Elton John & "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

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. 
To see photos of that concert and 
read our memoirs, go to - 
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
 Ray Charles). He says that "Don't Shoot,
I'm OnlyThe Piano Player" was a weak album. 
He discusses future plans.
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
 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.

4 comments:

  1. Always so much of interest to look at on your blog, David! You have an amazing collection, and thanks for sharing it with us.

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  2. The autograph isn't just any old member of SB&Q, it's the great Bruce Thomas of the Attractions! Loved reading all these old interviews, Elton is a hoot.

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