1979: The Albums Reachin' Charts

Canciones De Oro

Spain
N. 6 (12 Weeks)

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Victim Of Love

United States
N. 35 (10 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 41 (3 Weeks)

Canada
N. 28 (13 Weeks)

Australia
N. 20 (13 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 44 (1 Week)

France
N. 23 (16 Weeks)

Norway
N. 18 (2 Weeks)

1968: Sgt. Zippo's Chronology

March, 1

Elton released his first record, "I've Been Loving You", on Phillips label, but did not chart. Top of the pops's article asked "Who's the star?" because it was given equally credit to "Bernard" Taupin, the writer, and Caleb Quaye, the producer, and Elton himself: "it's about time the men behind the discs had more credit" added.

April

Elton started recording demonstration versions of newly written songs under Dick James Music label, as well others publishing companies. Some Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway compositions were included.

May, 7

Elton played his last Bluesology gig in Scotland. On the way home, he adopted officially the "Elton John" name, taking "Elton" from Elton Dean and "John" from Long John Baldry.

June, 7

Elton announced close friends his wedding with Linda Woodrow and would take place at Uxbridge registry office, followed by a reception at 30a Frome Court.

June, 16

Elton cancelled his wedding plans.

October, 28

Elton recorded three tracks: “Lady Samantha”, “Across The Havens” and “Skyline Pigeon”, abetted by a studio group comprising guitarist Caleb Quayle, session bass player Boots Slade and Malcolm Tomlinson on drums. The three songs were played on BBC’s Stuart Henry Show the following week.

November, 27

Guest appearance on "John Peel's Night Ride" at the BBC London Maida Vale 4 studio. Produced by Pete Carr, he debuted songs from his next album: "Lady What's Tomorrow", "Val Hala", "First Episode At Hienton" and "The Scaffold", along with an unreleased song "Digging My Grave".

December, 2

Elton, as part of the "Bread And Beer Band" recorded "The Dick Barton Theme (The Devil's Gallup)" at EMI Studios, Abbey Road.

1999: Elton Simpson John's Chronology

January, 17

Elton John joined Shania Twain on a soulful versions of "You're Still the One" and "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" for a TV Special, recorded in Miami, FL. Also, she sang "Amneris Letter" from Aida, with Elton playing on the piano.

February, 14

Elton appeared as a cartoon character on "I'm With Cupid", the fourteenth episode of The Simpsons' tenth season, aired on Valentine's Day. Elton had to land in Springfield because he was unhappy that the chandelier in the dining room in his jet didn't meet his approval. Meanwhile, Apu decided to shower Manjula with many romantic surprises to regain her love for the ocasion. Elton closed the episode with an updated performance of "Your Song" dedicating the song to Manjula "from Apu".

March, 2

"Dusty, wherever you are, this one's for you, my love, with all my love". Elton included Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want To Be With You" song in the set list to an audience in Peoria, Illinois, in homage to her. She died precisely this date.

April, 13

Elton performed in support of the VH1 Save The Music charity, an organization who cares music education in US schools. The show's advertising announced "a very special diva you have to see to believe" on the side of great divas like Whitney Houston, Cher, Tina Turner and Brandy. "Elton is the most diva-guy I know" agreed Cher. He premiered two songs from Aida's musical: "Like Father Like Son" and "Written In The Stars", a duet with LeAnn Rimes.

April, 17

Elton participated on the 9th Anniversary Rainforest Concert, at the Carnegie Hall, NY. Performers like Billy Joel, James Taylor, Ricky Martin or Don Henley selected songs from Frank Sinatra's catalogue.

July, 9

Elton John left hospital in London after surgery to be fitted with a heart pacemaker. "I feel very well. I'm a bit stiff, a bit sore, but everything went really well," he told reporters outside London's Wellington Hospital. The surgical procedure took place after doctors discovered that Elton had an irregular heartbeat.

September, 24

Previews began for the London West End production of "The Lion King".

November, 2

Elton joined Rosie O'Donnell on an all-star Christmas duets album benefiting the "All The Kids" Foundation. On her October 13 show, Rosie said this was the most difficult song for her to sing because after Elton recorded his part, she realized that he sang it very slowly.

November, 7

Elton John made a surprise guest appearance at Sting's concert in Atlanta, GA singing a couple of verses of "Fill Her Up", but he left the stage before the song ended.

Unforgettable People (XLVII): Fred Farebrother

Fred Farebrother turned out to be a caring and supportive stepfather to Elton, a more supportive figure than his real father. He affectionately referred to him as "Derf" his first name in reverse.

Reg was 15 when his parents, Stanley and Sheila, divorced. His father Stanley, who used to serve as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force wanted him to make his career in the banking side, but Elton his keen interest in the music side only. His mother, Sheila was stricter to him compared to his father. She often used to have terrible arguments with her husband and that ultimately distressed their son. Divorce remained taboo these days and family members encouraged them to stay together, until the winter of 1962 when the couple finally divorced allowing Reg to go on with his music career.

Sheila was soon remarried to an interior decorator, Fred Farebrother and they moved into flat #1A in an eight-unit apartment building called Frome Court not far from both previous homes. It is here that Elton would write the songs with Bernie that would launch his career as a rock star. William A Bong, was created in 1971, and had one director, Sheila Farebrother, Elton's mother.

Fred and Sheila always been very supportive to Elton in things related to love. Sheila Farebrother, admited "I would never interfere (in his life). If he chooses a life with another man, that doesn't worry me. I just want him to be happy". Elton was 21 when a bad personal experience inspired him to write Someone Saved My Life Tonight and led to a suicide attempt when he didn't want to marry Linda Woodrow. In the morning Elton called his mother and in a few hours a van drew up outside the Furlong Road flat driven by his stepfather Derf Farebrother. In less than an hour Elton, Bernie and their respective record collections made the journey back to Elton’s family home at 30a Frome Court, Northwood Hills.

In 1986 they decided to emigrate to Minorca, Spain for the scandal and harassment of some British tabloids, but they returned the self-imposed exile in 1990 when Elton began attending Alcoholics Anonimous.

A very sad new came when Fred Farebrother died Friday, June 11, 2010 after a long illness.

The Eltonite's Day With... Mireille!!!!!

Hello eltonites, today is a very special day on the blogsite. We have here an special guest, a true eltonite, with nice stories on her back. As some of us, she travels to other countries to see Elton's concerts, meeting other fans. A perfect mix: Elton, friends. She is well known in forums for her appropiated words about things related to Elton, she knows everything about him, and she's a dearest person. Please, a big applause for her, the incredible: Mireille!!!!

Welcome to AllSongsList. Could you tell us, more, who are you and where are you from?

I am Mireille Herz. Most Elton fans probably know me by my maiden name Mireille Molbert. I currently live in East Germany, Halle on Saale near Leipzig. I am a freelancing TV producer.

Ok! 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 no idea why but some time in 1984, I heard “Philadelphia Freedom” on the radio and pressed the record button on my cassette player. Some days later “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was added the same way. Then came the purchase of a cheap greatest hits album and the newly released “Ice On Fire”. Afterwards, I bought a new album from Elton’s back catalogue every month. I listened to Elton’s music almost exclusively for at least two years. A major obsession.

Yes! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And, for you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

My first live show was April 3, 1986 in Frankfurt just one day after my 15th birthday. I felt like a total rebel because I went alone. German law requires that people under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult. I was seated in row three on the very right in front of the stage, and the only thing I saw most of the time was Elton’s white Mohawk hair piece bouncing up and down behind the piano.

I have been to A LOT of concerts. Sorry, I have lost count. There were like 20 shows all over Europe during the “The One” tour… 8 in New York’s Madison Square Garden… plus some scattered shows here and there… I’d say it adds up to something around 60 shows.

I really really miss Guy Babylon. He certainly was the most handsome band member ever! I often considered printing myself a T-shirt “The Guy Babylon Band featuring Elton John” and proudly wearing it for the show. Now I regret that I never dared to.

Oh! What would you do if you meet Elton sometime? What would you talk about and which question would you like to ask him?

I would not like to ask him a question I would like to sing with him! Other than that, I’d like to watch a football match with him or go shopping. Have a girl’s day. :-)

Hahahaha that should be great!! And what is like being an eltonite in your country? Which are the germans preferences in music and which is Elton's place there?

Elton is regarded as an old gay man singing schmaltzy songs. Most people do know “I’m Still Standing” and “Crocodile Rock” but the No. 1 chart success “Sacrifice” has ruined Elton’s image in Germany forever. Yes, “Sacrifice” is definitely his most popular song over here followed by “Nikita”. That is probably the reason why he usually replaces a great song like “Levon” with one of those **** songs when he does shows here.

Do you like duets, or prefer an Elton “Duet For One”? In that case, which song and which partner have Elton to duet with? And which duet have not to be happened? Do you detested anyone?

I like the duets though I found the “Duets” album rather boring. I think “I’m Your Puppet” is the weakest duet he did but I loved “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Ru Paul. I am still waiting for a duet of Elton with Rufus Wainwright – maybe an idea for a new “Face To Face” concept?

Maybe, that would be a blessed!! 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 favourite item is not something that I own but something that I gave to Elton. In 2000, I decided that for the first time I wanted to give Elton a present during the show. Being myself, it had to be something unusual. I spent days thinking and asking everyone I knew for suggestions. I finally came up with the idea to give Elton a Ken doll wearing a Dirndl (traditional Bavarian dress) and a tiara. I succeeded in giving it to Elton on Munich’s Konigsplatz (8 July 2000). Why is this so special? In early 2001, I watched the eltonjohn.com video with backstage footage from his shows in Madison Square Garden – and cross-dressed Ken was sitting in Elton’s dressing room. Those shows were three months later! A photo of the dressing room can also be found in “Eltonography” by Terry O’Neill.

Hahahaha That's fantastic!!! Apart from music, which are your interests? What you like to do with your off time?

I sing in an a cappella choir, and I occasionally play the piano. I like to travel and explore countries and places that I haven't yet been to. Whenever possible, I love to go scuba diving.

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

#1 – Skyline Pigeon
#2 – And The House Fell Down
#3 – Made in England
#4 – Whitewash County
#5 – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy

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

Although my Elton obsession is considered weird by most people I would never want to live without it. Being an Elton fan, has helped me a lot – from troubled teenage times. I have met a lot of great people and fellow fans. I have visited so lovely places to see shows. I think it is fair to say that Elton wrote – and is still writing – the soundtrack for my life.

Thank you so much, Mireille. It was my pleasure to share this time with you. Very interesting things we talked on. All the best!!!

2005: Married Man's Chronology

February, 10

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., announced that more than 20 Boeing 717 aircrafts had Elton John's image and XM Satellite Radio on them. The livery design also features Elton John's single "The Answer in the Sky" from his latest CD, Peachtree Road. AirTran Airways became the first commercial airline in the world to install XM Satellite Radio on its aircraft with the launch of the first flight featuring the service, and Elton John helped unveil a commemorative aircraft livery that adorned a select number of AirTran Airways' planes.

February, 18

"We can show the world that Britain people can really put on the greatest on Earth" said Elton, with Mick Jagger on his side, when they supported London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

February, 28

Elton ditched his publicist Barbara Charone following the disappointing sales of his 2004 "Peacthree Road" album. The news followed the dismissal of his manager Derek MacKillop after five years together. World Entertainment News Network quoted a source as saying: "Elton getting fresh blood in to do his publicity was at the top of his list (...) once Elton's made up his mind there was no going back." He handed control of his publicity over to longterm friend Gary Farrow.

March, 11

Queen's Brian May called Elton John a "silly boy" over Elton's reported comments that Queen's hit West End musical 'We Will Rock You' is uncreative. May pointed out that Elton has never seen the piece of work while millions of people who have seen it and go back again and again, from all countries of the world. The guitarist also added: "I guess if Billy Elliot the Musical is still playing to ecstatic packed houses after three years in the West End, we'll take it seriously."

May, 8

The stage version of Billy Elliot shocked some members of its preview audiences by performing a song looking forward to the death of Baroness Thatcher, reported the Sunday Times. Dressed in rubber masks of Thatcher, the miners sing “Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher, we celebrate today ’cos it’s one day closer to your death”. But Elton believed the words reflected the depth of hostility towards Thatcher: “People may find it offensive and I know she is a very frail woman now. I’ve met her on several occasions and found her very charming,” he said. “But those miners were so frustrated that they would have killed her. You are writing history and you have to tell it as it was.”

June, 15

Elton had been immortalised in chocolate at Madame Tussaud's in London to celebrate Cadbury's centenary year. Elton topped a poll by the chocolate maker to find the nation's favourite celebrity. David Furnish said he hoped Elton would be delighted at the results. "I hope he's as thrilled as I am. Elton is a very competitive man who likes to do well with his concerts and records. When he had heard he had won this contest he was delighted. I take my hat off to them, it looks fantastic.

July, 2

The set list for Elton was: "The Bitch Is Back", "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" and "Children Of The Revolution" (duet with Pete Doherty). Elton performed relatively early during Live 8 in London, he went on stage after Paul McCartney, U2 and Coldplay.

July, 5

Thirteen times the bell atop Independence Hall rang signaling the start of a city ceremony honoring Elton’s efforts to help people with AIDS or HIV. In recognition of his work, city officials awarded Elton the city’s first-ever Philadelphia City of Brotherly Love Humanitarian Award.

July, 21

Long John Baldry passed away at the Vancouver General Hospital, July 21, 2005 at 10:30 pm after fighting a severe chest infection for the passed four months.

August, 30

Cindy Bullens finished a brand new album entitled "Dream #29". Produced once again by Cindy and Ray Kennedy, the CD boasts special appearances by Elton John (playing killer honky-tonk piano on the title track), a sexy duet with R&B great Delbert McClinton, and back-up vocal by 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tim Wakefield.

September, 13

Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" celebrated its 30th anniversary with an expanded deluxe edition release and commmorative September 2005 concert dates. "It is ironic since we recorded this album that our lives have become the title" joked Elton, and added: "Bernie has become The Brown Dirt Cowboy living on a ranch in California raising Cutting horses and prize winning bulls and I have become Captain Fantastic travelling from the edge of the world to your town collecting photography and art and living a life beyond my wildest dreams."

September, 20

The biggest stars of R&B and pop recorded a tribute album for tragic soul star Luther Vandross. Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Celine Dion, Babyface, Alicia Keys, Usher, Beyonce Knowles, Wyclef Jean and Jamie Foxx were among the artists appearing on new LP "So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute To Luther Vandross". Elton performed "Anyone Who Has A Heart" alongside Vandross' original vocals. Also, Elton had the honor of closing the B.B. King tribute album, joining King for Jimmy Rogers' "Rock This House", released just three days before the blues great's 80th birthday. The Geffen/UME set "B.B. King & Friends" featured appearances by Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow and Gloria Estefan, among others.

September, 24

Giorgio Onorato Aquilani from Italy won the Hercules Composer Competition 2005 composing the music on the unreleased Bernie's poem "Dogs In The Kitchen".

October, 10

14th Annual Ella Awardin Beverly Hills, honoured Sir Elton John. ELLA honorees are carefully chosen for their contribution to the music world and for their dedicated efforts to benefit the community and worldwide humanitarian causes: "Anybody who's listened to the radio over the past thirty-five years knows that Elton John's track record is unequalled," explained Jerry F. Sharell, the president and CEO of SOS. "A couple of generations have now grown up listening to his songs, and he's truly one of the greats not just in pop and rock but also in film and theatrical music. But just as crucially, he is also a pioneer in the worldwide fight against AIDS and a humanitarian whose efforts exemplify what the ELLA Award seeks to honor."

November, 10

Starbucks exclusively carried "Elton John's Christmas Party", a compilation of Elton John's favorite holiday songs, including an exclusive duet with Joss Stone. Starbucks and Universal donated $2 per CD sold to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

December, 21

Elton and David Furnish tied the knot in a star-studded event at the Guildhall, in Windsor, that capped the first week of civil partnership ceremonies in the United Kingdom. The pair, dressed in tuxedos, arrived in a black Rolls Royce with tinted windows and waved to the crowd gathered outside as they entered the hall.

2005: The Singles Music Charts

Electricity

United Kingdom
N. 4 (5 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 31 (3 Weeks)

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Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've?)

United Kingdom
N. 28 (4 Weeks)

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Calling It Christmas

United Kingdom
N. 138 (1 Week)

1985: The Singles Music Charts

Act Of War

United Kingdom
N. 32 (5 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 11 (2 Weeks)

Canada
N. 94 (5 Weeks)

Australia
N. 50 (7 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 44 (2 Weeks)

Germany
N. 39 (7 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 16 (6 Weeks)

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Nikita

United States
N. 7 (18 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 3 (13 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 1 (10 Weeks)

Canada
N. 2 (26 Weeks)

Australia
N. 3 (18 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 1 (14 Weeks)

France
N. 3 (30 Weeks)

Germany
N. 1 (20 Weeks)

Austria
N. 3 (18 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 1 (19 Weeks)

Holland
N. 1 (22 Weeks)

Italy
N. 20 (11 Weeks)

Spain
N. 5 (17 Weeks)

Norway
N. 2 (14 Weeks)

Sweden
N. 7 (6 Weeks)

SouthAfrica
N. 1 (18 Weeks)

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Wrap Her Up

United States
N. 20 (14 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 12 (10 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 12 (4 Weeks)

Canada
N. 26 (15 Weeks)

Australia
N. 22 (13 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 33 (3 Weeks)

France
N. 94 (1 Week)

Germany
N. 54 (5 Weeks)

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Cry To Heaven

United Kingdom
N. 47 (4 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 22 (1 Week)

Australia
N. 86 (2 Weeks)

Holland
N. 13 (9 Weeks)

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That's What Friends Are For

United States
N. 1 (23 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 16 (9 Weeks)

Canada
N. 1 (20 Weeks)

Australia
N. 1 (25 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 3 (12 Weeks)

France
N. 79 (10 Weeks)

Germany
N. 36 (11 Weeks)

Holland
N. 13 (7 Weeks)

Italy
N. 5 (25 Weeks)

Spain
N. 2 (21 Weeks)

Norway
N. 20 (1 Week)

Sweden
N. 7 (6 Weeks)

SouthAfrica
N. 2 (15 Weeks)