In the late 80's, right before Elton went into treatment, he was so visibly ill on stage it was heartbreaking to see. I actually cried and said to my boyfriend, now my husband, that I thought he was going to die soon, just like Elvis. Now all these years later and him 20+ years sober, I am PROUD to be his fan. Yes, his voice has matured and he doesn't hit the falsetto notes, but I'd never say his voice is "wrecked". He's been performing for over 40 years, for crying out loud - no small feat!
I was at this concert on a Summer's day in 1980 and after standing for hours and hours was able to get a place right near the stage for what would become the historic Central Park concert with 500,000 of my closest Elton fans. What an amazing day!
some people don't know, Elton would walk into the studio, make up the piano and melody on the spot, walk out, and the rest of the band would fill in the song...had such an amazing band...
This concert is coming up on 40 years ago. In today's terrorism world, I doubt the City would approve such an event. Even in NYC, security would be impossible. Luckily, we have it on tape forever.
Saw EJ in the 70s at Dodger Stadium there was 105,000 people that day and he sold it out two days in a row. Some of the best music in the 70s. Him and Bernie - unbelievable!!!
Elton is a rare talent in the history of music. He has lived up to his name. He had throat surgery in the mid 80's but he is resilient. His register decreased a couple of octaves but he still sounds better than the vast majority of "artists" that are parading around now, male and female. Just sheer genius!!!
Look at how young he looks...so handsome, where today he looks a little plumper and more like a grandpa. I know this concert was a long time ago...but at that time, he seemed older and more mature since he had songs out in the 70's that we all loved. I think this was a fund raiser for African Famine maybe? Does anyone remember?
Its 4 o'clock in the morning Dammit, Listen To Me Good, Im sleeping by myself tonight, saved in time thank god my musics still alive..... Gives me goosebumps everytime i hear it!!!!
This guy has it all. If I wasn't straight I'd marry the legend. The way he pulled the girl back onto the stage shows why so many fans love him so much. I grew up listening to Elton John and he has inspired me musically. totally awesome legend. would love to meet him. Thank him for all he's done , for me and the world musically and more. I love you Elton John. Hutch
Elton loves his fans. At his Las Vegas residency at Caesars palace he would let a few people at the front row go on stage during Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting and they would just gather around his piano. One fan invaded the stage and Elton high fived him.
@@glardian966 no she wasn't. if you meant Renate he didn't even met her till '83. and ironically this song is about how his friend made him realize he had to end his engagement with a girl in the late '60s
Thankyou Bernie Taupin for pulling Elton out of the gas oven...you are both beautiful and inspirational men and musicians..the world owes you both a great debt of gratitude for the years of happiness you have brought to millions....x
Elton John and Bernie Taupin are one of the greatest, most successful writing teams ever. Very cool how Taupin can relate that tremedously emotional moment in Elton's life into words incorporating them into this incredibly beautiful song.
You have to see and ear the performance of this piece at the solo piano concert in Edimburgh, 1976 https:/ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ExG9YSxxo4o.html
A lot of people do imitations, but you don't see many imitating Elton John. You know why? No one can imitate that excellent voice he has. So unique. Yes, he was gay, doesn't seem to hurt his voice even one little bit. He sounds so excellent, so perfect. You know, just enjoy his voice, he will not date you or have sex with you, so just listen to one of the greatest ever.
Когда я вспоминаю те огни Ист-Энда, душные ночи, Опушенные шторы в маленькой комнатке на нижнем этаже, - Владычица Небесная, Господи, это надо было видеть! Восседала, словно принцесса на своем электрическом стуле. Еще одно пиво, и я больше не услышу тебя. Мы все спятили в последнее время, Мой друг от смеха катается по полу в подвале.
Oh Wow! I cant believe I'm watching this!! I will never forget that day. Right up front! That beautiful sunny, hot sweaty , everybody lovin it kind of day! Love Elton John and love New York. Could not have asked for a better memory!! Thanks!
Matt, he sure as hell DOES write his material, the music, that is. A fellow named Bernie Taupin pens the lyrics and EJ puts them to music very, very quickly, typically 1/2 hour to 45 mins. As a partnership they have put out more music than any two collaborators over a period of 47 years. It's stunningly amazing how gifted he is.
quite possibly the most powerful and emotive piano piece ever written for a modern popular music song, I couldn't even tell you what the lyrics are or mean, I listen to it just for the piano
My favorite rendition of this song. Love how this song is so personal yet speaks for the generation. The image of the crowd behind captures this so well. When I was young Elton was played so much that he just became a background to life. I recently became a reborn fan and I like his voice as it became deeper in the later 80s to now and how it brings out more of the blues and gospel of his music.
This guy is a terrific songwriter/singer/musician. One of the best. His songs sell like crazy! Only The Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Led Zeppelin have sold more records/cassetes/cds/etc. than Elton. For more than 40 years, he has wowed his audience with hit after hit after hit.
We all miss the great range & falsetto. But, hey, I've seen him 3 times in the last year & a half & he sounds fucking great. Voice is strong & intact. He's getting it done with no problem. He's not moaning & barking his way through. It's a different voice, mature, but I like it.
Man she has one to tell the grandbabies, I can hear her now, I was in Central Park in 1980 listening to an Elton John concert and he just...wait wait I'll just show you on youtube LOL
Damn this is so amazing! This was when we had REAL music dammit!!! This is entertainment! Are there any new musicians/artists in the pipeline that they are molding to be like this legend? Elton John....Billy Joel ...who's next????
I remember watching this concert on tv when I was a kid - I remember when he dressed up as a duck and played this is Your Song! Time flies im 40 now and the music is still better then whats out there today!
This is still one of my favorite versions of this song. So much feel and passion. And that killer guitar solo at the end. And the chick 🐥 that gets to sit with Elton. So cool.
This was a real experience. Elton was contemplating suicide due to his doubts and troubles with his finace'. His friend, John Bauldry saved Elton from getting married to Linda Woodrow in 1969. That is how the song originated. Bernie was room mates with Elton and Linda...so he wrote the lyrics of Elton's story...he often called John by the name "Sugar Bear". Elton's finace' is the ... "Prima Donna, Lord you really should've been there...sitting like a princess perched in her electric chair." Refers to Linda's personality.
Elton is the music man and gives us all he can and he is a poet,that's for sure,and if you're sick for some music then he's your cure!!!!LOL:-)Keep it Rockin Elton(**)
Jason Kolojeski I saw my first EJ show in Bridgeport in 2013. I can't explain how happy I was to see him come back to the northeast US. I can't explain how happy I was after the show..... But he played this song, and it blew my fucking mind!!!!!!!!! I fucking love Elton.... Me, being from the northeast U.S, I can't afford to buy a plane ticket to Vegas, I hope he comes back to the northeast so I can see him again!!!!!!!
I did the same thing about 2 years ago. Never really paid much attention before then. Levon is the song that got me started. Blew my mind once I started listening more closely, and watching videos of him on RU-vid.
Love Elton! ❤️ Had the honour and privilege to see his concert on Aug. 7, 1976 at Rich Stadium on a miserable rainy, sleety day. Despite the rain, the most exciting concert I had ever been to. Kiki Dee sang Don’t Go Breaking My Heart with Elton, Boz Scaggs also performed and another singer who for the life of me can’t remember his name. A concert I will never forget. Elton was amazing and very apologetic about the rain.
@PawtucketPatriot66, Thanks for your words of wisdom, I agree with you 100%. They probably wouldn't even know how to shine shoes more or less even tie them! I thought that was the coolest thing when he let that lady sit next to him! Shows he really appreciates his fans! Elton you are the coolest!
There is going to be a day when we all have to say goodbye to this genius.. he has been my soundtrack since 83 when i was 6, and for some of you, way longer... the new album is phenomenal and i only hope it opens the door to yet more who need to unlock the past..
1967 - 1980 - 2012 are moments when everything changes. The old is worn out so something new arrives from nowhere. Elton never changes because he is from the unknowable forever. This was a special day I am so glad I didn't vomit on my girlfriend and ruin it.
