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
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