Elton John Tourin' France: The Statistics

Elton John has done 86 concerts live in France while on Tour.

He has been in Paris (47 times); Lyon and Nice (5); Nimes (4); Toulouse (3); Bordeaux, Lille and Nantes (2); and 1 time in Avignon, Bayonne, Bergerac, Brest, Caen, Cannes, Divonne, Grenoble, Leiven, Marseille, Metz, Montauban, Montpellier, Nancy, Orange and Strasbourgh.

First time he played in France was in 1971 with Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson as a band (2 concerts). Then it was the "A Single Man Tour" With Ray Cooper (8) in 1979; the "Jump Up! Tour" (8), "The European Express Tour" in 1984 (4), "The 1985/86 World Tour" (14), "Reg Strikes Back Tour" (7 and Elton collapsed onstage in front of 16.000 fans), "The One Tour" (3 one of those Eric Clapton featured a little interaction, in 1992 and 5 in 1993 at the end of the leg), "An Evening With Ray Cooper in 1994 (6); "Made In England Tour" (5), he stopped with the 10th Anniversary of Europe2 (1), "The Big Picture Tour" (4), "The Medusa Tour" in 2000 and in 2001 (5), "Songs From The West Coast Tour" in 2002 (2), Elton John "Solo Tour" (8 along 2003-2005), "Elton John & His Band Tour" (1), "Peachtree Road Tour" in 2005-06 (2) and "Rocket Man Tour" in 2007(1).

Elton's favourite places and venues are as it follows: Palais des Sports Bercy (Paris, 24 times), Zenith (Paris, 7), Champs Elysées Theatre (Paris, 6) and Les Arenes (Nimes, 4), to name a few.

The largest set list was in 1994 with 30 songs on "An Evening With Elton John & Ray Cooper and the shortest in 1971, while promoting "Tumbleweed Connection", with only 15 songs on the set list.

He has played 136 different songs in France on Tour. The song most played in France is Sorry seems to be the hardest word (with 82 times)..

The Top 10 of the songs most played are, in running order:

Bennie and the jets (71), Rocket man (70), Your song (68), Candle in the wind (65), I guess that's why they call it the blues (62), Daniel (59), Philadelphia freedom (54), Funeral for a friend (52), Don't let the sun go down on me (51).

Then, it follows:

Mona lisas and mad hatters (48), Saturday night's alright (48), Someone saved my life tonight (46), I'm still standing (44), Take me to the pilot (44), Sacrifice (40), Song for guy (40), Crocodile rock (38), Love lies bleeding (38), The bitch is back (38), Better off dead (37), Sad songs (36), The one (35), Burn down the mission (33), Blue eyes (32), Nikita (32), I don't wanna go on with you like that (31), Pinball wizard (29), Tonight (26), Goodbye yellow brick road (24), Sixty years on (24), Tiny dancer (24), Honky cat (23), Where to now St. Peter? (22), The last song (20).

Only testimonial apperances for the rest:

Restless, Border song, Honky tonk women, Simple life, The greatest discovery, Circle of life, Mona lisas and mad hatters part two, Can I get a wittness?, Cry to heaven, I need you to turn to,
I think I'm going to kill myself, Johnny B. Goode (excerpt), One horse town, Paris, Skyline pigeon, Song for you, This town, Whole lotta shakin', Wrap her up, Empty garden, Ticking, Believe, Come down in time, Idol, Ballad of the boy in the red shoes, Can you feel the love tonight, Carla / Etude, Kiss the bride, Levon, Made in England, Too low for zero, Have mercy on the criminal, I saw her standing there, Twist and shout, All the girls love Alice, I want love, Talking old soldiers, The king must die, All quiet on the western front, Ball and chain, Chloe, Crazy water, Elton's song, Herkules, House, I heard it through the grapevine, J'veux d'la tendresse and Nobody Wins, Part time love, Roy Rogers, Teacher I need you, The show must go on, Where have all the good times gone, A word in spanish, Don't be cruel, Ego, He'll have to go, I fell like a bullet, I love Paris in the Springtime, Iles Amore, The Marsellaise, Indian sunset, Something about the way you look tonight, Dixie Lily, Jumping jack flash, Lies, Pain, This train don't stop there anymore, Are you ready for love, Dear Prudence (excerpt), Get back, Great balls of fire, One more arrow, American triangle, Blue avenue, Live like horses, Moon river, The wasteland, Amoreena, Can I put you on, Country comfort, Friends, Harmony, Holiday inn, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, My baby left me, Oh My sweet Carolina, Original sin, The honey roll, They call her the cat, Turn the lights out when you leave, All that I'm allowed (I'm thankful), Electricity, Grey seal, If the river can bend, Madman across the water, My elusive drug, Porch swing in Tupelo, Recover your soul, Runaway train, The bridge, The north.

"My Life In Music" A Must Have CD

Michael Parkinson (born March 28, 1935, in Cudworth, near Barnsley) is an english journalist and television presenter. He is most famous for presenting his eponymous interview programme, Michael Parkinson Talk Show. Parkinson, shown BBC One, initially ran from 1971 to 1982. It was revived in 1998. A parallel Parkinson series was shown in Australia between 1979 and 1982. Parkinson was ranked 8th in a list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes.

Parkinson began as a journalist on local newspapers, and his Yorkshire background and accent remain part of his appeal. He worked as a reporter on the Manchester Guardian and later on the Daily Express in London. He also did National Service as Britain's youngest army captain and was involved in the Suez Operation.

In 1999 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside. He was invested as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in November 2000 for services to broadcasting. His autobiography- Parky – was published in October 2008.

Elton has been interviewed several times by Michael Parkinson and developed a true friendship. Indeed, he was the bridesmaid at Elton and Renate's wedding, in 1984. So, we could seen Elton singin' "We All Fall In Love Sometimes" in Parkinson's TV Show in 1976, "Song For Guy" in 1978, Recover Your Soul in 1998, "Your Song"and "Rocket Man" in 2000, "I Want Love" in 2001 and "The Bridge" & "Tinderbox" in 2006.

In 2000, it was a memorable show when Parkinson read some words which researchers have written following Elton's mother's current plight on the River Thames with rising flood water. The words Elton had never before seen. Parkinson read them out once, and asked Elton to perform a song: that was "The Flood Song".

The Flood Song
By Michael Parkinson and Elton John (improvement!!!)

"Mothers dear mothers our love flows for you
Like rivers that course ever true
The banks they have burst with the downpouring rain
And there's something unpleasant, it's blocking the drains.
The carpets are soggy, where is poor moggy?
The carpets are soggy, and where is the capt?
We're trying to reach you, and the boat's on the way
But the skipper's found a pub, that's caused a delay
Keep filling those sandbags, keep stacking them high
And we'll be right with you once we've sucked this place dry!"

"That could be a single" said Parkinson while Elton added: "Don't get any ideas! The Lion Queen, written by Michael Parkinson and Elton John." Elton ended the show on Parkinson's favourite Elton song, "Rocket Man" on his request. Actually, this is again Elton's song, Parkinson selected for his upcoming CD.

Parkinson chose a great collection of tracks from "Moondance" by Van Morrison, "Downtown Train" by Rod Stewart, "Because Of You" with Tony Bennet & KD Lang or "Sometimes I am Happy" by Nat King Cole, to name a few.

The 2 Disc CD, available for PRE ORDER, will be released on 3rd November. It costs only £15.99. And you could get signed CDs to the first 100 who pre-order. That's here:

https://michaelparkinson.warnerartists.com/store.htm

Also there's the chance to win a brand new ipod pre-loaded with all the tracks from the album and signed copies of Parkinson's book and CD.

French Famous Eltonites

Isabella Adjani
Isabelle Adjani, one of the most talented and accomplished actresses in the history of French and world cinema, was born on June 27, 1955 in Paris, France in the 17th Arrondissement, a working class neighborhood on the Right Bank of the Seine. Her beauty and talent made her an international star, and the multilingual Adjani has performed in English and German language films as well as in her native French tongue.


Thierry Henry
Thierry Daniel Henry, born 17 August 1977, is a French footballer. Renowned for his pace, goal-scoring record and ability to create assists, he captains the French national team and plays as a striker/winger for the Catalan club FC Barcelona.


Valerie Giscard D'Estaing
Valéry Marie René Georges Giscard d'Estaing (born 2 February 1926) is a French centre-right politician who was President of the French Republic from 1974 until 1981. His tenure as President was marked by a more liberal attitude on social issues — such as divorce, contraception, and abortion — and attempts to modernize the country and the office of the presidency.

The Eltonite's Day (XL): One Of The Greatest... Julio V.G.!!!!!!!

Well, eltonites. This will be the second year of Eltonite's day. This time, we'll gonna interview eltonites from the country we were analysing for. Now, from Spain, the doors of AllSongsList are wide opened to receive one of the greatest of our country. For his loyalty to the idol, for his tireless following every concert, for his reviews in eltonfan, ... a big hand for: Julio V.G.!!!!

Welcome Julio. Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

I´m Julio from Spain, I live in a little town near La Coruña City, in Galicia. Elton visited La Coruña in 1992, with The One Tour!

Right. When did you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

I have been an Elton fan since 1994, when I first heard on the radio "Circle Of Life" and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," and became a bigger fan with his brilliant album "Made In England", in 1995. I buy his music , because he is simply the best singer in the world!

He is, certainly! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? Have you even been front row? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him?

My first concert was in 1999, during his "Solo Tour" at the "Plaza de Toros de Pontevedra", Spain. I remember this concert with great affection. Elton was wonderful all night, we were only 4,000 people, making the concert a very intimate experience. Elton sang unusual songs in this concert as "Talking Old Soldiers," "Better Off Dead" and the tender "House".

I've been front row many times and it is an unforgettable experience. Without doubt, being front row is the best way of watching and listening Elton, but it is not easy to get to that position, you have to pay high prices or spend a lot of hours waiting in a queue.

I remember the concert at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain, with his "European Solo Tour 2003" which was the first time that I could touch Elton, and got an autograph on my LP! It was a magic moment and totally incredible, a dream come true.

Wow!!! Well, which of those concerts remains unforgettable for you? For what reason? And how should be your dreamed concert? And which one of Elton's live shows you thought you should be there, if you could, even back in time?

All concerts are unforgettable, but probably the most memorable will always be the first in 1999, in Spain, my country!

My dream concert would be an original and unusual Set List, I would like a Set List similar to the ones in "Made In England Tour" and "Sleeping With The Past Tour," where he sang songs like "A Word In Spanish," "Made In England" , "Healing Hands" ...

I'd love to go back in time and be able to attend the 1986 tour in Australia, where he recorded his LP "Live In Australia," with the symphony orchestra. No doubt it would have been a dream to attend those concerts!

In 2004, I attended a concert at Wembley Arena, in London, UK, with the symphony orchestra and I could hear songs such as "Sixty Years On," "The King Must Die" or "I Need You To Turn To," which made me recall, for a few minutes, that concert in Australia 86.

Fantastic! With “Rocket Man”Elton had his first success in Spain. Then it was “Nikita”and then “Sacrifice”. But, apart for the “Candle in the wind 1997”thing, Elton hasn’t had the success I think he deserves, in sales terms, in Spain. Why do you think is that so?

The answer is simple: advertising. Today in Spain, Elton´s music is not advertised AT ALL, and the blame is solely on his record company UNIVERSAL MUSIC, that only advertises singers who only have 1 or 2 hits in their careers, and forget the brilliant Elton John.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC hasn't advertised any of his albums from "Songs From The West Coast" to "Peachtree Road" and "The Captain and the Kid" as none of these albums have entered into sales charts in any radio station, such as "40TV" or "Los40Principales". His last record "Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits" has not been advertised at all ... I hope this situation changes for his next album as I wait a new record in 2009!

Once AnnaBCN talked about "people (of our) age are unable to name 3 songs written by Elton John. The paradox in all this is that, at the same time (she said), when I tell people I’m an Elton John fan, they accuse me of having a lack of originality". I really feel the same so many times... it's hard to be an eltonite in Spain, then?

I think it is not difficult. Maybe it depends on the personalities of each person ... What is clear is that being an Elton John fan is, without any doubt, a pride.

I've met many people who criticized me for being an Elton fan, and after listening to 2 or 3 songs, they have changed their minds and asked me for more music from him.

Young people, have no reference to Elton John. They don't know him in Spain, because neither the radio stations nor the TV channels advertise his music ... which is a crying shame.

Yeah, for that reason... Which is your Elton's item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you've got to have it?

My limited edition box of "Live in Australia" is the item I appreciate the most because it's from 1986 and it's still sealed.

Ok! Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

Mmmmm this is a very difficult answer, but well... I think one of my "TOP 5 can be : 5.Turn The Light Out When You Leave, 4.Roy Rogers, 3.Rocket Man, 2.Your Song, 1.Believe ... but it´s possible. If you asked me tomorrow I would have other list... hehehe !.

Thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

I would like to say to other eltonites to promote Elton's music with their friends and take them to a live show so that they can live the "eltonite experience".

Oh, nice!! Recently we have seen Eltons projects for 2009: a duet with Charles Aznavour, a studio album with Mark Ronson, Touring with Ray Cooper and with Billy Joel, new musicals... Is he in good form, he isn't?

I'm very excited about all the new projects for next year, for example, the new Las Vegas show and the rumours about his solo piano tour and also with the orchestra.

That should be followed, of course. Well, I am really happy you accept it this interview and I have great time doing it with you. Take care!!!

The Spanish Book: "Elton John" by Juan Manuel Escrihuela

I remember when I was young... I may have about 17 years old and I was an eltonite anscious to know more about my idol but there isn't much information about him, on these days. So when I found this book in a library, it meant a the answers I was looking for. I bought it. It became more than a bible for a lot of spanish eltonites, just like me. We have so much luck to chat a little with his author... Welcome Juan Manuel to AllSongsList and happy you be here...

Could we define you as an eltonite, could we? What fascinates you most about Elton John?

Well of course, I am his unconditional fan since 1972. What fascinates me most about Elton is his voice, his ability playing piano and his tremendous charisma, or what is the same: that is a complete artist.

Elton is a reference in the U.S., idolized in the UK, admired in France, ... Why Elton has never finished off in Spain?

I think that Elton had more impact in Spain in the period from 1971 to 1975. First, 1971, because he was an emerging artist in the music scene with great force and a handful of splendid songs. From 1972 to 1975 (the period that I lived intensely with his music) had a lot of acceptance and sales. If you then had come to Spain to act, I am sure that would have been consolidated here. However, with his statements in 1976 about their sexual preferences, I think that Spain did not have time to assimilate their gesture of honesty, and most recently being that we went out to see the light after a long dictatorship. Also in that time styles like punk and shortly after the new wave, left parked (momentarily) from side to monsters of the caliber of Elton John. Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Genesis, etc, etc. Last year, little by little Elton again placed on the spanish charts (because they are excellent artist, not because of sexual orientation: everyone is free to their sex life) and his visits to our country were going on: one with more fortunate than others.

You were at the 1979 concert in Badalona of Elton John, along with Ray Cooper, were you? Had you ever occasion to meet him personally?

It was my first concert and enjoyed a lot, just that I would have liked to see him acting more on the side of Nigel, Davey and Dee. On the other hand, I have not personally met him and I would have loved to chat a bit with him.

Your book has been for many spanish eltonites, the first source of information about Elton in Spain. I remember that it detailed the most complete information of Elton's discography, about his concerts, many anecdotes, ... How could you value the impact of your book? Can it be achieved, now?

It was raised as the work of a person who admires a great musician. I value my book for being the first in Spain which published Elton's life and work, and for me, to know that so many people liked it, fills me with happiness. I do not know if you can get now actually, so what I can say is that is held by pirates which is now called Edicomunicación (I know it is still selling in Latin America, but they say they do not). They take over your good work for then and tell you that they do not sell it. They published three: "David Bowie", "Elton John" and "Joan Manuel Serrat" (the latter has been sold by thousands in Latin America), books for which I have received very little money. Maybe I should put it up to date with a good editorial.

Oh, everything gonna be fine at the end, I wish. I think everything should have an explanation... You are a great cartoonist, too. I am greatly impressed by your drawings of Elton John

I've drawing from I almost went in diapers (I keep a color drawing of a teddy bear on a boat, I painted with four years old) and since then, I have not stopped drawing: watercolor, charcoal, ink, and all sorts of styles, including caricature.

What do you believe about which place will be for Elton, in the history of rock music?

It is quite clear that Elton has been one of the ten most important figures in pop-rock history.

Now you have a blog, that's: jmescrihuela.blogspot.com / What could be find in there and who should be interested in?

This blog was created by my brother Jordi, and it intented to present all of my work, but unfortunetely I do not have much time to update its contents: I have hundreds of articles and pictures in magazines such as the one I attached from Elton John to post on your blog. It was published in 1988 in the magazine "Revoluciones por minuto," where I had a series of articles and drawings for two years. I hope it like to all eltonites. I can mention my email address (also fluent in English) in case anyone wanted to write me: jmescrihuela@telefonica.net

Thank you. Could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

Five seems to be very few for an extensive and succesful music career as Elton have, but if I was in a desert island with an Ipod, with only five songs by artists, in Elton's case, that would be: "Your Song", "Funeral For a Friend" and "Sacrifice" (for the romantic moments) and "Crocodile Rock" and "I Don´t Wanna Go On With You Like That" (for the moments of euphoria).

Well, thank you very much Juan Manuel. I've been very happy to have you, to chat a little about our idol and I hope everything's gonna be ok for you and I wish you all the best.

A big hug from Juan Manuel Escrihuela for all the fans of this great artist: Elton John.

Elton In Spanish Media

Historically, Elton has been in spanish papers or magazines more for his extravagances than for his music, specially the years when his costumes were more new than his talent. Recent years, Elton's presence in the media is consequence of his charity work. But when Elton has a new record, there's not usual to see an extensive review. Maybe that's because there isn't in Spain great musical magazines now, and the few there are don't pay the attention Elton might deserve. Only if Elton is touring, he has his half page on the paper, explaining how the concerts went on, although reviewers are not very fair with him, focusing only if he didn't play the piano as he long had or about how his voice sounded.

Radio airplay resumes, only today, his greatest hits always-the-same collection. I remember listening years ago, songs on the radio like "Country Comfort", ""Amoreena" or "Levon", or obscure tracks like "Hey Papa Legba" or "Where All The Good Times Gone". Times when Elton's soon-to-be-released recordings were aired weeks before their official release, are gone. Great radio disc jockeys, like Julián Ruiz, Angel Casas or Jordi Tardà are semi retired, or we miss people like late Joaquin Luqui. And TV's appearances are miserable. There isn't now great talk-shows in the prime time of TV, and live concerts are very little, one per week and by dawn.

About Elton's life, all of they are traditionally respectful. Tabloids here only attack national fallen idols, but, generally, they leave the international big stars in peace. They talked and informed when Elton was married with David Furnish -can't remember his wedding with Renate-, the Diana thing, the pacemaker and hair transplants. What desperates me, is when it's the chance to interview Elton, always there are the same current and typical questions, about why he changed his name, what he likes about Spain, and if "Daniel" is a spanish boy going home. What Elton might think about those kind of questionaires!!!

"One More Arrow" Spanish Cover

Una flecha más
(Elton John / B. Taupin / Adapt.: V. M. San José)

From "Geminis" album
Recorded in Townhouse Studio, London, in 1984

That should be the gift of the "Teacher Jack Rabbit Examines you", but nobody answered correctly the questions.

Here's another question, maybe that's in the lesson:

How many times Elton performed "Rocket Man" in his spanish concerts? Please, mail me and tell me, also, which song you voted in this week poll. Thank you!!!

Elton John In Spanish Charts

Top 5 Singles In Spanish Charts

Nº 1 Don't Go Breaking My Heart, 1976
Nº 1 Something about the way you look tonight / Candle in the wind 1997, 1997
Nº 2 That's what friends are for, 1985
Nº 4 Crocodile Rock, 1972
Nº 4 Daniel, 1973
Nº 5 Nikita, 1985

Top 10 Albums In Spanish Charts

1970 Tumbleweed Connection Nº 7

1972 Honky Chateau Nº 1
1973 Don't Shoot Me! I'm Only The Piano Player Nº 1
1973 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Nº 8
1974 Caribou Nº 4
1975 Captain Fantasic & Brown Dirt Cowboy Nº 3
1975 Rock Of The Westies Nº 8
1976 Blue Moves Nº 10
1979 Canciones De Oro Nº 6
1983 Too Low For Zero Nº 7
1984 Breaking Hearts Nº 5
1985 Ice On Fire Nº 6
1989 Sleeping With The Past Nº 3
1990 The Very Best Of Elton John Nº 1
1992 The One Nº 4
1993 Duets Nº 6
1994 The Lion King Nº 1
1995 Made In England Nº 3
1996 Love Songs Nº 8
1997 The Big Picture Nº 5
2002 Greatest Hits 1970-2002 Nº 10

Elton Touring... In Spain: The live concerts

A Single Man Tour With Ray Cooper

09/03/79 Badalona, Spain (Palau Esports Joventut B.)
10/03/79 Badalona, Spain (Palau Esports Joventut B.)
11/03/79 Madrid, Spain (Pavellón de deportes del Real Madrid)

Your song - Sixty years on - Daniel - Skyline pigeon - Take me to the pilot - Rocket man - Don't let the sun go down on me - Goodbye yellow brick road - Roy Rogers - Candle in the wind - Where to now St. Peter? - I heard it through the grapevine - Funeral for a friend - Tonight - Better off dead - I think I'm going to kill myself - Crazy water - Bennie and the jets - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Part time love - Saturday night's alright - Pinball wizard - Get back - Song for guy-

The European Express Tour

09/06/84 Barcelona, Spain (Palacio de los Deportes)
08/06/84 Madrid, Spain (Pavellón de deportes del R. Madrid)

Tiny dancer - Daniel - Restless - Candle in the wind - The bitch is back - Don't let the sun go down on me - Sad songs - Rocket man - Bennie and the jets - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Philadelphia freedom - Blue eyes - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Kiss the bride - One more arrow - Too low for zero - Dear Prudence (excerpt) - I'm still standing - Your song - Saturday night's alright - Goodbye yellow brick road - Crocodile rock.

World Tour 1985-86

01/03/86 Madrid, Spain (Palacio de los deportes del R. Madrid)
02/03/86 San Sebastián, Spain (Velódromo de Anoeta)
04/03/86 Barcelona, Spain (Palau d'Esports)


Tonight - One horse town - Rocket man - Can I get a wittness ? - Candle in the wind - The bitch is back - This town - Wrap her up - Nikita - Burn down the mission - Someone saved my life tonight - Better off dead - Philadelphia freedom - Restless - Cry to heaven - Song for you - Blue eyes - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Sad songs - Your song - I'm still standing - Song for guy - Saturday night's alright.

Reg Strikes Back World Tour
Support by Nik Kershaw

21/04/89 Zaragoza, Spain (Palacio de Deportes)
22/04/89 San Sebastián, Spain (Velódromo de Anoeta)
23/04/89 Madrid, Spain (Palacio de deportes del R.Madrid)
24/04/89 Barcelona, Spain (Palau d'Esports)

Sixty years on - I need you to turn to - The king must die - Burn down the mission - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Have mercy on the criminal - Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Philadelphia freedom - Sad songs - Kiss the bride - A word in spanish - Mona lisas and mad hatters - Mona lisas and mad hatters part two - Nikita - Daniel - I don't wanna go on with you like that - Your song - Saturday night's alright - Candle in the wind - I'm still standing.

The One Tour
Support by Tomatito


13/07/92 Madrid, Spain (Plaza de Toros Las Ventas)
15/07/92 Seville, Spain (Estadio Benito Villamarín)
18/07/92 Oviedo, Spain (Estadio Carlos Tartiere)
19/07/92 La Coruña, Spain (Real Coliseum)
21/07/92 Barcelona, Spain (Mini-Estadi F.C. Barcelona)

Don't let the sun go down on me - I'm still standing - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Tiny dancer - Philadelphia freedom - Burn down the mission - Simple life - The one - I don't wanna go on with you like that - Mona lisas and mad hatters - Mona lisas and mad hatters part two - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Daniel - Blue avenue - The last song - Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - Sad songs - The show must go on - Saturday night's alright - Sacrifice - Song for guy - Your song.

09/06/93 Barcelona, Spain (Palau St. Jordi)


Pinball wizard - The bitch is back - Take me to the pilot - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Philadelphia freedom - Empty garden - Simple life - The one - I don't wanna go on with you like that - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - The last song - Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - Sad songs - Sacrifice - Rocket man - The show must go on - Saturday night's alright - Don't let the sun go down on me - Your song.

Made In England Tour

04/07/95 Pamplona, Spain (El Sadar Football Stadium)

Someone saved my life tonight - I guess that's why they call it the blues - I don't wanna go on with you like that - Sacrifice - Dixie Lily - Honky cat - Come down in time - House - Simple life - The one - Take me to the pilot - Made in England - Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - Rocket man - Can you feel the love tonight - Lies - Candle in the wind - Believe - Pain - Saturday night's alright - Pinball wizard - Don't let the sun go down on me - Bennie and the jets - The last song.

An Evening With Elton John Tour

01/09/99 Pontevedra, Spain (Plaza de Toros)

Your song - Skyline pigeon - The greatest discovery - Talking old soldiers - Border song - Daniel - Honky cat - Rocket man - Sacrifice - Better off dead - House - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Ticking - Carla / Etude - Tonight - I don't wanna go on with you like that - The one - Blue eyes - Song for guy - Take me to the pilot - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Crocodile rock - Don't let the sun go down on me - Circle of life - Bennie and the jets - Candle in the wind.

The Medusa Tour

16/09/00 Marbella, Spain (Estadio de FutbolMarbella C.F.)

Your song - The greatest discovery - Border song - Someone saved my life tonight - Harmony - Daniel - Honky cat - Rocket man - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Tiny dancer - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Nikita - Burn down the mission - Blue eyes - Philadelphia freedom - Carla / Etude - Tonight - Sacrifice - The one - Take me to the pilot - Crocodile rock - Don't let the sun go down on me - Circle of life - Bennie and the jets - Candle in the wind.

Songs From The West Tour

22/05/02 Benidorm, Spain (Las Foietes Football Stadium)


Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - Bennie and the jets - Someone saved my life tonight - Ballad of the boy in the red shoes - Philadelphia freedom - The wasteland - Rocket man - I guess that's why they call it the blues - I want love - This train don't stop there anymore - Take me to the pilot - Sacrifice (solo) - Sorry seems to be the hardest word (solo) - Oh My sweet Carolina (solo) - Daniel - Your song - Have mercy on the criminal - Holiday inn - Tiny dancer - Original sin - I'm still standing - Crocodile rock - Pinball wizard - Don't let the sun go down on me.

The Elton John Solo Tour

08/07/03 Madrid, Spain (Plaza de Toros las Ventas)

Your song - Border song - The one - Someone saved my life tonight - Ballad of the boy in the red shoes - Daniel - Mona lisas and mad hatters - Honky cat - Rocket man - I'm still standing - Ticking - Tiny dancer - I want love - Sacrifice - Philadelphia freedom - Candle in the wind - Moon river - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - I guess that's why they call it the blues - This train don't stop there anymore - Carla / Etude - Tonight - Take me to the pilot - Song for guy (excerpt) - Bennie and the jets - Crocodile rock - Don't let the sun go down on me - Circle of life.

21/12/03 Barcelona, Spain (Palau St. Jordi)


Your song - Border song - The greatest discovery - Someone saved my life tonight - Ballad of the boy in the red shoes - Daniel - Mona lisas and mad hatters - Honky cat - Rocket man - I'm still standing - Tiny dancer - I want love - Nikita - Philadelphia freedom - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Sacrifice - Candle in the wind - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Original sin - The one - Carla / Etude - Tonight - Take me to the pilot - Jingle Bells (excerpt) - Song for guy (excerpt) - Crocodile rock - Don't let the sun go down on me - Circle of life.

Peachtree Road Tour

29/06/05 Mijas, Spain (Race Track)
30/06/05 Guadalajara, Spain (Pedro Escartín Stadium)

Pinball wizard - Bennie and the jets - Daniel - Turn the ligths out when you leave - Take me to the pilot - Rocket man - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Sacrifice - Candle in the wind - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - Are you ready for love - Philadelphia freedom - All that I'm allowed (I'm thankful) - They call her the cat - Sad songs (say so much) - Don't let the sun go down on me - I'm still standing - The bitch is back - Saturday night's alright (for fighting) - Crocodile rock - Your song.

V Festival Internacional de Jazz, ViaJazz 2007

03/07/07 Madrid, Spain (Campo Municipal de Futbol de Collado Villalba)

Your song - Daniel - Circle of life - Honky cat - Rocket man - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Tiny dancer - Sacrifice - I'm still standing - The one - Sorry seems to be the hardes word - Candle in the wind - Philadelphia freedom - Bennie and the Jets - In the mood (excerpt) - Crocodile rock - Don't let the sun go down on me.

Rocket Man Tour

23/06/07 Xativa, Spain (Plaza de Toros)

Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - The bitch is back - Hercules - Madman across the water - Tiny dancer - Daniel - Rocket man - Honky cat - Sacrifice - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Burn down the mission - The bridge - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - Candle in the wind - Bennie and the jets - Philadelphia freedom - Are you ready for love - Something about the way you look tonight - Sad songs (say so much) - I'm still standing - Crocodile rock - Saturday night's alright (for fighting)- Don't let the sun go down on me - Your song.

24/01/08 Tenerife, Spain (Costa Adeje Golf Arona)

Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding - The bitch is back - Madman across the water - Tiny dancer - Levon - Believe - Take me to the pilot - Goodbye yellow brick road - Daniel - Rocket man - Honky cat - Sacrifice - Someone saved my life tonight - I guess that's why they call it the blues - Sorry seems to be the hardest word - The bridge - Candle in the wind - Bennie and the jets - Philadelphia freedom - Sad songs (say so much) - I'm still standing - Crocodile rock - Saturday night's alright (for fighting) - Don't let the sun go down on me - Your song.

I Would like to thank two dear friends for help me to find a good picture (AnnaBCN) and the list of concerts (Julio V.G.)

Teacher Jack Rabbit Examines You (I):

Dear eltonites!!!

Well... you have an exam today... I wanna know how many of you have the correct answer for that questions... Every winner we'll receive a little present, ok? Let's start now!!!

1. How many times has been Elton touring in Spain?
2. Which song had covered well known spanish singer Ana Belén?
3. Which was the most succesful album of Elton, not compilation, in music chart terms?
4. How many number one singles had Elton in Spain?
5. Which song from "Duets" (1993) was released as a single in Spain, and not in other countries?

Wednesday the results!!!

Spanish Famous Eltonites

H.R.H. Duchess Of Lugo


Eusebio Sacristan


Arancha Sanchez Vicario

Unforgettable People (XXXVI) Eltonites!!!

"Hi midnight creeper. Nice to “see” you. Well, as you might know, you’re the first to start the Eltonite Day. With that iniciative, every Sunday, I would like to make my little homage to the great Eltonites, that fortunetly, are all over the world, and you are one of those." That was the first chapter of the Eltonite's Day. How much I learned of those sessions!!! Eltonites are not in every book about Elton or in any TV or radio interview. But they have incredible knowledge about Elton, more than any other professional from those medias. I was nice time spent with some great people. 34 interviews were made: 14 boys and 20 girls. From different countries: 03 From UK, 13 From US, 01 From Canada, 02 From Australia, 01 From New Zeland, 01 From France, 01 From Belgium, 01 From Switzerland, 01 From Germany, 02 From Italy, 01 From Spain, 01 From Croatia, 02 From Finland, 01 From Denmark, 01 From Russia, 01 From Argentina and 01 From Brazil. From eltonfan hercules forum, the eltonjohn forum, from invision zone forum or crazy water forum.

My homage to all of them, my respect and admiration too. Girls, guys... I am in my knees. Thanks for all.

Your phrases:

"My love of music goes back to before I could walk (...) But there were albums that really changed my life as far as being a music fan, these were Led Zeppelin II and Honky Chateau by Elton John, both albums I fell in love with instantly" (Midnight Creeper)

"I have shook his hands many times, exchanged a few words here and there from the stage and outside of a concert venue. I remember one time he asked me if I had a pen....... I froze!! But my biggest moment was when he kissed me after I gave him flowers from the stage!! He thanked me and I said "thank you"!! " (Always EJ)

"... in 2002 when I went to London for 3month holiday I got to go to Elton’s Out Of The Closet clothes sale. I didn’t have thousands to spend plus my sizing is a bit larger than Elton’s but I purchased pair of Black Italian leather shoes with sequins around the ankle for 175 pounds and a Versace Vest 125 pounds, its black and white, and I thought I recognized it form the 1995 Academy Awards performance" (Dazza)

"It's very much an intentional album (SWTP) with thoughts, passions, and the embodiment of their working relationship & musical passions. Both liked how it turned out, and I admire the work they put into it. It was underappreciated at its release, and perhaps a bit now" (Sacrifice)

"It’s hard to believe that people my age are unable to name 3 songs written by Elton John. The paradox in all this is that, at the same time, when I tell people I’m an Elton John fan, they accuse me of having a lack of originality and liking music that’s too commercial." (AnnaBCN)

"But unfortunately today, many people in Croatia see Elton as an old fat gay who makes saccharine pop ballads and that is enough for many of them to discard him and not giving him any chance for listening to his music; and that I find it really really sad, but I believe that, with better promotion, many people would fall in love with his music." (Nix)

"I wrote him a couple letters. I got the surprise of my life when he answered me one of those sending me back 2 cd covers I sent him signed: To Isabel with love, Elton." (MonaLisas)

"When he's solo he takes it up a level on the piano, and does songs he'd never do otherwise. With the band, I love instruments, so I love hearing the guitars, bass, drums, etc. I definately miss Ray Cooper and John Jorgenson. One type of concert I haven't even seen that I would like to is with an orchestra." (Latitude)

"The only thing I’ve been in some way “in touch with him”, was when I wrote him a letter on December, back in 2006 and was it on January when he answered me: "Thank You For Your Letter, Great English!Elton x". It was funny when he wrote “great english!”,because I said “Ps. sorry for my bad english”. He has such a great sense of humor!" (Jera)

"I went to 1 concert when i was 11 (15 Sept. 06) and i was so excited and hyper and i was like shocked the whole night. i was like...O...M...G...!!!!!!!!!!!." (Marisaluvselton)

"I do believe that he made good songs in the eighties more than good albums as a whole, like he did in the seventies." (Anja)

"It's ridiculous that these record companies don't take the time to look into his rare songs that are not included on his albums. I'm tired of it always being for the casual fan. Sure, I once was a casual fan, but the casual fan has 5 or 6 greatest hits to choose from. It's time for us diehards to have a package with rare stuff and not just put them on a disc 2 of the Elton John original album." (Janel)

"My first Elton concert was in 1982 at the beautiful Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. I was seated so far back, I could have reached up and touched the moon! I've come a long way since then as far as going to concerts and trying to get decent tickets at concerts." (GJEJ)

"What surprised me...hmm well the fact that there were more people singing along and dancing to Elton's set then there were to Billy's set". (JFillow)

"I've met him before at a Versace Shop!!Unforgettable day but unfortunately the picture when I met him, it was cancelled in the camera!!!" (Andrea Sganzerla)

"Elton John's words & sound of his music really moved my soul as a teenager and also helped me through some family hard times growing up, I have been following his music since." (MaryinFL8)

"They were seats in the 9th row so we had to get them. Paid about 10 dollars a piece for them(good prices back then). So we went the 2nd night and before the show we were walking by where all the limos and we saw Bernie walking with 2 ladies from afar. We yelled hi Bernie, He turned around and waved. I thought that was cool." (Newloneranger)

"I love Elton’s voice the way it is now – even if he can’t get the high notes he used to in his youth – maybe he is better suited to the lower range. His voice does seem stronger, and he can still perform those 2 ½ hour shows with little sign of wear – amazing." (Amoreena J)

"The view of Elton on stage is simply amazing. The feeling is hard to describe. We can see his face expression; his body`s moves. He smiled at me a few times. I could feel how pleased he was of having us there on his side. I could feel the vibration of the song when I touched the red piano. During the piano`s solos, he went nuts, pounding the keys so hard and fast that we could feel his excitement." (KissyBissy)

"My older brother first introduced me to Elton's music he was abig fan and when our mum died when we were kids in 1973 I remember sitting with my brother in his room playing Elton's albums over and over thru our tear's, it got us through some very very sad dark times, Elton was there for me in his music in the worst time of my life and has also been there in the best times of my life too and for that I thank him .. his music shall always be very personal to me and be forever in my heart." (Sue.UK)

"I often wonder who I am! Being 50 years old has given me ample time to ponder that question. Do I answer that by what I do? If so then I am an emergency room physician. Or my family? If so I am married to a nurse and we have 5 children between us, ages 15-26 and a year old grandson. Or my passions? That would be music, writing, gardening, bird feeding, biking and running. So I guess I am all of those" (Lukesbox)

"What makes me want to go out and buy new Elton music is....wanting to hear what he could possibly come up with that he hasn't already!!?!? It always amazes me, because it is just such a gift he has given to this world...his talent, his music and it's like here is this song that has been in his heart and soul and is just bursting, waiting to be presented to the world...come and listen!!" (PamQuier)

"When Elton began to sign autographs, I pull it off to handle it to him. I took the shirt in his hands, look at it then show it to the crowd (with a lot of cheers from the public). He then signed it for me. At the end of the concert, when I was leaving the venue, a young lady came toward me and asked to have a look at the T-Shirt. She told me that I was filmed in the giant screens when Elton signed the shirt so she recognised me… " (Patrick)

"I think that if I met him what I spoke to him about with would have to be something I would think of at the time I met him. The one question I would ask him would be who is the person who has had the biggest influence on him as a person." (IslandGirl75)

"“Elton John”, together with “Madman Across The Water” and “Tumbleweed Connection”, is the top in my personal chart, I’m an “old” fan and I prefer the “old” Elton. Since 1972, with the “Honky Chateau” album, the sound and the production changed direction towards a more commercial music, the seventies were a golden age for Elton, with wonderful records (“Honky”, “GYBR”, “Captain” …) but the early age was another thing." (Beppe)

"I also appreciate the things that I have had signed by him. Some of the signatures are a bit unclear but I know who wrote them and I know that Elton actually had my things in his hands so they are very precious to me. I also have a fantastic Elton photo frame that I got from another eltonjohn.com forum member that you might have heard of Mary. She sent it to me and it was a wonderful surprise." (Rocketwoman)

"What can I say about Elton's impact on the world? Hmmm, maybe there will never be another Elton John. Where can you start to measure what he has done for music and inspiration to other artist's? Elton John has given so much of himself to charity, the AID'S awareness, and his fans with all of the concert tours. It is just mindbending how dedicated this man is to what he believes in." (Honeybee)

"Australian radio really only play a few Elton classics (SNAFF, Your Song, Rocket Man etc) but they play them over & over again. Australians seem hesitant to give new or obscure Elton songs a listen & that's sad." (Dixie Lily)

"Yes, Elton is very popular in France, let's remember "I'm still standing" and "Passengers" video clips will be released in the south of France ! and I could still hear Elton's music in the radio, especially RFM ou RTL2 here in France." (Laurent)

"The rush of that first time getting up to the stage is to never be forgotten. It was shortly after my 40th birthday and I made a sign saying "I'm Celebrating My 40th Birthday with Elton John." He saw it and pointed to me and mouthed "thank you". Just being noticed by him was a huge thrill." (BlueJeanBaby)

"Even more amazing than that however is that I believe I was the fan behind the idea of a sequel to Captain Fantastic - I remember I made up the idea of it somewhere shortly after the release of Peachtree Road and sent a message to ej.com about it. I didn't write very much, a few sentences like "what would you think about a sequel to Captain Fantastic?" or "Elton and Bernie definitely should have many stories to tell", and I don't think that they replied to that message. But afterwards I was very amazed to notice that they took the idea, and really believe it could've been originally from me. :)" (BiteUrLip)

"I've been crazy about Elton and his music for 21 years since the very first time I saw one of his videos on TV when I was only 6. That time I didn't know English at all and of course couldn't read the name of the artist. It took me a couple of years to learn that my fascination was Elton John." (TheFox1981)

"Well, there was a live TV show back in 1989 where Elton performed, and I was also part of that show. In fact, I “performed” with a bunch of other amateur musicians right before he came on stage and hence I am still claiming that I once have been Elton’s support act … which of course is a joke." (Stephan)

"I prefer long piano solo's as in Bennie and the jets, Honky cat and especially Rocket Man. I also love his version of I heard it through the grapevine from the Russian tours. Sometimes lesser known songs don't sound so great if he doesn't do something special to them. I remember him playing Hercules and I didn't like it as a fan. And most people who don't know it start talking during those kind of songs." (HerciII)

Eltonites by heart!!! With loyalty and fidelity. This is what we are: all die hard eltonites!!!

Eltonite's Day: Ladies & Gentlemen, the one and only... directly from Crazy Water Forum... Herci II!!!!!

Well, this is the last Eltonite Day of the season. There are several forums on the website world, and eltonite's are making great friendships. It's like a family, one know each other. I must to bring on some very special guest. I knew her in the Crazy Water forum. I always like her thoughts and comments about Elton, and I am sure we gonna have a great time chating a little about our idol...

So thank you very much for the acceptation, really a pleasure to have you... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

I'm Michèle from Belgium, 26 years old. Female.

Great! When did you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

I was still a kid around the MTV Unplugged show and I remember watching tv with a friend of mine. Suddenly we saw the show at MTV. I was about 8 years old and had no idea who EJ was.

I was magnetised by his performance but my friend wasn't. He started making fun of him because Elton used to pull funny faces during solo's. He changed channel. I still didn't know who that guy was.

I was drawn to his name around 93 when I saw the cover of duets in a store. I wanted to know who Elton John was. (still had no idea) But I couldn't buy the album.

Then when the Lion King was released I heard Circle of Life and asked my mother who went on a trip to London to buy the Love Songs album. I had seen a competition on tv to win the album and that's how I knew who sang it and that is was on that album.

She came back with it, I listened and every song sounded familiar, I was an instant fan at the age of 13. It was like it was ment to be.

I like his voice in the 90's, it sounds really warm...So that is my favourite era.

Not the 70's. And to be honest, I don't really like what he did after 2000.

I maybe played Peachtree Road 5 times.

Ok!!! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him, get a signed autograph or even, speak with him or with other member of his band?

I've seen him first when I was 16. It was the big picture tour. The sound in the venue was awful, but it was my first concert and my first Elton concert. I was thrilled.

I have lost count, but seen him about 2 times with band, 2 times solo and once on a festival, I think. The last one was the festival 2 years ago. He said something, that wasn't supposed to be heard...the mic was on. Something like, festivals suck, and I knew it would. It was hard to understand though. The audience did suck. I think he played madman, I love that song. But on festivals people want to hear the hits and a lot of the crowd just walked away halfway. And missed the hits at the end. (daft ****s)

I have written him a letter once (years ago) to tell why I liked his music so much and included the Believe booklet. I got it back signed, 3 months later, including a letter from his management saying it is hard to get his signature because he is always so busy...but I was lucky. I still left the post-it note on it...saying : Michèle Belgium.

Nice! And which songs do you think Elton should add to his current set list, and what would it be life if Elton suddenly played a song that he has never played live? And your favorite live songs to be on? And, for you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

I sometimes got a bit bored when I heard extremely famous songs live, such as sacrifice, blue eyes... It has no added value to me live. I don't play cd's with those on it anymore. Just got tired of hearing them too much.

I prefer long piano solo's as in Bennie and the jets, Honky cat and especially Rocket Man. I also love his version of I heard it through the grapevine from the Russian tours.

Sometimes lesser known songs don't sound so great if he doesn't do something special to them. I remember him playing Hercules and I didn't like it as a fan. And most people who don't know it start talking during those kind of songs.

Maybe Davey is irreplaceable? He's been there so long.

I did like the gospel choir on his peachtree tour.

How it was, and still is, the success of Elton in your country? Which have been his hits in sales terms? And which are belgians' favorite Elton's albums or songs? How it was the impact of 'Just Like Belgium' single in 1981, in your country? And could you still hear Elton's music in the radio, nowadays?

I'm only 26, so I don't know about the succes in the 70's or 80's... nor the Just Like Belgium thing. I have no clue about that. But I don't think Elton is popular in Belgium now. Not even in the 90's. I remember I had to look extremely hard to find certain albums. Singles were a total pain in the ass. In the last 10 years it was impossible to find his singles in the shops. I remember hearing I want love on the radio and you just couldn't find the single anywhere. Hence no chart notation. I think it was all due to very bad promotion tactics from the record company and it still is the same way. His albums and singles haven't been promoted since the Big picture. The whole Lady Di thing sold well, and then the Big picture sold quite well...but that was it.

So no new songs on the radio. Of course the classics are sometimes played on those classic hits radio stations. But he sure isn't popular.

In fact he has a bad/distorted image with a lot of people, being gay, overweight, the clothes, bad press...People only talk about the tabloid stuff...but even that is often hardly reported.

I have to tell ya, I checked out your blog about music. That's on http://yourpaintedsmile.blogspot.com/ In truth, I really like it and find it so much recommendable. What were your intentions to start up a blog like that and what we could find there?

A year ago I started working in a cd/dvd store on saturdays and holidays. (extra job) I'm a total music freak and have more than (lost count) 1000 cd's. So that's heaven to me. The pay is bad and it's hard work, but I get to lend things from the shop, so I see new movies every week and can hear practically every new cd that's out. And I also like movies, mostly something in between art movies and the blockbusters. Some blockbusters are good, most are not that great. I do like certain artmovies too, if it's not too arty farty.
So I suddenly started thinking I might start a blog about those things. Because often people come up to me for advice in movies and music. Some friends always wonder where I get such great music/movies from. Especially when some groups are not so well known I find it fun to recommend them. By example the soundtrack from My Blueberry Nights is an unknown gem. Also the latest works from John Mayer are really good. Actually nobody knows him in Belgium, which is a shame.

You can also find other stuff on the blog, I had a competition recently where you can still vote for. I sometimes recommend other websites which are fun or interesting. Things where you go aaaaahhhh that's nice.

If anyone want to recommend anything you can always email me.
It's just a fun thing...I always like to try new things.
But you are limited, because you have to be very careful with image rights. So I don't want to get in trouble and I use no pictures I find on the net. Otherwise it would be a lot more fun.

Wow!!! Which is your Elton’s item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you’ve got to have it?

I don't have any really special things. I do treasure his autograph I got. You can even see it on a recent post on my blogspot. (http://yourpaintedsmile.blogspot.com) Also more info on how to get one.

I do have a bunch of bootlegs too. Played them a lot when I was younger. The MSG concert cd's you got when a member of his site are very good. Tantrums and tiara's on vcd... was fun to watch and hard to find.

Otherwise nothing special here. I used to freak out on stamps and silly goodies when I was a teenager, now I only wonder why I bought these things... Got quite a lot of books too... they are just lying around gathering dust now. The freaky years are over and I have broadened my taste of music. Next to Elton there is Bryan Ferry. (and about 100 other artists I like)

And finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

1) Rocket man (the LIVE LONG version) - that really really long version of 11 minutes or so he plays...that is magnificent.
2) If the river can bend. (like the gospel feel)
3) believe (great voice and video)
4) simple life (just a cool arrangement)
5) madman across the water (live in australia)
5 and a half) durban deep /stones throw from...

This is hard, Rocket man live is one. The rest is just stuff I really like. He has so many songs.

Thank you very much. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to your other eltonites?

I have plenty of suggestions, they are all on my website... haha.
http://yourpaintedsmile.blogspot.com

Yeah, an observation... There isn't a single live album where you can hear every song played at the concert. I see this often with other artists too. They just take the hits, mix them up and place them on a cd. WE NEED THE WHOLE THING! Not some shortened versions.
That's why I liked the MSG give away. Elton should release something like that.

Or make another album like The One, Made in England, the Big Picture or Sleeping with the Past. Maybe I'm strange but I don't like his latest stuff.

He can always do a collaboration with Bryan Ferry too..

Oh, You are a primary school teacher, are you? How about your students? Are the new generations interested in Elton? Is there any subject about Elton's music?

Primary school (age 6-12) kids have absolutely no idea who Elton John is. They are more interested in crappy kids music. Or stuff like Crazy frog and Tokio Hotel. I ban these things from my classroom. Makes me sick. They like Mika too, they can play that. Last year I started playing things like U2, Bryan Ferry and Chris Rea during drawing classes. They also had no idea who they were but they liked it and even asked for more things like that.
So I might take Elton to my classroom once.

But they are so used to hear the horrible manufactered things that they find normal music funny?? They sometimes start to laugh. But they do think 50 cent is cool... Hell no.

Hahaha!!! Thanks a bunch Michelle for sharing this time with us. I really enjoyed. Take care.

Cheers!

The Story Behind "The Greek Song"

Rufus Wainwright composes and performs songs marked by intelligence, humor, and pathos. In his rendition, his songs are at once achingly plaintive and hip, their frank romanticism only barely mediated by a light dose of irony.

In a concert in Los Angeles, Wainwright was joined on-stage by Elton John, with whom he sang a duet of "Greek Song." It's a song about representatives of two different societies, an American guy and a Greek guy, meeting each other and having a brief sexual relationship and motorcycle adventure, and their different expectations of life.

Wainwright guest on Elton John 's "American Triangle," a tribute to Matthew Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student who was brutally murdered in 1998 because of his sexual orientation. The two openly gay singer/pianists didn't meet during the recording, as Wainwright was in New York and Elton was in Los Angeles. But after Wainwright laid down the backing vocals for the chorus, he did receive a phone call from Elton.

When he had his addiction troubles, seeking guidance, he telephoned his friend Elton John, who persuaded him to check in to rehab at the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota. He detoxed and underwent therapy at the facility, which he has stated in several interviews gave him "a second chance".

On 20th October, on stage at The New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City, they will be performing Elton John's famed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" from start to finish, in the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" tribute live show.

Greek Song Lyrics:

"You who were born with the sun above your shoulders
You turn me on you turn me on
You have to know
You who were born where the sun she keeps her distance
You turn me on you turn me on
But so does she

You who were born there where beauty is existence
You turn me on you turn me
Your body heals my soul

You who were born where you shiver and you shudder
You turn me on the girl is gone so come on
Lets go

All the pearls of china
Fade astride a volta
Dont sew beelines to anybodys hide
Save your poison for a lover who is on your side

One way is rome and the other way is mecca
On either side on either side
Of our motorbike
One way is home and the other way is papa
On either side on either side and
Prepared to strike

When I get back I will bleed after my beating
Dont leave me here dont leave me here
Im scared to death

All the pearls of china
Fade astride a volta
Dont sew beelines to anybodys hide
Save your poison for a lover who is on your side

All the pearls of china
Fade astride a volta
Dont sew beelines to anybodys hide
Save your poison for a lover who is on your side"

The Story Behind "The Woody Woodpecker Song"

Elton John surprised the audience during "Singin' in the Rainforest,featuring Great Songs from the Movies" the 12th Rainforest Foundation Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert on April 21, 2004.

The show opened with Billy Joel, Elton John, Sting and James Taylor, decked out as dark-suited hipsters, trading verses on "That's Amore," accompanied by orchestra and vocal chorus. Later, Elton appeared wearing a plastic beak and cavorting with a pair of nubile dancers while he sang "The Woody Woodpecker Song."

According to Walter Lantz's press agent, the idea for Woody came during the producer's honeymoon with his wife, Gracie, in Sherwood Lake, California. A noisy woodpecker outside their cabin kept the couple awake at night, and when a heavy rain started, they learned that the bird had bored holes in their cabin's roof. In 1947, Woody got his own theme song when musicians George Tibbles and Ramey Idriess wrote "The Woody Woodpecker Song," making ample use of the character's famous laugh.

The performers and their songs were, in no order, Sting ("Moon River"), Taylor ("The Way You Look Tonight," "Pennies From Heaven," "The Twist"), Elton John ("Love Letters," "Secret Love," "The Woody Woodpecker Song," "Pinball Wizard") Antonio ("Mona Lisa," "That's Amore"), Midler ("Lullabye of Broadway," "Wind Beneath My Wings," "The Rose"), India.Arie ("The Long and Winding Road"), Scott ("Over the Rainbow," "Someone to Watch Over Me").

With James Taylor's good-natured stab at "The Twist," it featured some surprisingly agile dance moves from Elton, Sting and actor Antonio Banderas.

The Woody Woodpecker Song's lyrics:

"Ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
oh, that's the woody woodpecker song
ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
yeah, he's a-peckin' it all day long
He pecks a few holes in a tree to see
if a redwood's really red
and it's nothing to him, on the tiniest whim
to peck a few holes in your head
Ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
oh, that's the woody woodpecker's tune
ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
makes the other woodpeckers swoon
Though it doesn't make sense to the dull and the dense
and the lady woodpeckers long for
ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
that's the woody woodpecker song
------ instrumental interlude ------
Ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
woody woodpecker's serenade
ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
on the woodpecker hit parade
Though he can't sing a note, there's a frog in his throat
all his top notes come out blurred
he's the ladies' first choice, with a laugh in his voice
he gives all his rivals the bird
Ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
he'll be settlin' down some day
ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
he'll be hearin' the preacher say
For the rest of your life you'll be woody and wife
and the choir will sing along with
ho-ho-ho ho ho! ho-ho-ho ho ho!
the woody woodpecker song"

The Eltonite's Day: People, Get up, please, here we have... the boss: Stephan Heimbecher!!!!!!!!

I am an enthusiastic fan of fanzines, I have to confess it. When I found "Hercules" was such important for me because Elton wasn't very popular in Spain and I thought I was the only interested in Elton. "Hercules" gave me the information I couldn't find in regular papers. "Hercules" became eltonfan and I found a great community, maybe like a family. For the GYBR week, the second to last allsongslist one year on, I should invite someone very special. One of those everybody adore. I am talking about "Hercules" master, our boss. People, bite your lip, get up, and read this fantastic conversation with Stephan.

But first… Could you tell us, more, who are you and where are you from?

I am Stephan Heimbecher, 40 years old, living in Munich in the south of Germany with my wife Christiane (we met through the fan club) and daughter Amy (4 years old). In my professional life I am working as Head of Innovations & Standards for Premiere Fernsehen, a German PayTV operator. I am running the Elton John fan club for more than 20 years, but I also founded Red Ribbon Germany, a group to support the fight against Aids (see www.redribbon.de).

Great!! When you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton’s music and what moves you to buy his music?

I don’t remember the first time I heard an Elton John song, but of course I remember when this had an impact on me for the first time. This was back in 1983 on a trip to England with my school class. Every evening we went to a local pub and played pool and darts. And whoever lost a game had to feed the jukebox and select “Buffalo Soldier” which was kind of a class hymn for us back then (I don’t remember why). One night, we had been kicking that jukebox a bit too hard, so it would never play the song you selected, and when it was my turn to feed it with some coins and to select “Buffalo Soldier”, it played “I’m Still Standing” instead – three times in a row. I like the song and back home in Germany I went straight into the record store and bought “Too Low For Zero”. The rest is history.

OK! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? Have you even been front row? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him?


I have seen 115 Elton shows since 1983. The very first show back in 1984 was a great experience, I returned for the next tour in 1986, and after that things kind of got out of control with me seeing more and more shows per tour and attending shows in all parts of the world. I have seen him 21 times at Madison Square Garden, for example. In my younger days and back when there were no seats on the floor, I would often go in the front row. But I always prefer to see a show from different angles when I attend many shows in a row.

I also have been backstage a couple of times and I think I could write a book about those experiences …

You should, really! How it was, and still is, the success of Elton in your country? Which have been his hits in sales terms? And which are the german's favourite Elton's albums or songs? And could you still hear Elton's music in the radio, nowadays? And which should do Elton's next step in his music career?

Quite frankly, that’s very hard to say. The music (scene) has changed a lot in the past years and decades during which I have been an Elton fan. The last Elton album that went to number one in Germany was “The One”, if I remember correctly. Since then, chart success has been relatively small. I would say that “Two Low For Zero” as well as “The Lion King” were big in Germany and had a huge impact on generating new fans.

If I had a say on what Elton should do next, I would recommend something in the style of a Cole Porter album.

Which Elton’s appearance on a TV show you remember most, and why? Could you see Elton’s concerts on TV? And some interview with Elton? There is an old legend in my country that says a television paid lots of money to have Elton on their show but the TV shares were very low. They called the “effect Elton John” and it appears that the televisions have taken very seriously since then to bring on a big star...

Well, there was a live TV show back in 1989 where Elton performed, and I was also part of that show. In fact, I “performed” with a bunch of other amateur musicians right before he came on stage and hence I am still claiming that I once have been Elton’s support act … which of course is a joke. Elton has always been a regular guest on German television, although in the past years he has appeared not too often. Usually he comes to promote a new single or album and that has been a while as we all know.

Well, you know this is the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Week... Every time is a discussion between "GYBR" and "Captain Fantastic" in eltonites boards about best original album. The double album has some of Elton's best ever composed songs and with Bernie's fine lyrics... 1973 was an special year for Elton. GYBR may should had other hits if the record company should have released "Harmony", "Roy Rogers" or "Grey Seal" as other singles, along the great success of singles like "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" or "Bennie And The Jets". Do you think that record company made a mistake with that? Should the album may had been a great Grammy winner then, in the same category of "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, for example? Oh... and your opinion about next GYBR Anniversary Show? A lost opportunity to see Elton and the band singin' it live?

Well, first of all, personally I like „Captain“ better than GYBR. As far as the record company having made the wrong decisions, I don’t know. I think it is very hard to judge on that now – 35 years later. Back then it was a totally different industry and market situation. Finally on the GYBR show, this sounds like a great event and I would love to have an opportunity of attending that, but I just cannot afford another trip to New York. NYC itself is always worth the trip, but on the other hand I wonder why these kind of shows always have to take place there. And what about the ticket prices!? It’s a benefit show, okay. But aren’t these the kind of events that (poor) fans would like to attend?

The Hercules Elton John Fan Club published 61 issues of a printed fanzine called first "Rocket Fan", later "Hercules", between 1988 and 2003. Why an Elton fan magazine and which experience, of doing it, stay with you? And which are your memories of it? Now we have the eltonfan website fortunetely...

When we started the fan club back in 1988, the Internet did not exist in the same form it exists today. Very few people had access to the Internet at that time, so if you wanted to spread information amongst a group of people with a common interest, i.e. Elton fans, you had to do it the old fashioned way. Doing the fanzine was always a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. To me it feels like ancient history if I remember it as the Internet has mad communicating and spreading information so much easier and so much faster. But back then this was all we had and today these fanzines are collector’s items.

Right. Which is your Elton’s item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you’ve got to have it?


We have received a double gold „The One” presentation disk “presented to the German Elton John fan club”, and that was very cool. The other thing I remember is the single “Princess” with “The Retreat” as a b-side. I had been looking for that very hard to find item for years at almost any record fair I knew of.

Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton John’s songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, please?

That’s a tough one as that list always changes and also depends on my mood. But my all-time favourite Top 3 has been “Talking Old Soldiers”, “Ticking” and “Tonight”.

Thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

I have changed a lot over the years in how I express being an Elton fan. When I started, I had to buy all of his albums, and then all the regular singles. And when I had those, I looked for other rarities and continued to collect everything Elton. It was crazy and it was kind of and addiction. At some point in time I started to “collect” shows, i.e. I thought that I had to attend as many EJ shows as possible. But then suddenly I realized that it is all too much. I noticed that I was bored at times during a show as I had just been to the same show the night before and had heard a particular song far too often. Also, all the collectible items were just clogging my apartment. So I began to calm down and to concentrate on the real great things of being an Elton fan. And one of those things is that you get to know many wonderful people all over the world. So today, visiting an Elton show to me is much more about seeing old friends again than it is about seeing another Elton show.

Oh... Could you explain us something new about the fan convention in Munich, next november, Stephan?

Well, it was meant to be a big event to coincide with Elton’s show in Munich. However, I had to realize that many of the “new generation” Elton fans seem to not be interested in such an event. Back in the early Nineties we used to organize such get-togethers were very often and it was always a big success. But maybe that’s because back then people didn’t have such information overkill as they have these days via the Internet. Fifteen to twenty years ago, a fan convention was your only chance to meet other fans. Today, you can go to the eltonfan.net chat room and you no longer have to leave your house to engage in a conversation with other fans. That’s a plus on the one hand, but on the other it “ruins” events such what was planned for November. I have now learned that lesson and I will have therefore downsized the event to a short meeting at the local Hard Rock Café before the show. See twenty.eltonfan.net for more information.

Thanks a bunch, Stephan. Really a pleasure to chat with you. I get funny doing this interview with you, it was an enjoyable and worth experience for me.Thank you. Take care. See you in Munich to the Fan Convention event.