The Story Behind "If The River Can Bend"

"The song is about all the possibilities if you're willing to change. Never give up, there's always hope" said Elton in wise words. "And there's so much to do. But you have to be true to yourself, because you're creating your own future".

With the line "all the boats your rocked / with your harmony" may reference the longtime union between Elton and Bernie and might be an allusion to the late "Harmony" 1973 song, "looking for an island in our boat upon the sea".

"If The River Can Bend" serves as teasing proof that the rock flame behind such early John showstoppers as "Burn Down the Mission" is far from out.

Unforgettable People (XXXIII): David Furnish

David Furnish was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 25, 1962. His father, Jack, was an accountant of Bristol-Myers and Gladys Furnish, his mother was a homemaker. David graduated in 1981 from the Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute in the Scarborough Region of Toronto. He graduated from the business program at the University of Western Ontario in 1985. He worked in a middle management job at the advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather in London's docklands.

A mutual friend of Furnish and Elton John left a message for Furnish inviting him to a dinner party at Elton John's house on October 30, 1993. Initially fearing that the dinner would be unpleasant, or that John would be boring, he instead found John to be interesting and engaging. Both were attracted to each other; John asked for his phone number and the two had a private dinner the following night. Within a few weeks they were attending a film premier together.

David resigned from his position in 1994 after finding it increasingly difficult to balance the position's demands with the demands of his new life with Elton. Elton proposed to David in May 2005 at a dinner party with friends and family at their home in Old Windsor. "I've always considered myself committed to Elton and he's the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with. So in that sense, I don't feel like the dynamic of our relationship is going to change" David had said about his partner. On 21 December 2005, they entered into a civil partnership.On the actual day, a low-key ceremony with their parents, photographer Sam Taylor-Wood and her husband Jay Jopling, and John and Furnish's dog Arthur in attendance was held at the Guildhall, Windsor, followed by a lavish party at their Berkshire mansion, thought to have cost £1 million. Superintendent Registrar Clair Williams and Registrar Peter Edwards were the officiates for the ceremony. Their parents were at the small ceremony and acted as witnesses. They took their parents to lunch in a black Rolls-Royce after the ceremony. "Meeting David has been the greatest thing to happen to me. Yes, we spend a lot of time apart and it's hard, but we make it work".

With a keen interest in film, Furnish enrolled in courses at the British Film Institute. He is currently co-chief of Rocket Pictures along with Elton, and he's a contributing editor for Tatler magazine and also a regular columnist for Interview and GQ. Currently, he serves on the board of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, attending fundraisers and other events in support of that cause. Elton and David set up the company Rocket Pictures and David began to make films. His first project was "Tantrums & Tiaras" which was a warts-and-all fly-on-the-wall documentary about Elton John. It was nominated for a Bafta award in 1996.

The Story Behind "Fly Away"

Remixed by David Morales, it starts off very mid-tempo, before breaking out into an up-tempo song with a brilliant dance beat. It was based on the Elton John song "Skyline Pigeon". On the song's lyrics, Carey comments "It was '97 and I was leaving my marriage (to Tommy Mottola) which encompassed my life” declared the diva.

It was a moderate success on charts that airplay-only singles were allowed to enter. It did not appear on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart because it was not issued as a commercial single in the United States. It was credited “Written By Carey, John, Morales, Taupin”.

Lyrics:

"Don't be afraid to fly
Spread your wings
Open up the door
So much more outside

Don't be afraid to fly
Come spread your wings
And just fly
Come spread your wings
And you'll see it's alright to
Fly, just fly,
Don't be afraid
Don't let your spirit die

She said,
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Don't be afraid
Don't be afraid
Don't be afraid to fly
Fly, so much more outside
Come spread your wings and just fly into the sun
Fly..

Don't be afraid to fly
Don't be afraid to just fly
You..
Have become a butterfly
Don't be afraid to just fly
How to fly
Oh, hey, fly
You have become a butterfly
Fly away
Butterfly

Ooh, oh, ooh
Butterfly, free to fly, butterfly
Oh, hey
Butterfly
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly

Fly away (butterfly)
Fly away (butterfly)
Fly away (butterfly)
Fly
Butterfly"

The Story Behind "Candle In The Wind 1997"

On September 2, Elton got a call from businessman Richard Branson saying that princess' sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale wanted him to sing at the funeral service and he should be prepared, just in case. Elton phoned Bernie saying he needed something to sing at the funeral if this was approved, and mentioned the ubiquitousness of "Candle In The Wind" in British press and how Lady Diana liked the song.

Elton John thought Bernie Taupin's new lyrics was able to poignantly express the grief that the world was experiencing. "I tried to write it from a nation's standpoint and not as a singular person paying tribute" explained Bernie. On thursday 4th he was invited to sing at the funeral officially.

"Candle in the Wind 1997" means the difference between comfort and sorrow for those in real need, while the 1973 version was about the pressure of the Hollywood stardom and the final dying fall of a star. Unlike Marylin Monroe, Princess Diana was born to privilege, married into royalty and was willingly (for a time) sold as the fairy-tale symbol of a rotting institution. That she suffered in her marriage but used her position to help others is undeniable. And if Marylin was "whispered into her brain by traidmill operators", Diana "whispered to those in pain" who needed. It was said that the Royal Family are specially uncomfortable with the original line "even when you died, the press still hounded you", so a revision was needed.

Elton John performed the new version of Candle in the Wind - Goodbye England's Rose at the funeral for Princess Diana on September 6, 1997 in Westminster Abbey. "What was going through my mind was, 'Don't fuck this up. Don't sing a wrong note. Don't sing the wrong note. Be stoic. Don't break down and just do it to the best you can possibly do it without showing any emotion whatsoever". And so it was: Elto sang an emotionally rendition tribute to his friend, one of his best ever live performances.

The Story Behind "Something About The Way You Look Tonight"

"It was the first song I wrote for the album. Bernie came with a pile of lyrics and I wanted to pick something positive to begin with" explained Elton in the album promo. And added "The songs on the album are almost about relationships and I wanted to start with one about a relationship that was working well".

If that was a great period for Elton, for his relationship with David Furnish, Bernie was in trouble with his third marriage, that ended soon after the album's release.

Lyrically, the song was one of Bernie's best, for lines like "But in the moonlight / You just shine like a beacon on the bay", what the great reviewer Jim Turano define as the "most lazy lyric of Bernie's career".

Recently Elton dedicated live this song to his partner, David.

The Eltonite's Day: Ladies & Gentlemen, from Missouri... The One & Only... BlueJeanBaby!!!!!!!!!

Welcome back, eltonites. After vacation, I was very keen to interview great people of Elton's fan universe. So I had to bring someone very special. Someone who said the following: "After I meet Elton John I can die happy (but not right away)" Wow!!! The lady I have here today, in the Eltonite's day, has a good sense of humour. Welcome BlueJeanBaby, it's an honour to be here with you, chatting for a while. I really like your thoughts and comments about Elton in the boards so, let's talk a little about him, if you're so kind ...

But first... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

My real name is Karen and I live in St Louis, MO, USA. I am married and I have 2 daughters, ages 4 and 7. I am a veterinarian since 1993.

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 don't' remember the first time I heard his music. It seems like it was always around. I guess I could say I became a serious fan when I saw the Central Park concert on HBO. I did not remember seeing him play live before that and he just blew me away. I started collecting records shortly after that. Or maybe hoarding is the correct term. : )



Right! 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?

Elton came here in 1982, when I was 15 and I was not allowed to go. I had to wait 10 long years before he came back here in 1992 on The One tour. I was trembling the whole time I was so excited. I have been to 10 concerts. I feel very fortunate that I have seen him when he played the Roland, when Ray Cooper was still in the band, with a backing trio, with Billy Joel, with Voice of Atlanta, solo, and of course with the current band. I am travelling to Las Vegas in October to go see the Red Piano, so I am very excited.

I have never tried to write or contact him. I don't know what I would say that he has not heard a million times already. So I wait.

I have gotten 4 things signed at concerts, all within the last year. 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. When he came out to sign autographs before the concert, he signed "Elton X" on my sign. My friend was so intent on making sure I got an autograph she forget to get one for herself! The next show I went to, in Kansas City, I rushed the stage again and got a program signed which I gave to her. In Florida, I got my Goodbye Yellow Brick road album signed by Elton, John, Bob, Nigel and Davey and Elton signed my piano scarf.

I had the good fortune to meet all the current band members earlier this year in Florida. We were staying at the same hotel as they were. They were all very nice and were happy to sign things for us and pose for pictures. Nigel even waited for me in the lobby while I went up to my room and got my Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. We only saw Guy in passing but he did say hi and wave to us when we said hi to him.

Wow!! Which songs Elton should added to his current set list, that songs you thought you would never hear it live in yours 40 years of elton fan and, suddenly, he played it? And your favourite songs to be on? And, for you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

I remember being blown away the first time I head Tiny Dancer live. I had no idea what I would be hearing and that has always been my favorite song. I would like to hear him play more album cuts. It seems like when a new album comes out, he plays songs from them very briefly and then they are never heard again. I was very happy to have heard "Alice" and "Holiday Inn" live on the most recent tour. I missed "Mission" though.

I wish he would listen to those of us on his message boards and play some of the songs we are clamoring for. I would love to hear "Healing Hands" back in the set list.

My favorite band member is Nigel. I have always loved him. So cute!! I would love to see John Jorgensen and/or Ray Cooper back. John added so much to the overall sound of the band, he is a genius. Ray was just a wild man in front of a crowd and very entertaining.

Great. 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 people 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?

Elton does not do well on the pop charts anymore but he is alive and well in the adult contemporary charts. There are lots of Elton John fans here in the midwestern US and concerts sell out very quickly.

Elton has sold over 60 million albums in the US. We all know that "Candle In the Wind 1997" is the biggest selling single ever and Greatest Hits is among the 20 biggest selling albums of all time, with over 16 million sold.

I do hear his songs on the radio, depending on what stations I listen to. There are three here that play his music quite frequently.

I don't know what the next step he should take. I should enjoy anything he is willing to give us. I guess I am one of the few that would be intrigued to hear a hip hop album, but I don't see that happening anymore. I enjoy today's popular music and I love to dance to it! I just hope he continues to write and record new music for us.

Well, you know that’s the “Live Duets” week. Do you like duets, or prefer an Elton “Duet For One”? In that case, which song and which partner have Elton to duet with? Which Duet have not to be happened? Do you detested anyone?

For the most part, I like the duets Elton participates in live. I love his two with Mary J Blige, IGTWTCITB and Nighttime Is the Right Time. I would have loved to hear him sing with Celine Dion when they did a charity event together in Vegas. One person I would like to hear him sing with is another favorite of mine (please don't groan, Eltonites) Mariah Carey. I like all the divas, especially the biggest one of all: Elton. : )

Right! And 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?

Wow that's hard to answer, but if I had to pick I would say my first autograph from him and the happy and exciting memories it brings back to me.

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

1. Tiny Dancer (obviously)
2. Conquer the Sun
3. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
4. Things Only Get Better with Love
5. Red

2-5 can and will change at any given time

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

I discovered the Elton John internet community a little over a year ago and I am blown away by love between all Elton fans because of our common love for him. We are a very diverse group of people brought together by the love of two men's music. I would like to thank everyone on the ej.com and Hercules message boards for making me part of their families. I have learned a lot from all of you, and not just about Elton or even music in general. (I thought I knew a lot about Elton to begin with!!)

Oh, once you said “He still sells out concerts very quickly wherever he goes, so I don't think lack of popularity is a problem.” Why you think so?

Just for that reason. He may not sell a lot of albums or chart very high anymore, but he still sells out stadiums pretty much anywhere he goes in the world. If that is not a testament to his enduring popularity, I don't know what is. I think his albums don't sell very well anymore because he is part of UMG, which is too big and too busy promoting younger artists to promote him. I would like to see him sign with a smaller label that will give him the attention he deserves.

I think you have reason. Thank you very much, Karen. It was an enjoyable experience to interview you. Take care

The Story Behind "Me And My Shadow"

Sir John Gielgud duetted on stage with Elton John in December 1984 at Drury Lane Theatre in London. The occasion was a performance of "The Mother Goose Play" to benefit "The National Youth Theatre in Britain", a children theatre organization Elton has been active since 1972 and being the vice-president since 1975.

According to wikipedia, Sir Arthur John Gielgud, OM, CH (14 April 1904 – 21 May 2000), known as Sir John Gielgud, was an English theatre and film actor particularly known for his warm expressive voice, which his colleague Sir Alec Guinness likened to "a silver trumpet muffled in silk." Gielgud is a member of the short list of entertainers with the distinction of having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony award.

"Me and My Shadow" is a 1927 popular song by Dave Dreyer, Billy Rose, and Al Jolson and has become a standard, with many different versions.

ME AND MY SHADOW's lyrics
(Al Jolson / Dave Dreyer / Billy Rose)

"Shades of night are falling and I'm lonely
Standing on the corner feeling blue
Sweethearts out for fun
Pass me by one by one
Guess I'll wind up like I always do
With only....

Me and my shadow
Strolling down the avenue
Oh, me and my shadow
Not a soul to tell our troubles to
And when it's twelve o'clock we climb the stairs
We never knock 'cause nobody's there
Just me and my shadow
All alone and feeling blue

When the sun sets on the far horizon,
And the parlour lamps begin to glow
Jim and Jack and John
Put their slippers on.
They're all set but we're still on the go
So lonely....

Me and my shadow
Strolling down the avenue
Oh, me and my shadow
Not a soul to tell our troubles to
And when it's twelve o'clock we climb the stairs
We never knock 'cause nobody's there
Just me and my shadow
All alone and feeling blue"

The Story Behind "Sisters"

Elton John gave his only UK concert to top the bill at the 1995 Equality Show in the Royal Albert Hall. That was a fund raising benefit show to help a gay pressure group.

"We rehearsed weekly (in Aldgate) without Elton John who was then touring the States. It was arranged that he would fly in and out on the day of the concert (a Sunday) via Concorde and we would rehearse with him from noon at the concert venue" explained one of the members of The Pink Singers Choir, about the show.

Elton performed in drag and joined and ducted with Kylie Minogue for this fantastic duet, a version of Andrew Sisters' song. He completed his set with "I'm in Love With a Wonderful Guy" and "There is Nothing Like a Dame".

Unforgettable People (XXXII): Ray Williams

Ray Williams was born in 1947, in London, England. During the 1960s, Williams worked with Cathy McGowan, who presented "Ready Steady Go". He was also a press agent for a number major artists such as Sonny & Cher, Cream, Robert Stigwood, and for Brian Epstein's Saville Theatre. He eventually moved up to head the A&R department for Liberty Records, where he signed upcoming artists who went on to achieve major successes with Jeff Lynne (Idle race and ELO), The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and Mike Batt, among others.

By this time Williams’ reputation for discovering major talent was gaining credence. In 1967, he discovered Elton John and introduced him to Bernie Taupin. "He had something in his voice. He certainly didn't have any writing ability at that time. But he had a great voice, even then. It had great warmth, character and appeal. It was one of those great recording voices" explained in a 1992 interview with John F. Higgins when he remembers his first meeting with Reg Dwight. "Bernie said, basically, "I'm a poet and I think that my words might be suitable as lyrics if set to music." There were dozens of people sending in lyrics. Most of them were "moon in June" and that sort of stuff. But there was some sort of imagination attached to Bernie's. They weren't just the norm, even though we couldn't understand all of them. I think that it was this (imagination) that made me think that I should put him in touch with Elton... that he was the one. You know, it could easily have gone no further. But there were these lyrics and I wrote Bernie back saying I'd pass them on and that sort of thing. And that's how it all started".

Williams managed Elton for his first five albums. He also launched and managed Stealers Wheel (Gerry Rafferty) and The Blues Band.

Since 1984, Williams has been one of Europe’s leading film and television music producers. His impressive credits include Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor" (1988), which collected the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Grammy and the L.A. film critics’ award for best score and "The Sheltering Sky" (1990), which won the Golden Globe and L.A. film critics’ award.

The year 1996 brought more success as Williams produced the soundtrack for Lars Von Triers' "Breaking The Waves", a critically acclaimed film and winner of the Grand Prix Award at Cannes and an Academy Award nomination in Hollywood.

From 1997 to 2002, Williams went on to produce and supervise several soundtracks including Saving Grace, the film which won Robert Redford‘s Sundance Festival Best Film Award, and Dancer in the Dark, Lars Von Trier’s classic film starring Björk, which went on to win the coveted Palme d'Or Award for best film at the Cannes Film Festival.

During this period, Williams was instrumental in the acquisition of Bill Lowery’s legendary Atlanta-based Lowery Music Publishing Group for Sony Music Entertainment. The catalogue included the songs "Be Bop a Lula", "Young Love" and "Rose Garden". He was appointed as Sony’s consultant for three years to oversee the transition of the business.

Williams currently (2007) runs his own music publishing/production company, "Crumbs Music" and continues to sign new artists, composers, and catologues.His latest project is on Crumbs-The Label is Ali Campbell's(UB40) album 'Running Free' featuring Smokey Robinson, Katie Meluar,Lemar,Beverley Knight,Robin Campbell and Bitty McLean.

The Story Behind "Turn To Me"

Elton and Bernie were a bit disappointed with few musicians expressing interest in their songs. The exception was “Turn To Me”, a song that fit neatly in pop vein, as Dick James Music wishes, and a song that Elton John never recorded. Plastic Penny recorded this early Elton/Bernie tune on their 1969 "Currency" album, which Nigel Olsson sang backing vocals on as well as playing the drums.

James encouraged the pair to write hits for mainstream acts like Engelbert Humperdinck but without such success: “Taking the sun from my eyes” was the “B” side of a single by Ayshea; “The Tide Will Turn For Rebecca” was for actor Edward Woodward new DJM acquisition; “When The First Tear Shows” was the “A” side of Brian Keith. Finally they decided to play themselves their own songs. The rest is well known.

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin:

"Turn to me, turn to me when you're lonely
Brush them aside, gather your pride
Baby turn to me
Turn to me, turn to me when you're lonely
Brush them aside, gather your pride
Baby turn to me
Don't listen to the people
Who spread lies about your name
I know it hurts
But baby I've had it too

I've learned to live with their abuse
I've learned to live with those who choose
To disregard my emptiness and lose me

Your laughter has died in the heat of the night
The people they pretend that company is bright
But brighter you'll wait by the phone that has died
Don't bury your hopes, there's nothing that's left for you to confide in

But you seem to be happy just for now to go on
Try to see through them baby, can't you see what is wrong
You're hurting yourself more that you'll ever know
You're pushing the people to tell you to go"

Jack Rabbit In London (and IV)

I returned to the EJAF in 1997 but they changed their headquarter. That was not so long so, I went. I called and they opened the door. I meet a guy called Michael (can't remember the name). He was so gentle with me and asked me where I was from. He gave me a book, a signed picture of Elton, three cds (he had then "The Big Picture", not released when I was there, but told me he couldn't give it to me for obviously reasons), a subscription to the East End Lights Fanzine and when I asked him about Elton, he showed me Elton's office at the foundation: unbelievable!!! He had one jacket there, gold discs on the walls, paintings, ... wowww!!! A pity he wasn't there, he was in America. Me and Michael lost contact after two or three letters days on. Actually, I don't know if he still is in the Foundation working. I returned again in 2004, again in a new headquarter (see picture), and nobody could give any reference to Michael.

Rocket Pictures was the same headquarter than the Foundation, but there was a recepcion. It wasn't the same, because the recepcionist didn't let me to be there, unlike the other times.

Last station was Woodside. I went to Windsor, I did a picture as if I was Elton on the cover of "A Single Man" album, and I took the bus: west on Castle Hill toward Market St., then on the left on High Street, Kings Road, bear A308/Albert Rd until Straight Road. Half an hour until I arrived at destination, as the bus driver said to me: Bells Of Ouzeley Pub and then on foot.
But between here and Woodside should be about another half an hour walking and it was mid afternoon. I wasn't sure the bus driver said the best option for me. So I was a bit disappointed. On the left there was a park, with boats, and people strolling around. I met a gentle person, one man called John who gave me the correct direction to go to Woodside. My surprise was when he offered me to drive by car. I inmediatily said "yes". So, we went. We turned right at B3021/St Luke's Rd, continue toward St. Luke's Rd and, finally, Crimp Hill Road, and Woodside.



It was incredible. I had seen so many pictures of eltonites like me, and their pictures in front of Elton's house, and finally I had mine. John told me he met Elton one time and he remembered when Elton was in town walking and people didn't recognize him because he didn't wear glasses. I wanted to pay the trip to him but he didn't accept it, because he thought he spent great time chatting with me. Whenever you are now, John, God bless you!!!

Jack Rabbit In London (III)

"Hammersmith. That's it!. Walking around until I find EJAF". I was surprised for the type of old house building. A moment of doubt but finally, I was inside the Foundation.
A man, James Locke, came to help me and told me what I need. "Oh, I have to confess. I have not AIDS, fortunetely, but I am a big fan of Elton. If you don't mind to give me some brochure or something like that". He smiled and gave me a book about the Foundation. He told me Elton's a great boss but wasn't there at the moment. After chating a while, I wish them good luck in their projects and left the house. Next station: Pinner and Watford. A long run only to take a picture where Elton lived in his childhood and the stadium that saw him as a president of a Football Club. A T-shirt, some pictures and came back to the hotel. I was so sad when I left London behind that I felt I have to come back again.

And so I did, one year later. Augoust 1997. Second day, at the hotel, in the morning I put on the TV and saw the terrible new: Elton's friend, Princess Diana, died on a car accident in Paris. It's true that the whole country was in a shock.
Elton entered serious to Wesminster Abbey and did a superb performance. It was so emotional and I could see people crying while "Candle In The Wind" was on the air.

Jack Rabbit In The Big City (II)

Picadilly Circus was a little bit disappointing for me. Maybe I was influenced by typical postcards of the place: the neon lights, the punkies... But when I arrived there, the neon lights were as big as I thought and I coudn't find any punky. But I found something I really like: that was "The Rock Circus". Oh, I've got to go there, there could be Elton. Rock music with its intense vitality and astonishing diversity was there alive and... rocking. And Elton was there: his wax figure, of course. I sat at the piano with him, and it was "bbbb... benny and the jets". Funny enough!!!

After that, the next two days were tourism: the Tower of London, the Bridge Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral, National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery (with a nice picture of Elton too) and long walk to Hyde Park and St. James' Park. I saw squirrels, yes, but anyone stole my food, no. And Madame Tussaud Wax Museum: too many people out there, waiting to enter, and a bit expensive ticket. And no Elton there. "Elton's only in Rock Circus" told me the watchman.

Next time had to be Elton's Tour. And it was. I went to Lancaster Grill, near New Oxford Street 71-75, round the corner, to take a cup of coffee like Elton & Bernie did some day. New Oxford Street, where it was Dick James Studios, there was only the old building, nothing else. Round the corner, in a bar, I saw some figure that looked like Elton's mum. But that was my imagination, she couldn't be Sheila Farebrother. 101 Wardour Street, where it had to be Rocket Records Company, there was nothing, only the building again.

"Where I could go now?" I said to me. "Ok! Let's go to Elton John AIDS Foundation" and to Pinner and Watford, trying to find Elton's roots..."

To Be Continued Tomorrow

Jack Rabbit In London (I): The Elton John Tour

The first episode begin with a dream came true: I visited London for first time. It was 1996. Only me. Well, with an old suitcase. And some money. I told goodbye at home, "you can book my room" I said to them. I wanted to live an adventure, in the big city. Travellin' from Spain, arriving in London and... what was presented.

I wrote in a book every Elton John adress because I wanted to do what I called the Elton John Tour. Some clothes, money and little more. A lot of illusion, yes.

I arrived in London on 8th july 1996, it was monday. I kissed the floor when I went off the plane. I was there. I took the subway and bring a site on the panel, the most central possible. Bayswater... well, that's fine!!! Near Hyde Park. Not an expensive hotel. Royal Bayswater Hotel, Queensway. I thought: "Let's gonna practice my english". Wow!!! It was difficult to speak the language. One thing was being in english class, other thing speaking fluently in the city. They didn't understood me. Only I had to say: "I wanted a room". When I began speaking in english, he answered me in spanish. "Hell! I may do it very badly. But... How he knows I am... spanish?"

A shower, the camera and my daily travel. First objective: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses Of Parliement and Westminster Abbey. "Oh!!! That's Beatiful. There are many guards, and closed streets. Who comes?" It was Nelson Mandela, who visited the Queen in Buckingham Palace. Some pictures... "Well, go to Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus".

Elton In Advertising: Some Of The Campaings

Elton's TV commercials:
In 1994 Elton recorded Edith Piaff’s classic “La Vie En Rose” for a french TV commercial promoting Cartier.

Elton has also appeared in TV ads for Sasson Jeans (1984), Cadbury Chocolates (1985-86) and the state of Georgia (1995). The clothes company sponsored Elton’s 1984 American Tour after he and Taupin approached Sasson with the idea for the ad. The slogan became “Sasson Say So Much”. Rimmel cosmetics used the “your eyes” verse from “Your Song”.

Elton's Radio Commercials:
Among his radio recommendations: Greenwich Village’s The Pink Pussycat Boutique (1976), specializing in sex toys.

Print Ads:
Elton has supported Roland Pianos, Pioneer, Ebony Menswear, and Chess King Men’s Stores.

Elton's Tour sponsors:
Space Montain (1995), Citibank (1998), Revlon (1992) and Diet Coke (1990).

1979 was the beginning of many Versace fashion campaigns by Avedon. One of the seasons included Elton, posing in various sensual postures.

Elton made for the Ronald McDonald Children's charities a gift cd, including 10 tracks: Take Me To The Pilot, Burn Down The Mission, Friends, Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Madman Across The Water, Tiny Dancer, Honky Cat, Crocodile Rock, Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, and Levon.

1995 appearance VISA Gold. With the collaboration of MBNA America Bank to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Viva Glam IV, a frosted rose and gold shimmer lipstick, was introduced with Mary J. Blige, Shirley Manson and Elton John in 2002. Every cent of the selling price of MAC’s Viva Glam VI was donated to the MACAIDS Fund to support men, women and children affected with HIV and AIDS.

To celebrate the first time Elton John has ever played the state of Vermont, native ice cream kings Ben & Jerry have concocted a new flavor dedicated to John called “Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road,” with all proceeds benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The ice cream is described as “an outrageous symphony of decadent chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks.” We assumed “brickle” was just a made-up word to make a punny tie between the ice cream and John’s hit “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” but butter brickle is actually the stuff that Heath Bars are made of. “Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road” will be saying goodbye sooner rather than later, however, as the limited edition flavor will only be available in B&J’s Vermont Scoop Shops from July 18-25.

Other campaings:

Airtrain Airways, one of America’s largest low-fare airlines, and XM Satellite Radio, a number one american satellite radio service, celebrated the official roll out service on its flights, with a world-class audio entertainment service. Elton unveiled a commemorative aircraft livery that adorned a select number of planes.

Royal Mail Advert oversaw a number of innovative campaigns to raise the company's profile, one of those included the Christmas advertisements featuring Elton John (yes, the man that thought internet should be closed) on a PC computer demanding a surprising product.

God Milk? Their ads would typically feature people in various situations involving dry or sticky foods and treats such as peanut butter. The person then finds himself in an uncomfortable situation due to a full mouth and no milk to wash it down. At the end of the commercial the character would look sadly to the camera and boldly displayed would be the words, "Got Milk?". Elton wore too a milk mustache for the got milk/Milk Mustache campaign. The singer donated his fee for the ad to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The ad featuring Sir Elton debuts in the December 25 issue of Time magazine, hitting newsstands December 18.