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is a star who is known by different generations for his brilliant music and outrageous glasses.
Although he shot to fame with his first hit "Your Song" in 1970, he had already been on the music circuit for some time. In the mid 1960s he played piano - an instrument that he has played since the age of four - for the group Long John Baldry and before this opportunity came along, he played as a pianist in a hotel bar at the tender age of seventeen.
Actually born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton John decided - after having worked with the group Long John Baldry - to take the middle part of that name and then, in honour of the saxophonist Elton Dean, add the latter's first name.
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After getting together with Bernie Taupin, Elton's career really took off, way back in 1970. Taupin helped to develop his musical abilities. Through the years Elton has brought out hit after hit, but as he himself has admitted the pressure of fame has, in previous years, taken its toll on his private life. On two occasions he has tried to take his own life and has been, because of his personal life, a target for the media. For one reason or another Bernie and Elton are going their separate ways these days. |
However, despite all the personal problems and the loss of several close friends in recent years (Princess Diana included) he still remains to be a leading light in the popmusic industry and hopefully will be for years to come.
See our CONCERTS section for "an evening with Elton"!
According to a news report Sir Elton John has given his own special performance at the debut preview of his new musical "Aida" in New York at the beginning of this month (March). Apparently the singer didn't think much of the whole presentation and walked out of the theatre only about a quarter of an hour into the show, actually climbing over the surprised crowd, since his seat was somewhere in between the audience.
The people themselves at the preview weren't much impressed with Elton's behaviour and considered it very rude.
Elton John has taken part in the Stonewall concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London on the 28th November 1999. The concert was for Gay & Lesbian Equality rights. Also part of the show were Culture Club, Ricky Martin, George Michael, Jimmy Sommerville, etc.
Read our review on Elton's CD "AIDA", generously contributed by a work's colleague of mine (B.)
According to a british tabloid, Elton is kind of bankrupt, as his own record label doesn't make that much profit.
But the singer just shrugs it all off. He's performed again for the first time since his bad spell of health (had to have a pacemaker fitted) at a private party at Disney World in Orlando, Florida in August to celebrate a company's birthday and appeared to be in good spirit again.
Elton was supposed to tour solo through Austria and other countries at present. Unfortunately, many rumours will have it that he's in bad health. Some say he's caught an ear infection, others find him recovering from an operation to insert a pacemaker, as his heartbeat is apparently too slow at times. Whatever the real reason, let's hope he'll be better soon.
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last updated: 26. 6. 2000