1976: The Singles Music Charts

Pinball Wizard

United Kingdom
N. 7 (7 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 13 (5 Weeks)

Australia
N. 88 (3 Weeks)

---------------

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

United States
N. 1 (20 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 1 (14 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 1 (4 Weeks)

Canada
N. 1 (24 Weeks)

Australia
N. 1 (23 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 1 (23 Weeks)

France
N. 3 (20 Weeks)

Germany
N. 5 (11 Weeks)

Austria
N. 8 (20 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 4 (11 Weeks)

Holland
N. 3 (9 Weeks)

Italy
N. 3 (22 Weeks)

Spain
N. 1 (29 Weeks)

Norway
N. 5 (11 Weeks)

Sweden
N. 3 (9 Weeks)

Japan
N. 77 (8 Weeks)

SouthAfrica
N. 1 (17 Weeks)

---------------

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

United States
N. 6 (14 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 11 (10 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 3 (10 Weeks)

Canada
N. 3 (17 Weeks)

Australia
N. 19 (14 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 7 (8 Weeks)

France
N. 38 (3 Weeks)

Germany
N. 29 (12 Weeks)

Holland
N. 14 (6 Weeks)

Italy
N. 9 (17 Weeks)

---------------

Bennie And The Jets

United Kingdom
N. 37 (5 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 18 (3 Weeks)

1976: The Albums Reachin' Charts

Here And There

United States
N. 4 (20 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 6 (9 Weeks)

Canada
N. 13 (13 Weeks)

Australia
N. 11 (15 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 3 (16 Weeks)

Norway
N. 19 (1 Week)

Sweden
N. 30 (2 Weeks)

Japan
N. 56 (6 Weeks)

---------------

Blue Moves

United States
N. 3 (22 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 3 (15 Weeks)

Canada
N. 4 (23 Weeks)

Australia
N. 8 (27 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 7 (9 Weeks)

France
N. 13 (23 Weeks)

Germany
N. 39 (7 Weeks)

Holland
N. 8 (15 Weeks)

Italy
N. 9 (21 Weeks)

Spain
N. 10 (17 Weeks)

Norway
N. 5 (12 Weeks)

Sweden
N. 12 (6 Weeks)

Japan
N. 53 (8 Weeks)

The Eltonite's Day With... Paul Purcell!!!!!

Hello eltonites!!! Today is a very special day. We have one of the greatest eltonites out there. He has a good sense of humour and his knowledge about Elton is one of the best. Ladies & Gentlemen: a big applause for ppdub73.

Welcome ppdub73, nice to have you here. It's always good to chat with you and I am glad you be my guest. Thanks for the acceptation.

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

Paul Purcell (ppdub73), from Dublin in Ireland.

Right! When did you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

I heard Elton first in the early 80s, the I'm Still Standing video was a standout, and as the decade progressed became more aware of his music. What moves me is Elton's marvellous voice and melodies. Not to mention the wonderful stories Bernie weaves with his beautiful lyrics. Every time I listen to Elton's songs for the billionth time, I hear something new. It never loses it appeal. And never will.

You have reason, my friend. That’s it!!! And 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?

I have seen Elton 7 times, not much compared to others, but Elton doesn't come around to my place that often! The first time was with Billy Joel, so it was an almost overwhelming experience. Obviously it was a stunning experience, but it was over so quickly. Luckily it wasn't the last time, so at later shows you can take it in more. That's why I envy people seeing Elton for the first time, it's that once in a lifetime experience that can't be repeated. I think all band members are vital, it's impossible to choose. Guy Babylon's untimely death left a huge void, but I think Kim Bullard is doing a great job in keeping his spirit alive with the sound.

Which could be a great set list, in your opinion? Is there any song that Elton hasn’t played yet, and you think that he should do it? And you prefer the Elton’s solo tours or better with band?

Anything Elton does is alright with me! A repeat of the 60th birthday set would be nice. I would like Elton to do Cold from the Made In England album. Now that would be unreal. Elton solo is great, very much with him at the focal point, a real intimate experience. But you can't beat the band shows. The power of Nigel on the drums, Davey letting rip on the guitar. So much going on, the senses are almost overloaded. Beautiful!

Yes!! What would you do if you meet Elton sometime? What would you talk about and which question would you like to ask him?

Wow! That would be something else. After picking myself up off the floor, I would talk about his music, his inspirations etc. The albums, the tours, the music, that's what interests me. The one question would be, what's the feeling like at the exact moment when you finish writing a new song. I would love to know how he feels when he has created something so amazing.

Ok! 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?

I have so much that it is hard to choose. But my signed photo of Elton, taken in Limerick in June 2009. He signed it a few weeks after the show with a lovely dedication on it. It's my prized item, and it's going nowhere.

How was the success of Elton John in your country? Which references had irish about Elton, specially in the 70s and 80s? And the most succesful albums? Could you still hear Elton´s music now on radio stations?

Elton first played here in 1979, when it wasn't popular to do so because of the troubles in Northern Ireland. The same troubles that inspired the songs Madness and Belfast. All the major albums were succesful here. After all, we are the best fans in the world! You can still hear Elton on some radio stations here, mostly the greatest hits. Unfortunately radio here is like it is in most places, full of rubbish.

Great!!! What do you think about the new project with Leon Russell? What could we expect about this album? And about T-Bone Burnett as the producer? You know any member of Elton’s band were in the recording process. Any rejection?

This album ain't gonna be like any we've heard before. The standard EJ/BT album has run it's course. So the wheel has to be reinvented. I am excited by it, I know many aren't. It should be judged when it comes out. The new song is an exciting taster, so the feeling is good. The producer has a proven track record, so there's no problem with him. As regards the band not being on it, I am a bit disappointed. I thought we had gone past the time session musicians were being used. The band is very versatile and can turn their hand to anything. The guys that are playing on it are fairly leftfield, so it's gonna be a different sound, that's for sure.

Oh, once you said: "I have a confession to make. I have never downloaded a song from the internet. That's not to say I am not able to or don't have access to do so. Also, this isn't a debate about paying for music or getting it for free. In my opinion it is more important than that. Unfortunately I am old enough to be a member of the "vinyl" generation.". Why you said that?

You've done your research! Well, since I wrote that, I have done some downloading. But I still prefer the hard copy, even if it is just a cd. You have something to hold, that's real with nice artwork. When it's on the computer, it's anoymous. Like it doesn't exist. It's very easy to forget that you have the music when it's stored that way. A pile of cds is hard to ignore!

Thanks for joinin’ the cause!! And finally, could you tell me your five favorite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

5 songs?! You don't make it easy! Ok, here we go: Believe, Crazy Water, Too Low For Zero, Have Mercy On The Criminal, Salvation. But if you ask me again tomorrow, it will be different!

Apart from music, which are your interests? What you like to do with your off time?

I love football and follow Liverpool for my sins! I also collect model London buses, which is another passion of mine. Apart from that and doing the normal stuff of live, Elton takes priority.

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

The one thing I would say is, keep the music real. That's the most important thing.

Thanks a bunch, Paul. I have so much fun doing this interview with you. It was an enjoyable experience for me. Take care.

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.

2008: The Singles Music Charts

Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer)

United Kingdom
N. 3 (16 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 17 (8 Weeks)

Australia
N. 95 (2 Weeks)

---------------

Joseph, Better You Than Me

Canada
N. 43 (1 Week)

Austria
N. 64 (2 Weeks)

The Eltonite's Day With... Noriko Sakabe!!!!!

Hello Eltonites. One of most interesting women I've ever met. Today is a very special day because we have here an incredible guest. We know that Elton is very popular in almost every country of the world. Every place, we could find loyalty to Elton. It's so nice to learn more about him with eltonites like our guest today. I am very proud to present you a fan from one of the first countries that Elton had success. Please, a big applause to the one and only: Noriko Sakabe!!!

So thank you for the acceptation, Noriko, really a pleasure to have you... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

Thank you for the invitation! My name is Noriko Sakabe (坂部　範子) and I’m from Japan, Kanagawa, a surrounding of Tokyo.

Thanks! Nice picture of you & Keiko Maeda. When did you become an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

I became an Elton fan in 1997 when I heard Goodbye English Rose at Princess Diana's funeral on TV. That was a sudden incident for me.

Noriko, 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?

It was an unforgettable moment for me till this day, because until then, I have never known about him except his name and the song name of “Your Song". I felt about his voice shaking with deep emotion. Then I started to collect his albums avidly.

After seven years, I encountered his live concerts for the first time. I was in Hong Kong on September 14, 2004, and that forced me to see more shows. The followings were: Canterbury, June 3, 2006; Charlton, also June 4, 2006; Tokyo Budokan, two shows on Nov. 20 & 21, 2007; Vienna, Austria, June 28, 2008; Halle on July 2 and Leipzig, July 03, in Germany; and Honolulu, Hawaii last January 6.

It was a wonderful experience for me to see the band members in person every time. Specially I loved Guy Babylon on stage. I used to turn to look into the left side of Elton’s position. Guy ! May your soul rest in peace. We could see an splendid scene on the video, produced by NHK, focusing on Guy's playing at the concert in Tokyo 2001.

The unforgettable Guy Babylon!! Also, how should be your dreamed concert? And which one of Elton's live shows you thought you should be there, if you could, even back in time?

One thing I most regretted myself was I couldn’t see the two shows on 2001 in Tokyo Budokan, as I already mentioned above. This moment won't return again!!

When I heard about the recovering of Elton/Ray collaboration, I really wanted to see, at least, one of their shows, before my death (-_-) because, I feel I am getting old. So, my dream realized last January in Honolulu.

Perfect!!! What would you do if you meet Elton sometime? What would you talk about and which question would you like to ask him?

That's difficult to say. It would be unlikely circumstances. First of all, I can hardly speak English. But I wish I could ask him about the plans of his next shows in Japan. And that I have been appreciated him so much for a joy of life through his precious songs; that means we are pleased to be able to make so many friends who also love his music.

For sure. 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?

So, once I got his autograph in Hong Kong, and secondarily Elton gave another to my grandson, instead of me, one more on vinyl cover of Japan's first release version.

That's great!!! And... how it was the success of Elton John in your country? Which references had japanese about Elton? As far as I know, Elton had such success in Japan between 1970-1973 and his singles reached the charts: “It’s me that you need”, for example, it was a big hit in 1971. Are there so many eltonites now?

To be honest, I am just a new Elton fan, so sorry, I'm not sure about the 1970's and 1980's, even up until the early 90’s.

Therefore I have very limited knowledge about the Elton influence at that period in Japan, so I'm hoping that people familiar with the decades could tell about it. However I have heard how Elton was popular in Japan, then.

And yet, according to the fact that Elton John is an outstanding artist in the world, we are always saying that Elton should have more and more fans here in Japan.

As for the song “It’s me that you need", needless to say it’s an extremely beautiful song. I love it too so much. However, I would say the reason why this song was very popular, specially in Japan. I think that the lines of the lyric are very simple. In Japanese literature, specially, when we are writing lyrics or something, such as Haiku, Waka, we often express our deep feelings with limited words strictly.

So that in the same way, I suppose the young fans would easily got the interpretation of the lyric in those days. And I should add that Elton's compositional process is based on Bernie's lyric, although I have to say there are few people with a keen interest in the depth of Bernie's lyrics, in Japan.

Perfect. Had Elton's record company published some compilations in your country, over the years, particularly different from other countries? If so, which were the name of the compilations and the tracks in?

Sorry, but I'm afraid I don't know about it in detail, but we’ve got:

A very special collection（1971年）LP
DJM●FP-80329

Side 1
Your Song,
Strange Rain,
Skyline Pigeon,
Country Comfort,
Honky Tonk Women

Side 2
Border Song,
Lady Samantha,
Bad Side of the Moon,
Yes It's Me That You Need,
Rock and Roll Madonna

Best 20 DJM●IFS-90040

Side 1
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Crocodile Rock ,
Your Song,
Honky Cat ,
Have Mercy On The Criminal,
Sweet Painted Lady,
Blues For My Baby And Me,
Bennie And The Jets

Side 2
Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
Daniel,
TheBallad Of Danny Bailey ,
Rocket Man,
It’s Me That You Need,
Hercules ,
I've Seen That Movie Too ,
All The Girls Love Alice

グレーテスト・ヒッツ　Greatest Hits（1974年）
DJM●IFS-80055（LP日本盤）

Side 1
Your Song
Daniel　
Honky Cat
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)　

Side 2
Rocket Man 　
Bennie And The Jets
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me　
Border Song
Crocodile Rock
Candle In The Wind

Bonus tracks:

Skyline Pigeon
Take Me To The Pilot
Rock And Roll Madonna
Candle In The Wind
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
It's Me That You Need

ELTON JOHN'S BRILLIANT HITS（1975年）
-国内プロモ・オンリーLP盤-
DJM●PRP-8042

Side 1
Philadelphia Freedom
The Bitch Is Back
Daniel
Honky Cat
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Skyline Pigeon
Madman Across The Water
It's Me That You Need
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Side 2
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Crocodile Rock
Your Song
Rocket Man
Country Comfort
Bennie And The Jets
Border Song
Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
I Saw Her Standing There

Greatest Hits Volume 2（1977年）
DJM●IFS-80945（LP日本盤）

Side 1
The Bitch Is Back
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds　
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word　
Breaking My Heart　
Someone Saved My Life Tonight　

Side 2
Philadelphia Freedom　
Island Girl　
Grow Some Funk Of Your Own　
Bennie And The Jets
Levon
Pinball Wizard　

Thank you very much, really appreciated. And what do you think about the new project with Leon Russell? What could we expect about this album? And about T-Bone Burnett as the producer? You know any member of Elton’s band were in the recording process. Any rejection?

I’m sorry I haven’t knowledge enough of these topics, yet.

Elton! Thank you for the encouragement with your new song “You Are Never Too Old”. Just for me!!!

Hahahaha He has reason, as usual. Apart from music, which are your interests? What you like to do with your off time?

Reading, writing, gardening and, specially, talking with Japanese Elton fans and with my daughter.

Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

It’s difficult to choose but,

Skyline Pigeon
The Greatest Discovery
Believe
Latitude
Lady What’s Tomorrow

Thank you very much. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to your other eltonites?

I hope we Elton fans should deepen exchanges all over the world more!

Thanks a bunch, Noriko. Really a pleasure to chat with you. I was really interesting for meto do this interview with you, really an enjoyable and worth experience, and you did it very very well. Thank you. Take care and all the best!!!

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".