25 years of eltonjohnallsongslist

1972: Hercules Concerts

2009-12-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Honky Chateau Tour

Europe, 19/Feb to 21/Mar & 03/Jun to 10/Sep; North America 26/Apr to 10/May & 26/Sep to 26/Nov

83 shows

The Elton John band:

Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums and Davey Johnstone as lead guitar, plus Larry Legs Smith.

Set list:

Tiny dancer
Daniel
Rock me when he's gone
Suzie (Dramas)
Your song
Levon
Border song
Rocket man
I think I'm going to kill myself
Can I put you on
Mona lisas and mad hatters
Honky cat
Madman across the water
Singin' in the rain
Country comfort
Holiday inn
Have mercy on the criminal
Crocodile rock
Take me to the pilot
Whole lotta shakin'
Hercules

Dates:

02/19 Lancaster, England; University of Lancaster
02/20 Lancs, England; Shaw Theatre NYT
02/23 Exeter, England; Exeter University
02/24 Watford, England; Town Hall
02/26 Waltham Forest, England; Technical College
02/27 Lancs, England; Shaw Theatre NYT
03/01 Aberdeen Scotland; Music Hall
03/02 Dundee, Scotland; Caird Hall
03/03 Glasgow, Scotland; Kelvin Hall
03/04 Edinburgh, Scotland; Empire Theatre
03/12 Frankfurt, Germany
03/14 Munich, Germany
03/15 Munich, Germany
03/17 Hamburg, Germany
03/20 Duesseldorf, Germany
03/21 Berlin, Germany
04/26 Waco, Texas
04/28 Houston, Texas
04/30 Austin, Texas
05/02 Columbia, MO
05/03 South Bend, Indiana; Notre Dame
05/04 East lansing, MI
05/05 Dayton, Ohio
05/06 Columbia, Ohio
05/07 Oxford, Ohio
05/08 Chicago, Illinois; Arie Crown Theatre
05/09 Chicago, Illinois; Arie Crown Theatre
05/10 Urbana, Illinois
06/03 London, England; Crystal Palace Bowl
08/26 Portsmouth, England; Guildhall
08/27 London, England; Shaw Theatre
08/31 Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England; City Hall
09/01 Manchester, England; Free Trade Hall
09/03 Croydon, England; Fairfield Hall
09/08 Glasgow, Scotland; Greens Playhouse
09/10 Oxford, England; New Theatre
09/26 Ithica, New York; Cornell University
09/27 Boston, MA; Boston Music Hall
09/28 Boston, MA; Boston Music Hall
09/29 New Haven, CT; New Haven Arena
09/30 Philadelphia, PA; The Spectrum
10/01 Rochester, NY; Memorial Auditorium
10/02 Montreal, Canada; The Forum
10/05 Toronto, Canada; Maple Leaf Gardens
10/06 Detroit, MI; Cobo Hall
10/07 Buffalo, NY; Memorial Auditorium
10/09 Long Island, NY; Nassau Coliseum
10/11 Normal, Illinois; State University
10/12 Witchita, KS; Civic Center
10/14 Ames, IA; Iowa State University
10/15 Denver, CO; Auditorium
10/18 Honolulu, Hawai; H.I.C. Arena
10/20 Seattle, WA; Seattle Arena
10/21 Berkeley, CA; Berkeley Community Theatre
10/22 Anaheim, CA; Convention Center
10/23 Los Angeles, CA; The Forum
10/24 Los Angeles, CA; The Forum
10/25 San Francisco, CA; Berkeley Community Theatre
10/26 Tuscon, AZ; Civic Plaza
10/27 San Diego, CA; Sports Arena
11/01 Stillwater, OK; Oklahoma State University
11/02 Tulsa, Oklahoma; Assemby Center
11/03 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Fairgrounds Arena
11/04 Kansas City, MO; Municipal Auditorium
11/05 Dallas, Texas; Memorial Auditorium
11/08 College Station, TX; Texas A & B
11/09 San Antonio, Texas; Municipal Auditorium
11/10 Baton Rouge, LO; Lousiana State University
11/11 Memphis, TN; Mid South Coliseum
11/12 Nashville, TN; Memorial Auditorium
11/13 Norfolk, Virginia; Scope Auditorium
11/14 Tuscaloosa, FL; University of Alabama
11/15 Atlanta, GA; Atlanta Coliseum
11/16 Charlotte, NC; Charlotte Coliseum
11/17 Charleston, NC; Civic Center
11/18 Hampton Roads, VA; Hampton Roads Coliseum
11/19 New York City, New York; Carnegie Hall
11/20 New York City, New York; Carnegie Hall
11/21 Baltimore, MD; Civic Center
11/22 Harrisburg, PA; State Farm Arena
11/24 Jacksonville, FL; Jacksonville Coliseum
11/25 Miami, Florida; Jai Alai Arena
11/26 St. Petersburg, Florida; Bay Front Center

1972: The Singles Music Charts

2009-12-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Rocket Man

United States
N. 6 (15 Weeks)

Canada
N. 8 (17 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 2 (13 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 6 (7 Weeks)

Australia
N. 13 (20 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 11 (6 Weeks)

France
N. 65 (8 Weeks)

Germany
N. 18 (3 Weeks)

Italy
N. 6 (8 Weeks)

Spain
N. 6 (20 Weeks)

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

Honky Cat

United States
N. 8 (10 Weeks)

Canada
N. 3 (27 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 31 (6 Weeks)

Australia
N. 78 (5 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 4 (9 Weeks)

Germany
N. 41 (5 Weeks)

1972: The Albums Reachin' Charts

2009-12-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Honky Chateau

United States
N. 1 (61 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 2 (23 Weeks)

Canada
N. 3 (32 Weeks)

Australia
N. 4 (32 Weeks)

Germany
N. 43 (8 Weeks)

Holland
N. 13 (4 Weeks)

Italy
N. 5 (19 Weeks)

Spain
N. 1 (23 Weeks)

Norway
N. 8 (15 Weeks)

Japan
N. 21 (17 Weeks)

Bob Birch's Concerts With Elton

2009-11-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

Bob Birch has played 1224 concerts with Elton John. Since 26 may 1992, with his first show, until last october in Barcelona, he's been travelling around the world and has visited so many countries. So: how many countries has he been performing? Which is the song most played live by him? Take a look!

United States

Albany - NY (4 times)
Albuquerque - NM (1 times)
Ames – IA (2 times)
Ames – IO( 1 times)
Amherst – MA (2 times)
Anaheim - CA (6 times)
Ann Arbor – MI (1 times)
Atlanta - GA (18 times)
Atlantic City - NJ (3 times)
Auburn Hills - MI (2 times)
Austin - TX (2 times)
Bakersfield - CA (2 times)
Baton Rouge – LA (1 times)
Beverly Hills – CA (2 times)
Biloxi – MS (2 times)
Birmingham - AL (3 times)
Boisc - ID (1 times)
Bonner Springs – KS (1 times)
Boston - MA (11 times)
Bozeman - MT (1 times)
Bridgeport - CT (2 times)
Bristow – VA (2 times)
Buffalo – NY (4 times)
Burgettstown – PA (1 times)
Camden – NJ (2 times)
Casper - WY (1 times)
Chapel Hill – NC (2 times)
Charleston – SC (1 times)
Charlotte - NC (6 times)
Charlottesville - VA (1 times)
Chicago - IL (14 times)
Cincinatti – OH (6 times)
Clemson – SC (1 times)
Cleveland - OH (4 times)
Columbia – MD (4 times)
Columbia - MO (1 times)
Columbia - SC (3 times)
Columbus - OH (6 times)
Cyahoga Falls – OH (1 times)
Dallas - TX (6 times)
Dayton – OH (1 times)
Denver - CO (4 times)
Detroit – MI (9 times)
Duluth – GA (1 times)
East Rutherford – NJ (3 times)
El Paso - TX (1 times)
Essex Junction. VT (1 times)
Estero - FL (1 times)
Evansville – IN (1 times)
Estero - FL (1 times)
Fargo - ND (3 times)
Fort Lauderdale - FL (5 times)
Foxboro – MA (4 times)
Fresno - CA (2 times)
Gainesville - FL (1 times)
Glendale - AZ (1 times)
Grand Rapids – MI (1 times)
Green Bay – WI (1 times)
Greensboro – NC (1 times)
Greenville - SC (3 times)
Hartford – CN (4 times)
Hartford - CT (4 times)
Hershey - PA (1 times)
Hollywood – CA (2 times)
Houston - TX (10 times)
Indianapolis - IN (5 times)
Jacksonville - FL (3 times)
Kansas City - MO (3 times)
Knoxville – TN (2 times)
Lafayette – LA (1 times)
Landover – MD (2 times)
Laredo – TX (1 times)
Las Vegas - NV (253 times)
Lexington – KY (2 times)
Little Rock – AR (1 times)
Los Angeles – CA (14 times)
Louisville – KY (2 times)
Madison - WI (3 times)
Manchester - NH (2 times)
Mansfield – MA (6 times)
Maryland Hgts – MO (1 times)
Memphis - TN (3 times)
Miami – FL (6 times)
Milwaukee - WI (7 times)
Minneapolis – MN (6 times)
Missoula - MT (2 times)
Moline - IL (2 times)
Mountain View – CA (2 times)
Nashville - TN (7 times)
New Orleans – LA (2 times)
New York City- NY (50 times)
Noblesville – IN (1 times)
Norfolk - VA (1 times)
North Charleston - SC (1 times)
Oakland – CA (4 times)
Oklahoma City - OK (3 times)
Omaha - NE (2 times)
Orlando - FL (6 times)
Pensacola - FL (2 times)
Philadelphia - PA (17 times)
Phoenix - AZ (4 times)
Pittsburgh – PA (5 times)
Portland - MA (1 times)
Portland - OR (4 times)
Providence - RI (1 times)
Pullman - WA (2 times)
Raleigh – NC (3 times)
Reading - PA (1 times)
Reno – NV (1 times)
Richmond - VA (2 times)
Roanoke – VI (1 times)
Rosemont - IL (1 times)
Sacramento - CA (4 times)
Salt Lake City - UT (4 times)
San Antonio - TA (1 times)
San Antonio – TX (3 times)
San Diego - CA (5 times)
San Francisco – CA (2 times)
San Jose – CA (3 times)
Savannah - GA (1 times)
Seattle - WA (4 times)
Silver Lake – CA (1 times)
Sioux Falls - SD (1 times)
St. Louis – MO (5 times)
St. Paul - MN (3 times)
State College – PA (3 times)
Syracuse – NY (2 times)
Tacoma – WA (3 times)
Tallahassee - FL (3 times)
Tampa - FL (5 times)
Texan – TX (1 times)
Tulsa - OK (1 times)
Tupelo – MI (1 times)
Uncasville - CT (2 times)
Uniondale – NY (6 times)
Universal City – CA (1 times)
Virginia Beach – VA (2 times)
Washington - DC (5 times)
Wilkes Barre - PA (2 times)
Winston Salem - NC (2 times)

Hawaii

Honolulu (2 times)

Puerto Rico

San Juan (1 time)

Canada

Calgary( 1 times)
Edmonton( 2 times)
Hamilton( 2 times)
Kelowna( 1 times)
Montreal( 6 times)
Ottawa( 3 times)
Quebec City( 2 times)
Regina( 2 times)
Saskatoon( 2 times)
Toronto( 9 times)
Vancouver( 5 times)
Winipeg( 2 times)

United Kingdom

Aberdeen( 1 times)
Berkshire( 1 times)
Birmingham( 12 times)
Bolton( 1 times)
Bournemouth( 1 times)
Bristol( 2 times)
Cardiff( 2 times)
Carlise( 1 times)
Charlton( 1 times)
County Durham( 1 times)
Coventry( 1 times)
Darlington( 1 times)
Doncaster( 1 times)
Edinburgh( 1 times)
Glasgow( 7 times)
Hove( 1 times)
Huddersfield( 1 times)
Inverness( 1 times)
Ipswich( 1 times)
Kent( 1 times)
Kilmarnock( 1 times)
Liverpool( 3 times)
London( 42 times)
Manchester( 8 times)
Newcastle( 2 times)
Newcastle Upon-Tyne( 1 times)
Norfolk( 1 times)
Norwich( 1 times)
Nottingham( 3 times)
Oxford( 1 times)
Paddock Wood( 1 times)
Perth( 1 times)
Plymouth( 1 times)
Reading( 1 times)
Sheffield( 6 times)
Somerset( 1 times)
Southampton( 1 times)
Stoke-On-Trent( 1 times)
Swansea( 1 times)
Swindon( 1 times)
Watford( 1 times)
Weybridge-Surrey( 1 times)
Worcester( 1 times)

Ireland

Belfast( 2 times)
Co.Kerry( 1 times)
Cork( 1 times)
Dublin( 4 times)
Limerick( 1 times)

Gibraltar

Gibraltar( 1 times)

Australia

Adelaide( 4 times)
Brisbane( 4 times)
Canberra( 1 times)
Canungra( 1 times)
Darwin( 1 times)
Hunter Valley( 2 times)
Launceston. Tasmania( 1 times)
Melbourne( 8 times)
Perth( 5 times)
Sydney( 15 times)
Tanunda( 1 times)
Thuringowa( 1 times)
Werribee( 2 times)

New Zealand

Auckland( 4 times)
New Plymouth( 1 times)
Wellington( 1 times)

France

Cannes( 1 times)
Divonne( 1 times)
Grenoble( 1 times)
Lievin( 1 times)
Lyon( 2 times)
Metz( 1 times)
Monte Carlo. Monaco( 1 times)
Nancy( 1 times)
Nimes( 4 times)
Paris( 14 times)
Strasbourg( 1 times)
Toulon( 1 times)

Germany

Aschaffenburg( 2 times)
Baden-Baden( 1 times)
Berlin( 6 times)
Bielefeld( 2 times)
Bonn( 1 times)
Bremen( 1 times)
Cologne( 2 times)
Dortmund( 4 times)
Dresden( 1 times)
Dusseldorf( 2 times)
Erfurtn( 2 times)
Frankfurt( 6 times)
Halle( 1 times)
Hamburg( 4 times)
Hannover( 2 times)
Kiel( 1 times)
Koblenz( 1 times)
Konstanz( 1 times)
Leipzig( 1 times)
Mannheim( 1 times)
Moenchengladback( 1 times)
Munich( 7 times)
Nuremburg( 2 times)
Oberhausen( 1 times)
Riesa( 1 times)
Stuttgart( 4 times)
Wels( 1 times)
Wiesbaden( 1 times)
Wolfsburg( 1 times)

Austria

Innsbruck( 1 times)
Ischgl( 1 times)
Salzburg( 1 times)
Vienna( 5 times)

Poland

Sopot( 1 times)
Warshaw( 1 times)

Switzerland

Basel( 3 times)
Frauenfeld( 1 times)
Lausanne( 2 times)
Vevey( 1 times)
Zurich( 10 times)

Luxembourgh

Luxembourgh City( 1 times)

Holland

Rotterdam( 5 times)

Belgium

Antwerp( 2 times)
Brussels( 2 times)
Ghent( 2 times)
Werchter( 1 times)

Italy

Bergamo( 1 times)
Bologna( 2 times)
Lucca( 1 times)
Milan( 5 times)
Monza( 1 times)
Perugia( 1 times)
Pesaro( 2 times)
Pordenone( 1 times)
Rome( 3 times)
Venice( 2 times)
Verona( 2 times)

Spain

Barcelona( 3 times)
Benidorm( 1 times)
Guadalajara( 1 times)
La Coruña( 1 times)
Madrid( 2 times)
Marbella( 1 times)
Mijas( 1 times)
Oviedo( 1 times)
Pamplona( 1 times)
Sevilla( 1 times)
Tenerife( 1 times)
Xativa( 1 times)

Portugal

Lisboa( 1 times)

Norway

Fredrikstads( 1 times)
Kristiansand( 1 times)
Oslo( 12 times)

Sweden

Goteborg( 3 times)
Malmo( 1 times)
Stockholm( 6 times)

Denmark

Aarhus( 1 times)
Copenhagen( 5 times)
Odense( 1 times)

Finland

Helsinki( 4 times)
Turku( 1 times)

Hungary

Budapest( 1 times)

Czech Republic

Prague( 1 times)

Slovakia

Bratislava( 1 times)

Romania

Bucharest( 1 times)

Estonia

Tallin( 1 times)

Latvia

Riga( 1 times)

Lithuania

Vilnius( 1 times)

Ukraine

Kyiv( 1 times)

Russia

Moscow( 4 times)
Rostov-On-Don( 1 times)
Sochi( 1 times)
St. Petersburg( 1 times)

Greece

Athens( 1 times)

Turkey

Istanbul( 1 times)

Israel

Tel Aviv( 1 times)

Mexico

Mexico City( 6 times)

Argentina

Buenos Aires( 3 times)

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro( 2 times)
Sao Paolo( 1 times)

Colombia

Bogota( 1 times)

Venezuela

Caracas( 1 times)

Chili

Santiago( 1 times)

Azerbajan

Baku( 1 times)

Trinidad & Tobago Islands

Tobago( 1 times)

Japan

Fukuoka( 1 times)
Nagoya( 1 times)
Osaka( 2 times)
Tokyo( 6 times)

China

Hong Kong( 3 times)
Shanghai( 2 times)

Taiwan

Taipei( 1 time)

South Korea

Seoul( 1 time)

Singapore

Singapore( 4 times)

Thailand

Bangkok( 1 time)

India

Bangalore( 1 times)

United Arab Emirates

Dubai( 1 times)
Abu Dhubi( 1 times)

South Africa

Cape Town( 1 times)
Durban( 1 times)
Johannesburg( 2 times)

And the songs on the set list:

Don't let the sun go down on me (1166 times)
I guess that's why they call it the blues (1141 times)
Rocket man (1093 times)
Saturday night's alright (1088 times)
Philadelphia freedom (1058 times)
Bennie and the jets (1043 times)
The bitch is back (1022 times)

Daniel (934 times)
Tiny dancer (920 times)
I'm still standing (878 times)
Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding (809 times)
Sorry seems to be the hardest word (648 times)
Take me to the pilot (633 times)
Your song (614 times)
Pinball wizard (576 times)
The one (574 times)
Someone saved my life tonight (559 times)
Crocodile rock (540 times)
Believe (512 times)

Levon (456 times)
Goodbye yellow brick road (414 times)
Sad songs (392 times)
Simple life (389 times)
I don't wanna go on with you like that (361 times)
Sacrifice (358 times)
Honky cat (318 times)
I want love (299 times)
Mona lisas and mad hatters (296 times)

Great balls of fire (234 times)
Burn down the mission (223 times)
Candle in the wind (211 times)
Can you feel the love tonight (195 times)
You may be right (177 times)
All the girls love Alice (173 times)
Something about the way you look tonight (169 times)
The show must go on (156 times)
This train don't stop there anymore (144 times)
Mona lisas and mad hatters part two (143 times)
The wasteland (137 times)
Ballad of the boy in the red shoes (131 times)
Madman across the water (130 times)
My life (126 times)
Grey seal (122 times)
Come down in time (121 times)
Are you ready for love (119 times)
Made in England (113 times)
Holiday inn (103 times)
The Bridge (103 times)

They call her the cat (97 times)
Answer in the sky (96 times)
Turn the ligths out when you leave (94 times)
Uptown girl (93 times)
Original sin (88 times)
A hard day's night (85 times)
House (83 times)
Dixie Lily (76 times)
All that I'm allowed (I'm thankful) (73 times)
Lucy in the sky with diamonds (73 times)
If the river can bend (72 times)
Have mercy on the criminal (67 times)
Circle of life (66 times)
American triangle (64 times)
Pain (63 times)
Blue avenue (56 times)
Herkules (50 times)
Recover your soul (50 times)

Captain Fantastic & Brown Dirt Cowboy (49 times)
Porch swing in Tupelo (49 times)
Freaks in love (48 times)
Empty garden (46 times)
Weight of the world (44 times)
My elusive drug (42 times)
Whitewash county (42 times)
The Captain and the Kid (36 times)
I'm going to be a teenage idol (35 times)
Love's got a lot to answer for (35 times)
Lucille (33 times)
New York state of mind (33 times)
They Say It's Your Birthday (33 times)
Back In The U.S.S.R. (32 times)
Lies (32 times)
Postcards from Richard Nixon (32 times)
Nikita (27 times)
Electricity (26 times)
Tinderbox (26 times)
Harmony (25 times)
Here comes the sun (25 times)

Healing hands (24 times)
When a woman doesn't want you (24 times)
(Gotta get) A meal ticket (23 times)
Blues never fade away (23 times)
Jumping jack flash (23 times)
Birds (22 times)
Sand and water (22 times)
Border song (20 times)
Blue eyes (19 times)
Come together (19 times)
Roy Rogers (18 times)
Stone's throw from hurtin' (18 times)
Country comfort (17 times)
Skyline Pigeon (17 times)
Better off dead (15 times)
Tell me when the whistle blows (15 times)
Blessed (14 times)
We all fall in love sometimes / Curtains (13 times)
Runaway train (12 times)
A woman's needs (10 times)
Bite your lip, get up and dance (10 times)
Just like Noah's Ark (10 times)
The king must die (10 times)

High-flying bird (8 times)
Old 67 (8 times)
Bitter fingers (6 times)
Don't go breaking my heart (5 times)
Sixty years on (5 times)
Where to now St. Peter? (5 times)
Wouldn't have you any other way (NYC) (5 times)
I must have lost it on the wind (4 times)
Mansfield (4 times)
Club at the end of the street (3 times)
I can't keep this from you (3 times)
Little Jeannie (3 times)
Long way from happiness (2 times)
Singin' in the rain (2 times)
Texan love song (2 times)
Written in the Stars (2 times)

(What the hell is wrong with) Expressing yourself (1 time)
16th Century man (1 time)
Auld Lang Syne (1 time)
Ballad of a well known-gun (1 time)
Children of the revolution (1 time)
El Dorado (1 time)
Friends never say goodbye (1 time)
Grandma's song (1 time)
Like father like son (1 time)
Salvation (1 time)
Someday out of the blue (1 time)
The trail we blaze (1 time)
Tutti frutti (1 time)
We once were kings (1 time)
Without question (1 time)

Eltonites About Bob Birch

2009-11-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

“It is nice to see Bob Birch being highlighted here. I have to say that Bob seems to be an underrated (by the fans) bass guitarist / backing vocalist. Hard to believe but Bob has been EJ's bassist longer than anyone - even Dee Murray. When EJ and the band came to Toronto earlier this year for the "Face-to-Face" shows I thought that Bob really stood out. The sound was magnificent and Bob sounded tremendous! I don't like to compare musicians because each has their own something special...but Bob and Nigel, as a rhythm section, were pretty hard to beat that night! Bob seemes to really enjoy playing with EJ - lots of small bits of interaction between them live. Thankfully, he seems to have recovered fully (after years of pain) from that pedestrian vs. truck accident in Montreal back on the MADE IN ENGLAND tour in 1995. Thanks for all the great music Bob!” (DougS)

"Bob is a great guy. Had a chance to meet and chat with him in Gainsville, Florida." (Missy Gyms)

"Cool interview! I knew there was a reason Bob is one of my faves....Blues for Baby and Me AND Harmony in his top 5 list!!" (Harmony59)

Please, Eltonites, get up, stand up to receive one of the greatest musicians of the world... the fantastic... Bob Birch!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-26T12:46:00.001-08:00

Dear Eltonites. Today is a very special day. We have here a very special musician. It's our guest of the week. A current member of Elton's band. He is always on Elton's side of the stage. Allsongslist doors are all wide open to receive the giantic, the incredible and charismatic: Bob Birch!!!

Hello Bob, it's so nice to have you here. Thank you very much for being here. Let's start, then.

Which are your most beautiful memories of your childhood? How it was growing up in Detroit, Michigan?

I don't remember much of my childhood, but growing in Detroit was amazing for a musician. In those days, great music was everywhere that you went. You could see the greatest live bands any night of the week. Detroit rules.

Yeah! At what age you decide you wanted to be a musician, Bob? And what were your musical influences?

I started playing instruments at the age of 8. I was always playing music and really started making money at it when I was 15. My influences were all the great jazz artists in America. Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Scotty LaFaro...just to name a few. Motown was a hugh influence. On to the 70's fusion era......... Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Herbie Hancock. 70's R&B...... Earth, Wind, and Fire, Rufus, Ohio Players, Sly and the Family Stone. Then to melodic 70's rock. Big influences were Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. 70's melodic rock is an education in itself. That's when I discovered Elton John and many other artists of the time that wrote and performed their own compositions.

In 1985 you collaborated in a group called “Fortune”, maybe first time you were credited as a professional musician. And in 1987, you and Guy Babylon both were part of the band Ashton, along with drummer Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, I think. The band issued a critically acclaimed 'Modern Pilgrims' album through RCA Records, produced by Paul Rothschild, but they disbanded one year later. What happened?

With Fortune, we had a song in Billboard's top 100, but when it came time to tour, the record company (MCA) wouldn't give us the money, and that's what we really needed to make the thing big. With Ashton, we were a bit late. The Seattle grunge sound started to happen, and once again, the record budget was so hugh, that when it came time to tour, RCA wouldn't back it. Both of these projects were really special and we all learned a lot from them. We all remain friends and still work together at times.

Great!! How you got involved with Elton and how you ended up recording and touring with him?

I was working with Guy Babylon in different bands and recording projects since 1985. He got the gig with Elton about the same time the Ashton record came out. When Elton came off the road in 1990, I met Davey Johnstone, through Guy, and we started to work on the Warpipes record. When Elton went back on tour in 1992, he wanted to use a new bass player and Davey and Guy recommend me.

Good!! Have you been an Elton fan before? Remember the first time you heard Elton’s music and what moves you to buy his music, in that case?

Yes, what musician can't be a fan of Elton's music in one way or another. I don't remember the first music I heard of Elton's, but I was always impressed by the songwriting and piano playing. The production and string arrangements always got my ear.

When the unforgettable Guy Babylon passed away (not in our memories, not in our hearts), John Jorgenson told me “he was a very high quality person as well as being extremely focused and talented”. But if someone knew more about him, that is you. What could you say about our greatest “keyboard wizard”? We’ll miss him for the rest of our days for sure.

Guy was one of a kind. He would give 110% to everything he did. He was a true genius and I will never stop missing him, both as a band member, music partner and as a friend.

(pause) About the recording sessions. Which is the sequence since Bernie writes the lyrics until the album comes out? And how it is to work with Elton in the studio?

This is how it's done...............Elton sits down at the piano with a stack of Bernie's lyrics(or whatever lyricist he's working with) and while he's looking at the stack, decides what lyric he wants to write to, and after playing with the tune, both vocally and instrumentally for about 10 to 15 minutes, the song is done. That's the way he has always worked. As a musician and composer, you won't believe it till you witness it. It is truely one of the most amazing things that I've ever seen.

How many songs could be recorded for an album session? And remember some of the titles, from “Made In England”, “The Big Picture”, “Songs From West Coast” or “Peachtree Road” for example, that didn’t see the light?

It all depends on when Elton feels he has the writing of the record finished.

Was it difficult to replace Dee Murray in Elton’s band? Did you feel any pressure for being true to his versions?

No one could ever replace Dee. Those were his bass lines that made the songs what they were. I just wanted to try and reproduce them. I could play my own stuff, but to me, those bass lines on the record are part of the song. I don't think there was any pressure...........it's just the respect to play the right thing.

While rehearsing for one tour: who decides the songs to be on the set lists? How many songs you are rehearsing per tour? And which songs do you would like to include on a next to be set list? Perhaps “Into The Old Man’s Shoes”, the “B” side of “Your Song”? Just an idea.

Elton picks the songs he wants to play. Every fan has their own idea of what songs they want to hear, but the fans have to remember that 80% of the audience what to hear the hits. I would like to play "Blues For Baby and Me".

A good choice, really. Maybe we must suggest that to Davey. Oh, any experience playing live with Elton you could share with us, Bob?

It's always fun and the fans are great.

Who came up with the idea to create “Warpipes”? And why not a second album? There is genuine rock on “Rock and Roll Condition" and "Son of a loaded gun." But my favourite is “Tear Jerker”, that’s a classic: beautifully sung, great harmonies. I love that band.

Warpipes was Davey's idea. We got in some bad legal battles and lawsuits with the management and record company, so a second record was not about to happen

Other collaborations are with Rick Whitefield, Snuffy Walden, GeneralStore, The Newmastersounds. I was so surprised to see you collaborated on “Ghosts of the Open Road” debut album, back in 1995. The Ghosts were treading a path that is not very common: talented progressive rock with searing riffs and solos. In fact, I love “Red Asphalt” track. How many albums recorded that group?

The Newmastersounds is not me. There is a very talented keyboard player by the name of Bob Birch. I was just a session musician on the Ghost stuff. I think they did 2 albums. I record and write music almost everday. Some things you will see my name on, some not. I played on Keith Emerson's first solo record in 8 years, Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla. Marc is a guitar player friend of mine and we do a lot of music together. He's probably one of the best in the world. I also wrote and played on a song on Joseph Williams solo record "This Fall". Joseph sang with Toto for a while and is an amazing composer........... his dad is John Williams. It was a real kick to have my name on a record with the Toto boys. Lukather, Paich, Pocaro, and Bobby Kimball. Those guys are some of my musical heros. Check out Steve Archer's album "Call It Grace". It's christian music that grooves. I got to play with one of my heros, Michael Omartian. He produced and played piano on some great records in the 70's and 80's.

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

I like spending time with my beautiful wife Michele and my son Jonathan, and my 2 fab Dobermans, Ellie and Jackson.

Oh, finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, where I tried to find the best of his songs ever?

Harmony, Blues For Baby and Me, Recover your soul, Electricity, and Little Jeannie.

Thank you very much, Bob. It was so nice for me doing this interview. I am sure eltonites loved it. Precisely, would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

Thanks for being there. A Rock Superstar is nothing without his or her fans.

And we really need you, Bob. That's feedback: music for loyalty. Well, I would like to thank you for sharing your time with us, eltonites. It has been so amazing and it really was my pleasure. Keep well and I wish you all the best to you and your loving people. Also, I would like to thank you the fabulous Michele for collaborating too. Please, send a big kiss for her too. Thanks too Anna Montras for the pictures of Bob Birch. Oh, Bob, before you go, I have some people here who would like to tell you something:

Steve Archer, singer, songwriter and producer: "I was so glad to have Bob Birch play on my "Call It Grace" project! His chops on the track "His Way" made the groove solid. I have been blessed to work in the studio with some of the best in the world,(John Pattucci, Abe Laboriel, David Hungate and Leeland Sklar), Bob is right there!"

Jay Bolan, guitarist and vocalist: "Bob is one of my best friends, we have played together since 1985 he was one of my guys. He's an amazing musical talent, outstanding ear and sense of music in totality, and he loves to "rock" especially Zep or Van Halen. I used to play these amazing rock gigs and he laid it down, with great players like Gregg and Matt Bissonette, Danny Jacob, Rocket Ritchotte, Sergio Gonzales. We have had so many amazing times and gigs together. He produced a beautiful track he wrote with Davey called "Bring Only Love". I sang on that track. I used to go hang with the boys in Atlanta in the early and mid 90s when they were recording with Elton and we had some great laughs. It's making me remember so much..... more than happy to help say cool stuff about my friend."

Marc Bonilla, composer, guitarist and vocalist: "I could count the number of friends on one hand that I have that are both superior musicians and true people of character, dependable to the end and Bob Birch would top that list. Ever since the early 90's when we both had the good fortune to work together, I have probably shared some of my best musical experiences with him, both onstage and in the studio. He has the ability to play any type of music from hard rock to jazz to R&B and make it sound as though that was the only style he ever played. His sense of humor is always a joy to be around and his loyalty to myself and our bandmates as well as Elton is well-documented and altogether rare in this industry. If and when I ever leave this planet and God sees fit to have me upstairs, my band would include Jimi Hendrix, John Bonham, Freddie Mercury, and Bob Birch. But I'll wait..."

Thank you Steve. Thank you Jay. Thank you Marc. You have been so kind to help me with that surprise for Bob. You're all great musicians and I have so much fun hearing your respective albums. A must have, really. Finally, I also would like to thank Don Somerville and John Arnold for their help, without them couldn't been impossible to reach the stars.

Bob: I hope you like the surprise and I made you smile, you deserve all the best.

Bob Birch In Music Charts

2009-11-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

United States

1985
Fortune, "Fortune"
Stacy
N. 80

1986
Luis Cardenas, "Animal Instinct"
Runaway
N. 83

1995
Elton John, " Made In England"
N. 13

1996
“The Craft”, Soundtrack Album
N. 98

Various Artists, Legacy: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac's Rumours
N. 86

1997
Elton John "The Big Picture"
N. 9

1998
Elton John and Tim Rice, "Aida"
N. 41

2000
Elton John, "The Road To El Dorado"
N. 63

Elton John, "One Night Only"
N. 65

2001
Elton John, "Songs From The West Coast"
N. 15

2004
Elton John, "Peachtree Road"
N. 17

2005
B.B. King, "80s"
N. 45

2006
Elton John, "The Captain And The Kid"
N. 18

2007
Various Artists, "Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino"
N. 104

Unforgettable People (XL): Bob Birch

2009-11-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in Michigan, Detroit, Bob Birch played saxophone, bass and bassoon, throughout his school years. After graduating from the fine musical institution of Wayne State, with performance and a education degree, he moved to Los Angeles. He played in several Californian groups and also toured with Jose Feliciano. In 1986, he joined future Elton’s keyboard player Guy Babylon in a band called Ashton, and issued in 1988 the critically acclaimed 'Modern Pilgrims' album through RCA Records. Before, he was “Bobby” Birch on a male pop rock group called Fortune, then with Larry Greene on vocals, along with brothers Richard Fortune on guitar and Mick Fortune on drums, plus keyboardist Roger Scott Craig. Although the album achieved significant sales in Europe and Japan, the band itself received virtually no revenue or recognition. He did several other projects together with Babylon in the mid 80s. And he also was part of the group The Stickmen, which featured John Mahon and a drummer and vocalist.

In 1991, Guy Babylon recommended him to join “Warpipes”, a group featured some members of Elton’s band, where Davey Johnstone wrote most of the music and lyrics were provided by Steve Trudell. When Davey needed a bass player for Elton’s 1992 world tour, after Pino Palladino declined the work, he inmediatily thought about Bob Birch.

In 1995, while “Made In England Tour”, Bob Birch crushed his legs and his lower back was broken when a truck spun out of control while he was walking down a Montreal sidewalk, and forced the band urgency to find another bass player; David Paton finished the tour. And during the recent Red Piano concert in Rotterdam, Holland, Bob had to perform from a chair due to suffering a back injury. “His leg was bothering him but he is doing fine”, explained me Michele Birch, asking about this.

In 1997, he collaborated with Davey Johnstone on music for an episode of Fox TV's "King Of The Hill". And Jimmy Hunter's “Cazador” sessions bred Bob Birch recording rythm section with Rod Stewart guitarrist Paul Warren, and collaborated with them on 2005 album, "A Slender Thread," by rock singer, songwriter, and Austin, TX native Stacey Evans. Other project in 2005 found Bob Birch in Steve Archer’s reflective solo album “Call It Grace”; Steve is formerly from The Archers, an American contemporary Christian music group of the 70s.

Also he featured on the debut solo album from Emerson, Lake & Palmer member Keith Emerson. The Keith Emerson Band, with guitarist vocalist Marc Bonilla along with Bob Birch on bass and Gregg Bissonette on percussion, released “The House Of Ocean Born Mary", 2008, inspired by a romantic New England ghost story from Marion Lowndes, first published in "Ghosts that still walk" (1941). It consists of brand new compositions written by both talented Marc Bonilla and Keith Emerson, with Marc Bonilla complementing Keith with his exquisite guitar playing and superb vocals. Also he produced bands like Crush Velvet Cowboys and mastered Generalstore’s “Mountain Review” at Masterdix, Los Angeles.

Bob is a great reader and has an awesome feel on the bass. In the years since, he has become a centerpiece of Elton’s band, described by Elton himself as his greatest bass player. Only I hope he could fulfill one of his dreams to see Elton recording live again with a trio, like he did on Bob’s favourite album “11-17-70”. Just a suggestion.

Pictures of Bob Birch courtesy by Brigitte Jouet-Pastre's archive

1996: Love Song Chronology

2009-11-21T10:27:00.000-08:00

January, 1

Queen Elizabeth II placed Elton John on her New Year's Honors list, he was recognized "for services to music and for charitable services," and received a CBE award, or Commander of the Order of British Empire.

February, 22

Elton announced Graham Taylor return to Watford F.C., preceding Elton's own return.

April, 1

"Give me something dangerous", Elton bet to Disney executives. The result, an update of Verdi's nineteenth century opera Aida, another Disney project slated for Broadway. A demo recording sung by Elton, and provided by Tim Rice's lyrics were premiered for Disney executives at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York. Auditions for children to be in workshops productions were held 1 June 1996.

June, 4

"Elton's Closet" in Atlanta's Lenox Square, benefiting the AIDS Foundation.

June, 20

Star-studded event at Parco Novi Sad in Modena, Italy found Elton duetting with Luciano Pavarotti on "Live Like Horses". Concert were held for War Child, and victims of war and civil unrest in Bosnia, Guatemala, Kosovo, and Iraq. After the war in Bosnia, he financed and established the Pavarotti Music Center in the southern city of Mostar to offer Bosnia’s artists the opportunity to develop their skills. For these contributions, the city of Sarajevo named him an honorary citizen in 2006.

July, 7

"Tantrums And Tiaras" was premiered on ITV. David Furnish painted an intimate portrait of the prolific and outrageous Elton John, shot over the course of one of his most succesful years ever, 1995. With glamour everywhere, from their appearances on the Brit Awards and the Oscars to his massive 108-show world tour.

September, 24

"Love Songs" compilation was released in U.S. containing Elton's most famous ballads and two new songs, "You Can Make History (Young Again)" and "No Valentines".

December, 12

Britain's Court of Appeal sliced off most of the damages Elton had won against The Sunday Mirror for its report in 1992 that he'd been seen at a party chewing food and then spitting out. Although the offending story was false, the judges said, it hadn't hamed Elton's personal image or artistic reputation.

December, 14

Elton participated on The Balm in Gilead's Jessye Norman Benefit Concert for the healing of AIDS at Riverside Church. The show consisted on Opera Ebony Singers, the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, and The Riverside Church Choir, a night of psalms by Maya Angelou, a night of truth by Whoopi Goldberg, a night of reality by Toni Morrison, a night of dance by Bill T. Jones, a night of characters by actress Anna Deavere Smith and a night of drum rituals by Max Roach.

1996: The Singles Music Charts

2009-11-17T12:48:00.001-08:00

Your Song

Japan
N. 49 (4 Weeks)

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

Live Like Horses

United Kingdom
N. 9 (6 Weeks)

France
N. 47 (4 Weeks)

Austria
N. 35 (1 Week)

Holland
N. 74 (8 Weeks)

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

You Can Make History (Young Again)

United States
N. 70 (17 Weeks)

Canada
N. 19 (15 Weeks)

1996: The Albums Reachin' Charts

2009-11-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

Love Songs:
United States
N. 24 (76 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 4 (48 Weeks)

Canada
N. 11 (5 Weeks)

Australia
N. 8 (35 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 1 (17 Weeks)

France
N. 1 (21 Weeks)

Germany
N. 7 (43 Weeks)

Austria
N. 4 (34 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 2 (31 Weeks)

Holland
N. 2 (57 Weeks)

Italy
N. 2 (33 Weeks)

Spain
N. 8 (21 Weeks)

Norway
N. 1 (25 Weeks)

Sweden
N. 2 (20 Weeks)

Japan
N. 12 (21 Weeks)

The Eltonite's Day with... Linda A. Stienstra!!!

2009-11-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Eltonites. We have here one of the greatest eltonites I've found out there. I met her in Munich, in an hercules fan convention,and I was surprised how many concert she had seen. She has been almost everywhere. And she's a dearest person. Please a big welcome for the one and only: Linda!!!!!!!

Could you tell us more, please, who are you and where are you from?

I'm Linda A. Stienstra and live in Groningen, the Netherlands.

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

I've been an Elton fan as long as I can remember; I think ever since I heard Your song. Elton has everything I like in music: great voice, fantastic piano player, beatiful slow songs and great rock songs and of course he's a fantastic showman.

Great!!! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him, get a signed autograph or even, speak with him or with other member of his band?

The first time I ever saw Elton live was in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I had a seat way up in the ring, so I didn't get anywhere near him. But I remember that I was very excited anyway, to finally for the first time see him live. Ever since I've seen him about 45 times so far. I have many autographs from him and at quite a few of the Red piano shows I managed to get on stage. He does recognize me, for I'm always wearing my orange (national color of the Netherlands) feather boa. I got a handshake at some occasions, which was of course super. A couple of years ago Elton's band and I traveled in the same aeroplane from Dublin to Manchester and I spoke to all bandmembers, who were really very kind.

Wow!!! And 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?

My dreamed Elton concert should be a mixture: some songs by Elton with the band, some songs by Elton solo and some by Elton with a full orchestra. That all in one concert would be wonderful. The concert that I missed and would have loved to be at is the One night only concert in Madison Square Garden.

How it was, and still is, the success of Elton in your country? Which have been his hits in sales terms? And which are dutch’s favorite Elton's albums or songs? And could you still hear Elton's music in the radio, nowadays?

There are of course still loads of fans in the Netherlands; his recent concert in Rotterdam was sold out. And that he is still popular in my country is obvious, for varios radio stations broadcast his concert live. His most popular songs are Your song, I'm still standing, Sorry seems to be the hardest word and Don't go breaking my heart. At least those are the songs that are played on the radio.

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?

The first ever autograph I got from Elton is my favourite Elton item.

What do you think about news of Elton going to studio again for a 2009 album? What type of album would you expect? And the record's company release of more DeLuxe editions, without forgetting an special box of Elton's duets and rock numbers, and so on?

It would be wonderful if Elton would release an album with new songs, but since he has such a big back catalogue I'm already happy with what there is now. I would prefer an album with nicely orchestrated songs, both slow and fast. For me the music is the most important, so I do not really care too much about special editions and stuff like that. An album with duets though would be super.

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

Quite difficult to just pick 5 songs, for there are so many I love, but here we go:

- Your song
- I'm still standing
- Sorry seems to be the hardes word
- Don't let the sun go down on me
- Saturday night's alright for fighting

more or less in random order..... and the list is much too short!!

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

It always strikes me at concerts how great it is to meet other people who are just as big a fan as I am. It's great to share a passion!

Ok, thank you very much for sharing your time with us, Linda. Really a pleasure to chat with you, an enjoyable experience. Take care my friend.

1988/89: Reg Concerts

2009-11-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Reg Strikes Back Tour

North America, 09/Sep to 22/Oct
31 shows

The Elton John band:

Davey Johnstone as musical director and lead guitar, Jonathan Moffett on drums, Romeo Williams on bass, Guy Babylon on keyboards, Fred Mandel on keyboards and guitar and backup singers: Marlena Jeter, Natalie Jackson and Alex Brown.

Set list:

Sixty years on
I need you to turn to
The king must die
Burn down the mission
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Have mercy on the criminal
Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding
Tiny dancer
The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-34)
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Philadelphia freedom
The bitch is back
Nikita
Sad songs
Goodbye Marlon Brando
A word in spanish
Mona lisas and mad hatters
Mona lisas and mad hatters part two
Daniel
I don't wanna go on with you like that
Candle in the wind
Saturday night's alright

Your song
I'm still standing

Also:

Lucy in the sky with diamonds
Empty garden

Dates:

09/09 Miami, FL, Miami Arena
09/10 Miami, FL, Miami Arena
09/11 Tampa, FL, USF Sundome
09/12 Washington, DC, Merriweather Post Pavillion
09/13 Washington, DC, Merriweather Post Pavillion
09/14 Cleveland, OH, Blossom Music Center
09/16 Chicago, IL, Poplar Creek Music Theatre
09/17 Chicago, IL, Poplar Creek Music Theatre
09/18 Milwaukee, WI, Marcus Amphitheater
09/20 Denver, CO, Fiddlers Green
09/23 Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl
09/24 Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl
09/25 Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl
09/27 Costa Mesa, CA, Pacific Amphitheatre
09/30 Dallas, TX, Starplex Amphitheatre
10/01 Houston, TX, The Summit
10/04 Philadelphia, PA, The Spectrum
10/05 Philadelphia, PA, The Spectrum
10/07 Hartford, CT, Civic Center
10/08 Worcester, MA, The Centrum
10/09 Worcester, MA, The Centrum
10/10 Worcester, MA, The Centrum
10/12 Detroit, MI, The Palace of Auburn Hills
10/13 Detroit, MI, The Palace of Auburn Hills
10/14 Detroit, MI, The Palace of Auburn Hills
10/15 Detroit, MI, The Palace of Auburn Hills
10/17 New York City, New York, M.S.G.
10/18 New York City, New York, M.S.G.
10/20 New York City, New York, M.S.G.
10/21 New York City, New York, M.S.G.

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

Eric Clapton & his Band Tour with Mark Knofler, featuring Elton John

Japan, 31/Oct to 05/Nov
4 shows. Elton John and Mark Knopfler join Eric for several shows. Mark Knopfler plays on all songs, Elton only plays on the last 10.

Set list:

Crossroads
White room
I shot the sheriff
Lay Down Salley
Wonderful tonight
Tearing us apart
After midnight
Can't find my way home
Money for nothing
Candle in the wind
I guess that's why they call it the blues
I don't wanna go on with yoy like that
I'm still standing
Daniel
Cocaine
Layla
Solid rock

Saturday night's alright
Sunshine of your love

Also:

Dates:

10/31 Nagoya, Japan, Rainbow Hall
11/02 Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome
11/04 Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome
11/05 Osaka, Japan, The Stadium

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

World Tour

Europe, 20/Mar to 10/Jun
53 shows

The Elton John band:

Davey Johnstone as musical director and lead guitar, Jonathan Moffett on drums, Romeo Williams on bass, Guy Babylon on keyboards, Fred Mandel on keyboards and guitar and backup singers: Marlena Jeter, Natalie Jackson and Mortonette Jenkins.

Set list:

Sixty years on
I need you to turn to
The king must die
Burn down the mission
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Have mercy on the criminal
Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding
Too low for zero
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Philadelphia freedom
Sad songs
Kiss the bride
A word in spanish
Mona lisas and mad hatters
Mona lisas and mad hatters part two
Nikita
Daniel
I don't wanna go on with you like that
Candle in the wind
Saturday night's alright

Your song
I'm still standing

Dates:

03/20 Lyon, France, Palais des Sports
03/22 Paris, France, Bercy Stadium
03/23 Paris, France, Bercy Stadium
03/24 Paris, France, Bercy Stadium
03/25 Paris, France, Bercy Stadium
03/26 Paris, France, Bercy Stadium
03/27 Paris, France, Bercy Stadium
03/29 Brussels, Belgium, Foret National
03/30 Brussels, Belgium, Foret National
04/01 Dusseldorf, Germany, Philipshalle
04/02 Kiel, Germany, Ostseehalle
04/04 Berlin, Germany, Deutchland Hall
04/06 Hamburg, Germany, Sporthalle
04/07 Copenhagen, Denmark, Valbyhallen
04/09 Stockholm, Sweden, The Globe
04/10 Oslo, Norway, Drammenshalle
04/12 Essen, Germany, Grugahalle
04/13 Cologne, Germany, Sporthalle
04/14 Frankfurt, Germany, Festhalle
04/17 Saarbrucken, Germany, Saarlandhalle
04/18 Lausanne, Switzerland, Patinoire De Malley
19/04/89 Lausanne, Switzerland, Patinoire De Malley
04/21 Zaragoza, Spain, Palacio de Deportes
04/22 San Sebastián, Spain, Velódromo de Anoeta
04/23 Madrid, Spain, Palacio de Deportes
04/24 Barcelona, Spain, Palau d'Esports
04/26 Verona, Italy, Verona Arena
04/27 Milan, Italy, Palatrussardi
04/28 Rome, Italy, Palaeur
05/01 Vienna, Austria, Stadhalle
05/03 Munich, Germany, Olympiahalle
05/05 Zurich, Switzerland, Hallenstadion
05/06 Zurich, Switzerland, Hallenstadion
05/08 Stuttgart, Germany, Schleyerhalle
05/17 Birmingham, England, NEC
05/18 Birmingham, England, NEC
05/19 Birmingham, England, NEC
05/21 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/22 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/23 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/24 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/25 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/27 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/28 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/29 London, England, Wembley Arena
05/30 London, England, Wembley Arena
06/01 Edinburgh, Scotland, Playhouse
06/02 Edinburgh, Scotland, Playhouse
06/05 Belfast, Ireland, Kings Hall
06/06 Belfast, Ireland, Kings Hall
06/08 Dublin, Ireland, RDS Stadium
06/09 Dublin, Ireland, RDS Stadium
06/10 Dublin, Ireland, RDS Stadium

1988: Reg Chronology

2009-11-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

February 7

Elton and Phil Collins joined Eric Clapton on stage at the Civic Hall in Guildford

March

Starred in a TV commercial for Cadbury's Chocolate called "Chunk Bar Spectacular". He also wrote the music.

May 21

The Daily Telegraph reported taht Elton attempted to sell Watford FC to Robert Maxwell in December but was blocked by a Football League ruling banning chairmen from owning more than one club.

June 3

Reg Strikes Back private party in London. Elton premiered "I don't wanna go on with you like that", "Mona lisas and mad hatters (part two)", "Town of plenty" and "Japanese hands".

June 6

Prince Trust Gala event helped to raise money for underpriviledged children. With the support of Prince & Princess of Wales, Elton joined Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Leonard Cohen, the Bee Gees, Peter Gabriel, Joe Cocker, Wet Wet Wet, Midge Ure, Rick Astley, Howard Jones and T'Pau on stage. The venue was changed from the Wembley Arena of years before to the Royal Albert Hall.

24 June

Elton performed a half hour solo set for media crowd at Axis Club in Boston playing "Blowing in the wind", "Just loving you", "Get back", "Hound dog", "I heard it through the grapevine" and "Whole lotta shakin´".

July 8

Daily Express reported that Elton suddenly pulled out of Ken Russell's film The Rainbow, based on DH Lawrence novel. Elton was said to play Uncle Henry, a flamboyant good-liver.

August 9

The display of Elton's art collection opened at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and ran until 23 August, before it was auctioned at Sotheby's.

August 19

Daily Mirror reported that Elton had admitted being worried about AIDS and had been tested for it many times.

September 4

News Of The World reported that Elton asked his wife Renata for a divorce.

September 6 to 9

Elton decided to clean out many of his belongings including his concert costumes and jewelry. Sotheby’s four-day auction brought in $8,224,637 and the top sale item was a surrealist painting by Magritte of a blue fish wrapped in pearls. It went for $119,700.

September 25

Eric Clapton joined Elton on stage at the Hollywood Bowl for "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)".

October

Elton produced for Olivia Newton-John album titled "The Rumour". The album begins with the Elton John penned title track co-produced with James Newton Howard and the lyrics were provided by Bernie.

October

Eric Clapton undertook a special four-date tour of Japan with Mark Knofler, Ray Cooper and Elton.

November 17

A press announcement confirmed Elton and Renate divorced. Renate's divorce settlement was rumored to be as much as $45,000,000. Elton had already bought her a $600,000 cottage in Surrey, and friends report she'll lay no claims on his fleet of Bentleys.

November 18

Renate was interviewed to Daily Express and explained they were "parting on the most amicable terms and genuinely intented to remain best friends"

December 12

Elton was pictured in the front page of The Sun with the headline "Sorry Elton". The newspaper agreed to pay Elton £1m in libel damages. "This is the best Christmas present I could wish for".

1988: The Singles Music Charts

2009-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That

United States
N. 2 (18 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 30 (8 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 25 (1 Week)

Canada
N. 1 (27 Weeks)

Australia
N. 16 (17 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 21 (9 Weeks)

France
N. 10 (26 Weeks)

Germany
N. 22 (19 Weeks)

Austria
N. 6 (18 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 10 (13 Weeks)

Italy
N. 15 (7 Weeks)

Spain
N. 18 (6 Weeks)

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

A Word In Spanish

United States
N. 19 (13 Weeks)

Canada
N. 10 (13 Weeks)

France
N. 60 (1 Weeks)

Germany
N. 43 (7 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 27 (1 Week)

Italy
N. 13 (9 Weeks)

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

Town Of Plenty

United Kingdom
N. 74 (1 Weeks)

Australia
N. 95 (2 Weeks)

France
N. 54 (5 Weeks)

1988: Albums Reachin' Charts

2009-11-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Reg Strikes Back

United States
N. 16 (29 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 18 (6 Weeks)

Canada
N. 6 (29 Weeks)

Australia
N. 12 (18 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 26 (4 Weeks)

France
N. 29 (10 Weeks)

Germany
N. 18 (12 Weeks)

Austria
N. 13 (16 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 5 (11 Weeks)

Holland
N. 56 (3 Weeks)

Italy
N. 3 (20 Weeks)

Norway
N. 8 (6 Weeks)

Sweden
N. 18 (4 Weeks)

Please, Eltonites, get up, stand up to receive one of the greatest musicians of the world... the incredible... Tam Johnstone!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-06T13:13:00.001-08:00

Dear Eltonites!! This is a very special date to me. I've got here, on my side, one incredible and talented artist. Maybe chamaleonic, with such touches to west coast rock; disco music, as a dj; punk; and also honoring the music from the 70s, 60s, 50s. But me, personally, I like the generalstore music project. I couldn't stop listening those albums. The responsible of that, here. Please, everybody up on their feet, a big applause, Tam Johnstone is arriving!!! Hello Tam, an honour to have you here in allsongslist.

We know, Tam Johnstone was born into music and grew up on music. I smiled when I saw you telling “Tape recorder were (my) first words spoken”. Hahaha I understand that, specially because you were born to singer, Diana and musician, Davey, our full-time guitarist with Elton John since 1972. Maybe that attracted you to music? And also, what was the first instrument you learned to play?

Drums were my first instrument and Nigel was probably the main reason I started playing. There’s a strong musical connection on both my mother and father’s sides of the family so I think music was destined to come out of me somehow!

For sure!!! When Davey was asked to join the Elton John band, for you and your parents, that meant to be on the road for a non-stop tours with Elton, always far away from home, but, in the other side, an incredible celebrity encounters with Groucho Marx, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon. You were only three years old, but which are the family memories of the days with the stars?

I wish I could remember more! I remember going with my dad to Eric Clapton’s house and meeting people like James Taylor, George Harrison and Michael Palin from Monty Python...it almost feels like a dream, like it happened to someone else. I have a very strong memory of being at Caribou ranch (either during the ‘Caribou’ or ‘Captain Fantastic’ sessions) and not being able to get down from Nigel’s drum seat. That’s how small I was! Also I remember riding on a horse with Nigel there.

Great!! Also it meant boards aboard the Starship, Elton’s private plane. Do you remember flying on that plane? Any anecdotes you could share with us?

I don’t remember, unfortunately but my dad has recently seen some old film of me on the Starship around that time, playing with Elton. I think the footage is being used for a documentary about Dee Murray.

Wow!!! During that time, Davey recorded a solo album for Elton’s Rocket Records label with legendary record producer Gus Dudgeon: the “Smiling Face” album. It featured three songs co-written by your mother, Diana. Were you the blond boy on the cover of that album, Tam?

Yes! That’s me covered in yoghurt – some things never change! Occasionally, I’ll play a gig and someone will come up to me holding one of those albums.

Hahahaha At your teens, George Martin's AIR studios offered you gainful employment, and by age 17, you were on the road for the first time in support to '80's Norwegian megastars A-ha. Were those your first experiences on music as professional? How did you get involved with that? And who were your early musical influences?

I got my first real ‘hands on’ experience at my uncle Jo’s recording studio in Cornwall. He taught me about different microphones and equipment. Jo was in Elton's band very briefly in the '70's and he also played in my dad's band, China. Even when I was a kid he was always encouraging me because he could see I loved being in the studio. He used to take me along to recording sessions when I was a kid and I remember loving the smell of tape! My first paid job in music was actually making tea and changing guitar strings at Air studios during the ‘Reg Strikes Back’ sessions. It was part of my work experience for college but Elton made sure I actually got paid which was great. I spent my first weeks’ wages on all the Beatles albums!

My early musical influences were, obviously, Elton and I’ve always obsessed over The Beatles. My parents and my uncle also got me into a lot of stuff: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan… As I got older and started buying my own records I got into The Police, David Bowie, Yazoo, Depeche Mode – I really got into electronic music in a big way in the early ‘80’s. In fact, I was a member of the Yazzo fan club! Alison Moyet used to write to me – I wish I still had those letters.

You began working with a wide range of musicians and artists including Guy Pratt, Terence Trent D'Arby, songwriter Cathy Dennis, you also fronted digital funk outfit with Glass Shark and had toured and recorded with French superstar, David Hallyday, former Rialto front man, Louis Eliot and Evan Dando of The Lemonheads. Not forget Eagles singer Don Henley and country music icon Tammy Wynette. Have you been privileged to meet those people, haven’t you?

Very much so. I’ve been around famous people since I was very young but I still get nervous and awestruck by someone I really admire or respect. It’s interesting to see how different artists deal with their fame. So much of it is about the team around the artist.

You also collaborate with Elton, on the Reg Strikes Back sessions. The album was originally recorded at James Newton Howard’s studio in L.A. and twenty-two songs were recorded, in addition to older material already selected for the album. How it was the recording of that album? How did you come to work with Elton?

The sessions took place at Air studios in London where I was working as a tea boy and the idea came up to record a version of ‘Give Peace A Chance’. I think Chris Thomas made a copy of the ‘I Don’t Want To Go On With You Like That’ master and muted everything but the drums. Elton and the band then overdubbed vocals and guitars onto it. They needed lots of backing vocals and that’s how I got involved. It was a very silly session. I think Elton did a few different takes and each one got more outrageous. That whole period was kind of bizarre as Elton was going through all that stuff with The Sun newspaper and there were cameras and photographers outside of the studio a lot. The main thing that stays with me is that this was actually the last time I saw Dee and was probably the first time I saw Dee, Nigel and my dad recording backing vocals together.

Yes, we all miss Dee Murray. Do you know who decided to cover “Give Peace A Chance”, that funny and frenetic version of Lennon’s song? And do you know the name of any Elton’s unreleased track that you were working on and didn’t see the light? “The Ballad Of William Howard”, “Welcome To My Haunted Heart”, etc.

I’m not sure who’s idea it was to cover that song but, if you look back over Elton’s back catalogue, there are a few pretty warped B Sides in there! During the ‘Ice On Fire’ sessions I heard a lot of Elton’s piano and vocal demos and ‘Welcome To My Haunted Heart’ was one of them. They were very simple demos but I actually prefer some of those to the finished album versions.

Precisely, George Michael and Elton recorded a Roy Orbison’s cover of “Dream Baby”. Do you have in mind the name of some of the tracks they were recording in the Ice On Fire sessions?

I don't know anything about those tracks but I was in the studio the day George Michael came in to record 'Wrap Her Up' - that song was originally called, 'Dream Baby.' They recorded those sessions at The Sol studio which used to be called, The Mill. 'A Single Man' was also recorded there.

Certainly. Oh, You have been an Elton fan before, haven't you? Remember the first time you heard Elton’s music and what moves you to buy his music, in that case?

It was just around me so much that, I guess, it’s in my blood. I can remember my dad bringing home rough mixes of songs like ‘Step Into Christmas’ or the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ album. I’d probably still be an Elton fan if my dad didn’t work with him as like a lot of the really early stuff – the EJ album, Tumbleweed…

You recorded your debut album as The General Store, ‘Local Honey’, released by revered American power pop label, Not Lame, in 2002. I read it was recorded at home on a 4-track machine! Why? Recently I bought the album, and I really love "Stay", a very beatiful ballad from the album. It seems it was your intention to pay tribute to 70s music pop. Is that so?

Definitely. Why did I do it? Well, making that album was therapy, really – I’d just split up with a long-term girlfriend and I needed a distraction. I also wanted to see if I could make an album in a week, on my own. ‘Stay’ is one of my favourites, too.

The follow-up, 'Mountain Rescue' (Brewery records) was released in 2008. The songs are so consistently good. “Girls From the Mall”, for example, seems a splendid Beach Boys homage, with great harmonies. Also, “Mountain” was dedicated for Dee and Gus (Elton's bassist Dee Murray, died 1992, and producer Gus Dudgeon, died 2002). Why this dedication to them? Also, Bob Birch had credits as technical mastering, I think.

Yes, you’re right – Bob did master the album. I wanted to dedicate the album to Gus and Dee because their spirits loom large over this record. Gus’s production was a big, big influence and I’m actually playing Dee’s old Fender Jazz bass on the record. The producer of the album, Paul Reeve and I talked a lot about the sound of records like ‘Madman Across The Water’ and ‘Yellow Brick Road’ – we really wanted to capture the feeling you get from those records.

What would you like the future to have in store for you? What other recent projects have you become involved with? And what’s the FiftyAmpFuse project?

Fifty Amp Fuse are a tribute band from Detroit. They play everything from 60s pop and 70s funk, right through to modern rock and their attention to detail is incredible. They do a version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which is all live - no tapes - and it sounds amazing! I moved over to the U.S to join them and help build a show that we hope to put into theatres around the country. It’s a really interesting and exciting project for me to be involved in.

You appeared on the Lupin Hill Benefit this year, joinin’ Elton John Band. How do you value this experience? Also, they were Charlie Johnstone playing drums for Rick Astley on Lady Madonna, and Ben Babylon playing keyboards on the Who's Baba O'Riley sung by Billy Trudell.

It was such a buzz playing a gig with not only my dad but also my step-brothers and sister. I think the Johnstone family kind of freaked everyone out that night, especially the younger Johnstones – there’s a lot of talent there. We had a lot of fun with that concert and it was great that so many people were willing to give up their time for such a wonderful cause.

Oh, finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, where I tried to find the best of Elton’s songs ever?

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Rocket Man
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Elton’s Song

Thank you very much, Tam. It was so nice for me doing this interview. I am sure eltonites loved it. Oh, precisely, would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

Just keep up the good work! I really enjoyed reading David Paton’s interview and being an EJ fan myself, I’m sure other fans are enjoying your site, too.

Oh, thank you very much for your kind words. Eltonites, please check out www.tamjohnstone.com to learn more about him. Truly recommendable the "dj sets" section, "for your pleasure", and the blog section, with Tam in Las Vegas' experience to see Elton, with a great picture of him and Davey.

Well, Tam, a big thank you. I am in such all of your generosity. I am so happy you share your time with us. Oh, before you go, here I have some people they would love to tell you some words. They all love you, for sure!!!

Dan Johnstone, brother: "(Tam Johnstone)'s music is unlike any other artist nor any other songs ever to write or to listen whatever is on the whole face of this music generation. To me, I believe he has what it takes to create an open genre of music, like being in a new century to come, like a new generation is born anew. The more music he writes and plays, the more part of his life is heard out from whatever intrigues and inspires both heart and spirit of the music that one being to another will unplug their ears to, the music that fills most like home to be in and to always remembered by, no matter how far it will take him, he will succeed!"

Charlie Cowper, film director and editor: "Tam is a sonic ball of energy that seems to endlessly reinvent itself and never go stale. Just being around him is exciting. Personally i'm quite a passive chap, and Tam is one of those people who really makes you feel inspired and excited about yourself and what you can do. i used to love hanging out at airfield studios and really regret that we didn't work together more. He's dripping with good vibes!"

Ricky Molina, drummer: "I never had the chance to meet Tam, until a couple of months ago. . . when we play a gig with The Elton John Band for a charity concert . . . we had a lot of fun that day, it was great to share the stage with Tam, his passion to music is incredible. he really loves music. . . . because he plays with such an inspiration. Tam, keep doing what you do and never, never forget that music with be with you forever. Regards."

Diane Johnstone, singer: "Tam is , as you say, a really wonderful human being, a fantastic son and wise friend, he's also hugely creative and talented and deserves success with his amazing songwriting and production... I am so proud of him and looking forward to the week of Tam Johnstone!"

Thank you, Dan. Thank you, Charlie. Thank you Ricky. Thank you Diane. I am sure we made Tam smile. That was the pretention. Good luck in your projects, we all follow them.

The Story Behind "Smiling Face"

2009-11-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

Elton, Davey Johnstone, John Reid and Steve Brown were at Chateau d'Hierouville late one night, back in 1972, drinking the Chateau's self-produced wine and debating about Davey been unable to find a company in London to produce his wanted-to-be first solo album, when suddenly Elton said: "we would start our own label and bring Davey's album out in that". As Davey remembers, "we all said yeah! and went to bed. Next morning we all got up and said: was everybody serious?". And they were. Rocket Records Company was founded in 1973, a record label distributed by MCA, allowing Elton's band members to pursue a solo career. Also is known that Davey, Nigel Olsson and Dee Murray recorded a single as a trio for Rocket, although it was never released.

And Davey Johnstone has issued a lone solo album during his career, the obscure 1973 release "Smiling Face". It's actually an excellent folk rock album. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, Davey counted with Ray Cooper on percussion, Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums, David Hentschel on synthesizer, Del Newman on saxophone and his then wife Diana Johnstone on vocals, among others. Davey wrote the lyrics on many of the album's songs, some of them collaborating with Diana. She also sings lead vocals on the track "A Lovely Day".

Elton John had this to say about Smiling Face "This album is like finding a box of buried treasure." And the Canadian singer songwriter Ron Sexsmith said this album would be his sunday morning favourite record.

Unforgettable People (XXXIX): Tam Johnstone

2009-11-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

With Elton John's guitarist as a dad and country singer as his mum, Tam Johnstone grew up with music around. His first teenage work experience stint at George Martin's Air Studios, where in his words, he passed "the days making tea for rock legends, and discovering that £200 in sushi is best not heated in a microwave". Also he worked for Rocket Records Company, in the A&R department. As a professional musician, he drummed for a succession of pure pop outfits: Green Tambourines and Jaguar. He joined John Jorgenson in his 2002 UK tour, playing drums. Apart from working with artist as the calibre of Don Henley, David Hallyday, Evan Dando of The Lemonheads, Tammy Wynette or Elton John, on "Reg Strikes Back" sessions, Tam Johnstone recorded as a solo artist too.

Aka as the Generalstore, he released two succesful and highly recommended albums: "Mountain Rescue" album #2, in 2008, and "Local Honey", the critically-acclaimed debut in 2002. Taking inspiration from Neil Young and The Eagles, two of his favourite artists, along with The Beach Boys, those albums are paying tribute to '70s country rock. Eltonite who loves West Coast rock 'n' roll, these are albums we must have.

"Local Honey", (C) 2002 Not Lame Recordings, was regarded as "the best West Coast pop record in decades", according to popmatters website. With beautiful arrangements and melodies, the album was produced by himself, and featured drums, guitars, keyboards and vocals too.

"Mountain Rescue", the follow-up album, (C) 2008 Brewery Records, was co-produced by Paul Reeve (Muse). The album has direct pieces of roots rock and country as well as power-pop and pop. Tam intentions were well explained in his website: "The plan from the start was to make an album like they used to - on tape with natural performances and not too much jiggery pokery. (...) All the old studio tricks were deployed - Leslie speakers, tac pianos, harmoniums, vocal spreads. We really were trying to make a record that doffed a cap to those classic albums of the early 1970s."

Johnstone also lead an explosive british power disco band called Glass Shark, formed in May 2006, playing guitar, percussion and drums, and doing vocals. Along with Jimmy Green, James Bailes and Matt Anderson, they have been featured on BBC radio and ITV, in the pages of the NME and Music Week and at major live events such as the Ripcurl Boardmasters Unleashed festival and the WorldSpace sessions at Abbey Road studios.

More recently, Tam has been building a reputation as a DJ and is currently living in the United States, working with Michigan-based tribute band, Fifty Amp Fuse. And he is currently writing and recording with several up and coming artists. "Although I've been a professional musician since I was 18 and have rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous people on Earth, I just smile pleasantly and laugh it off while seething inside. It's the British way", said Tam.

Check out the following official sites for more info:

www.tamjohnstone.com
www.generalstoremusic.com
www.glassshark.com

2003: Mona Lisa Smile Chronology

2009-10-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

January 6

Elton John joined the relaunch of BBC 97.3 FM and was also in the studio as the breakfast show's star guest: "He's going to be doing a phone interview because he's in France at the moment. But he wanted to come on and wish Jane all the best and he'll be popping up several times throughout the show." said Mark Flanagan, the managing director of LBC.

January 17

Elton and the band performed at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim. The concert was a special benefit event with special guests like Brian Wilson, doing "Someone saved my life tonight"; Ray Charles, "Sorry seems to be the hardest word" and Bruce Hornsby on "Burn Down The Mission".

January 26

The Recording Academy added "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album to the GRAMMY HALL OF FAME, honored on recordings of enduring quality, relevance and historial significance. To qualify a recording must be at least 25 years old.

February 4

Attended The Golden Kamera Awards ceremony in Berlin, Germany, where he won the Life's Work Music award, in recognition of 35 years in the music business.

February 6

Special fund-raising concert at London's Old Vic Theatre. Kevin Stacey, then chairman of the board, contributed with Elton's "Harmony", while other guests performances featured Sharleen Spiteri on "Tiny Dancer"; Sting sang "Come Down in Time," Elvis Costello performed "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," Sinead O'Connor sang "Sacrifice" and Craig David crooned "Candle in the Wind." On "The bitch is back", Courtney Love joined Elton dressed in a Donald Duck costume just like Elton's wore in Central Park in 1980. Fred Mandel on keyboards was the surprise reappearance in Elton's band for that show.

March 24

Exclusive interview with "The Mirror" UK newspaper before his Post-Oscar raising funds party. Asked about artists recording anti-war songs, shown their opposition to Bush government against the war in Iraq and Afganistan, Elton said "America is supposed to be the land of free speech, but that's all gone out of the window. I love America and spend a lot of times here, but if you speak out against the war you're considered a traitor by some many americans".

May 23

Performed at the 10th Annual Cinema Against Aids in Cannes, France. Elton duetted with Lionel Richie on "Three times a lady" and on "I guess that's why they call it the blues"

May 25

He performed "Ballad of the boy in the red shoes" during the Life Ball Gala event in Viena, Austria.

May 26

Announced "an exciting new theatrical project" with his songwriter partner, Bernie Taupin, scheduled to hit the stage in 2005. The musical would be based on three Anne Rice novels: "Interview with the vampire", "The vampire lestat" and "Queen of the damned". Elton said he was composing for an orchestra and would have no electronic components or other modern sounds.

May 29

Opened the Godfather Of Soul in New York, US with a back-to-back one hour show with James Brown.

June 10

Elton starred at Bob and Myra Kraft 40th Anniversary Wedding during an hour and forty minutes set. He sang "Moon River" from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's because this had been the wedding song of the Krafts. While Elton was singing, parts of Audrey Hepburn flick flickered on the screens ending with the Krafts' wedding picture.

June 27

Roughly two dozen of friends, Elton on the list, contributed one track each to this two-CD tribute to Gilda Radner. She died of cancer in 1989 and left behind a rich comedic legacy and millions of fans. Elton's contribution was "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", althought he recorded a cover of "Ohio" song.

August 31

Elton was the mistery guest at Harley Davidson's 100th Anniversary at Veterans Park, playing for an audience essentially indifferent to his presence, despite Elton's efforts.

September 23

"Are You Ready For Love" was released as a single in England in 1979 to moderate success. DJ FatboySlim, real name NORMAN COOK, had been treating fans to this version on the club circuit and it's proved so successful. So, Ashley Beedle, from Xpress-2, re-mixed "Are You Ready For Love" and after becoming a fixture in the Balearic nightclubs it was used by Sky Sports for an advertisement for their soccer coverage and DJ Fatboy Slim issued it as a single on his Southern Fried record label. It went straight to #1 in the UK and on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

September 30

Nearly every item from Elton's London house in Holland Park has gone on display at Sotheby's before being auctioned. Thousands of items, including elegant and stylish furniture, paintings and works of art and leopard skin sofas and photo frames, went under the hammer. Elton said: "My love of contemporary art and photography is well-documented. I wanted to have the opportunity to display more contemporary work in one of my UK homes, but as my house in Windsor has a very traditional style, the obvious choice was to remodel my Holland Park home, both in terms of layout and interior design, to give me more scope for exhibiting this collection."

October 21

Elton signed an exclusive agreement to perform 75 shows over three years at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, beggining on February 2004. The Red Piano shows closed in Las Vegas in April 2009 with most of the concerts as sold-out.

December 20

"The Heart Of Every Girl" written by Elton and Bernie Taupin for Julia Roberts "Mona Lisa Smile" movie, had been nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the category of "Original song".

2003: Mona Lisa Smile Concerts

2009-10-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

Elton John & His Band Tour

United States and Europe, 18/Jan to 18/Dec
25 shows

The Elton John band:

Davey Johnstone as musical director and lead guitar, Guy Babylon on keyboards, Nigel Olsson on drums, Bob Birch as bass player and John Mahon on percussion.

Set list:

Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding
Bennie and the jets
Daniel
Someone saved my life tonight
Ballad of the boy in the red shoes
Philadelphia freedom
The wasteland
Rocket man
I guess that's why they call it the blues
I want love
This train don't stop there anymore
Take me to the pilot
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Sacrifice
Come down in time
Candle in the wind
Are you ready for love
Harmony
All the girls love Alice
The bitch is back
I'm still standing
Saturday night's alright
Crocodile rock
Pinball wizard

Don't let the sun go down on me
Your song

Dates:

01/18 Bakersfiled, CA, Centennial Garden
05/30 Green Bay, WI, Resch Center
06/03 Pensacola, FL, Civic Center
06/04 Lafayette, LA, Cajundome
06/06 Laredo, TX, Events Center
06/21 Bucharest, RO, Stadionul Controceni
06/22 Budapest, Hungary, Hero Square
09/27 Miami, FL, American Airlines Arena
11/08 Fresno, CA, Save Mart Center
11/14 Norfolk, Virginia, Scope
11/15 Atlantic City, New Jersey, Boardwalk Hall
11/19 Duluth, GA, Arena at Gwinnett Center
11/21 Jacksonville, FL, Veterans Memorial Arena
11/22 Tallahassee, FL, Leon County Civic Center
11/29 Zurich, Switzerland, Hallenstadion
12/02 Paris, France, The Bercy
12/03 Rotterdam, Nederlands, Ahoy
12/05 London, England, Wembley Arena
12/07 Manchester, England, MEN
12/08 Birmingham, England, NEC
12/10 Glasgow, Scotland, SECC
12/12 Luxembourgh City, Luxembourgh, La Coque Arena
12/13 Hamburg, Germany, Colorline Arena
12/16 Milan, Italy, The Forum
12/18 Rome, Italy, Palais de sport

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

Face To Face Tour

United States, 21/Feb to 08/May
28 shows

The Elton John band:

Davey Johnstone as musical director and lead guitar, Guy Babylon on keyboards, Nigel Olsson on drums, Bob Birch as bass player and John Mahon on percussion.

Set list:

Billy Joel & Elton John
Your song
Just the way you are

Elton John band enters
Don't let the sun go down on me

Billy Joel exits
Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding
Someone saved my life tonight
Philadelphia freedom
The wasteland
I want love
Rocket man
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Take me to the pilot
Tiny dancer
Saturday night's alright
Crocodile rock

Billy Joel with the band
Scenes from an italian restaurant
Allentown
Prelude / Angry young man
Movin' out (with Michael Cavanaugh)
An innocent man
River of dreams
I go to extremes
New York State of mind
It's still Rock'n'Roll to me
Only the good die young

Billy Joel & Elton John with both bands
My life
The bitch is back
You may be right
Bennie and the jets
A hard day's night
Great balls of fire

Both bands exit
Piano man

Dates:

02/21 Birmingham, AL, Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center02/24 Houston, TX, Compaq Center
02/26 San Antonio, TX, SBC Center
02/28 Dallas, TX, American Airlines Arena
03/02 Oklahoma City, OK, The Ford Center
03/04 Indianapolis, IN, Conseco Fieldhouse
03/07 Pittsburgh, PA, Mellon Arena
03/09 Buffalo, NY, HSBC Arena
03/12 Lexington, KY, Rupp Arena
03/14 Columbia, SC, Carolina Center
03/16 Raleigh, NC, RBC Center
03/28 Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena
03/29 Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena
04/01 Ames, IO, Hilton Coliseum
04/06 Madison, WI, Kohl Center
04/08 Milwaukee, WI, Bradley Center
04/12 Chicago, IL, Allstate Arena
04/15 Cleveland, OH, Gund Arena
04/17 Minneapolis, MN, Xcel Energy Center
04/19 Fargo, ND, Fargodome
04/22 Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena
04/24 Albany, NY, Pepsi Arena
04/26 Albany, NY, Pepsi Arena
04/30 Chicago, IL, Allstate Arena
05/02 Detroit, MI, Palace of Auburn Hills
05/03 Detroit, MI, Palace of Auburn Hills
05/05 St. Louis, MO, Savuis Center
05/08 Chicago, IL, Allstate Arena

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

Elton John Solo Tour

Europe, 17/Jun to 21/Dec
24 shows

Set list:

Your song
Border song
The greatest discovery
Someone saved my life tonight
Ballad of the boy in the red shoes
Daniel
Mona lisas and mad hatters
Honky cat
Rocket man
I'm still standing
Ticking
Tiny dancer
I want love
Nikita
Philadelphia freedom
Candle in the wind
Moon river
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Original sin
This train don't stop there anymore
Carla / Etude
Tonight
Take me to the pilot
The one
Blue eyes
Bennie and the jets
Crocodile rock

Don't let the sun go down on me
Circle of life

Dates:

06/17 London, England, Hampton Court Palace
06/18 London, England, Hampton Court Palace
06/20 Bonn, Germany, Museumsmeile
06/24 Moscow, Russia, Kremlin Palace
06/28 Sundswall, Sweden, Park Arena
06/29 Trondheim, Norway, Torvet City Square
07/01 Bergen, Norway, Koengen
07/03 Skane, Sweden, Christinehof Castle
07/04 Horsens, Denmark, Friluftscenen Lunden
07/06 Valletta, Malta, The Granaries Il-fosos
07/08 Madrid, Spain, Plaza de Toros las Ventas
07/10 Taormina, Italy, Teatro Greco Romano
10/12 Darmstadt, Germany, Stadium Boellenfalltor
07/13 Nimes, France, Les Arenes
07/15 Lucca, Italy, Piazza Napoleone
07/16 Caen, France, Zenith
07/19 Hull, UK, KC Stadium
07/20 Newcastle, England, Telewest Arena
07/22 Exeter, UK, Powderham Castle
07/23 Montauban, France, Stade Sapiac
11/30 Paris, France, L'Olympia
12/01 Cannes, France, Palais Des Festival
12/19 Venice, Italy, La Fenice
12/21 Barcelona, Spain, Palau St. Jordi

Kim Bullard by Katy Rose

2009-10-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Eltonites, I am so proud to have one incredible artist here. She's a well known artist, with a fruitful career as singer and as an actress. The doors of allsongslist are wide open to receive one of the greatest artists we could find out there: ladies and gentlemen, the fabulous Katy Rose.

Born on 27th January, 1987, she's real name is Kathryn Rosemary Bullard. She was born to a singer mother (a background singer for many 70's icons) and musician father Kim Bullard, who was often away as a tour keyboardist for Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Art Garfunkel and as a member of the band Poco. Katy also appeared on two successful movie soundtracks: Mean Girls and Thirteen.

She grew up in Tarzana, California, with music always present for obviously reasons: "My grandmother, his mother, was always very musically inclined. She was a harp dealer and made sure each one of her kids made music a top priority", said Katy to allsongslist. And added: "They lived in Atlanta, Georgia in a sweet neighborhood where my father became the town paper boy at a very early age. I think my grandfather really instilled a hard work ethic in his boys. When Dad started playing in bands he was maybe 14 or so."

The story continued, as Katy explains: "By the time he was in high school he was doing gigs all over the south with his respective bands. He didn't even make it to his own prom... he was playing at another school's dance! At 17, the guys in his band decided to move to LA and make it big, and my dad tagged along. Shortly after he made the move to Hollywood, he met and fell in love with my mother (Cecelia Gisiger), a night club and back-up singer. She often toured with him as a back up singer or just for company, much like I would do as a child."

To be the daughter of successful artists might be not easy: "Due to his unconventional job, I grew up on the road with him and in his studio".

Kim Bullard started to play with successful bands: "He was either really lucky or really talented because he started working right away. He was an original member of Poco and then toured with Crosby, Stills, and Nash, YES, Peter, paul, and Mary, and Art garfunkel (to name a few)".

Recently, Kim Bullard became a member of Elton John band as the new keyboard player. And I thought about inviting Katy to quote on him, encouraging him on the new adventure, as all eltonites do. And she accept it because "I am always happy to talk about my father. I love letting anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of knowing him in on the not- so -secret fact that he's such an amazing person". Wow!!! We know that because it's true.

I would like to ask Katy, how's Kim Bullard as an artist: "He is hard working, determined, compassionate, creative, and musically brilliant. I've worked with so many musicians and producers all across the spectrum, and I still always chose him for the job when I need something to sound perfict". More than this: "Not only am I lucky enough to call him "dad", I've also had the pleasure of working with him for the past decade."

Yes, Kim Bullard was the producer and engineer of Katy's debut 2004 album: "By the '90s they had two kids and my dad began a very lucrative career as a music producer. A perfect example of his meticulous grace and artistry in music is my first album, "Because I Can". What started out as a lifetime of making music with my dad in our backyard turned into something larger than anything we could have ever anticipated when I got a record deal at 14".

I truly recommend this album we're talking about, "Because I Can". Sometimes funny, sometimes sarcastic, it's a collection of songs about a teenage wasteland. "I am such an open book" she explained. And she is. She's a sense of poetry in writing words. Songs like "Enchanted", with great lines as "I broke my crown while kissing/little flowers" or my favourite "Teachin' Myself To Dream" with: "I'm teachin' myself to / Belive in the things I don't understand / I don't even know if they're true / That's what dreamers do".

Her second album, "Candy Eyed" was released more than three years after her debut album, and on an independent record label River Jones Music. "My career has been crazy and he has been with me every step of the way" explained with emotion Katy. "I am insanely lucky to have that kind of support in the cold world that is the music business. And added: "Being his daughter has definatly molded me into the artist I am today".

We didn't know what follows, and we congratulate: "Before my father got offered this amazing job, his latest role had been Father of the Bride (which he was wonderful at). He even pulled it together to deliver the most amazing speech ever"

We open our arms to Kim Bullard and wish him all the best in the new adventure: "We are all so happy to be a part of the Elton John family now. We all miss my dad, but we couldn't be happier that he is out playing music in the world again (not to mention with such an epic artist). He is eternally grateful for this opportunity; and I know you are all going to love him... just like I do!". Yes for sure, we love him and will support him.

Thank you very much Katy for sharing your time with us. For me it was incredible to chat with you, and I wish you too all the best of the world. Thanks for being in the music, Katy. A big kiss.

Oh, Guess what? I've got here a very good friend of yours that would like to say some words about Kim Bullard:

"Kim Bullard is one of the Great Ones!
I've had the pleasure of working with him many times.
He is a good friend!
Kim in Elton's Band...is a great match!!"

RichieZito

Yes, it's the fabulous Richie Zito. I would like to thank him for helping me with this welcome!!! A surprise for you Kim!!

2003: The Singles Music Charts

2009-10-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Are You Ready For Love

United Kingdom
N. 1 (14 Weeks)

Ireland
N. 4 (10 Weeks)

Canada
N. 31 (9 Weeks)

France
N. 57 (4 Weeks)

Germany
N. 75 (4 Weeks)

Austria
N. 49 (3 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 78 (1 Weeks)

1971: Madman's Chronology

2009-10-25T13:19:00.001-07:00

January 14

"Your Song" was featured on Tops Of The Pops

January 23

Elton, representing Britain and Eric Burdon, America, were booked to appear at first MIDEM Music Festival, but timing only allowed to play each 14 minute set. Burdon roared away for an hour and ten minutes, refusing to leave the stage. A furious Elton stormed out and refused to follow him. Beofre the incident, Elton declared on Melody Maker: "There's one track I like (on new Eric Burdon's album) but he should have been born black and given us all a rest".

February 8 to 19

Elton cancelled some dates for medical advice due to the pressure of sustaince work.

March 3

Royal Festival Hall concert, with Elton backed by a full orchestra conducted by Paul Buckmaster.

March 11

Elton was the guest star on BBC TV's Andy Williams Show. About the show, Elton explained: "Andy Williams wanting to do "Love The One You're With", which is OK by me, and it's going to be Mama Cass, me, Ray Charles and Andy Williams. Ray Charles didn't come -- I can't blame Ray Charles, he's probably been through all this before, he didn't come to any of the rehearsals, and he didn't want to sing "Love The One You're With", so then it was gonna be "My Sweet Lord", and he didn't want to sing that, they got down to "Heaven Help Us All", and he didn't want to sing that, but they said it was that or nothing, so we all sang that. Ohhh, and they cut one of our numbers off. We spent all day and I did my "Goodbye", Andy bit and they never showed it which was a real drag because I was quite good in it."

April 11

On "This Is Your Song: The Elton John Interview", by Mike Quigley, Tracey Lee Hearst & Rick McGrath, Elton explained that Leon Russell was his idol: "The first time I ever met him, he was in the front row of the Troubadour in Los Angeles. It was the second night we were there and I thought awww...I was great until the last number and I saw this... this great bloody most incredible looking person in the world... and I saw him there and my knees went zzzippp!... and he invited me up to his house and I thought he's going to invite me up there and tie me to a chair and whip me and say "This is how to play the piano!"...and ohhh... I was really scared... and I've never been scared of meeting anyone... like I've met Dylan and everybody and I really haven't given a fuck..."

May 8

Melody Maker reported from Los Angeles that Elton "seems to be having a problem in the central part of US. His concerts have not been selling out and in the words of one observer, he's dead in New York".

July 31

Special concert at Crystal Palace, supported by Yes, Rory Gallagher, Fairport Connection, Hookfoot and Tir Na Nog. The entire, unreleased Madman Across The Water album was performed, for which the critics roasted him.

August

John Reid finally came on board at Dick James Music as Elton's in-house manager, in the meantime it was Dick James his manager.

August 7, 9, 11 & 14

Recording tracks for Madman Across The Water album at Trident Studios, London. On many of the songs, Buckmaster's orchestration is used to intensify the emotional anthems to higher levels than a piano will allow.

October 16

Elton gave a concert for the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation for the Mentally Retarded Children, on Washington DC.

December 27

Elton played piano with T-Rex on live studio performance of "Get It On" on Top Of The Pops.

Bernie solo session's debut
Bernie Taupin recorded a spoken-word album entitled "Taupin", in which he recites some of his early poems against a background of impromptu, sitar-heavy music created by some members of Elton's band, including Davey Johnstone, Caleb Quaye, and Shawn Phillips. UK issue was on Rocket (Elton's label) and had a different sleeve.

Side One is entitled "Child" and contains poems about his early childhood in southern Lincolnshire. The first poem, "The Greatest Discovery," which looks at his birth from the perspective of his older brother Tony, was also set to music by Elton John. There are poems about Taupin's first two childhood homes, Flatters and Rowston Manor, and others about his relationship with his brother and grandfather. Side Two includes a variety of poems of varying obscurity, from a marionette telling her own story to a rat catcher who falls victim to his prey. While the lyrics to Side One provide interesting insights into Taupin's childhood, the album makes for a tedious listening experience, and Taupin stated in interviews that he wasn't pleased with the results.

1971: Madman Concerts

2009-10-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Tumbleweed Connection Tour

Great Britain and France, 02/Jan to 28/Mar
29 shows

The Elton John band:

Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums and Davey Johnstone as lead guitar.

Set list:

Your song
Sixty years on
Border song
Ballad of a well known gun
Friends
Can I put you on
Country comfort
The king must die
Honky tonk women
Amoreena
My father's gun
Indian Sunset
Talking old soldiers
Take me to the pilot
Burn down the mission
My baby left me
Get back

Dates:

01/02 Birmingham, England, Mothers
01/03 Hemel Hempsted, England, Hemel Hempsted Pavillion01/08 Hampstead, England, Country Club
01/10 Guildford, England, Guildford Civic Hall
01/11 Cleethorpes, England, Winter gardens
01/13 Hull, England, City Hall
01/15 Southampton, England, Southampton University
01/16 Loughborough, England, Loughborough University
01/17 Paris, France
01/18 Paris, France
01/27 Liverpool, England, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
01/29 Lancaster, England, Lancaster University
01/31 Croydon, England, The Fox
02/01 Edmonton, England, Cooks Ferry Inn
02/05 Lanchester, England, Lanchester Arts Festival
02/06 Leeds, England, Leeds University
02/09 London, England, The Bumpers Club
02/12 Stirling, England, Stirling University
02/13 Glasgow, Scotland, Strathclyde University
02/14 Dumferline, Scotland, Dumferline Kinema
02/20 Newcastle-Upon-Tyde, England, City Hall
02/24 London, England, Imperial College
02/26 Uxbridge, England, Brunel University
02/27 Bradford, England, Bradford University
03/01 Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli Gardens
03/06 Leicester, England, Leicester University
03/13 Kingston, England, Kingston Polytechnic
03/14 Bristol, England, Colston Hall
03/20 London, England, University College
03/28 Croydon, England, Fairfield Hall

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

Spring Tour

North America, 02/Jan to 28/Mar
40 shows

The Elton John band:

Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums and Davey Johnstone as lead guitar.

Set list:

Your song
Sixty years on
Border song
Ballad of a well known gun
Friends
Can I put you on
Country comfort
The king must die
Honky tonk women
Amoreena
My father's gun
Indian Sunset
Talking old soldiers
Take me to the pilot
Burn down the mission
My baby left me
Get back

Also:

Finis
Mercedes Benz
The Yellow Stone Of Texas
Whole Lotta Shakin'

Dates:

04/02 Providence, RI
04/03 Boston, MA
04/04 Philadelphia, PA, The Spectrum Theatre
04/09 New York City, New York, Fillmore East
04/10 New York City, New York, Fillmore East
04/11 Baltimore, MD, Painters Mill Music Fair
04/14 Chicago, IL, Auditorium Theatre
04/15 Chicago, IL, Auditorium Theatre
04/16 Detroit, MI, University of Detroit
04/17 Columbus, Ohio, Veterans Memorial Auditorium
04/18 Cincinatti, Ohio, Cincinatti Music Hall
04/21 Portland, WA
04/23 Vancouver, Canada, Agrodome Theatre
04/24 Seattle, WA, Seattle Arena
05/01 Honolulu, Hawai, International Center Arena
05/09 San Francisco, CA, Civic Auditorium
05/11 Sacramento, CA, Sacramento Auditorium
05/12 Fresno, CA, Convention Center
05/14 Anaheim, CA, Anaheim Convention Center
05/16 Denver, CO, Municipal Auditorium
05/17 Boulder, CO, University of Colorado
05/19 Oklahoma, OK, Music Hall Theatre
05/20 Houston, TX, Houston Colisseum
05/21 San Antonio, TX, Municipal Auditorium
05/22 Dallas, TX, Music Hall Theatre
05/23 Dallas, TX, Music Hall Theatre
05/24 Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County Theatre
05/26 New Orleans, LO, The Warehouse
05/28 Tampa, FL, Curtis Hixon Hall
5/29 Miami, FL, Jai Ali Fronton
05/30 Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Colisseum
06/04 St. Louis, MI, Kiel Opera House
06/05 Memphis, TN, Ellis Auditorium
06/06 Louisville, KY, Convention Center
06/08 Atlanta, GA, Municipal Auditorium
06/10 New York City, New York, Carnegie Hall
06/11 New York City, New York, Carnegie Hall
06/12 Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Arena
06/13 Providence, RI, Rhode Island Auditorium
06/18 Harrisburg, PA, Farm Show Arena

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

Madman Across The Water Tour

North America, Japan, Australia and Great Britain 26/Aug to 24/Dec
40 shows

The Elton John band:

Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums and Davey Johnstone as lead guitar.

Set list:

Your song
I need you to turn to
Rock me when he's gone
Tiny dancer
Rotten peaches
All the nasties
Skyline pigeon
Love song
Indian sunset
Ballad of a well known gun
Friends
The king must die
Can I put you on
Razor face
Honky tonk women
Holiday inn
Madman across the water
Take me to the pilot
My baby left me
Whole lotta shakin'

Also:

Goodbye
It's me that you need
Shake
Singin' in the rain
Skater's waltz
Waltzing Matilda

Dates:

08/26 Syracuse, NY
08/27 Wildwood, NJ
08/28 Asbury Park, NJ
08/30 Milwaukee, WI
09/02 Saratoga Springs, NY, Performing Arts Center
09/03 Syracuse, NY, Onondaga War Memorial
09/04 Rochester, NY, Rochester War Memorial
09/06 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/07 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/08 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/09 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/10 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/11 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/12 Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theatre
09/15 Las Vegas, NV
09/16 Reno, NV
10/05 Tokyo, Japan, Shibuya Kohkaido
10/06 Tokyo, Japan, Shibuya Kohkaido
10/07 Ohsaka, Japan, Ohsaka Kohsei Nenkin Hall
10/08 Ohsaka, Japan, Ohsaka Kohsei Nenkin Hall
10/10 Tokyo, Japan, Shinjuku Kohsei Nenkin Hall
10/11 Tokyo, Japan, Shinjuku Kohsei Nenkin Hall
10/16 Perth, Australia, Subiaco Stadium
10/22 Adelaide, Australia, Memorial Drive Tennis Centre
10/24 Melbourne, Australia, Kooyong Tennis Centre
10/29 Brisbane, Australia, Qlt. Tennis Courts
10/31 Sydney, Australia, Randwick Racecourse
11/21 Coventry, England, Coventry Theatre
11/22 Manchester, England, Free Trade Hall
11/24 Leicester, England, De Monfort Hall
11/26 Bournemouth, England, Winter Gardens
11/27 Plymouth, England, ABC Theatre
11/28 Bristol, England, Colston Theatre
12/03 Birmingham, England, Town Hall
12/04 Brighton, England Brighton Dome
12/05 Croydon, England, Fairfeld Hall
12/10 Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, City Hall
12/11 Stockton-on-Tees, England, ABC Theatre
12/16 Leeds, England, Leeds Town Hall
12/24 Sheffield, England, Sheffield City Hall