An Interview with the Interviewer

As someone who usually tells stories and shares perspectives through my own space, it felt both strange and exciting to suddenly find myself on the other side of the conversation. This time, I was the one being interviewed by Robson Vianna for Elton John’s Pics—a blog that has become an essential stop for anyone interested in Elton John’s career.

Robson Vianna is a passionate music journalist and curator, known for his insightful coverage of Elton John’s career on Elton John’s Pics. A devoted fan since 1973, Robson has dedicated decades to exploring Elton’s music, performances, and legacy. He shares digital recordings, photographs, and historical documents, often highlighting rare or little-known moments from Elton’s career. Beyond collecting and archiving, Robson is committed to preserving musical history, restoring rare interviews and live performances, and making them accessible to fans worldwide. He collaborates with other enthusiasts through various projects on platforms like YouTube and AllMyLinks, creating spaces where memories, stories, and perspectives converge.

Currently, Robson is working on “The Illustrated Elton John Timeline”, a project that provides a chronological and illustrated overview of Elton’s career, covering tours, albums, media appearances, and significant events. He also continues to animate and share iconic photographs of Elton, bringing legendary images to life and preserving the artist’s rich history for fans around the world.

His deep knowledge of Elton’s work, combined with his dedication to the fan community, has made him a respected figure among collectors, historians, and devoted fans alike.

During our conversation, Robson and I explored the blog’s journey, from its beginnings as a simple passion project to its growth into a central hub for fans worldwide. We discussed some of the most memorable and rare songs and recordings featured on the site, the stories behind their discovery, and the personal significance they hold. I reflected on the incredible fan community, sharing moments when people connected over memories, rare collectibles, and personal anecdotes related to Elton’s career. One of the most fascinating aspects we discussed was how collaborations with other fans often uncover unexpected stories and deepen connections within the community. We also touched on the joys and challenges of maintaining the blog while keeping it a trusted and engaging space for everyone involved.

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One of the most emotional parts of our discussion was remembering those we have lost: Bob Birch, Guy Babylon, and Paul Buckmaster—musicians and collaborators whose work and friendship left a lasting mark on Elton’s music and on the blog itself. There was a section called “Interview with the Idols” where I had the chance to do interviews with various people related to Elton, and I have so many memories from those conversations. The last one was an unfinished interview with Paul Buckmaster—his passing shocked me deeply. He was a great person and always so kind to me. We went through his origins, his influences… Other painful and heartfelt losses were those of Bob Birch and Guy Babylon, both of whom had contributed to my blog. Birch, for instance, once told me how much he admired the work of the late Dee Murray.

Looking ahead, I shared with Robson my excitement about the blog’s future. Plans include new segments, more interaction with the Eltonites, and a stronger focus on collecting and preserving rare Elton-related items in the Re-collecting section. The blog will also continue to highlight talented musicians who have worked with Elton and Bernie, through the Interview with the Idols section, and follow the Adventures of Jack Rabbit series to explore and share unique stories. Beyond these, I have a feeling that something significant is emerging with Elton John, and while I’m taking it step by step, I’m confident that exciting surprises are yet to come. Above all, I remain deeply grateful for the connections, stories, and trust of all those who have collaborated with the blog—without them, none of this would be possible.

The conversation allowed me to revisit the blog’s milestones, consider its future direction, and appreciate the generosity and passion of the Elton fan family—how connections grow naturally, and how stories gain depth when shared. Being in conversation with Robson reminded me that interviews are never just about questions and answers—they are about connection, perspective, and the chance to see your own work through someone else’s eyes. That’s what made this moment truly special: an interview with the interviewer, and an opportunity to tell my story in a new light.