Elton John achieved stardom with his second album which was released in 1970. The single, “Your Song”, became a number one hit and launched a successful career that has continued since. With the release of his 7th studio album in 1973, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, he reached a level of super stardom unmatched in the early 70s. The Elton John Band toured the US on the strength of 3 singles released weeks before the double album. The title song, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", “Bennie & The Jets” and “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” were all big hits on the radio. Elton John and company filled the largest halls across the US playing past hits and introducing new ones.
My friends and I saw him perform in California
at the Oakland Coliseum September 9th, 1973.
at the Oakland Coliseum September 9th, 1973.
To see photos of that concert and
read our memoirs, go to -
Brit Rock By The Bay
Brit Rock By The Bay
Below is a page from my scrapbook.
There is the ticket stub from the show
and pieces of the cape that Elton John
wore shown in the B/W photo.
Below is the official program from the
show. The cover is signed by a member
of the opening act, Sutherland
Brothers and Quiver.
History of Elton John, from
"The Harmony Illustrated History of Rock"
by Mike Clifford. © Salamander Books 1986.
A 6 page interview with Elton John
and Bernie Taupin.
August 16, 1973
A rather nasty review of GYBR.
The reviewer calls it "Over
produced" and "A fruity pie
that doesn't bake".
November 22, 1973,
(10 year anniversary of the
Kennedy Assassination).
An interview with Elton. He talks about his
Christmas single, GYBR, Rocket Records,
writing music for other people, (including
writing music for other people, (including
Ray Charles). He says that "Don't Shoot,
I'm OnlyThe Piano Player" was a weak album.
I'm OnlyThe Piano Player" was a weak album.
He discusses future plans.
November 24, 1973
November 24, 1973
Rod Stewart joins Elton on stage
for a benefit concert.
May 11, 1974.
Elton talks about his past,
present and future.
September 1974.
Elton makes the cover
of Melody Maker.
September 7, 1974.
Elton is interviewed and discusses touring the
US, his label "Rocket Records",
the movie "Tommy",
writing music for others,
life at home and more.
November 21, 1974
Elton is interviewed and asked about
stealing music from others, working
with Bernie Taupin, copyrights to
his early work and more.
"Hit Parader"
September 1975.
Elton is interviewed. He talks
about freeing himself from the piano by hiring
another piano player and learning to play guitar.
He is planning TV specials
He is planning TV specials
and movies. He also says he
will no longer play the old tunes
like "Crocodile Rock".
"Hit Parader" November 1975.
A promotional tabloid for
his record label,
"Rocket Records".
July 10, 1973.
A package sent
to DJs to promote Davey
Johnston's solo album.
Some of the records in
my collection from
that period
The amazing graphics are
by children's book illustrator,
Ian Beck.
The second of his three solo albums.
Davey Johnstone first played in
the band, Magna Carta.
Davey Johnstone released his only solo album,
"Smiling Face", the same year GBYR was
released. He met Elton John after playing guitar
on Bernie Taupin's first solo album.
Nigel Olsson has recorded many solo albums. Early
on he played in Plastic Penny, The Spencer Davis
Band and Uriah Heep. He did session work which
included Elton John's first album, "Empty Sky".
He and Dee Murray toured the US with Elton
before joining him to record on the LP
"Tumbleweed Connection".
Dee Murray passed away in
January 15, 1992 from cancer.
