1987: The Albums Reachin' Charts

Greatest Hits III (1979-87)

United States
N. 84 (23 Weeks)

Canada
N. 33 (29 Weeks)

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Live In Australia

United States
N. 24 (41 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 43 (7 Weeks)

Canada
N. 10 (43 Weeks)

Australia
N. 5 (27 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 11 (10 Weeks)

Germany
N. 29 (10 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 9 (9 Weeks)

Holland
N. 52 (8 Weeks)

Spain
N. 39 (4 Weeks)

1979: Humphrey Handbag's Chronology

February, 5

First live appearance since retiring live. It was in Stockholm, Sweden, and featured accompanied by percussionist Ray Cooper.

May, 1

Elton John became the first pop star to perform in Israel. They performed 3 times in Jerusalem and twice in Tel Aviv ending in Tel Aviv on May 6.

May, 21

Daily Telegraph reported that Elton arrived in Moscow to take the Red Arrow train to Leningrad at the start of a ten day concert tour. He became the first western rocker to perform live in the USSR. "The country is not darl, grey, grim or drab. It's beatiful and the people are very warm" explained Elton about the experience. Robert Hillburn was the only American journalist to go, along with Elton's mother and stepfather.

August

Five individually titled albums with a poster were released in UK. LP 1, titled "Early Years", contained old songs as "Lady Samantha", "Empty Sky" or "I Need You To Turn To". LP 2, "Elton Rocks" had rockers like "Saturday Night's Alright", "Street Kids" or "Midnight Creeper". LP 3, "Moods", with "High-Flying Bird", "Blues For Me Baby And Me" or "Indian Sunset". LP 4, "Singles" with hits like "Rocket Man", "Daniel" or "Island Girl". And finally, LP 5, "Classics", with "The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34", "Captain Fantastic & Brown Dirt Cowboy" or "Ticking".

Elton John reunited with lyricist Bernie Taupin after a three-year break. The songs were recorded to be released a year later on "21 at 33".

Between the recording sessions, he took a day off to go to Munich to record with producer Pete Bellote a disco album. Elton agreed if Bellote took complete charge of the project, and so it was. He spent eight hours to lay down vocals for seven songs. Release in October, "Victim Of Love" album couldn't have done worse selling eventually only 381,000 copies worldwide.

September, 17

Elton collapsed on stage at Hollywood's Universal Amphitheater suffering from exhaustion due to a bout of flu. After recovering he re-took the stage for a three hour show.

December, 26

Elton went to a Watford FC home game against Luton and the manager Graham Taylor, holding a bottle of Brandy, went: "Here you are fucking drink this. It's what you want, isn't it? For fuck's sake, what's wrong with you? Stop doing this to yourself". For a time after that, Elton stopped drinking.

1979: The Singles Reachin' Charts

Mama Can't Buy You love

United States
N. 9 (18 Weeks)

Canada
N. 10 (18 Weeks)

Australia
N. 82 (8 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 20(12 Weeks)

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Are You Ready For Love

United Kingdom
N. 42 (6 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 17 (4 Weeks)

Australia
N. 63 (14 Weeks)

France
N. 24 (9 Weeks)

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Victim Of Love

United States
N. 31 (10 Weeks)

Canada
N. 28 (12 Weeks)

Australia
N. 38 (12 Weeks)

France
N. 37 (10 Weeks)

Italy
N. 19 (7 Weeks)

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!!!