2018: Living My Eltonite Dream in New York

I had already been to the United States in 2012, and I had seen everything one is supposed to see as a tourist: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Fifth Avenue in New York. But this time, six years later, it was different. This was my Eltonite journey.

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour arrived in New York with two concerts on October 18 and 19, following its premiere in September in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Having already seen Elton in my hometown Barcelona, as well as in Madrid, Paris, Milan, Munich, and London, I simply could not allow myself to miss seeing my idol at the summit, at the epicenter — at Madison Square Garden.

And I didn’t book just one night. I booked both. Because if I was going to do it, I had to do it properly.

The perfect prelude to this journey was meeting Bernie Taupin. If someone had told me back in 1984 — when I was turning the dial of my radio searching for songs by Elton John and his lyricist — I would have thought they were completely mad.

And yet, on October 17, at Chase Contemporary, 231 10th Ave, Taupin was opening his exhibition of art pieces — an iconic and impactful collection titled True American. Themes and symbols of patriotism, combined with music, ran deep throughout the entire exhibition. I must admit I was nervous about that moment. It would have been enough for me just to be near Taupin — listening to his explanations, simply being part of the event. I was there, and I could hardly understand how I could be so fortunate.

Everyone gathered around Bernie, asking for photographs. His beautiful wife was there, along with his lovely daughters. There were cocktails, conversation, and an atmosphere filled with admiration. The response to his work was overwhelmingly positive. I also had my own perfect reward: my photo with Bernie. I was truly euphoric. 

And beyond that, the best was still ahead of me — the concerts at Elton John’s sanctuary: Madison Square Garden. Not just one. I had tickets for both nights. I had always dreamed of experiencing a concert there, and what better occasion than the Farewell Tour? I had everything ready: my T-shirts, my glasses, my LPs to be signed, my passes. My hotel was on Broadway, directly across from where Bruce Springsteen was performing Springsteen on Broadway. And just as I stepped out of the hotel, I found myself among a group of fans waiting for “The Boss” to come out and sign autographs. I joined the line. One hour. Two hours. It felt endless. More and more people gathered around. I was at the front and refused to move. Finally, the door opened — and out came Bruce Springsteen. It was incredible. He stopped right in front of me to sign autographs — mine included. I told him I was from Barcelona, and he said he loved my city.

I kept glancing at my watch and, little by little, once another personal goal had been fulfilled, I ran off to meet two great friends — people I had known for years online but had never met in person until that day. At the agreed time, Kimberlee Kemble and Lisa Greer were waiting at the restaurant so we could finally meet and talk for hours about Elton. That is the beauty of this current of fans — of Eltonites — who travel to see our idol. When you finally meet them, there is an immense joy in connecting with someone you already know so well, yet have never seen face to face. It is curious, but it is true. 

And as I walked up the steps toward the first of the concerts at Madison Square Garden, I felt deeply emotional thinking about how many more people I might have the chance to meet there as well. The setlist was well known, so there was no room for surprise additions that night. We already knew the band was tight, that Elton was in good form. The real anticipation was in the atmosphere that always surrounds him when he steps onto that mythical New York stage. It was in the staging, in the production, in the visual design — and I can say it truly hypnotized me.

I remember the lights going down. The intro beginning to play. The musicians walking out and taking their places. And above all, those first chords of “B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets.” Incredible. The arena exploded. The ovation for Elton was apotheotic and lasted throughout the entire concert. Every word, every gesture, every expression was celebrated. The show came close to perfection. There were many emotional moments, especially when the audience chanted and applauded each member of the band by name. And when Elton ascended and disappeared along the Yellow Brick Road, I was left speechless — satisfied, overwhelmed, emotional. I had done it. I had fulfilled my dream of seeing Elton in New York. I remember walking around outside the venue afterwards, passing by the trucks, the VIP area, just taking it all in. Then I slowly made my way back to the hotel, singing to myself in the street. I was in no hurry. I wanted to savor every second, replaying the concert in my mind. And all of this knowing it was not over. Because the next day was still to come. And that night, yes — I would be sitting in one of the very front rows, right in front of the stage.

And yes, that was the big day. I had a feeling something extraordinary was going to happen. I already had the experience of the night before; I knew how to move around the venue, and as I mentioned earlier, I had an excellent seat. I was able to speak with Kim Bullard and give him a few gifts I had brought from Barcelona. Every time I lifted my head from my seat, I would spot a VIP nearby — David Furnish, Bill Clinton — they were right there, within reach. I enjoyed wandering around the area, and thankfully I did, because I ran into many people I had known for years online but had never met in person: Wayne Martin and Marylin, my “brothers” who had come from Italy, and suddenly, right in front of me, my admired “Elton” Jim Turano.

It was incredible. With every passing second, as the clock moved forward, the emotion and the magnitude of the experience grew stronger. Then it was time for the ritual: to sit down and surrender to the show. Wearing my Elton T-shirt, bought at the venue’s souvenir stands, I was ready. Even knowing the setlist, that night felt different — even if, on paper, it was a twin of the previous evening. Elton was energetic, unstoppable. The band gave everything, as if it were the last concert of their lives. Every song in the setlist felt like a treasure, one more powerful than the next. The atmosphere kept building, the passion overflowing, and there I was — shouting, overwhelmed, my voice beginning to fail. I remember “Candle in the Wind,” Elton alone at the piano. I remember an endless “Levon,” an extraordinary “Rocket Man,” an emotional “Your Song.” During the final bows, Elton and David’s children came out to greet the audience — they were our children in that moment, and we were all moved to see them. And then came the moment to sing “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” at the top of our lungs, while Elton crossed the stage with his piano, heading toward the point where he would rise and disappear beyond the screen, down the Yellow Brick Road.

And there — yes — I began to cry like a child. As if I would never see Elton again. The emotion overflowed, and all the tension I had carried inside finally broke free. I remained seated. I did not want to leave. I did not want to return to everyday life, to routine. I was at the summit, at the height of it all. I knew that any other concert I might see, in any other country or city, would never carry the same magic as what I had lived there. And yet, I lived it. And I relive it still. More than seven years have passed. I have seen Elton again since then. But none will ever equal the New York pair of nights.

I remember boarding the plane and replaying every single video I had recorded — at least from the first night, because on that final evening I never once thought about filming with my phone. When the plane landed and I unfastened my seatbelt, I felt the landing of the cloud I had been floating on. And thank goodness we live in order to relive moments like these — every time I proudly proclaim my Eltonism around the world. Because being an Eltonite is a feeling that goes far beyond the artist and the man who was born and raised in London and who one day became great in America and across the world, becoming the myth he is today. Time has passed since those concerts. But I still feel them on my skin as if it were today.

All Aboard: Experiencing the Elton John Connection

Apotheosic!!! With British punctuality — never more fitting — a well-known piano melody opens the concert. The Vesta by La Fulanita venue is an intimate, close space that allows the audience to be almost touching the musicians. “The Show Must Go On,” proclaims the room in bright neon. The musicians are set up beautifully and right at the front. And those chords we mentioned earlier are from Your Song, that unmistakable ballad by its author.

Elton John Connection was not a tribute act in the usual sense: it goes far beyond that. It is a musical journey through Elton’s career. Like any train Bernie Taupin describes in his songs, each ride is a song, and each stop is a spoken image of Elton John’s life. This makes the show very different from other proposals, and it helps those who are not die-hard Elton fans to situate themselves and discover aspects of Elton’s life that help them understand the myth — the living legend — of such an unrepeatable musician, always alongside his Two Rooms partner: Bernie Taupin.

But what is needed for this train to run with precision and offer a pleasant journey? Well, a good engineer and good energy. And this is made possible by its author, creator, and fan to the absolute core: Marta Coloma. Marta is an outburst of energy, with a subtle and deep voice, tender in texture, and with that warm and sweet narrative style that ensures nothing she explains — whether singing or narrating — ever loses its meaning. And it is not easy to summarize the important aspects of Elton’s life in an hour and a half without the show losing its punch.

As Marta rightly says: “(Elton) makes the difficult sound easy,” and she goes through the variety of styles where Elton has left his mark with his talent — country, pop, rock, blues, soul, and whatever else he feels like doing, because Elton, as Marta says, “is open to experimenting and has never stopped experimenting.” The selection of songs in the show’s repertoire is anything but accidental: each piece connects with the railway journey we embark upon, offering a solid overview of the vast and high-quality catalogue that Elton and Bernie have given to pop music through so many decades of unquestionable success. And it is no small thing that songs like Idol, Healing Hands, or Amoreena appear in the concert and are performed with the strength and mastery of this magnificent artist. And the best part is that she makes them her own — she squeezes them, studies them, and gives them a clean, subtle, personal touch that leaves the audience with no choice but to applaud wildly.

But Marta, who is very wise, knows that for her train to have all the energy it needs and to run smoothly, she must surround herself with a great band — and she most certainly does. And replacing Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, and Dee Murray is no easy task. The point is that this band pays homage to them in every single note they play.

Dan Vidal is the master of ceremonies: he has that frenetic, fierce, or sensitive piano touch whenever the melody requires it, those piano solos Elton has spoiled us with, especially in his finest moments. And Bas Kisje and Giancarlo Spirito, on bass and drums respectively, form a true guard of honor to Murray and Olsson.

And how do you honor Davey Johnstone? Don’t worry — Marta brings in Miguel Tarzia, ensuring that Rocket Man or Saturday Night’s Alright never lose steam. And why not give some pieces a jazz twist? Add a saxophone — Freddie Quintero — to Idol or Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, and you’re guaranteed to leave a mark.

But the icing on the cake is the backing vocals: Laura Guardiola and Júlia Tapia. Elton’s songs are famously meticulous on the vocal side — think of Mortonette Jenkins, Marlena Jeter, or Natalie Jackson, for example. Those harmonious voices appear to embellish All the Girls Love Alice or the already mentioned Healing Hands, just to name two.

But Marta had her surprise saved for Can I Put You On, Elton’s most obscure rock song par excellence — delivered masterfully, with an amazing final few minutes that made the entire audience vibrate, completely surrendered to the performance. And, with Judy Tzuke’s permission, Marta claimed Give Me the Love as her own — that brilliant and forgotten gem, one of the few Elton songs written by a woman and sung by him, and one of my favorites from the early ’80s.

I’m writing this Eltonin’ Around The World article on another train, an AVE from Madrid to Barcelona, still echoing the amazing concert from last night, from the E-X-P-E-R-I-E-N-C-I-E we lived, still floating and with the melodies in my head, with Marta’s voice resonating inside me, with the memories of a wonderful evening we never wanted to end — but which has only just begun. Because there will be more trains, more journeys, more versions, more wonderful live Music, because this Elton John Connection has so much to give and so much to offer. There are many hidden treasures that must come back into the light, to remind us of the immense legacy of an Elton who was once “a boy spending his pocket money in record shops,” together with that “brown dirt cowboy living in a farm village in northern England.” They fulfilled their dreams, conquered the world, and became eternal.

Thank you Marta Coloma, thank you girls, thank you guys. Yesterday, when I left your concert, I reaffirmed myself as an eltonite for another 40 years. See you in Barcelona in 2026 — if not before!

Following in Elton John’s Footsteps: Musical Tours in London

Few cities in the world are as deeply intertwined with music as London. Its streets breathe history, its pubs echo with the sounds of legendary performances, and its neighborhoods have raised some of the greatest artists of all time. Among them stands one man whose music has touched generations: Sir Elton John. From his earliest piano notes in Pinner to the grand stages of the Royal Albert Hall, London has been the backdrop of Elton’s transformation from young Reginald Dwight into a global superstar. Today, fans can relive this journey through special tours that explore the landmarks of his life and career — turning the city into a living museum of Elton John’s story.

Walk, Ride, and Discover Elton’s London

There isn’t just one way to experience Elton’s London. Some tours invite you to stroll through Soho’s buzzing streets where Bluesology once played late-night gigs; others take you out to the quiet suburban lanes of Pinner, where a shy boy first dreamt of the spotlight. And if comfort is your style, a black cab tour will glide you past Abbey Road and Holland Park, where Elton once called home.

Each experience is filled with anecdotes — from his first “payment” in Coca-Cola after a teenage gig, to the timeless partnership with Bernie Taupin that gave birth to hits like Your Song and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

The Tours:

🚖 Elton John Taxi Tour (TourDesk / Brit Music Tours)

For those who want to experience the full story of Elton John without lifting a finger, the private black cab tour is a luxurious, in-depth journey through the landmarks of his life. Over six unforgettable hours, you’ll travel from the quiet suburbs of his childhood to the vibrant heart of musical London — all from the comfort of an iconic London cab, with an expert guide at the wheel.

Your story begins in Pinner, the leafy North London suburb where Reginald Kenneth Dwight — the future Elton John — grew up. You’ll see his childhood home, the primary school where he first showed signs of musical genius, and the church where his parents married, a place woven into the early fabric of his family story.

A stop at his grandparents’ house reveals where it all began: at just four years old, little Reggie sat at the piano for the very first time, astonishing everyone around him with his instinctive ear for melody. It’s a modest home, but one that changed the course of pop history.

Next comes the venue of his first public concert — a local youth club where he earned his first “fee” not in pounds, but in bottles of Coca-Cola. Standing there, you can almost imagine the shy teenager in horn-rimmed glasses playing rock and roll covers, unaware of how far that music would take him.

As the tour unfolds, you’ll trace Elton’s creative partnership with Bernie Taupin, visiting the spots where the two young dreamers wrote their earliest songs — fragments of the friendship and artistic spark that would become one of the most successful songwriting duos in history.

The journey then sweeps into Central London, where the magic became legend. You’ll pass the Royal Albert Hall, one of the world’s most storied concert venues, where Elton would later play triumphant shows, and stop outside the iconic Abbey Road Studios, forever linked to British music royalty. A photo at the zebra crossing is practically mandatory — a small homage to the city’s musical spirit that nurtured Elton’s rise.

What makes this tour special isn’t just the itinerary — it’s the storytelling. Each stop is brought to life through anecdotes, rare facts, and the kind of local insight only a passionate guide can share. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Elton’s world, this journey offers a rare, intimate perspective on how a boy from Pinner became a global superstar.

Elton John Taxi Tour by London Cab

🚶 The London of Elton – Rock Is Here

If you’d rather walk in Elton’s footsteps — feeling the rhythm of the city and the echoes of his early days — The London of Elton by Rock Is Here offers a deeply personal experience. It’s not just a walking tour; it’s a time capsule that brings you closer to the young dreamer before fame found him.

Currently being updated, the tour is expected to return in 2026 with a refreshed itinerary and new insights into Elton’s early London years.

The full four-hour version begins with a trip by tube out to Pinner, where Elton’s journey truly began. With an Oyster card in hand, you’ll head to the peaceful suburban streets that once shaped his world: his birthplace, the house where he and Bernie Taupin wrote their earliest songs, and even the local pub where he performed live for the very first time. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine the nervous teenager testing his sound — a blend of rock ‘n’ roll energy and the heartfelt melodies that would soon define his music.

The guide, a passionate music historian, fills each stop with stories that rarely make it into books — moments of luck, laughter, and sheer determination. You’ll hear how Elton’s family, friends, and early mentors helped nurture his growing ambition, and how London itself became both his classroom and his stage.

If you’re short on time, the two-hour Central London option condenses the experience into the most emblematic landmarks of the city. You’ll trace his path through the musical heart of London — from the clubs and studios of Soho to the streets that witnessed his rise — while uncovering the hidden layers of a city that still hums with the sounds of his youth.

This is the most down-to-earth way to meet Elton’s London — through its pavements, pubs, and pulse. Perfect for those who want to feel part of his story rather than just hear it. 

Rock Is Here Elton's Tour 

🎶 Rocketman’s London – London Rock Tours

For fans who crave a deep dive into Elton John’s world, Rocketman’s London by London Rock Tours is the most immersive experience available — part musical pilgrimage, part cinematic journey through the history of British rock.

Unlike standard tours, Rocketman’s London is a private, fully customizable experience. You can choose between a walking tour or a guided journey by vehicle, designed entirely around your interests, schedule, and must-see locations.

The walking tour focuses on Elton’s formative years in the creative explosion of the 1960s and ’70s. You’ll wander through Denmark Street (Tin Pan Alley), once the beating heart of the music publishing industry, where writers, performers, and dreamers hustled for a hit song. The atmosphere still carries that electric mix of ambition and artistry.

From there, the trail leads into Soho, past legendary clubs like the Marquee, 100 Club, Tiles, and Flamingo, where Elton played as part of Bluesology and found his place in the city’s nightlife. You’ll stroll past Mills Music, Carnaby Street, and Islington, surrounded by the same streets that once pulsed with the sound of Swinging London — the energy that shaped his sound and style.

Opt for the full-day tour and the experience expands into an odyssey across musical London. A private vehicle takes you to Kensington, the elegant heart of the city, where you’ll visit landmarks like the Royal Academy of Music (where Elton trained), Blaises (a favorite late-night haunt), Holland Park (his long-time residence), and the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

With a specialist guide who brings both expertise and storytelling flair, every stop becomes part of a narrative — not just about Elton John, but about London itself: a city that inspired him, challenged him, and ultimately celebrated him. By the end of the day, you’ll feel as if you’ve journeyed through a living soundtrack — from piano practice in suburban Pinner to the spotlight of international fame.

Rocket Man London Rock Tour

🌟 Unique Tours UK – Bespoke Elton John Experiences

For those who prefer something truly exclusive, Unique Tours UK offers tailor-made luxury tours inspired by Elton John’s life and music. These are not pre-scheduled group tours but fully customized private experiences, designed to match each guest’s pace, interests, and style. Led by expert driver-guides, these journeys weave together the artist’s personal and musical landmarks — from his childhood roots in Pinner to the iconic venues of Soho, Carnaby Street, and Abbey Road. Guests can include stops such as the Royal Academy of Music, Holland Park, or other meaningful places connected to Elton’s story.

Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, allowing you to decide what to see and how long to stay — whether it’s a half-day walking tour through the heart of musical London or a full-day chauffeur-driven experience exploring the wider area. Optional add-ons such as private dining or VIP access can also be arranged upon request.

Unique Tours UK specializes in creating bespoke cultural experiences, turning each visit into a personal journey through the city that shaped Elton John’s early dreams. These tours are fully private and can be booked directly with Unique Tours UK.

Unique Tours

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Book ahead — these tours are popular and fill up quickly.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you choose a walking tour.

• Bring a camera — you’ll want photos of Abbey Road’s zebra crossing!

• Read a few reviews before booking to make sure the guide matches your style.

A Journey Through Music and Memory

Walking past the pub where a teenager once nervously played his first chords, standing outside Abbey Road with the ghosts of rock history, or seeing the very house where Elton’s fingers first touched the piano — these moments remind us that even the brightest stars begin somewhere ordinary. And in London, those places are waiting for you to discover them.

The Elton John Walk Tours in London offer a unique experience for fans, connecting them with the musical history of the city and the life of one of the world’s most iconic artists. Whether you prefer strolling through legendary streets or traveling in the comfort of a black cab, there’s a tour for every kind of fan.

The C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K

 

C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K. It’s not just a word, it’s a chain, a process, an ordered sequence of events and growth that brings me back here, to my passion for the All Songs List blog. That’s why I write each letter separated, with hyphens: because every step has had its moment, its importance, and together they form this C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K I’m announcing today.

After five years of pause due to a personal lapse, I return with more strength and a fresh perspective, inspired also by the Elton John of today. We have witnessed the Farewell Tour, marking the end of a spectacular and emotional era for him and his Eltonites. But the Elton John I know now is more than an ending: he’s an artist who keeps growing, reinventing himself through a few but very meaningful collaborations, and preparing new projects that keep his legacy alive.

The blog www.eltonjohnallsongslist.blogspot.com.es is my space to follow this journey, to collect, analyze, and share his entire body of work—from the classics to these new stages—always with the same passion and rigor. At All Songs List, our Comitee d’Experts ensures depth and accuracy across diverse sections—interviews, curious research, and what I call Forth of a Kind: exclusive collaborations with renowned writers offering fresh, original insights.

And as part of this C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K, I’m thrilled to announce that soon I’ll be hosting the creators of the new Broadway musical This Is Not a Drill. A visit that symbolizes this chain of important moments and that I want to share exclusively with all of you.

Thank you for being here, for waiting, and for being part of this journey. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, full of music, stories, and emotions.

Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, deep dives into Elton’s timeless songs, and all the latest news about his ongoing projects and collaborations.

Welcome to my C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K. Let’s get started!

Picture: At Madison Square Garden, October 2018 – witnessing Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. A moment that stayed with me... and now leads me to this C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K.