Copyright 1989, 2008 Paul Maclauchlan Permission granted to copy this information if credit is given Explanation of symbols: + Live * Non-LP B-side # guest appearance $ If you have this I would love to hear it! CB Concert broadcast
Announcement of a US 1999 solo tour, beginning February 19 in Roanoke VA. The press release included quotes from Elton John:
Pollstar, the touring industry trade paper, announced Elton John had the top grossing tour of 1998 at $46.2 (US dollars).
US TV - The 25th Annual People's Choice Awards (CBS network)
Debut performance of this song from AIDA. Elton John received an award for "Special All Time Favorite Musical Performer."
US TV TAPING - Shania Twain TV Special, Miami Park, Miami FL
An in-concert performance backed by Shania Twain's band. This special aired on March 3.
US TV - Tammy Wynette Tribute (The Nashville Network cable station)
Elton John appeared on this show dedicated to the memory of the late Tammy Wynette.
UK TV - National Lottery Live (BBC TV)
Elton John, dressed all in black, performs solo on piano accompanied by LeAnn Rimes from the promotional video for the song.
Elton spoke briefly with the host, Dale Winton, saying there will be four or five more singles from the Aida album, and that he will be back to the UK in April.
US TV - The Simpson's (Fox network)
Elton Johnappeared as a cartoon character of himself on the Valentine's Day episode "I'm With Cupid". The show ended with Elton playing a Valentine's Day serenade of Your Song to Apu and his wife Manjula.
Elton's cartoon character was shown coming off a plane that was "wearing" his trademark '70s style glasses. In a parody of Tantrums & Tiaras, 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.
The initial North American leg of the An Evening With Elton John Solo Tour. Starting in Roanoke Virginia on February 19 and ending on March 19 in Huntsville Alabama.
AN EVENING WITH ELTON JOHN SOLO TOUR.
Melanie Reynolds provided this description of the tourbook:
The 1999 solo tourbook is about 9x12 inches. The cover is black with gold and white type. A quote from Elton John fills up basically the entire cover: "After you've had a career for thirty years, you need to go back and be scared once in a while. With a band you're surrounded by people who can support and cover up for you. It's very rewarding to do shows on your own -- it gives you a chance to talk to the audience."Under the quote (which is in gold type) it says (in white type) An Evening With Elton John Solo.Inside the booklet, the page backgrounds are mostly gold and black. There are various older photos of Elton and Elton and Bernie, etc, some with type superimposed on them. These older photos are basically black and white, but they have a gold-shine to them, too. The text describes Elton's accomplishments over this decade, including The Lion King stuff, Candle in the Wind '97, etc. There are some recent color portraits of Elton, too, one really neat one where he is standing on a leopard-print piano with leopard statues in front of him, and various fruits painted on the walls and ceilings. There is another color photo that seems a bit older, where he wears a red suit and black hat and cane, and appears to be standing in an alley below a sign that says "One Night Only, Elton John" next to a motorcycle. The center fold photo is of Elton lounging on a couch wearing a silky-looking, purple-patterned suit and a pink feather boa, with a bird perched on his hand.
Next, is a big red-background page with gold type that begins a section on Aida. There is a story and various photos of Elton with Sting, LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, Shania Twain, etc. Then, there is a full-page ad from Disney on Broadway congratulating Elton. Next is a story on Bernie Taupin, including a full-color, recent photo of Bernie. Next, is a double-spread Versace Jeans Coutour ad, then an ad from Warner Brothers that has a globe with a red ribbon tied around it and a card that says "Elton"; the text of the ad reads "all yours, with love from all your friends at Warner Brothers." Then is a page of credits and thank-yous. Next a two-page ad spread for Aida. On the front and back flaps is a half photo of Elton in the same "black-and-white-gold" color as the older photos in the booklet. If you put the flaps together, it makes a whole picture. The back cover is a photo of Elton sitting at a dressing room mirror with lights. He has his hands up the air with an "Oh, what shall I do!" look on his face.
US CONCERT - Roanoke Civic Center, Roanoke VA
Elton John kicks off his 1999 An Evening With Elton John Solo Tour with a 2 hour and 45 minute show. Tickets sold out in 46 minutes for this show.
Carla Dinsmore wrote this review. pjaa@excite.com sent this review. Ejfan1973's review.A big thank you to Jenn Carroll for the great photos!
US CONCERT - UTC Arena, Chattanooga TN
Better Off Dead replaces Amazes Me in the set list. Janet and Laura's review. Melanie Reynolds' review. Ejfan1973's review.
UK CD SINGLE
Rocket Records EJSCD 45 572 579-2
Commercial release of the song from Aida, first released to radio on December 15 1998. Track 3 is a live recording from Elton's solo piano show at the Hotel Ritz in Paris on January 14 1998.
UK CD SINGLE
Rocket Records EJSCD 45 572 577-2
Commercial release of the song from Aida, first released to radio on December 15 1998. Track 3 is a live recording from Elton's solo piano show at the Hotel Ritz in Paris on January 14 1998.
EUROPE CD SINGLE
Rocket Records 566 999-2 LC 3053 PY 940
Commercial release of the song from Aida, first released to radio on December 15 1998. Tracks 2 & 3 are live recordings from Elton's solo piano show at the Hotel Ritz in Paris on January 14 1998.
US CD SINGLE
Commercial release of the song from Aida, first released to radio on December 15 1998. Tracks 2 & 3 are live recordings from Elton's solo piano show at the Hotel Ritz in Paris on January 14 1998.
CANADA CD SINGLE
Rocket 314-566 918-2
Liner notes from the CD:
Elton John and Tim Rice, the musical creators of Walt Disney's multi-platinum The Lion King, have teamed up once again and written the music for Elton John And Tim Rice's Aida. A studio album will be released on Rocket / Island Records in march 1999, featuring performances by Elton John, LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, Sting, Spice Girls, Boyz II Men, Shania Twain, James Taylor, Lenny Kravitz, Tina Turner, Dru Hill, Kelly Price, Lulu and others. Aida retells the mythical love story of Aida, Radames and Amneris, set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. The first single from the album is Written In The Stars, a duet featuring Elton John and LeAnn Rimes.
US CONCERT - The Fox Theatre, Atlanta GA
Tickets for this show sold out in two minutes and 27 seconds on January 27.
Ejfan1973 has contributed her third review from this tour! And Janet and Laura are back with some comments. Lisa Macdonald sends along this review and the great photo of the Fox's marquee. Al added his comments. Anthony in Atlantaalso contributed a review.
US CONCERT - Everglades Arena, Fort Myers FL
US CONCERT - Stephen O'Connell Center, Gainesville FL
David Evseeff wrote this review of the show. Here are Dave's thoughts on the concert. Lori Davis contributed this review. Darryl Logsdon sent along the set list and this article.
The February 28 Gainsville Sun had a review by Bill DeYoung, Sun Entertainment Editor. Here are some excerpts:
- Headline: "ELTON JOHN ROCKS O'CONNELL CENTER"
- "The ice broke about five songs in. It was Honky Cat, and Elton John began to bang out a boogie-woogie vamp on his Yamaha grand piano. And as he played, he smiled, and laughed, and threw his head back in one of his trademark, cocky, ain't-I-cool expressions."
- "And although the intimate, two-hour-plus show was virtually flawless - John remains one of rock 'n' roll's most vital and important artists - it could have used more recognizeable hits to elevate and maintain the level of electricity."
- "...his set list concentrated almost exclusively on more obscure numbers - Skyline Pigeon, Talking Old Soldiers, The Greatest Discovery - as if this veteran musician was trying to remind his audience of his beginnings as a singer/songwriter, before the days of huge sunglasses, feather boas and Donald Duck costumes.
- "Before an O'Connell Center house record of 12,168..."
- "It is a rare treat to see and hear a performer of this magnitude strip away the trappings and just sing the songs, and John's longtime, hardcore fans were the most rewarded, with renditions of little-performed numbers such as Ticking, Come Down in Time, Better off Dead and Carle/Etude.
- "Perhaps the best, and most telling, moment came during the first number, John's breakthrough 1970 hit Your Song. As he sang the line "It's for people like you that keep it turned on," he turned toward the audience and cracked a shy smile of grateful acknowledgement."
US RADIO - STAR94, Atlanta GA
Elton John spoke about Aida and the solo tour.
US CONCERT - Civic Center Arena, Peoria IL
A review (with picture) by Cindy of the show. Liz also wrote a review. Jim McKay sent this report.
US RADIO INTERVIEW - STAR 94, Atlanta GA.
Elton John in conversation for about two hours, discussing many topics and previewing four songs from the upcoming Aida album. Lisa reports the highlights in this synopsis.
US TV - Shania Twain's Winter Break (CBS network)
Shania Twain TV Special with Elton John as a guest. Taped on January 17. Filmed in Miami by Red Leaf Prods. in association with Ken Ehrlich Prods. Executive producers Ken Ehrlich, Jon Landau, Barbara Carr. Director, Larry Jordan. Writer, Ken Ehrlich. Coordinating producer, George Travis. Talent producer, Jan Stabile.
Reuters offered a pre-review by David Kronke on their newswire. Here are some excerpts:
- Headline: "Twain terminally inoffensive in TV special"
- "...the only thought seems to have gone into bringing in guests to grab desired demographics. There's Elton John for the Baby Boomers, and here's the Backstreet Boys for teen and preteen girls."
- "She calls Elton John 'the single most important influence' in her songwriting (to which Elton rejoins, 'I'm a big, big fan,' putting to rest any thoughts that someone had to twist his arm to appear)."
- "Kudos to whoever arranged for the Miami sky at sunset to match the garish red of Elton John's suit."
US CONCERT - Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids MI
A review from Marty Wright. An in-depth review from Bradley.
US CONCERT - Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City IA
Natalie wrote this review of the show. Lori sent this setlist and review. Here is a review from Lizzieliz. Liz also wrote a review. Scott Lovegren submits a review of the show, and a reminder to others about having respect for their fellow concert-goers. Mike in Minnesota was also there, and wrote this review. Walter also made a long trek to get to the show... read about his night (and his big surprise for a grateful webmaster!)
US CONCERT - Nashville Arena, Nashville TN
A two and a half hour private solo show for 9,000 employees and guests at a Taco Bell convention.
US CONCERT - SIU Arena, Carbondale IL
Sharon Kalinoski wrote this review of the show. Jim McKay sent this report.
UK TV - Comic Relief (BBC 1 TV)
This one didn't happen.
Elton John was to appear in a sketch called "Tanturms And Tiaras - The Outtake". Trailers were shown advertising it, but it got cut when the show ran overtime.
A special edition for the Red Nose Day charity appeal, featuring contributions from Elton John, Zoe Ball, John Cleese, Harry Enfield & Jack Dee.
US CONCERT - Hard Rock Live, Orlando FL
The world's biggest Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios' City Walk - a themed restaurant facility that showcases 11 different restaurants - will house new and recycled rock memorabilia from the original Universal Hard Rock Cafe. It will include a 2,500 seat concert hall, built to "resemble the Roman Colosseum after a collision with a 1958 Cadillac car."
Elton John performed for an audience of 2,000 at the grand opening, which is sold out at $150 per ticket. The show was a benefit the Give Kids The World ($1 million was raised) and Elton John AIDS Foundation ($150,000, Elton's fee for the evening, was raised) charities.
"The Elton John AIDS Foundation has had a long-standing relationship with the Hard Rock Cafe, so I am delighted to have been here to celebrate the opening of Hard Rock Live in Orlando," said Elton John. "I'm in the midst of my first ever completely solo tour so this was the perfect venue for this type of performance. I am also very grateful to the Hard Rock family for continuing to support the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. We sincerely appreciate the money that was raised tonight, which enables us to continue our work in the fight against AIDS.
Sharon Kalinoski sent along these details of the show.
US CONCERT - Pensacola Civic Center, Pensacola FL
Same set list as Peoria, except no I Only Want To Be With You. A short note from Mbobb. A crew from the 60 Minutes TV show was seen filming some of the show, scheduled to be broadcast on the April 7 1999 edition of 60 Minutes II.
US TV TAPING - Rosie O'Donnell Show
Elton John is expected to be the only guest for the hour. The show will air on March 19 1999.
US AWARD PRESENTATION - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction, Waldof Astoria Hotel New York City NY
Elton John gave the induction speech for Dusty Springfield as she was granted admittance to the Hall Of Fame. Dusty Springfield died on March 2 1999.
In an interview published at the announcement, Elton John said, "I volunteered because I loved her so much." Elton said she'd been the first performer he had ever idolised. "Hers was the first fan club I belonged to. I had pictures of Dusty all over my walls," he said. When he learnt of her death, Sir Elton sang one of Springfield's hits, I Only Want to Be With You, on March 2nd to an audience in Peoria, Illinois, as a tribute. "Dusty, wherever you are, this one's for you, my love, with all my love," he said.
At the ceremony, Elton calls Dusty ""the greatest white female singer that has ever lived... besides Tiffany," and adds, "I love you Dusty. You are enough to turn a gay boy straight... well not really!"
Elton did not perform during the traditional jam session.
US MAGAZINE - Interview, April 1999 issue
The April 1999 issue of Interview magazine (Liv Tyler cover) has an 5 page article on the Aida CD. Billed on the cover as an "Anti-Hate Exclusive", the article contains brief interviews with 14 of the participants conducted by Ingrid Sischy.
Excerpts:
- Elton John
- "Of course, we'll get killed by all these snobby opera people for even trying."
- "They are still killed, but they die together. That means they will be together for all eternity. Um, cruel but fair. Seriously, it's a beautiful, complex story, and the thing about it is that bigotry and hatred are swept out the window, and love, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding triumph."
- "I wanted a balance [of performers on the album]. I wanted to make sure that African-Americans were very present, and that there was a diversity of musicians singing the songs."
- LeAnn Rimes
- "We [Rimes and John] recorded [Written In The Stars] separately. Elton did his part and then sent it to me, and then I recorded some of it in Nashville and some in LA. The biggest challenge was to sit there and really understand how he phrased everything. When I did the harmony with Elton, I had to breathe the same way he did. It was fun."
- Angelique Kidjo
- "I did a demo of the song [Easy As Life] ... and sent it to Tina [Turner]."
- "...having a song without the flavor of Africa would not have been true."
- "...Tina said she loved the arrangement and my voice, and she wanted it all to be present in the final mix."
- Sting
- "Well, he [Elton] knows I can't refuse him."
- "Elton knows I'm very naughty. He knows I would never take a song at face value and just do it. So I messed around with the arrangement a bit and changed a couple of lyrics, just to make it personal."
- Heather Headley
- "...Elton has picked a great congregation of singers for the CD."
- "...I pray the message Aida sends will have an impact on the culture."
- Sherie Scott
- "I don't call it [A Step Too Far] that. I call it the oh-oh-oh song. ... Because that's what we called it when we [the Atlanta cast] were working on it. At one point Elton went in and sang oh-oh-oh for the chorus. And everyone liked it like that."
- "...when they asked me to be in it I was like, "When? What time?"
- Victoria Adams (Spice Girls)
- "...we were over the moon."
- "...we put our own Spice sound on it."
- James Taylor
- "I'm not very literate musically; I got involved because I have a connection with Elton through a number of projects we've done through the years."
- "We gave the song a Latin treatment, a sort of tango feel."
- Nate Morris (Boyz II Men)
- "Our instant response was 'Really?!' The whole Elton John experience was really cool with us. Just the fact that somebody as respected as him believed in us - not only to sing the song, but also to produce it - was a privilege."
- Lulu
- "... the press asked [Elton] about working with me, and he said he joked we don't literally die together on stage. We've been friends for so long."
- Lenny Kravitz
- "I'm an old opera fan."
- "[In the song Like Father Like Son] This father is saying, 'Hey, man, blood is thicker.' And as I grow older I realize what a trip your genes and your upbringing are."
- Sisqo (Dru Hill)
- "We thought that it was time to branch out and have people of other ages and races recognize us."
- "The song [Enchantment Passing Through] needed to be majestic, so I researched old 80s rock bands. I delved into Queen and Chicago, and that was the style we went for. But we gave the song a Dru Hill flavor."
- [on first hearing the demo] "I was very afraid, because it is so different from anything we'd ever done. ... I was trying to figure out how to do the song and keep the beauty of it and Elton's crossover appeal, but also ourselves and not piss off our urban fans."
- "...this song could take us to a plateau that we couldn't have reached ourselves."
- "Hopefully it will make people from my neighborhood take notice of Elton, and make people from Elton's neighborhood take notice of us."
- Kelly Price
- "I jumped at the opportunity."
- "It's [The Gods Love Nubia] very spiritual, and I connected with it immediately."
- Tim Rice
- [on what happened in Atlanta] "...the view was that the piece worked, but the way it was done didn't."
- "I write the lyrics ... send it to Elton with a note saying, `I think this is a rocker' or 'I think this is a ballad'. ...and a wild rocker comes back. So it's fun."
- "I often write little tunes of my own to the words... [when he hears Elton's music,] I'll think, Oh, it's not as good as mine. [laughs] ... it's a lot, lot better."
US AWARD PRESENTATION - Inagural RIAA Diamond Award Presentation, Roseland Ballroom, NY
The Diamond Award is a new RIAA certification for unit sales. The RIAA Gold (for 500,000 units), Platinum (for 1 million units) and "multi-Platinum" awards have been issued in the past. The Diamond award recognizes sales of 10 million units of a single title.
62 albums will be reconized at this ceremony, with many of the artists appearing. Included in the recepient list: Elton John, Billy Joel, Boyz II Men, AC/DC and Boston.
US CONCERT - Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson MS
US CONCERT - Cajundome, Lafayette LA
Photos copyright Ann, used by permission. Visit her Elton John In Concert Pictures web site.
US TV - The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Elton John is the only celebrity guest on the show. Taped on March 15. March 19 1999 was Rosie's 37th birthday.
US CONCERT - Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville AL
Closing night for this portion of the An Evening With Elton John Solo Tour. Rocket Man replaces Come Down In Time in the set list. The next show is May 21 in Bakersfield California.
Kristy Wiehe wrote this review of the show. Another review was written by Jerry Bailey. Tricia also wrote an article on the show.
Photos copyright by PJ Pettigrew. Visit PJ's web site for copies, or to see more pictures.
US PARTY - Elton John / InStyle Oscar party at Pagani, Los Angeles CA
Elton John's seventh Oscar party to benefit the EJAF, over $300,000 was raised.
US TV - The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (NBC network)
Elton John was interviewed by Jay Leno. Elton John & LeAnn Rimes sang their duet from Aida: Written In The Stars, accompanied by the Tonight Show Band, strings, brass and a choir.
Erin was there in the studio for the taping and sent this behind-the-scenes report.
UK CD - ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE'S AIDA
Walt Disney Theatrical Productions / Island Records
US CD - ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE'S AIDA
Rocket 524 628-2 Walt Disney Theatrical Productions / Island Records
- Music by Elton John
- Lyrics by Tim Rice
- Executive Producer: Phil Ramone
- Musical Director: Elton John
- Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland ME
- A&R Direction: Derek MacKillop
- Art Direction and concept by Richard Pandiscio of Pandiscio, Inc.
- Management for Elton John: Colin Bell and Frank Presland for Elton John Management, Ltd.
This track list is from the official Aida Polygram website. Read the Polygram press release for the album. Island records released this press release about Kelly Price's participation.
AIDA premiered as the stage musical Elaborate Lives: The Legend Of Aida on September 17 1998 in Atlanta. It is now being reworked in preparation for an 8 week run in Chicago starting November 5.
Of the Aida album Elton [said] "I just told people, 'Don't do the songs the same as me.' And no one has. Sting has done Another Pyramid in a very, very classic reggae way. James Taylor's done How I Know You in a very beautiful James Taylor acoustic fashion. And the Spice Girls have recorded My Strongest Suit. They're really the only people who could have done it."
US RADIO CD - In Conversation... (Syndicated radio show)
A "ready to broadcast" documentary/commercial featuring the artists talking about the making of the album. It includes interviews with Elton John, LeAnn Rimes, Tim Rice, Sting, James Taylor, Shania Twain, The Spice Girls, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, Phil Ramone, Lulu, as well as clips from the songs.
US CD - Live At The Ritz
Exclusive six-track CD sold by Target Records stores in the US, featuring selections Elton John's solo piano show at the Hotel Ritz in Paris on January 14 1998. Two of the songs (Don't Let The Sun go Down On Me and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word) were released on the UK If The River Can Bend CD single, June 2 1998.
US CD - Tower Records AIDA promotion
Rocket
Bonus CD available through Tower Records online or phone order and only with the purchase of the Aida CD. Both songs are from Elton's solo piano show at the Hotel Ritz in Paris on January 14 1998.
US TV - Today Show (NBC network)
Elton John is interviewed by Matt Lauer. Elton appears the next day as well.
US TV - The Late Show With David Letterman (CBS network)
Elton John & LeAnn Rimes are sing Written In The Stars accompanied by the Late Show Band, a gospel chorus and string orchestra..
US TV - Today Show (NBC network)
Elton John & LeAnn Rimes sing Written In The Stars, backed by a band and choir. This was Elton's second consecutive day on the show.
UK TV - Top Of The Pops
A recorded insert into the show. LeAnn Rimes appeared via a video tape.
GERMAN TV - Traumstart
Elton John performed live with LeAnn Rimes appearing on video tape.
FRANCE TV - Nulle Part Ailleurs (Canal+)
Solo electric keyboard performance live on French TV. Here is a report from the studio by Olivier Flous
US TV - World Beat (CNN cable network)
Elton John was scheduled to appear and discuss the Aida project. This was finally aired on May 23.
CANADA TV - An Audience With Elton John (Much More Music cable network)
Originally broadcast in the UK on September 27 1997.
US TV - 60 Minutes II (CBS network)
Elton John is interviewed by Charlie Rose about his life, what drives him to keep performing and how he writes songs. Includes footage shot at the March 13 1999 show in Pensacola FL and at EJAF Oscar Party. Here is an article from the CBS News web site.
US CONCERT & TV - Divas Live 99 (VH1 cable network) - Beacon Theatre, New York City NY
Elton John performs live with some of his band, Davey Johnstone, Jack Bruno, Bob Birch, John Mahon and Guy Babylon. The concert is in support of the VH1 Save The Music charity, supporting music education in US schools.
Cher said: "If you are going to have a guy, then Elton is the most diva-guy I know."
Stars of the show: Whitney Houston, Cher, Tina Turner and Brandy. Guests : LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, Chaka Khanand Mary J. Blige.
Yamaha's Summer of 1999 edition of Accent magazine featured an article and pictures about the show.
Prior to the show, Elton John was rumoured to be the surprise "diva". The show's advertising said, "... and a very special diva you have to see to believe."
US POLL - Reuters/Zogby "Top Singer Of The Century"
In the male category, Elton John finished tied with Bing Crosby for 5th place. The top ten: Frank Sinatra (21.2 percent), Elvis Presley (8.7), Garth Brooks (5.7), Luciano Pavarotti (3.6). Elton John and Bing Crosby (tied 3.1), George Strait (2.4), Nat King Cole (2.3), Perry Como (1.8) and Luther Vandross (1.7).
US CONCERT - 9th Anniversary Rainforest Concert, Carnegie Hall, New York NY
Elton John performed at this year's benefit show (the 9th) for Sting's Rainforest Foundation. $2 million was raised for the cause. Other performers on the bill included Charles Aznavour, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Ricky Martin, Don Henley, Bill Murray & Sandra Bernhard.
The performers selected Frank Sinatra songs for the show.
This review was written by Ejfan1973. Perry Passarotti also contributed a review. An article on the show from Sharon.
UK TV - As The Crow Flies (BBC2, 8.30am)
Elton John is interviewed by Janet Street-Porter walking through the English countryside. Topics include: growing up in Pinner, his Northwood Hills earnings, and ageing with dignity. Here is a transcript from Hercules.
UK TV - With A Little Help From My Friends - The Making of the Aida album (ITV, 2.30pm)
US AWARDS - BMI Pop Awards
Elton John won two awards for song-writing at the 47th Annual BMI Pop Awards. He won for both Candle in the Wind 97and Something About the Way You Look Tonight.
ENGLAND AUCTION - George Martin's score for Candle In The Wind 1997
Reuters newswire:
Sunday May 23 1:58 AM ET
Candle in the Wind Score Sold To Diana's Brother
LONDON (Reuters) - Princess Diana's brother Friday bought the original score to the tribute song Candle in the Wind '97, which Elton John sang at the princess' funeral and which became the best-selling single ever.
Earl Charles Spencer paid $40,540 at an auction in Sotheby's for the instrumental score which was penned in minutes by pop legend Sir George Martin.
The song became a best-selling single after Elton John sang it at the princess' funeral.
The hand-notated score will now become part of the Diana legacy in the museum dedicated to her life at the Spencer family's rural estate, where the princess is buried.
But a platinum disc marking the song's record 33 million sales failed to command an acceptable bid at the auction and will now return to Martin.
"(The score) was bought by Shelley-Anne Claircourt, spokesperson for the Diana museum. After the sale, she announced it would be on view at Althorp from July," a spokeswoman for Sotheby's told Reuters.
Althorp is the Spencer family's rural estate, where Princess Diana grew up. She is buried on an island in an ornamental lake.
Elton John's performance of Candle in the Wind was the emotional centerpiece of the princess' funeral in September 1997. She was killed in a high speed car crash with her companion Dodi Al Fayed in Paris in August.
Martin rose to fame producing most of the Beatles albums, and became known as the fifth Beatle.
"It was the fastest bit of writing I have ever done," he said recently of the Diana tribute which was completed in just an afternoon's work.
"We met in the studio at 1 p.m. knowing we had to work fast. I had no preconceived ideas about the arrangement so I took the precaution of booking a string quartet and a couple of woodwind for the late afternoon. I set about hastily writing a score for the musicians who were arriving."
Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin originally wrote the song as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. It was a hit in 1974.
After the death of the Princess of Wales in 1997 it was reworked by lyricist Bernie Taupin as a tribute to be played at the funeral. It was then recorded and became a sales phenomenon.
A second North American leg of Elton John's solo tour moves to cover some cities in the Northwest United States. He mentions Seattle and Boise in particular during a radio interview in early March. 17 shows in the month between May 21 (Bakersfield California) and June 19 (Providence RI).
US CONCERT - Centennial Garden, Bakersfield CA
Geoff sends this review of the show. An article from Ejfan1973 on both the Bakersfield and Fresno shows, her fifth contribution from this tour!
The Bakersfield Californian had a review, here are some excerpts:
- ... the king of 1970s and 1980s pop. Elton John entertained an enthusiastic, packed audience at the Garden Friday, singing well-known hits and some obscure tunes during a solo piano and singing performance.
- During Friday's concert, John, 52, was tastefully dressed in an all-black, casual tuxedo, trimmed with sparkling gems. He wore a dangling earring in his right ear and sipped a Diet Coke during breaks in his performance.
- "It's a beautiful, sit-down concert," said Tracy Peoples, 32, who preferred to stand up and cheer the pop singer on. "He evokes feelings, what can you say. It's amazing that one man could get the crowd going."
US CONCERT - Selland Arena, Fresno CA
A review by Gina Herring. An article from Ejfan1973 on both the Bakersfield and Fresno shows, her fifth contribution from this tour!.
US TV - World Beat (CNN cable network)
Elton John appeared on the show and discussed the Aida project. This was originally scheduled to air on April 3. Here is an excerpt from the CNN transcript.
US CONCERT - Rose Garden, Portland OR
US CONCERT - Key Arena, Seattle WA
The Seattle Times published a review, here are some excerpts:
- Posted at 08:17 a.m. PDT; Friday, May 28, 1999
Elton soars while flying solo
by Lisa Jann
Seattle Times staff reporter- "Here we are with just the piano and me," remarked a coy Elton John after the start of his sold-out performance last night at KeyArena. The ever-flamboyant pop legend tried a hand at minimalism for this latest solo show, during which he performed nearly 30 songs accompanied only by his Yamaha grand.
- Clad in a purple plaid suit with rhinestone trim, the 52-year-old singer sported a full head of fluffy brown hair and a dangly diamond skull-and-crossbones earring as he rolled through a historical tour of his immense song book. With a set list that could provide the curriculum for Elton John 101, he pounded out the crowd pleasers, prefaced songs with brief explanations of their personal meanings and remained largely faithful to his chronology, starting with Your Song and ending the 2 1/2-hour set with more recent hits.
- ... John's piano playing was characteristically mood-driving, as it careened through jazz, honky tonk and self-stylized classical. However, it became quickly apparent that his voice has mellowed naturally with age. He no longer shoots ambitiously for the falsetto highs, and his range has deepened, frosted with a slight huskiness.
- John's ecstatic mood matched that of the mature crowd, which clapped and wiggled along enthusiastically, although not always in rhythm.
- John's 30-year career has made him a gracious performer; after nearly every song, he would bow and show his appreciation 360 degrees in order not to miss a single section of the audience that surrounded him. At one point, he broke the show for five minutes as he autographed nearly every surface the crowd at the front thrust at him.
- John's solo appearance was a smooth, feel-good production, an unobstructed venue for his talents as songwriter and performer, and an admirable retrospective of his career. You're getting fair warning, though: The live concert CD will be in stores (probably around the holidays) before you know it.
US CONCERT - Spokane Arena, Spokane WA
US CONCERT - BSU Pavillion, Boise ID
Elton John's first appearance in Idaho.
US CONCERT - University of Wyoming Arena - Auditorium, Laramie WY
Yahoo! States News Service newswire report announcing the show:
John to Perform - (LARAMIE) -- Rock music superstar Elton John has scheduled a June first concert in Laramie, with the proceeds to go to the Matthew Shepard Foundation and other anti-hate groups. Tickets for the performance at the U-W Arena-Auditorium are scheduled to go on sale Monday {May 10} at the U-W box office.
Elton John's fist appearance in Wyoming. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me was dedicated to Matthew Shepard. Here is a review by Mike Aurand.The Denver Post published this review, here are some excerpts:
- Elton John performs for Shepard - and everyone
By G. Brown
Denver Post Special Writer- It was, for the people of Laramie, the gospel according to John.
- At the University of Wyoming's Arena Auditorium last night, Elton John performed to benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation and other anti-hate organizations, raising more than $250,000. Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student, was tied to a fence and beaten to death in October.
- After the opener, Your Song, the house lights came back up. John thanked everyone for coming and made a brief speech.
"When I fly over America on my broomstick, as I do a lot when I'm touring, I get to physically see and experience what a big country this is - it's big enough for everyone."
"That's what this concert is about - ending hate. Despite all the progress that has been made in civil liberties, gay rights, religious tolerance, we're still living in a world where people are hated, even killed, for the simple fact that they are a different religion, a different color, a different race, a different sex or living a different lifestyle. Such hate and violence against that which is different may seem ridiculous or unbelievable, but it is painfully real. Many of you in Laramie know how ridiculous firsthand."
"When I heard about the murder of Matthew Shepard . . . like millions of other people, my heart was burdened. I felt it was my duty as a gay man to publicly do what Dylan Thomas meant when he said, "Do not go gently into the night." I couldn't just hear about Matthew Shepard's murder and think about it as something that just happened and move on. I wanted to do a concert in his memory right here in Laramie, where he should still be living and going to school.''- John's arrivals on stage are part of show-biz history, and local fans might have expected to see him sporting a spangled costume and outrageous glasses. But he wore a black designer suit with a small sequined patch on his right shoulder. His stark, elegant stage production, replete with big video screens, took up nearly half the floor of the venue.
- John had a Teleprompter for the lyrics to his 2-hour, 45-minute concert, and he apologized for the wear and tear on his voice, but he focused on alternately caressing and pounding the keys of his Yamaha grand piano, and the wide range of material made it a classic evening for his devotees.
"I want this to be a celebration of music, not a wake,'' John said.- John also dedicated the concert to other victims of hate-crimes, including the students at Columbine High School.
US CONCERT - Kemper Arena, Kansas City MO
A review from Tom Olivier.
The Kansas City Star reviewed the show. Here are some highlights:
- Simple. Elegant. Understated. Elton John.
What's wrong with this word picture?
Subdued is not what we've come to expect from the flamboyant pop-rocker whose feathered headgear and sequined jackets were often reminiscent of road company rejects from La Cage aux Folles.- If at times it seemed that the former crocodile rocker's new stylistic approach was a bit toothless, there were other moments in the two-plus hour solo performance when the reflective treatment paid big dividends.
- A case in point was Talking Old Soldiers, an introspective, almost somber look at the twilight years that resonated long after the houselights came up.
- Ticking, a little-heard tune from John's Caribou album, offered a prescient view of troubled youth and the stinging aftereffects of hair-trigger violence. Sadly, as the singer noted, it couldn't be more relevant today than when it was written in the mid-70s.
- Rocket Man blazed with an extended, bluesy piano improvisation, though the song was marred by some extraneous audio production effects.
- Note to Elton: Maybe next time out, you could bring back a sequin or two for old time's sake.
US CONCERT - Riverport Amphitheatre, Maryland Heights MO (St. Louis)
A review from Tom Wood. A review from Shawn R. McCarver.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch published this review. Here are some highlights:
- That [cancelling a tour with Tina Turner] left John, perhaps the true king of pop, to go it alone this summer with "An Evening With" concert that came to a crowded Riverport Amphitheatre Saturday night. "This is a different kind of show. It's just me and this 9-foot black thing in front of me," John said near the top of the show, referring to his piano and the fact that the concert was without additional singers or musicians.
- John, dressed in a lime green suit peppered with sequins, gave his Yamaha grand piano a fierce workout during a 2 1/2-hour-plus show that respectfully balanced obscure songs like The Greatest Discovery, Skyline Pigeon and Talking Old Soldiers with expected fan favorites like Rocket Man, Honky Cat and I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues. Your Song opened the concert, while another song, Blessed, was his most requested, he said.
- John is a pure master at the piano, and there was no mistaking that as he dazzled the ivories with his prowess, especially on the more upbeat songs. Still, no matter how fascinating John's punchy playing could be at times, watching someone playing the piano for this long can carry some redundancy if the song selection isn't impeccable. And there was something to be said for the over-the-top extravaganzas John used to be known for. But this is a different time, and this is where John is at this point in his career.
- There was also a problem with pacing ...
- By the time the concert's home stretch rolled around, he tossed all the favorites out to the crowd like seals awaiting fish ...
US CHARITY CONCERT - Tweeter Center, Mansfield MA
Elton John flew in from the Midwest between concerts for the 20th annual KISS concert. Elton played and then presented two checks totalling $50,000, one from KISS-108 (a Boston radio station), and a second check from Brooks Pharmacy chain, to the Genesis Fund Charity.
US CONCERT - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne IN
A review from Marty Wright. A review from Rita Bjork.
US CONCERT - Ervin J. Nutter Center, Dayton OH
Photos courtesy of Austin Scott. Visit Austin's great Sir Elton web page.
A review from Jodi Holley. A review from Austin Scott.
US CONCERT - Starlake Amphitheatre, Burgettstown PA (Pittsburgh)
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published this review. Here are some excerpts:
- Concert Review: Elton John, on his own, performs brilliantly
Saturday, June 12, 1999
By Ed Masley, Post-Gazette Pop Music Critic- Somehow, it all seemed so natural -- Elton John, a piano, the stage of the Coca-Cola Star Lake Amphitheatre otherwise free of musicianly interference.
- He didn't appear to be suffering any from lack of accompaniment. And neither, to his credit, did the songs.
- The understated backing lent a poignancy to the ballads, of which there were many, while on tunes like Honky Cat he proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that you don't need a drummer to pound out a rock 'n' roll beat.
- The playing was rarely, if ever, anything less than inspired, and as such, inspiring -- proof with every flourish that John remains the greatest rock 'n' roll piano man of his or any generation.
- If Rocket Man seemed lost in orbit by the time he gave new meaning to the line, "I think it's gonna be long, long time," it proved the only tune that may have been better left unstretched.
- His later hits, in particular, seemed to benefit from the lack of slick accompaniment. Without all the '80s production, I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues could have passed for an outtake from Honky Chateau, especially when he rocked it at the end.
US CONCERT - Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls OH
A review from Jodi Holley. A review from Austin.
CANADA CONCERT - Copps Coliseum, Hamilton ON
Review by Paul Maclauchlan. A review by Chris Wills. A review by Carolyn (aka "Ms. Bug").
US CONCERT - Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY
US CONCERT - Baltimore Arena, Baltimore MD
The Baltimore Sun published an article by a fan on the day of the show. Here are some highlights:
- Dear Elton, this one's for you
Fan: It was at Merriweather 10 years ago that the clouds parted and fanaticism settled in.
By Lori Sears
Contributing Writer- It was never about Elton John's glasses or his silly costumes. It was more, much more that spoke to me, inspired me and launched me on the road to fanaticism.
- It was during my first Elton John concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion 10 years ago that I began my true pilgrimage to the land of fanaticism. Everything finally came together -- my love of classic pop, my love of the piano. I saw with my own eyes the talent, charisma and charm Elton possessed and shared with the audience. Call it envy, admiration or vicarious living. Call it what you will. But I called it wondrous.
- I was transformed. He was the most self-assured piano player I'd ever seen. He was commanding, inventive and spectacular. I was floored. He was everything I thought he'd be. After the show ended, I found myself desperate to keep discussing details of the evening. And from that day on, I would migrate to his name in record-store racks as I built up a full collection of his catalog of CDs.
- From attending fan-club gatherings around the country to planning vacations around publicity appearances of Elton's, I've done it all, fanatically speaking. I've even returned to piano lessons, with a teacher who understands the need I wish to satisfy -- to play Elton tunes. And when Elton appears at the arena tonight for a solo piano performance, I'll be there, too.
Oh, and I'll also be following him to a concert in Providence, R.I., the next day.
Ejfan1973 sends along her sixth contribution from this tour, a review of the Baltimore and Providence shows. Jenn Carroll provides some follow-up comments on the Baltimore show.
Sharon Leuschner contributes an article. David Sigler wrote this article. Vicki Canter wrote this story about the concert.
US CONCERT - Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI
Last show of the second North American leg of the An Evening With Elton John Solo Tour. The tour moves to Europe on June 25.
Ejfan1973 sends along her sixth contribution from this tour, a review of the Baltimore and Providence shows. Jeff wrote a follow-up article and supplied three great photos.
HonkyKat68 & Rocktman72 teamed up to provide this review and set list. Breton also sent some comments and a set list. Nikita sent this review. Sharon provided this review of the show.
13 shows are scheduled for a European leg of the An Evening With Elton John Solo Tour. Only 4 shows are played before Elton John's heart problems force him to undergo emergency surgery on July 9 and cancel 9 of the shows.
GERMANY CONCERT - Schlossberg Castle, Ludwigslust
Opening show of the European leg of the An Evening With Elton John Solo Tour.
Jens submitted this review of the show. Kristy Wiehe reviews this show (and the next two!)
GERMANY CONCERT - Gerry-Weber Stadion, Halle (Westfalen)
A review from Andrea Kugler. This is the second show that Kristy Wiehe
