ISSUE NO 60 ISSUE NO 54 ISSUE NO 48 ISSUE NO 42 ISSUE NO 36

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 15 I REMEMBER WHEN THE FANZINE WAS YOUNG WE IN ITALY HAD SO By Luca Zerbini

n a cold Italian On a very morning, a few hot Italian O morning, about weeks ago, my clock 18 years before, alarm wakes me up at the same clock 7.30am. Hardly I reach alarm wakes me my computer, turn it up. Hardly I walk to the on and in no more than nearest tube 30 seconds I get my station and only precious tickets for the after a three- unique Elton John days-research finally I could concerts at the get my precious magazine about Elton and his Shepherds Bush tickets for the unique Elton John music. Never mind if it’s written concerts at the Teatro Tenda in Empire in in German and I don’t Milano. What a hard life for us London. understand a word! Elton fans at the time! No Without doubt the beginning internet, no e-mail, just a very of 14 years of great fanzine, few news from the media, no incredible moments and, mostly, fan known to share moments wonderful friends! Simply, the with. Just me, myself, my beginning of all! And I can records and … his music! proudly say: "I was there.". In June 1988 finally the light. Rocket Fan issues #9 and 10 An envelope appears on my see my very first time "working" desk: it’s from Germany for the fanzine. It’s October ’89, and I can’t wait a second to Sleeping with the Past is in the open it. It’s what I have shops and Diego Pedrini, the been waiting Mercury Italia label manager at for years: the time, shows a lot of interest an Elton in Rocket Fan. John After the huge and fanzine! unexpected success of Reg It’s Strikes Back in Italy Elton is ROCKET again very popular: Diego FAN! I still Pedrino calls me one morning remember and proposes a competition with the moment: prizes for the fanzine. In the simply First Rocket Fan Competition stunned by each reader has to vote for his that magazine 10 favourite Elton John tracks, 5 with a part of best albums and 2 favourite the photo of songs from new release Sleeping the Reg Strikes With The Past. No email, no Back record as web page, no computer: simply front cover. a post-card addressed to my Wow, home address and a block note unbelievable, a where to write and update the twenty-page three Rocket fan Charts.

16 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club JUST FOR FUN LYRIC QUIZ

Have a go at our popular lyric quiz. We give you a line - see if you can name the song! MUCH FUN (Answers on page 27) the Italian department: 1 Almost formal, too respectful from fanzine Never takes romantic leads #27 the so- loved Hercules Italia Pagine 2 Now look and see the lilac tree Locali appear. The lily pond the skylark’s In few numbers song these local pages become very popular: 3 I still believe thanks to the I still put faith in us new technology and, mostly, to 4 After everything we’ve been the wonderful through Italian fans What’s left to prove The competition closed in creativity, the Hercules Italia January ’90 and great part of fanzine reached a peak of 36 5 Now the road is ended issue #10 is dedicated to the pages in issue 36 in September In your arms I’ll sleep final results: Your Song, 1996. It’s a huge success, totally Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and unexpected to me! 6 And the eagle still flew in the Blue Avenue are the top of the Maestro Morichelli is now sky three charts. Rocket Fan #10 writing pearls of wisdom in his Hearts filled with national includes also my very first famous articles about Elton pride article with a full interview with music and Bernie lyrics ("Il Punto Mercury manager Mr.Pedrini: e La Nota"). The hard and 7 And, oh, the shame well, I start feeling a part of the annoying translation job and fan Rocket Fan family correspondence are now held by Thoughta changin’ my name March ’94 is another two new member of the Hercules milestone date. The fanzine is Italia team: Orsola Nizzero and 8 There isn’t much I haven’t now very professional: great Max Pollavini. But we would not shared articles, wonderful layout and be there without Beppe and his With you along the road printing. The fanclub is Collectors Corner articles, Luca extremely well organised. The and his charts and live reviews, 9 Dillinger’s dead obvious next step is the creation and then Alberto and his long- I guess the cops won again of local national departments awaited article on the Elton and translations of the fanzine remixes, Valeria, Fabiola, Vittorio 10 We were crazy, wild and in other languages. I am asked and many others. running to create the Italian department. But all the good things finish: Blind to the change to come Rocket Fan 26 is the first in December ’97, after 16 issue with a full 20-page Italian fanzines produced in 4 years, 11 Some Park Lane lady in a translation included in the Hercules Italian closes up the shady bar international edition: the layout publications of the Italian part of Took a fancy to the watch I is very simple and seen the fanzine. It’s a sad moment wore nowadays makes me smile. The but the memories of those hard translation job is shared wonderful days are inside the 12 I think it’s time that you and I with the friend and fan Massimo pages of these 16 fanzines and Morichelli: Rocket Fan Italia is will stay with us forever! Arranged a heart to heart born. The following issues I never knew a better time definitely show the growing of And I guess I never will LYRIC QUIZ

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 17 TAMMI LAW

What is your role in Hercules? Chief Editor of the fanzine. I’m responsible for the content of The Mag for all countries, and have the been since June 1998. I write, MEET collate and edit the articles and pics. Then, together with David, the UK Manager, I handle the distribution, envelope stuffing team and mailing to Hercules members all over the world. he Hercules fan club is run by a dedicated team Tof volunteers, who have never received any How did you get involved with Hercules? payment for their work in bringing Club Members I became a member of Hercules after seeing a card news of Elton over the past 14 years. As there is a advertising the fan club in the very first Out The Closet lot of work involved, in countries all around the world, the Team is split into various departments shop in London in December ‘94. As I worked in to ensure the smooth running of the club. Here marketing, design and print, I offered to help with the you can find out who does what behind the fanzine if it was ever needed. A short while later, the scenes! then Editor, Sabine, decided to take a break, and I was approached by the Team and asked if I would like to STEPHAN HEIMBECHER take over as Chief Editor. In at the deep end! How long have you been an Elton John fan? What is your role in Hercules? Since 1975 – at the age of 5 years old! My older I am the Hercules Coordinator brother bought me Tumbleweed Connection for my and webmaster of the Hercules 5th birthday – because he wanted it! It backfired on website at www.eltonfan.net. him though – I fell in love with it instantly and he How did you get involved with never got to listen to my copy! Hercules? What is your favourite Elton song and album? I am one of the co-founders who started the fan club on May 8, Favourite Album is Captain Fantastic and the Brown 1988. Dirt Cowboy. It’s that mixture of classic, beautiful songs and personal teenage nostalgia! At the moment, How long have you been an Elton John fan? Original Sin is my favourite song. When I first heard I became a devoted fan in 1983 when on a trip to it, I remember thinking, "This is it. This is the song I’ve Hastings (England) a jukebox kept on playing "I'm Still been waiting to hear all my life." It still blows me Standing" instead of the choices I had made. I liked away every time I hear it. the song and got myself the "Two Low For Zero" album as soon as I got back home. Some "Best of" albums What is your favourite Elton memory? immediately followed and I discovered that I knew So many good memories. I met Elton backstage quite a lot of Elton John songs already, but I never had during an after-show party at Wembley Stadium after any idea they are all from the same guy. I am pretty the Summer of ’84 concert. A lot of his celebrity sure that most Elton fans - except for those who friends were there, but he was kind enough to chat to became fans in the early Seventies - have made the same experience. me about his forthcoming holiday to the South of France. He also asked me if I would like to see his car What is your favourite Elton song and album? and took me to where it was parked! Bernie was there That's probably one of the toughest questions ever. I too. I was a totally besotted teenager, and Elton was usually reply that "Ticking" has always been in my Top very drunk! Good fun though. And during the UK 3 of Elton John songs. As far as albums are concerned, solo tour of Stately Homes in the summer of 2001, I I don't even know. Definitely many of the Seventies was fortunate enough to see 14 shows that tour. By the albums, but I don't really have a particular favourite. time he played Highclere Castle, Elton had seen us at the front for several nights running and decided to What is your favourite Elton memory? play games with us, constantly posing for our cameras, There are quite a few in the meantime, especially after pulling faces at us, and deliberately changing the those 15 years of running the fan club. But the words of songs just to fool us. An unbelievable night, personal meeting at his house in London in April 1997 and judging by his laughter at our awe-struck faces, he (also see page 24) has to be the most memorable one. enjoyed it as much as we did!

18 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club HOLGER WAGNER DAVID WRIGHT

What is your role in Hercules? What is your role in Hercules? To keep in contact with the UK Manager and was Editor for a German record company year. How did you get involved with How did you get involved with Hercules? Hercules? It was me who contacted Stephan I became a member in 1996 as and Sabine Krupp in 1988 to build soon as I heard of Hercules, which up what is today HERCULES. came from Alan at Wrap It Up, How long have you been an having found him from the CD Elton John fan? sleeve on Chartbusters Go Pop. This was before I had internet Since 1983 and a big hardcore fan since 1986. access. I went to the London conventions and have made What is your favourite Elton song and album? some very good friends through Hercules. In 2000, I was My favourite song is The One and my favourite the asked by Tammi to take over as Editor for a year. album is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. How long have you been an Elton John fan? What is your favourite Elton memory? Since 1984. Sad Songs was my first single and Breaking The best memories were the six solo shows at the Hearts my first album – I was hooked! Then it was Royal Albert Hall in 1994. We met Elton every night at Greatest Hits before I started buying the back catalogue. the backstage door to talk to him and get photos What is your favourite Elton song and album? signed. I was so close to him, shaking hands, asking questions. The best thing was I ask him to play Live My favourite song is Someone Saved My Life Tonight Like Horses like he did the shows before in Paris. This and favourite album is Elton John – a masterpiece. evening, he said he can’t perform, because he has only a rest of his voice. But the next evening, he What is your favourite Elton memory? changed the set list and included that great song!! Getting autographs at the stage was something I never That was really really great to hear!! thought would happen and first became possible for me because of tickets arranged by Hercules. My proudest moment was interviewing Gus Dudgeon last year but BARB C. MADRUGA meeting John Jorgenson and Charlie Morgan several times has been a real pleasure as well, and the What is your role in Hercules? weekend at the Cavern Club in Liverpool with HERCULES USA/Canada Bluesology, John Jorgenson and Roger Pope was special. department. How did you get involved with Hercules? In 1997, I invited Elton fans from SABINE ASENKERSCHBAUMER around the World to Houston, Texas, for a week-long Eltonfest, What is your role in Hercules? centred around Smash Hits. We Translating and typesetting of had a fabulous turn-out, and a German issue of The Mag. wonderful time. I’ve been involved in the club since then. How did you get involved with Hercules? How long have you been an Elton John fan? I met members of the club after Since I first heard Your Song when it was first released. Elton's concert in Frankfurt in What is your favourite Elton song and album? 1993 and joined straight away. If I had to choose one and only one favourite song, it How long have you been an still might be Your Song, or maybe Live Like Horses, Elton John fan? which left a huge impression on me. (Then again, Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding is at the very Since 1984, when I first heard I Guess That's Why top, as well…) If I could take one album to survivor They Call It The Blues. island, it would be Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. What is your favourite Elton song and album? What is your favourite Elton memory? Currently The Ballad of The Boy in the Red Shoes and Flying across the U.S. (Orlando, Florida all the way to Blue Moves. Seattle, Washington) to see Elton in concert; enjoying What is your favourite Elton memory? time there with fans from around the World. This club has given me golden friendships. Shaking his hand at the Royal Albert Hall in 1994.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 19 LUCA ZERBINI MIREILLE MÖLBERT

What is your role in Hercules? What is your role in Hercules? Manager of the Italian Fan Adviser and translator of department and editor of the German issue. Hercules Italia from March '94 to December '97. How did you get involved with Hercules? How did you get involved with Hercules? At the concert in Frankfurt on In 1988 I read on a music April 15, 1989, Holger handed magazine the ads of the Rocket me a Rocket Fan flyer. He said: Fan club. I immediately got in touch with Sabine, "You have to join the fan club". Stephan and Holger and became a member. In Why? Because I was wearing a self-designed and self- October '89 I wrote my very first article for the knit Elton jumper. fanzine and in March '94 I was asked to create the Italian department. How long have you been an Elton John fan? How long have you been an Elton John fan? 1985 – when Nikita was in the charts but not because of that song, I wish to emphasise. I just happened to realise I started to like Elton in '79 at the Song For Guy time. that so many songs that I liked were by the same guy. I bought the single and then the LP. I got some records and tapes. But it was with Jump Up and the recording What is your favourite Elton song and album? of the Moscow concert with Ray Cooper that I went crazy with his music!!! From the older albums: Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy. From the more recent albums: What is your favourite Elton song and album? Songs From The West coast. Song: Skyline Pigeon. Well, that's a tough question!! My favourite album is What is your favourite Elton memory? definitely Madman Across The Water. I cannot tell you my favourite song, it depends on the moment: I would During the concert in Munich on July 8, 2000, I gave tell you Indian Sunset, Levon, The Greatest Discovery, Elton a Ken doll (Barbie’s boyfriend) dressed in Sweet Painted Lady and, in his most recent ones, traditional Bavarian drag complete with a bunch of Believe. yellow Barbie-size roses. When I watched the "One What is your favourite Elton memory? Night Only" at Madison Square Garden (October 2000) backstage report, I saw that this exact doll was I have been lucky enough to travel and see Elton sitting on his dressing room table. He had kept it! concerts all over the world for quite a long time. I have had plenty of fun, unbelievable, crazy and impossible memories. The one I remember right now happened in '98 during the Big Picture Tour: I was in NYC with my friend Arjen and our hotel was just in front of the Madison Square Garden where Elton was playing for 4 or 5 nights in a row. Neither of us had tickets but we could always get front row. One night we could not find front floor tickets and we decided not to go to the concert, so we went back to our hotel room, had a huge pizza, watched TV and had some cookies as if Elton was not playing 50 metres away from us! Then 5 minutes before everybody came out from MSG we walked to the bar of the band’s hotel where we stayed till early in the morning! Well, that night we had some beer. Every time I drank a Bud I still remember Billy Trudel saying to us "Oh my God, two Europeans drinking an American beer!!" I think I have a couple of shots of that night but looking at our faces I still have to decide who drank more.

20 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club WHAT YOU’VE TOLD US…… ….results of the surveys!

Our understanding of the fan club is being your eyes and ears and acting as an interface and a voice between you and Elton John. In that sense, we have always been open to your feedback, ideas, requests, criticism and opinions.

Member surveys have always Top 5 Elton John albums: played an important role in this 1. The One 1. Tonight regard. And if they concerned 2. Sleeping With The Past 2. Someone Saved My Life... Elton related matters rather than 3. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 3. Healing Hands boring club affairs, your 4. Too Low For Zero 4. I’m Still Standing cooperation has usually been high. 5. Captain Fantastic 5. Club At The End Of … Our first survey was conducted in late 1989 with the And this time, we also let you We also let you point your results being published in issue vote your most wanted live thumb down in regard of those #10. Back then, your Top 10 of songs. Back then, the fans asked songs you could no longer stand Elton John songs read like this: for these songs to be performed in live concerts. Late 1998 these by Elton: songs were: 1. Your Song 2. Candle In The Wind 1. Ticking 1. I Guess That’s Why … 3. Rocket Man 2. Tonight 2. Daniel 4. I’m Still Standing 3. Empty Garden 3. Tiny Dancer 5. Daniel 4. Skyline Pigeon 4. Can You Feel The Love … 6. Tonight 5. Healing Hands 5. Honky Cat 7. Saturday Night’s Alright 6. Cry To Heaven 8. I Guess That’s Why … 7. Crocodile Rock As another four years have 9. Ticking 8. Come Down In Time past since this latest survey, we 10. Sorry Seems To Be … 9. Elton’s Song plan to give you a chance to vote 10. Levon again shortly. Meanwhile, other And your favourite Elton John polls can be found on our albums were: Frequent concert goers will website at notice that many of these songs http://www.eltonfan.net/poll/. 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road appeared in the set lists of In addition to these polls and 2. Too Low For Zero subsequent Elton John tours. It surveys, the fan club has also 3. Sleeping With The Past could have been a lot better, hosted another interactive event 4. Captain Fantastic however, as we learned about an for the fans: the songwriter 5. Live In Australia ‘Unplugged Show’ which was competition. In part one, we planned to be held at London’s called for your lyrics in the style Three years later, we repeated Royal Albert Hall on May 11, of Bernie Taupin (see issue #27). the exercise (see issue #22). This 1993. According to some Once three winners had been time it was a lot more members of the band, they had chosen, the music talents representative as our membership rehearsed the above Top 10 of amongst our membership were had increased a lot in the most wanted live songs for that asked to turn at least one of these meantime. The results in March special show. Unfortunately, lyrics into an Elton-like song (see 1993 were as follows: Elton pulled out of the issue #29). We weren’t able to production at the last minute as collate the songwriter team of the Top 10 Elton John songs: he did not want to be compared future, but at least we all enjoyed 1. Your Song to Eric Clapton who had just won an interesting competition and 2. The One six Grammies for his Unplugged the winners received a copy of 3. The Last Song album. What a disappointment! the book ‘The Complete Lyrics’ 4. I’m Still Standing At the end of 1998, we asked signed by Elton as well as a 5. Candle In The Wind you for your favourite live tracks unique CD with their song 6. Tonight again, this time online via the (remember that this was 1994 7. Rocket Man Hercules website. The results and CD writers weren’t as 8. Sacrifice were published in issue #45. Your common as they are today). 9. Daniel most wanted live songs were as 10. Skyline Pigeon follows:

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 21 HERCULES AND AIDS FUNDRAISING by Stephan Heimbecher

A long time before the public at large became aware of Elton John’s commitment in the fight against AIDS, and many years before the Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992, the fan club tried to contribute to the creation of AIDS awareness and to the collection of financial aid. The article ‘Funeral For A Friend’, an (November 1994, see issue #29), Atlanta extensive report of the Ryan White story, in (June 1996, see issue #36), London issue #11 (June 1990) was the first time we (November 1997, see issue #42) and London put our readers in touch with HIV and AIDS. (November 2000, see issue #54). Only 6 months later, we launched ‘Rocket But Elton’s commitment and my Fans against AIDS’, an initiative benefiting involvement with the fan club has also the German AIDS Foundation (see issue influenced some AIDS related activity on a #13).£/$£/$£/$ An auction of collectible items much larger scale: when visiting Elton’s Earls donated by our membership raised Euro Court shows in May 1993 I noticed the Red 2.000 in March 1991 (see issue #14). Ribbon, the global symbol for AIDS A second auction undertaken two years awareness, which was distributed by the later (see issue #22) even resulted in Euro volunteers of the EJAF. Since that symbol 3.500, including a high bid of Euro 1.500 for was completely unknown in Germany at the an original pair of Elton John’s glasses kindly time, I decided to establish Red Ribbon donated by Elton’s management. Germany (see issue #23). Encouraged by the success of these two This organisation got started with the early events, the fan club continued to raise support of many Elton John fans and fan money, mainly organising auctions. For club members who helped folding Red example, during an Elton John exhibition Ribbons and distributing them at Elton’s presented by the fan club alongside the start open air show in Nuremberg in May 1993. of "The Lion King" in German movie To this day, Red Ribbon Germany has theatres,$/£$/£$/£ we raised another Euro 1.500 (see distributed more than 10 million Red issue #28), an additional Euro 1.000 was Ribbons in Germany and has raised more raised by auctioning off 10 signed concert than Euro 150,000 in face-to-face posters (see issue #32), etc. campaigns, i.e. by personally talking to When the Elton John AIDS Foundation people and that way raising awareness and (EJAF) began to license more and more money at the same time. If you are official merchandise, such as the candles, interested in learning more about Red watches, credit cards etc., the fan club tried Ribbon Germany and its project ‘Artists to support their worthy work by About AIDS’ which also includes Elton, see continuously reporting about the latest EJAF www.artists-about-aids.com. matters in the newly created column ‘Livin’ Finally, we would like to thank all fans And Lovin’’ which was started in issue #33 and members who have supported ‘Rocket (December 1995). Fans against AIDS’ and ‘Hercules against Of course, we also reported about the AIDS’ in the past … and who will do so in ‘Out£/$£/$ £/$Of The Closet’ shops in London the future!

22 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club FANS & It all started modestly in an apartment in Cologne.. house in central Germany was show started in the evening. (See rented, and 48 fans partied for 48 issue #53 for a full report). hours. It is no understatement to The certainly most unusual say that everyone had HUGE fun. fan meeting happened in March FAN For a detailed – and very 2001, celebrating Elton’s 54th entertaining – undercover report birthday, in the legendary Cavern about this unforgettable Club, Liverpool, UK. For one weekend, please have a look at unique gig, the remaining issue #11. members of Bluesology reunited MEETINGS Another club meeting in the to play exclusively for Elton fans. same venue happened one year And our "old friend" John by Mireille later. Once again, around 40 fans Jorgenson showed his ongoing laughed their heads off and made support for the fans by playing lots of friends (for a full report, some songs from his album or many fans, the chance to see issue #16). Emotional Savant live. No Elton Fmeet other fans was, and is, The tradition to link club show this time but surely a not- the main reason they join a fan meetings to Elton concerts started to-have-missed weekend. If you club. Rocket Fan/Hercules with the 4th meeting in were not there, read issue #55. always stressed that this is also Switzerland. The number of fans On March 25, 2002 fans an important goal for us by attending was so large, that they around the world celebrated organising fan meetings all needed a bus to get to the show Elton’s birthday in parties of around the World. in Lausanne (the hot concert). different sizes, creating the It all started modestly in an The fans spent at least two days charitable "Lunch Around The apartment in Cologne where 15 with two great shows together, World". The report in issue #59 fans met on April 8, 1989 (report the latter one taking place in reveals the sum that was raised in issue #6). They did what fans Basel (the wet concert). (See for the Elton John AIDS have been doing during each and issue #20 and the special edition Foundation: more than $6400! every fan meeting that followed: Rocket Fun) If you were not able to meet talk about Elton, his songs, his The proceedings at the club other fans at conventions, you albums, his concerts. Anyone meeting that went along with the were still able to get to know who has ever attended a fan "An Evening With Elton John And them through Rocket Fan / meeting, knows that these get- Ray Cooper" (Royal Albert Hall, Hercules. As early as issue #2 togethers usually tend to be London, December 1994) shows members had the chance to hilariously funny. After all, you even needed a Hercules special introduce themselves in a regular are meeting people who are just edition AND a report in issue feature called "In the Club" and as crazy as you are – Elton fans. #30. later "Tell Me What The Even for this small meeting, In the years that followed, Members Say". people from Switzerland, Italy, many local conventions were Other fan clubs came and Sweden, and the US made their organised by hard-working went. Rocket Fan established way to Germany. An example members and department chiefs. partnerships with "Harmony" and that set the standard for all future Among others, Elton fans met in "Tumbleweed Connection" (both meetings. the US, the UK, Switzerland, US-based) which both sadly are The Swiss fans certainly Germany, and Finland. no more. followed the German example The largest fan convention But Hercules does not cease and organised a fan meeting for organised by Hercules happened to be! We will continue to bring September 9, 1989 (report in in the Millennium year. The fans together. Even though the issue #9). Many meetings have location (Hard Rock Café), city club will from now on "only" since followed in the alpine (New York City), and publish a website, we will still state. One of those happened on circumstances (Elton shows in organise fan meetings and even November 8, 1997 and was Madison Square Garden) could the fantastic over-the-top summarised in issue #42. not have been better. This was international convention which The 2nd international club also the first meeting with a real we have been planning to hold meeting in Germany from May star guest: John Jorgenson since 2000 (see issue #49) is 11 to 13, 1990 will surely stick surprisingly popped in before bound to take place any in the memory of every one who soundcheck. 80 fans had a great time soon. attended. For this get-together, a time even before another great

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 23 HERCULES AND ELTON’S MANAGEMENT By Stephan Heimbecher

THEhe collaboration with Elton MANAGEMtickets for the special AIDS thank-you notes from Elton in the TJohn’s management has been benefit show in London on days shortly after the meeting. a roller coaster ride since the December 1, 1994 as well as When the John Reid very beginning. Not only early access to the first ‘Out Of Enterprises era came to and end because we have had to adapt to The Closet’ shop (see issue #29). in 1998, we tried to carry over three different managers over And that’s just naming a few of our good relationship to the new the years, but for the simple fact the things we have to thank the management. Fortunately, some that we have been stuck in an managements for. of the staff members in the undefined status somewhere We also know that the fan background remained, but the betweenTHE acknowledgement as an MANAGEMclub hasn’t always been angelic. man on top was changed. In official fan club, and the There have been times of October 1998, Stephan had a possible threat of closure ever misbehaviour for which we have promising kick-off meeting with since we founded the fan club. apologised and would like to then-manager Colin Bell in New If you have been a apologise for again. But whatever York (see issue #45). But he was shareholder in the past few years, we did – good or bad - we only in charge for less than a you will be able to appreciate always did it with good intention. year before being replaced by his what we have been experiencing But then in 1995, some successor Frank Presland. for almost 15 years. But I don’t strange behaviour of a French fan Today’s relationship with wantTHE this to sound too negative. MANAGEMclub, which used to be part of Frank and his team at Twenty- In fact, I am very thankful for the the Hercules fan club network at First Artists can be described as support we have received from the time, precipitated a crisis. positive, although it is sometimes Elton’s managements, but we are We’ll spare you the details, but it frustrating that there is silence for also disappointed by some of the took the effort of some members many months of unavailing things that never happened. of the Hercules team seeking a requests for feedback regarding We first tried to make contact clarifying conversation between certain matters, until all of a during a trip to London in July the management and all parties sudden there is liveliness again 1988 (see issue #2). But we only involved, which took place in when there is something they gotTHE as far as the intercom of the MANAGEMLondon mid July 1995 (see issue need from us. Without trying to then-office at 51 Holland Street. #32). As a result of that meeting, seem unappreciative, quite Back then, nobody cared about a Hercules, with me in particular, frankly we have to say that in "German" fan club. When we became a kind of official some cases we cannot resist the added the English translation to interface between the fans and impression of being exploited. our services with issue #3 things the management. For sure, Elton John is a got better. In fact, we received a With Hercules having trademark, a brand that needs to copy of issue #3 signed by Elton managed to survive the 1995 be promoted and fostered. The in early 1989 (see issue #5). And crisis with a strengthened official website at whenTHE we requested an interview MANAGEMposition, we were more than www.eltonjohn.com is just one with Elton shortly thereafter, we happy to pay back, e.g. by of the tools set up for this made it as far as backstage at the helping to sell Elton’s personal purpose. Understandably, it is all Cologne show in April 1989, but cassette collection (see issue about commerce, a big business the interview never took place as #36). which is making a living for a Elton was running late (see issue But the heyday was still to number of people. And from this #6 & #7). come when on April 3, 1997 – point of view it becomes clear Anyway, it all seemed very just a few days after Elton’s 50th that the management has other promising from the start, birthday – I was invited to Elton’s priorities than to deal with the althoughTHE we have to point out MANAGEMLondon house for a personal fan club at regular intervals. that we are still waiting for that meeting (see issue #39). I took But on the other hand the fan interview to happen. But there the chance of personally club also plays an important role were other highlights to report: in delivering to Elton the fan club’s in the machinery that helps October 1992, the management birthday presents (including an keeping the brand Elton John contributed an original pair of International Star Registry afloat. And maybe that role is Elton’s glasses to our 2nd ‘Rocket certificate) as well as lots of gifts much more important than many Fans against AIDS’ auction (also from members. We could tell people want it to be. The see page 22) and the fan club that he was thrilled not only by approach of a fan club, wasTHE presented with a double MANAGEMhis immediate reaction, but also especially of one that has been in gold award for The One (see because of the fact that quite a business for almost 15 years, is issue #22). We also got first row number of fans received personal far more non-commercial and a 24 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Hercules Team would like to thank the following people for their invaluable contribution to the fan club over the past 15 years. ENTlot closer to fan level than any Alan McCormick Imke Schumacher: Mercury well oiled official website Germany apparatus will ever be. Alessandro Ragni: Universal Italia www.eltonjohn.com will Alessandro Ragni: Polygram Italy Iris Ohm: Phonogram always be a lot closer to Elton Alexander Pfund: Polygram James McKay: The 22nd Row himself and such – at first look – Switzerland Jim Turano: East End Lights will always be attractive to the fans. But even the official Alexander Pfund: Polygram John Jorgenson website has failed to keep up Switzerland John Reid: JRE ENTwith the frequent personal video Alexandra Schär: Former Swiss Kirsten Czastrau: Peter Rieger messages from Elton, his regular contact Concerts album reviews or other special Alexandra Schär: Member Laura Croker: eltonjohn.com treats that were on the agenda in Alexei Davydow: Member the early days. Luca Cremonese: Member The Hercules fan club might Alfons Mann: Printer Lynne Dicks never be able to offer any of Alfons Mann: German printer Maddalena: D'Alessandro & these sweetmeats, but it has Alies Boesjes: Phonogram Galli another valuable advantage: we ENTspeak the language of the fans, Athena Carscadden: Member Marco Dietiker: Member we do understand their needs, Barbara Czeslik: Mercury Mark Giles: Hercules member and we know what they want Germany Mark Norris: East End Lights and do not want. Hence, a fan Barbara Turner: Picture Editor club should always be attractive Massimo Morichelli: Hercules to the artist’s management, Barrie Marshall & Team: Marshall member & Hercules Italia because the fan is the regular Arts translator customer who keeps the Birgit Wortmann: Phonogram Max Pollavini: Hercules member business alive. And the fan club Bluesology & Hercules Italia translator ENTis a multiplier and promoter for Michael English: Member Bruno Kohli: Member the product, in this case Elton Michael Kostyszyn: Member John. Charlie Morgan With that being said, I am Christine Höflmeier/Wimmer: Orsola Nizzero: Hercules looking forward to a fruitful Member member & Hercules Italia translator collaboration with Elton’s Cliff Roles: Phonogram management in the future. Now Peter Kraus: Member Clive Franks & band members that Hercules will be Peter Neitzel: Member concentrating its power on the D'Alessandro & Galli team Peter Wiget: Member ENTonline presence, it becomes David Furnish even more important for Rainer Nagel: Member Derek Robinson: Member www.eltonfan.net and Robert Key: JRE, EJAF www.eltonjohn.com to Dr. Ulrich Heide: German Aids complement rather than to Foundation Roger Pope compete with each other. By Elena: D'Alessandro & Galli Sabine Krupp: Hercules Team combining our areas of Sam Power: Mercury UK expertise, we can best serve our Elton John prime customer, which is the Eriko Iwasaki: Member Sol Lam: JRE ENTsame for both of us: the Elton Frank Presland Susanne Hofrichter: Phonogram John fan. Fritz Rau: Mama Concerts & Rau Thomas Ekstroem: Member Gabriele Hardy: JRE Tom Stanton: East End Lights George Matlock: Hercules Team Tony Iannou: Phonogram Graham Turner: Fanzine Designer Virginia Banks: EJAF USA

.... and everybody who has supported Rocket Fan/Hercules since our ENT launch in 1988. Even if we have forgotten to mention you in the above list, we have not forgotten your contribution.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 61. March 2003. 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]

Dear All at Hercules, Many thanks for Hercules 60, a most fitting tribute to Gus Dudgeon. Although I don't have a PC at home I am able to use the internet at work and most lunchtimes will find me at eltonfan.net. I prefer it to eltonjohn.com by some IT’S SAD, considerable distance. Wishing you well and many thanks for the efforts of yourself SO SAD…… and the team which are much appreciated. Michael Stafford, UK he fan club has T served the Elton community for almost 15 years. We have also done quite a lot of 'You Give Me Education'' promotional work for Who knew that the sampled music trend began with Elton himself, on a Gus Dudgeon? (The Mag, September). Or that Bernie voluntary basis and Taupin paints? Even with oodles of Elton John items free of charge. Now online and off, there's always more to learn, that the fanzine is thanks to Hercules and The Mag. finishing, we were Cheryl A. Herman, U.S.A. hoping that he would find the time to prepare a short contribution for this final issue, or at least a Thank you Hercules! message for you, the As the era of The Mag draws to a close, I would like to fans. We have been thank Hercules for a consistently enjoyable read. contacting the How different and dull history would have been had management regarding the pub pianist and the poet not been introduced this since March 2002, all those years ago. i.e. for almost a year. Most average talented lads (or creative knights-to-be!) Unfortunately we have interpreted songs as nearly all ridiculous signs of heard nothing from egotism. But Elton was different and we should all Elton, and we are sure give thanks for that! you are as Thank you Hercules. I will miss The Mag but I'm disappointed as we are glad the website will live on. that there is no farewell message from S Morris, USA Elton himself.

26 Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club SMALL ADS TOUR DATES 2003 MASSIVE ELTON COLLECTION ELTON AND BILLY JOEL, FACE TO FACE, 2003 For Sale: Massive Elton 21-Feb Birmingham, AL Jefferson Civic Center Arena collection to clear. Rare CDs, 24-Feb Houston, TX Compaq Center Vinyl, Tapes, Videos, Mags/books & pictures. For list, contact 26-Feb San Antonio, TX SBC Center Danny Hayes at: 28-Feb Dallas, TX American Airlines Center [email protected] 02-Mar Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center or tel - 00 44 207 387 0082. 04-Mar Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse CDS & COLLECTIBLES 07-Mar Pittsburgh, PN Mellon Arena 09-Mar Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena I'd like to let you know the new address of my new website, 12-Mar Lexington, KY Rupp Arena where you'll find many CDs and 14-Mar Columbia, SC Carolina Center other collectibles. Here it is: 16-Mar Raleigh, NC RBC Center http://digilander.iol.it/eltonjohn. I look forward to your visit! 18-Mar Little Rock, AR Alltell Arena Alessandro Perfumo. 28-Mar Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Arena 29-Mar Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Arena REGGIE ZIPPO'S 01-Apr Ames, IO Hilton Coliseum AMAZING COLLECTIBLES 04-Apr St. Louis, MO Savvis Center You are invited to browse 06-Apr Madison, WI Kohl Center through Reggie Zippo's Amazing 08-Apr Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center Collectibles at 10-Apr Chicago. IL Allstate Arena http://reggiezippo1.tripod.com. Reggie has a lot of cool and 12-Apr Chicago. IL Allstate Arena unusual movie, TV, music, sports, 15-Apr Cleveland, OH Gund Arena and various collectible 17-Apr St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center memorabilia for sale. Of course, 19-Apr Fargo, ND Fargo Dome there are Elton John items as well. Be sure to see the 16 Elton 22-Apr Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena John Celebrity Cels available. To 24-Apr Albany, NY Pepsi Arena contact Reggie by snail mail, 26-Apr Albany, NY Pepsi Arena send inquiries to Reggie Zippo, PO Box 894, Lebanon, Ohio 28-Apr Toronto, Canada Air Canada Center 45036, USA. He is looking 30-Apr Chicago. IL Allstate Arena forward to hearing from you 02-May Auburn Hills, MI The Palace soon! 03-May Auburn Hills, MI The Palace

ELTON AND BAND 2003 31-May Chicago, IL Arie Crowne Theatre

LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS 1: A Step Too Far ELTON SOLO 2003 2: Lady What’s Tomorrow 3: Someday Out of The Blue 20-Jun-2003 Bonn, Germany Museumsmeile 4: Please 22-Jun-2003 Budapest, Hungary Hero Square 5: The Messenger 24-Jun-2003 Moscow, Russia Kremlin Palace 6: Texan Love Story 7: Hakuna Matata 28-Jun-2003 Sundsvall, Sweden Park Arena 8: Friends Never Say Goodbye 29-Jun-2003 Trondheim, Norway Torvet City Square 9: The Ballad of Danny Bailey 01-Jul-2003 Bergen, Norway Koengen 10: Mansfield 11: You’re So Static Please note: This is not an official Tour Schedule, as it contains unconfirmed 12: I Just Can’t Wait to be King dates at time of going to press.

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 60. September 2002 27