In the Hour of Uncertainty: Hearts of This Is Not a Drill (Meet The Cast)

In our previous exploration, we looked at the music and arrangements that give This Is Not a Drill its unique sound. But a musical only truly comes alive through its performers—the voices, bodies, and emotions that transform words on a page into lived experience on stage. This production, inspired by the real-life 2018 Hawaii missile alert, thrives not only because of its score but because of the extraordinary cast assembled to embody its diverse characters.

The performers, many with impressive Broadway and touring credentials, bring both technical mastery and emotional truth. They make the audience laugh, cry, and reflect, each voice and gesture layering the story with nuance. What could have been a simple dramatization of a news event becomes, through their artistry, a meditation on love, identity, fear, and resilience.

This Is Not a Drill is more than a musical about a missile alert in Hawaii—it is a study in human resilience, brought vividly to life by a versatile and seasoned cast. Each character is crafted with nuance, and the actors’ performances translate these complexities into an emotionally compelling experience:

Jessica – Felicia Finley

Jessica, portrayed by Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer, Mamma Mia!, Aida), is an author and mother grappling with her husband’s infidelity. A belt soprano of great power, Finley conveys a compelling mix of vulnerability and determination, transforming Jessica’s personal crisis into a relatable journey. Her solo numbers resonate with honesty and dramatic tension, anchoring the emotional core of the show.

Tony and Chris – Chris Doubet and Matthew Curiano

This gay couple from Cincinnati, played by Chris Doubet (Jersey Boys) and Matthew Curiano (Aladdin, Doctor Zhivago), bring humor and heart to the story. Their post-adoption struggles are rendered with warmth and authenticity, and their duets—including Cincinnati Boys and Somebody Somewhere—highlight the musical’s harmonic sophistication while providing moments of tenderness and reflection. Their chemistry gives the audience both laughter and deep empathy.

Sophie, Derek, and Mom – Aurelia Williams, Gary Edwards, and Kaitlin Burke

An older African American couple questioning the strength of their bond, Sophie and Derek are voiced through rich R&B ballads. Aurelia Williams (In Transit, Ragtime) and Gary Edwards (Ain’t Too Proud, The Color Purple) bring layered emotional depth, illustrating how love can endure and transform under pressure. Alongside them, Kaitlin Burke (The Phantom of the Opera, South Pacific) portrays the Hawaiian mother, adding further authenticity and emotional nuance. Their moments are some of the most musically and dramatically powerful in the production, often leaving the audience breathless.

Kaleo and Ikaia – Victor E. Chan and Sam Poon

Representing the Hawaiian-Asian family dynamic, Kaleo and his teenage son Ikaia capture the tension between tradition and personal growth. Victor E. Chan (Miss Saigon, The King and I) and Sam Poon (Runaways, The King and I) bring authenticity and heart to this duo. Their mid-range vocal performances emphasize the struggles and eventual cohesion of a family facing uncertainty. The actors’ chemistry and timing allow the audience to witness authentic family dynamics, culminating in an emotionally satisfying resolution.

Anonymous Button Guy – Lukas Poost

The man who triggers the missile alert is played by Lukas Poost (The Book of Mormon, Hairspray), a rock-style performer whose unhinged, unpredictable energy injects comedic relief into the story. His timing and charisma enhance the musical’s satirical dimension, offering a necessary counterpoint to the show’s heavier themes. 

Madeline – Marianne Tatum

The hotel manager who handles the music excursions, Iuau's and entertainment for the hotel. She also plays the role of Jessica's mother.

Huge – Bill Coyne and Victor E. Chan

The satirical duet Huge is delivered by Bill Coyne (Les Misérables, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Victor E. Chan. Their performance balances sharp comedy with biting social commentary, elevating the political satire within the show.

Xavier Reyes and T. Shyvonne Stewart serve as swings for the cast, showcasing extraordinary versatility and adaptability. 

What makes This Is Not a Drill compelling is not only its timely narrative but the depth of its cast. Each performer brings Broadway and touring expertise, channeling their artistry into roles that are both humorous and heart-wrenching. From Felicia Finley’s vocal command to Aurelia Williams’ emotional gravitas and Lukas Poost’s eccentric brilliance, the ensemble transforms a moment of global fear into a resonant, human story of love, identity, and resilience.

Pictures and video courtesy of Kathy Babylon:

Cincinatti Boys

Video by Matt Curiano - from THIS IS NOT A DRILL- The Musical

2009: Daddy's Chronology

February, 11

Former band member John Jorgenson won a Grammy award for Best Country Instrumental for "Cluster Pluck", during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles.

March, 17

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noticed that was in Elton's mind: "I've always loved Leon, and I think it's terrible that he's been almost forgotten about now," Elton added. "He's been such an influence on my playing and his music has been such a big part of my life. It will be a duets record. I'm a huge fan, and he's just such a great guy as well. I'm hoping it will all come together, maybe the beginning of next year. These days, I just want to focus on recording things that I really want to do, and I've always wanted to work with Leon."

April, 22

Elton performed his 241st and final "Red Piano" show in Las Vegas. The show made its debut in February 2004 at The Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace. After initially signing on for 75 shows, Elton's engagement was extended until 2009.

May, 11

Gay Times asked a few celebrities to write a 16-year-old self letter. Among the letters was one from Sir Elton John offering the 16-year-old Reginald Kenneth Dwight some advice on life: "My advice to you is never to chase love – it will find you when you least expect it. Have fun, have lots of safe sex and enjoy your sexuality. Be proud of who you are and, as you get older and wiser, fight for gay rights" wrote Elton while he added: "Stay away from drugs, they’re a waste of time. Stand up for every human being’s rights. Be loving, kind and strong. Set an example" and finishing with a PS: "CHANGE YOUR NAME".

May, 20

Keynote speech at the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta. "HIV/AIDS is still winning" said to the audience. “There are long standing stereotypes and prejudices that inhibit our efforts to combat AIDS”.

May, 30

Elton joined Brandi Carlile on "Carolina", a new song for her album, "Give Up the Ghost," which came out in the fall. "It was insane (work with Elton). It was like an out-of-body experience. He's been my hero since I was 11 years old. To get to work with Elton, it was just crazy. I don't even know how to describe it. He was amazing. He nailed the piano in one take. It took him an hour and a half to sing and play piano on this song, and then he stuck around and absolutely schooled me on new music for two hours and gave me a music lesson, basically. It was wonderful" declared Brandi to The Chronicle.

June, 26

Elton dedicated his song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to Michael Jackson in the middle of his annual "White Tie and Tiara Ball".

July, 2

Gay Icons, a photography exhibition held to celebrate the contribution of gay people to history and culture, opened at London's National Portrait Gallery. The icons, not all gay, included Nelson Mandela, Harvey Milk, Princess Diana, Ellen Degeneres, KD lang, Joe Orton, David Hockney and Will Young, and Elton helped in the selection: a black and white picture of Beatle John Lennon; he also named Graham Taylor, his former manager at Watford, as an inspirational figure.

September, 11

"Any seeing you all makes me feel very happy, because this week has been the one of the saddest weeks in my life. Because my keyboard player in my band, Guy Babylon, tragically died last week. And it's one of the saddest things that ever happened to me. So I want to dedicate this show to him tonight - and all of you people. Sending our love to him whereever he is. God bless you, Guy. I love you so much!" said Elton to the Naples audience, Italy. Guy Babylon died of a heart attack while swimming in the pool. A charity fund had been set up in Guy's name.

October, 16

Robert Key, one of the co-Founders of the Elton John Aids Foundation and its Director for 15 years, passed away having struggled against myelofibrosis for several years.

October, 20

Lily Allen kidnapped an Elton lookalike in her video and hold him captive for her single "Who’d Have Known". The video continued in this bizarre vein with Lily imprisoning Elton in her home, tying him up and forcing him to make a telephone call in which he declares his love for her. ‘Elton’ finally makes a hasty escape after wriggling free from his bindings as Lily snoozes in front of the TV.

November, 16

Elton John was on the mend after battling an E. coli bacterial infection and the flu that had forced him to cancel a series of concerts.

December, 11

Elton and David formally opened "Out The Closet" in London's Covent Garden. - I think the idea that the items we all buy and enjoy can help someone in dire need, particularly at this time of year, really strikes a chord" said Elton. 100% of proceeds from sales went to support the work on the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

1991: Mr Elton John's Chronology

January, 27

"I am Elton, I am an alcoholic" told Elton to the presents while he was attending Alcoholic Anonymous meetings in West Hollywood, California. It was not until he formed a passionate relationship with a young man in 1990 that he began to identify the problem. His lover, too, was addicted to various substances, and suggested that they both sought help. At first Elton violently resisted the idea. But finally, on 30 July 1990, he agreed. For initial therapy, the pair were asked to make a list of each other's key faults. His lover's read: 'Elton does drugs, he's alcoholic, he's bulimic, he has terrible fits of rage.' Elton's began: 'He never puts his CDs away tidily.

April, 1

Elton joined a surprised Rod Stewart on stage at Wembley Stadium as an pril fool's joke by Rod's management. Wearing a black and gold frilly dress, stockings, high heels and a blonde wig, he sat on Rod's knees while he was singin' "You're In My Heart", and he served brandy from a silver tray. "My left leg has never been the same" joked a surprised Rod.

October, 14

A tribute album of cover versions of Elton and Bernie compositions, "Two Rooms", was released. The title refers to the song on Elton John's album 21 at 33, "Two Rooms at the End of the World", to the duo's unusual collaborative style, and is also that of a 1991 movie documenting their collaboration. The album gained an uneven reception, with Sinead O'Connor's interpretation of "Sacrifice" generally receiving the most praise. Kate Bush's reggae-inflected version of "Rocket Man" was released as the lead single and peaked at #12 in the UK and #7 in Australia. The second single was Oleta Adams' version of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", which peaked at #33 in the UK charts. Wilson Phillips' cover of "Daniel", while not released as a single, peaked at #7 in the US Adult Contemporary chart due to strong radio airplay.

November, 25

Elton introduced a BBC TV tribute to Freddie Mercury who died of AIDS the previous night. Two days after, he attended the funeral at the West London cemetery in Kensal Green. "I will love you always." Elton's message was pinned to a massive wreath of pink roses shaped as a heart. The note added: "Thank you for being my friend." Elton gave John Deacon a hug and kissed Roger Taylor. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he walked forlornly to his green Bentley before being driven off.

Also

Elton began collecting photography and since then has acquired nearly 2,000 superior quality photographic prints. He has built his collection during the past ten years, and it is distinguished by its exceptional quality and remarkable range and depth. The collection primarily comprises vintage 20th-century black-and-white photographs with an emphasis on portraits, fashion and floral subjects, and it is especially notable for its strong concentrations of early modernist and Surrealist works.

1987: Sir Horace Pussy's Chronology

January, 1

Bernie Taupin released the RCA album "Tribe", named displaying his affinity for the Native American culture. It was co-wrotten by Martin Page, who also collaborated "We Built This City" with Bernie for Starship. The songs on the album featured "Corrugated Iron", dedicated to Nelson Mandela, he duetted with Martha Davis on "She Sends Shivers, and it was also nice to hear Elton John's voice on "Citizen Jane" and "Billy Fury."

January, 5

Elton John underwent surgery to remove nodules from his vocal chords and forced to cancel all 1987 performances including a U.S. tour.

April, 5

Elton was the special guest at the International AIDS Benefit Concert at Wembley Arena, London, and performed "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues". It was the first live show after his operation.

June, 6

Elton was part of the Prince's Trust concert. He was invited along to an extended jam session – the band featuring the likes of Mark King on bass, both Ringo Starr and Phil Collins on drums, Elton on piano, and both George Harrison and Jeff Lynne on guitar.

November

Elton appeared on the NBC series Totally Minnie performing a track. The film featured an original music video with Minnie Mouse, in new animation, integrated into live action footage with Elton John singing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". It was the first film to feature Minnie Mouse in the lead role. The animation for "Totally Minnie" was provided by Filmfair, a British company who had provided animation for the television series "Huxley Pig", "Junglies" and "Nellie the Elephant".

December, 18

Elton John joined George Harrison and Ringo Starr as they shot a promotional video for "When We Was Fab", from George's Cloud Nine album.

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.

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.

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.

1976: Ann Orsson's Chronology

March, 7

Elton was inmortalised in wax at Madame Tussaud's in London. He was the first Rock star since The Beatles to be so honoured.

May, 5

Radio One began a seven part series titled "The Elton John Story", written and presented by Paul Gambaccini. Parts two, three, four and five were broadcast on May 11, 18, 25 and June 9, while parts six and seven were held until 1977.

May 11, 12

Proceeds from the concerts at Earls Court, London, benefit the Sports Aid Foundation. The two events purchased about 40,000 pounds.

June

Bally produced an Elton John Pinball Machine. 'Captain Fantastic' was inspired by the movie 'Tommy' and includes a representation of Elton John, as his character from the movie, playing pinball on the backglass. 16,155 units were manufactured. A home version of this game was also produced in the following year. Artist Dave Christensen included in the backglass several depictions of people doing things that, at first, escaped notice by Bally management. A small number of games with these so-called "X-rated" or "uncensored" backglasses made it through production before changes were made to the glass. Specifically, small mirrored stars were added over the objectionable parts and, curiously, not in all instances did these stars effectively obscure the offending art.

June, 21

Release of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". "Well, we were in Barbados for Christmas, and Elton came to me and said, 'I really want to write something uptempo, like a disco soul thing.' So I went upstairs and started banging away on the typewriter. In five minutes I'd done something, came downstairs, and just gave it to him. In the next five minutes, he finished it, and it was great. It was just one of those things that sparked off immediately. As soon as he played it, I said, "Well, that's gonna be the next single. That's a hit." Elton then suggested recording it as a duet, with his favorite female singer, Kiki Dee. He called her and explained his idea for a song. She was more than willing, and met him in the studio. Elton actually taught her the tune during the recording process. This added to its spontaneity, and, in Kiki's words, made it "a whole lot of fun." reminded Bernie.

June, 23

Elton John spent the day with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson and others while in Los Angeles. Later that night, he took Cher to got see Wings' final American concert at The Forum.

June, 27

At the evening show during an Elvis Presley Tour in Largo, Maryland, Elton met Elvis backstage, during the intermission.

July, 1

Release of "The One Who Writes The Words For Elton John" by Bernie Taupin. A complete collection of songs written by Bernie during the period from 1968 to the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. In addition to the lyrics from the albums, this book contained the lyrics to all the single b-sides, various rarities, and Taupin's 1970 spoken-word album. The songs are illustrated by various artists, friends, and celebrity guests such as John Lennon and Joni Mitchell. Included a cover design by Alan Aldridge.

August, 10

Elton and the band began a seven date series of sold out concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden, breaking the house record set a year earlier by The Rolling Stones. Guest stars included Divine, Alice Cooper, Kiki Dee and, also, Billy Jean King. The New YorkCommunity Choir joined the band each night during "Tell Me When The Whistle Blows".

September, 17

Elton made a guest appearance at Kiki Dee concert performing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". On Elton's "Louder Than Concorde" Tour, Kiki appeared during Elton's set through her first hit, I've Got the Music in Me, and then joined him for their ear-pounding duet. (People Magazine)

October, 7

Elton was pictured on the front of "Rolling Stone" magazine with the headline "Elton's Frank Talk: The Lonely Life Of A Superstar". During the interview with Cliff Jahr, he talked about his bisexuality for first time: "There's nothing wrong with going to bed with somebody of your pown sex. I think everybody's bisexual to a certain degree. I don't think it's just me. It's not a bad thing to be".

December, 25

Elton was the special guest on the Morecambe & Wise Christmas Show, performing "Shine On Through". Also, he played "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee on Top Of The Pops Xmas Show.

2008: Dying Lily Allen Chronology

February 24

Elton John and David Furnish hosted the 16th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The event was sponsored by Chopard and VH1 and raised US$5.1 million for the EJAF, and included a live performance by Elton with his entire band and special guests Mary J. Blige and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters

April, 9

Elton John played a fund-raiser event for Hillary Clinton at Radio City Music Hall, in New York, saying he was amazed at the misogyny of some in America and he hoped that wouldn't stop her being president.

June, 3

A double cd reissue of two of Elton's career defining early 70's albums for DJM records, "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection", were released to commemerate 40 years of recording.

June, 12

VH1 Classic and VH1 exclusively presented the U.S. television premiere of, "Elton John: Me, Myself and I". In the one-hour special, Elton revealed his true feelings about many key moments, both personal and professional, that have shaped his life. Viewers got the chance to see Elton interact with his younger self via rarely seen archive material.

June, 25

Elton and David were to join a host of stars paying homage to the former South African leader Nelson Mandela in London, Hyde Park. Elton sang "Happy Birthday" on the pre-birthday dinner held in honour of he's 90th.

July, 15

Elton was the inspiration for a Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor: Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road, commemorating Elton's first concert in the pint purveyors' home base of Vermont. "I'm especially pleased that they will be donating the proceeds to the Elton John AIDS Foundation" said Elton.

July, 27

unmondefeltre designed an Elton John keyring: "Elton has been the one who has cost more effort, as it has enough detail and precisely its apparel is not it very simple, already dominated by sequins and bright" said the Sisters about the new doll.

September, 2

Elton and Lilly Allen, began arguing onstage at the GQ Men Of The Year ceremony awards. Allen, repeatedly poured herself a glass of bubbly from a bottle she kept behind the lectern, prompting Elton to give her a lecture backstage between awards. She eventually began slurring, ad-libbing and swearing, dropping the F-word five times in a single sentence at one point, according to Britain's Daily Mail, when Elton decided he'd had enough. "And now, the most important part of the night...," Allen began. "What? Are you going to have another drink?" John interjected. "F--- off, Elton," she said. "I am 40 years younger than you and have my whole life ahead of me!" Elton appeared stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered: "I could still snort you under the table," he sniped.

October, 23

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Friends in Deed benefit from the starry Goodbye Yellow Brick Road concert that was held at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York. The concert, which celebrated the 35th anniversary of the U.S. release of the acclaimed Elton John-Bernie Taupin double album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," raised $1 million in support of the three charities. Elton wrapped up the night with the last three tracks: “Roy Rogers,” “Social Disease,” and a gorgeous delivery, with a choir, of “Harmony.”

November, 13

"I had never thought in a million years I'd ever be standing in Broadway and talking about something I'd written for the stage," said Elton at Broadway's Imperial Theatre about the mounting of Billy Elliot. The musical concerns a working-class boy's dream of becoming a ballet dancer — and the obstacles and advocates he encounters. The role of Billy was cast with three actors: David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish.

November, 22

Elton was added to the more than 70 tributes to celebrities and “friends” of the Olympic Park as part of the Walk of Stars, in Munich, Germany, and pressed his exceptionally gifted hands into the Munich cement. A precondition for being immortalized is that the personalities have been successful in the Olympic park facilities.

1983: Lord Choc Ice Chronology

February, 28

Elton John was invited at a star-studded dinner honoring the Queen of England at 20th Century-Fox Studios in Los Angeles. Hundreds of Hollywood personalities came out to honor Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during their southern California visit.

March, 29

British millionaire pop singer Elton John wore a straw hat and a perched parrot earring plus the world's most expensive pair of eyeglasses as he performs at a gala evening in Monastir, a resort on the southern Tunisian coast. The spectacles, which include a 22-carat gold frame and a diamond encrusted bridge, were reported to be valued at $14,000 US. They were presented to him by the Paris jewelry house of Cartier which is promoting a new line of luxury spectacles.

May, 12

Elton revealed plans for a joint tour with Rod Stewart: "We've been working together to produce a special show which will go on tour next summer" explained about the project, while Rod was saying: "We're going to be playing lots of great material that we have never done before. Lots of old Motown and soul things (...) Elton and I really are getting on like a house of fire" declared to The Sun.

May, 23

"Too Low For Zero" was released. At the insistence of Taupin, Elton decided to go back to basics and returned to working with Taupin full time. Elton also reunited with the core of his backing band of the early 70s: Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone as well as Ray Cooper, Kiki Dee and Skaila Kanga (who played harp on Elton John's Self-titled album). The album was produced by Chris Thomas and recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat and Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood. The original LP issue of the album featured a die-cut cover with a special inner sleeve. The four shapes shown on the cover were cut out, with the colours (shown as ink smears on the inner sleeve) showing through the holes

May, 30

Elton arrived Peking with Watford FC for a three matches tour of China. The team played and won the three matches against the chinese national soccer team. John Barnes, Ross Jenkins and Luther Blissett were some of the most respected players in the English game during the 1980s. One of those nights, althought he promised not to sing, Elton took to the piano and sang not for a multitude but for his team. Elton John also had time to play a ping pong match with a 13-year-old Li Dequn, on June 1, 1983 in Peking. The towering rock star was beaten 0-2.

October, 7

Elton played 8 nights at the Sun City Casino, in South Africa, starting October 7 and finishing October 15. It was said that Rod Stewart gonna share the stage with him but finally it didn't happen.

October, 31

The plans of Elton and Rod tourin' together had been called off. Elton was very upset: "We're supposed to be friends but I haven't heard from Rod for ages, he ehasn't phoned me, but I've had a telex and it seems to be all off".

1995: George King's Chronology

January, 21

Commitment To Life benefit concert produced this time by Bernie Taupin, who saluted Elton as the most active pop world supporter of AIDS projects: "When this epidemic is wiped from the face of the planet, we'll all look back and have our heroes," he said, "and (Elton) is mine." Elton's speach was a reminder about Ryan White: "It's my job to repay that debt," Elton said, referring to the lessons learned watching the courage of young Ryan. He sat at the piano to sing "Believe" and the rousing "I'm Still Standing". His duet with George Michael on "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" late in the show was another of the evening's musical highlights.

February, 6 to 16

Elton John and Ray Cooper played 8 shows on a short Japan tour, with "Believe" and "Live Like Horses" on the set list.

March, 2

Elton won the GRAMMY award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the single "Can You Feel The Love Tonight". Elton was scheduled to perform, but was sick with the flu.

March, 22 to April, 14

Second North American leg of the Face To Face Tour with Billy Joel, playing 12 performances.

March, 24

"The Classic Years" was a remastering of Elton's first albums. Gus Dudgeon and Tony Cousins spend about three or four days on each album. "Originally, I had to quieten the opening right down, in order to get a contrast with the big finish. You hear the song on the radio now, and you wonder if it's actually started for about a minute. Now, in the remastering, I've been able to pull up the intro and the front part to where it always should have been" declared Dudgeon on The Independent newspaper about the project.

March, 27

"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John and Tim Rice won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and performed the song with his band. Elton dedicated his Oscar to his 95-year-old grandmother, Ivy Sewell, who died a week ago. She was the one who made him sit down at a piano at the age of three, he said.

April, 23

Gianni Versace Collezione Donna Autunno Inverno 1995-96 featured new instrumental songs by Elton like "Marching In Milan", "Queen" and "Into The Jungle", while also he appeared as a model in the catalogue (photographies by Richard Avedon).

May, 9

Elton John and Mstislav Rostropovich were presented with this prestigeous music award by King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden on the Polar Music Prize.

May, 20 to July, 8

Elton John and the band performed in Europe and Russia on their Made In England Tour. The tour began in Lievin, France and continued for 31 dates, ending in Frauenfeld Switzerland.

June, 23


Visa U.S.A. announced that Visa Gold would sponsor Elton John's 1995 North American Concert Tour, titled "Made In England for the U.S.A.," comprising 24 cities. "This is a perfect match for Visa Gold with one of the world's leading gold-record performers," said Carl F. Pascarella, Visa U.S.A. president and CEO. "Elton John has been topping the charts with hits for nearly three decades".

September, 19

Elton appeared on Bruce Robert's "Intimacy" album, playing piano and singin' background vocals on "Emerald" and "When The Money's Gone". Also he collaborated with Randy Newman's "Faust" playing Angel Rick, a musical based on Goethe's classic morality play, updated for the '90s.

October, 22

Elton John was the special guest on the Stonewall Equality Show, at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, and surprised wearing a blonde wig, frock and fishnet stockings. He duetted with Kylie Minogue on Andrew's Sisters "Sisters" and also sang "I'm In Love With A Beautiful Guy" and "There Is Nothing Like A Dame" (from South Pacific).

November

He collaborated on a fantastic charity album, "Sol En Si", issued to support the French charity, Solidarité Enfants Sida, that helps children suffering with AIDS and their families. This album features an exclusive track from Elton, "Red", and outtake from "Made In England" sessions. Other star musicians on the project were Joe Cocker, Alain Chamfort, Zazie, Liane Foly and more.

1978: Flinstone Boy Chronology

January, 16

Elton doesn’t deny that the punk new wave “makes me feel old, but I know I have more talent than most of them. I do believe that I could come back anytime I want to,” Elton said on People Magazine. “I’m fortunate I’m only 30. There’s so much time still".

September, 1

A UK compilation was released by Pickwick in UK: "London And New York". First five tracks were recorded live at The Royal Festival Hall, 18 May, 1974; the other five recorded live at Madison Square Garden, 28 November, 1974

October

"A Single Man" represented Elton John's first full-length release away from their decade-long partnership, Bernie Taupin. He'd sacked the lyricist in favor of Gary Osborne, most of the band in favor of Tim Renwick (guitar), Herbie Flowers (bass), and Steve Holly (drums), and producer Gus Dudgeon in favor of Clive Franks (co-producing the album with Elton). And both percussionist Ray Cooper and arranger Paul Buckmaster do temporary swan songs there.

October, 14

Elton performed a two hour solo concert for his record label, MCA, to promote the release of the new album, "A Single Man". On the set list, there were songs like "Ego", "Shooting Star", "I Don't Care", "Shine On Through", "Song For Guy", "Part Time Love" and "Return To Paradise", among "The Benedict Canyon Boogie", an one minute song, with Elton improvising the lyrics.

October, 20

Elton repeated a promo concert, now in Nice, France, at RTL Radio Studios. This time, a 45 minute solo show for a small audience.

November, 2

He performed another solo piano set at the British Phonographic Industry Annual Ball, in the Hilton Hotel, London.

November

With some assistance from Bernie Taupin, Alice Cooper created a concept album, "From the Inside", inspired by Cooper's stay in a New York sanitarium. From October to December of 1977, Alice Cooper had voluntarily spent time in a mental hospital for treatment for his alcoholism. Each of the characters in the songs were based on actual people Cooper met in the sanitarium: a wealthy teenage prostitute ("Wish I Was Born In Beverly Hills"), a religious man fantasizing about a nurse ("Nurse Rozetta"), two demented lovers who were incarecerated for killing off each other's spouses ("Millie and Billie"), a compulsive gambler ("Serious") and a tormented Vietnam veteran ("Jackknife Johnny"). Davey Johnstone and Dee Murray also were credited on the album.

December, 7

Elton, on piano, joined Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, on guitar and vocals, and George Harrison, on guitar, onstage at Guilford Civic Hall performing with them on "Further On Up The Road" and is on the film "Eric Clapton And His Rolling Hotel".

2004: Freak In Love's Chronology

January, 3

Issued in the U.S. on Southern Fried/Ultra, "Are You Ready for Love" jumped to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart . Since this chart was introduced in 1976, Elton has never topped the tally until now. "Are You Ready for Love" was Elton's biggest Club Play hit since April 1994, when a remake of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," with RuPaul peaked at No. 3.

January, 26

"The Heart Of Every Girl," written for the Julia Roberts movie "Mona Lisa Smile," was nominated for a Golden Globe award, but it didn't win.

February, 20

After opening his show "The Red Piano" at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Elton John joined Caesars president Mark Juliano to tour the construction site of the resort's new 949-room tower and autographed a special yellow brick which will be added to the support structure of the building which is set for completion in 2005. The signing was sparked by a recent human resources campaign in which Caesars Palace associates were invited to sign their names on cement bricks which are to be sealed in the support structure of the new tower.

March, 25

50 rock stars are enshrined in "The Immortals" the first of three special issues of the Rolling Stone to commemorate the 50th anniversary of rock 'n' roll. Elton John appeared on #49 (article written by Billy Joel). He has also written the piece for Stevie Wonder who is on #15.

June, 11

Ray Charles died June 10, 2004 at his Beverly Hills home from complications relating to liver disease. He was 73.
"The death of Ray Charles is an incredible loss for the world of music. He inspired so many people and his music will live forever," said Elton.

June, 22

Cocker spaniel Arthur, so well trained, he knows when Elton's about to finish a concert and sits at the edge of the stage waiting for him. A member of support band Scissor Sisters revealed it.

Brian Wilson's first new studio album in six years, "Gettin' In Over My Head", was released by Warner Music Group's Rhino Records. It featured guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Carl Wilson, Van Dyke Parks and Paul McCartney. Elton duetted "How Could We Still Be dancin'".

June, 23

Elton sang four of the 17 songs he's composed for Billy Elliot and announced that - after a warm-up stint in Newcastle in November 2004 - the musical would open at the Victoria Palace Theatre March 11, 2005. The songs were "Electricity" (Billy's description of what it feels like to dance), "Expressing Yourself" (about a cross-dressing friend of Billy's), "Grandma's Song" and - the big final anthem - "When We Were Kings," where the miners head to the coal mines as Billy goes to the capital.

July, 17

"There's an atmosphere of fear in America right now that is deadly. Everyone is too career-conscious. They're all too scared," Elton declared to Daily Telegraph, on the headline "Elton attacks new 'era of censorship' in America". And added: "In the 1960s, people like Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, The Beatles and Pete Seeger were constantly writing and talking about what was going on", he said. Now, "hardly any are doing it . . ." The era of protest songs by major artists was long gone. "That's not happening now. As of this spring, there have been virtually no anti-war concerts - or anti-war songs that catch on, for that matter."

September, 24

Elton John launched a fresh attack on Taiwan’s media, saying the photographers and TV crews at Taipei airport were the rudest he had met in his pop career. "Rude, vile pigs!" he shouted. "Do you know what that means? Rude, vile pigs. That's what all of you are." One of the photographers shouted back: "Why don't you get out of Taiwan?" Sir Elton replied: "We'd love to get out of Taiwan if it's full of people like you. Pig! Pig!"

September, 29

Elton and the band performed a special promo show at MTV Italia in Milan promoting the new album, "Peachtree Road".

October, 29

Attending the Q Awards to pick up a prize for his songwriting, Elton was incensed to find Madonna had been nominated for best live act. Taking to the stage, Elton blasted: "Madonna - best fucking live act? Fuck off. Since when has lip-synching been live? Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot."

November, 15

Elton and David made a joint announcement saying they would be one of the first to make use of the Civil Partnership legislation: "We feel, however, that any relationship that has lasted for as long as ours deserves such recognition, protection and respect."

December, 5

The second edition of the ROLLING STONE 500, a celebration of the greatest rock & roll songs of all time, chosen by a five-star jury of singers, musicians, producers, industry figures, critics and songwriters, selected the following Elton's songs:

136 - "Your Song" (1970)
242 - "Rocket Man" (1972)
347 - "Candle in the Wind" (1973)
380 - "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973)
387 - "Tiny Dancer" (1971)

December, 25

An unfinished track from the Caribou sessions, "Ducktail Jiver," would be finished and included as a bonus on an upcoming SACD reissue of the 1974 album. Davey Johnstone added guitar to round out the recording.

December, 30

The Guinness British Hit Singles and Albums book ranks artists every year according to how many weeks they have spent in the UK singles and albums charts. Elton was number 6 on the Top 10 acts, with 1.615 weeks.

1982: Commodore's Orpington Chronology

March, 10

Elton's first tour in two years opened in Wellington, New Zealand. Elton was in a good form and had lost weight, maybe for the long Tennis journements he spent in Antiqua, by the sea. "Teacher I Need You", "(Gotta Get) A Meal Ticket" and "Elton's Song" were on the set list.

March, 19

George Harrison joined Elton John onstage in Sydney, Australia on guitar and vocals on Elton's ‘Empty Garden,' possibly the most touching musical tribute to John Lennon.

April

"Jump Up!" album was released, and it represented his second Geffen Records offer. The title was inspired by one of the West Indian's expression: an essence of good times by the way. Althought conceived in Paris, the album was produced bu Chris Thomas and recorded at George Martin AIR Studios in Montserrat. The album featured a track written by Tim Rice, "Legal Boys", one song rejected from an Andrew Lloyd Weber project, related to accountants and lawyers that make the situation worse than it has to be, according to the lyric's meaning.

April, 17

Premiered "Ball and Chain" and "Empty Garden" on Saturday Night Live program. The guest of the programme, Johnny Cash, appeared dressed up like Elton.

April, 30

Opened the first European tour in Stockholm. The band had again Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson as an unit. In Brussels, Paris and Avignon, he joined "Nobody Wins" with the french version "J'Veux D'la Tendresse", for the delight of the attenders.

April

Elton had a new 33 years old boyfriend, an Australian guy called Gary Clarke, who accepted Elton's invitation to go to live with him in England and be a part of the route group. In 1996 Clarke explained what it was, in his own words, "a turbulent period of more than a decade and in exotic locations that spanned several continents, (and) experienced the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of an excessive and passionate lifestyle".

June

Days before Elton's American Tour, he went to Bernie Taupin and then his wife, Toni, at their Californian house to spoke about working in a whole album together, as the old days. The result was "Too Low For Zero".

June, 12

The American Tour had a fellow Geffen group, The Quarterflash, as the opener of the shows. The tour opened in Denver CO on June 12 and ended in New York City NY on August 7, after a succesful sold-out concerts.

August, 5

At the first night in Madison Square Garden, Yoko Ono, along with his six years-old son Sean, appeared on the stage after Elton's rendition of "Empty Garden" to told the audience "I want to thank you, I really feel you're all my family". Elton is instead Sean's godfather.

September

"Princess" was released as an UK single from the album, but it failed to reach the charts. With lyrics by Gary Osborne, it was Elton's message of goodwill to Diana Spencer. Elton met Diana at one of the Royal Family's party and got well since the first view: "You make me smile" read the lyric and realize that "You're one fine lady".

December, 9

First night of the Hammersmith Odeon Christmas series concerts, counting with Kiki Dee as the special guest freaturing at the end of the show on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and on the medley of "Whole Lotta Shakin'", "Jingle Bells", "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Twist And Shout". One of those nights, Nigel Olsson took sick and left an angry Elton only with Davey and Dee Murray, as an unlike trio.