hercules fanzine no. 49 · nice and solo elton is set to continue the solo tour with more shows in...

inside this issue:

Elton's summerSolo showsreviewed

MillenniumTicket pricesdiscussed

Elton & Davidtalk about theirnew film

Special offer:'Elton 2000'candles

Announcing:Hercules fanconventions

December 1999 Issue No: 49

THE MAG

since 1988

Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club2

Annual membership fee is £14 in the UK/Europeand £17/US$30 for the USA and Rest of the World.Please note that your renewal date is printed onyour address label in European formatday/month/year.

Membership passes are available from your localHERCULES department: send a small photo ofyourself when requesting your pass.

Please don't send enquiries or fan mail to the EltonJohn management, but to HERCULES Coordination.Letters will be passed on if necessary.

HERCULES is a quarterly publication released inMarch, June, September and December. In event ofcircumstances beyond our control, there is noguarantee for punctual shipment. It is published inEnglish and German.

Printed articles do not necessarily reflect the editors'opinions. All information is based on the best ofknowledge and belief. Reproductions permitted onlyby prior arrangement with HERCULES.

Member participation is always welcome. We arethankful for your submissions of any kind: reports,articles, photos, drawings, and suggestions. Pleasesend them to the Editor, Tammi Law. Pleaseunderstand that we cannot always publish allcontributions. All photos will be returned.

UK Hotline 0906 888 20 20 (60p per minute)USA/Canada Hotline 815/293 3843Web site http://www.eltonfan.com

COPYRIGHT: HERCULES

Deadline for Issue No. 50 is 1 February 2000

No. 50 will be released 1 March 1999

Front cover: Harewood House, Aug '99(Photo: T Marshall)

Back cover: Rockford I.L. USA, Sept '99(Photo: S. Kalinoski)

FAN CLUB INFORMATION

Fanzine of the Elton John Fan Club

Issue No. 49DECEMBER 1999

THE MAG

CONTENTSFEATURES

Summer of FunElton’s summer soloshows ..............................8

Solo Sets... UK/US solo setscompared ....................13

Tick(et)ing...with Elton into the next millennium ........14

Pacing 1040 milesHercules follows the tour ........................16

Heart in the Right PlaceInterview with Elton & David Furnish ........17

The Son of your Father Hercules chats with EJ’ssecond cousin ............18

SPECIAL OFFERS

Elton 2000 Candles ......19

REGULARS

Between 17 and 20Elton trivia & gossip ..18

Club Information ............2

Convention Reports ......20

Letters to the Editor......22

Lyric Quiz ......................20

News Bullets ....................4

Small ads ........................26

Take Me Down To The Ocean - EJ web site reviews ....21

Tour Dates ......................27

HERCULES Chief Editor Tammi Law49 Horseshoe Crescent,PeatmoorSwindon SN5 5AX, U.K.Tel. +44 (0)1793 881 [email protected] Assistants:George MatlockBarbara TurnerDavid WrightUrpu Kallio (Hercules Nordic)Francoise Linden-Gilles(Hercules Francais)Design:Turnstyle Design

Translations:Sabine AsenkirschbaumerStefanie GanterMireille Mölbert

For subscription details,please write to your localHERCULES department or to HERCULES Coordinaton:

HERCULES Coordinationc/o Stephan HeimbecherOrleansstr. 59D-81667 München, GERMANYTel. +49 (0)89 48900369Fax +49 (0)89 [email protected]

HERCULES Fan Adviserc/o Mireille MölbertZaunweg 11D-80805 München,GERMANYTel. +49 (0)89 [email protected]

HERCULES USA/Canadac/o Sharon KalinoskiP.O. Box 398La Grange, IL 60525, [email protected]

HERCULES U.K.P.O. Box 315RichmondSurrey TW9 3QX, [email protected]

HERCULES Beneluxc/o Arjen BuikstraSav. Lohmannstr. 1NL-3214 XA ZuidlandTel. +31 (0)1881 [email protected]: Tim Blezer

HERCULES Italyc/o Luca ZerbiniVia Scheiwiller n.9/AI-20139 Milano, [email protected]

Elton has certainly provedthat he’s feeling better sincehis heart operation in the

summer. Not only has hereturned to work - but it seemshe’s even busier than everbefore!

His hugely enjoyable andsuccessful Solo Tour continuedwith lots more sell-out showsthroughout USA and Canada,during October and November.In between concerts, EJ foundtime to fly to other continents toappear at various special eventsand charity performances. Seeour News section for details.

The Solo Tour continues nextyear with more European datesin the summer. See the TourDates section on page 27 for fulllistings known at time of going topress. And the good news is -Hercules have again been able tosecure seats to offer to clubmembers in the PREMIUMsections of some of the Germanconcerts in June 2000, ensuringthat real fans get the best seats!Everyone was sent an Infoletter atthe beginning of Novemberoffering the tickets through thefanclub. We make no profit onthe tickets. More details later inthis issue.

One of the other eventswhich Elton attended duringtime-out from his hectic concertschedule, was the World Premierof Rocket Pictures first film,Women Talking Dirty. On theday of the premier, EJ and hispartner David talk about thepressures of putting the filmtogether, and how Elton reactedduring the final few momentsbefore his operation, on page 17.

One of the more surprisingnews items about Elton is therevelation that he has recentlybeen running competitively inlong-distance races! Whencompeting, he keeps his identityquiet, but not surprisingly he hasbeen recognised by one or twopeople as he makes his wayround the course. See page 6 formore details.

It would appear that thebitterness between Elton and hisprevious manager John Reidcontinues. Elton has been quotedas saying "As far as I’mconcerned, John Reid doesn’texist any more". Not surprisingthen, that re-arranging the lettersof “Elton John (Reginald Dwight)”gives us “Tangled long with JohnReid”!

You have probably noticedlots of extra insert sheets withthis issue of The Mag. We hadso much to tell you about, andvarious items for you to order,that we felt it best to includeseparate Order Forms rather thanask you to rip out pages of yourfanzine!

Our regular "Just for Fun" lyricquiz to test your Elton-knowledgehas a festive feel for thisChristmas issue. Give it a go.Congratulations to long-timeHercules member and huge Eltonfan John Michie, who became afather in November to babyChloe.

All that remains is to wishyou all a Merry Christmas andHappy New Year. And how manyof us will be listening to at leastone Elton song on New Year’sEve, billed as the "biggest partyin a 1000 years"?! Most of us, Iexpect! Have a good time......

Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 49. December 1999 3

Elton live - 1985

Elton live - 1984

Elton live - 1982

FROM THE EDITOR...


Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site

NEWS BULLETS...CANADIAN TANTRUM

Elton nearly cancelled theconcert in the Canadian city ofWinnipeg on November 15, 1999after an apparent wrangle withcustoms officials. Newspaperssaid Canada Customs clearedElton in approx. 10 minutes buttook two hours to process hisfive-person entourage! This ledElton to threaten cancellation ofhis show and forcing the city'sopenly gay mayor, Glen Murray,to step in and calm the waters.

"He was very upset, but whenSir Elton discovered we were bothgay and I did lots of AIDS work, ithelped,'' Murray was quoted assaying in the tabloid WinnipegSun. "We did everything we couldto make him happy.'' Thisincluded providing a police escortfor Elton's limousine and makinghim an honorary citizen ofWinnipeg.

Promoter Kevin Donnelly saidofficials were overzealous in theirsearching. "This is a man who wasknighted by the Queen, a memberof Alcoholics Anonymous whohas been clean for over a decade,and the things they were lookingfor are no longer a part of hisenvironment," said Donnelly, ofHouse of Blues Concerts, whichpromoted the show. Needless to

say, nothing illegal was found onbaord EJ’s private jet. Elton wasreported to have said it was'shoddy treatment' which leaves anegative tone in the mind of aperformer," Donnelly added. "TheStones and Guns N' Roses getthrough with more courtesy. Itwas Elton's first concert ever inthe Prairie city, and he promisedto return to Winnipeg afterreceiving a warm reception fromthe crowd.”

NEW ALBUM NEWS?At the time of going to press,

Hercules have had no officialnews about a new EJ album. Atone time, there was a rumourthat Elton would be in the studioat the end of 1999, with analbum due for release in theSpring. He then announced allthe extra US Solo shows whichkept him busy during Octoberand November. However, asreported earlier in the year, Eltonand Tim Rice have completed 10songs for the DreamWorksanimated movie El Dorado,which is expected to be releasedin March 2000.

PHONE JAMMER!Elton will kick off his solo

tour in the year 2000 with twoconcerts in Honolulu, Hawaii onJanuary 7 and 8, 2000. Demandfor concert tickets jammedtelephone lines across downtownHonolulu over the weekend ofNovember 20/21, 1999. Aspokesman of the telephonecompany said calls to the tickethotline took about 98 per cent ofthe capacity for the area.

NICE AND SOLOElton is set to continue the

Solo Tour with more shows inEurope in 2000. Fans shouldexpect 11 shows in Germany plusmore in other parts of Europe.

And towards the end of thefirst leg of the current US/CanadaSolo Tour, Elton played his 48thand 49th (sold out) shows at NewYork's Madison Square Garden,Oct. 15 & 16. These near 3 hoursshows were full of energy andemotion: Elton played a greatversion of "PhiladelphiaFreedom", an extended intro to"Take Me To The Pilot", andseemed almost unstoppableduring "Rocket Man" and the solopart in "Burn Down The Mission".EJ included John Lennon tribute"Empty Garden" as well as abeautiful version of "Harmony".

ELTON SECOND BIGGEST

SELLER OF THE DECADE The Spice Girls' debut Spice

was the biggest-selling album ofthe decade, creaming anestimated taking of £20 million.Elton took second place with TheLion King (at £14 million sales)and Oasis are at number four withWhat's The Story? (MorningGlory), earning £12 million,beating their idols the Beatles,whose Anthology Vol 1 rests inseventh place with £8million.Elton gains more than one entry.

The list of what the nation'spop stars are worth was compiledby Cliff Dane, the industry'sfinancial expert, in Rock Accounts1999. The Spice Girls also tookthe number three position withthe album Spiceworld, whichearned them £13 million.

Here's Elton's otherappearances in this authoritativechart: Position 8 Very Best Of,released in October 1990, took £8million, and in position 14, LoveSongs, released in November1991, bagged £7 million. Elton'sThe One held joint 29th placewith The Beatles' Live At The BBCand Annie Lennox. No fewer thanseven Elton John albums made itinto the chart, equalling estimatedsales of around £44 million.

EJ stepping down from his Private Jetin Winnipeg, Nov 15.


These news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site

NEWS BULLETS...MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR

Elton has been namedMusiCares person of the year bythe National Academy ofRecording Arts & Sciences. Eltonwill receive the nod, whichrecognises an artist's musicindustry career and philanthropicaccomplishments, at a black-tiegala in Hollywood on Feb. 21,2000 - two days before the 42ndannual Grammy Awardsceremony.

STAYING WITH AIDAElton's and Tim Rice's 2nd hit

musical, "Aida", will stage onBroadway on Feb. 23, 2000 atNew York's Palace Theater.Tickets go on sale on Dec. 5.Tickets available via Ticketmaster,or phone the Theatre's box officeat USA (212) 730-8200.

10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF STONEWALL

Elton played at the sell-out10th anniversary concert ofStonewall, the pressure group forgay and lesbians on Nov 28,Royal Albert Hall, London. GeorgeMichael also appeared. EJ receivedsome criticism in the British Pressthe following day for a danceroutine involving adult maledancers dressed as Boy Scouts.

EJ LOOK-A-LIKE, RAY AND HERCULES IN TV DOCU-SOAP

A television programmefeaturing our EJ look-a-like, RayJohnson and the Hercules fanclub, called "The Look-A-LikesAgency", will be screened on theU.K.'s ITV Network sometimelate December or into earlyJanuary 2000. Please watch yourtv listings guide - it's a six-partserial. The camera crew were atthe Hercules gathering prior toElton's Leeds Castle show.

THE LION ROARS!The 1st night audience at

London's Lyceum Theatre givethe hit musical "The Lion King" astanding ovation on Oct. 19.Elton and Tim Rice were amongthe guests at the opening night.Advance sales for the Londonstaging have already topped £10 million and the LyceumTheatre reports bookings for thenext few years!

Tickets for the year 2000 areavailable, priced from £15.00 to£35.00. Check out TicketmasterUK for reservations.

Also, Walt Disney staged aGala Charity Preview of "The LionKing" musical in London on Oct.6. Tickets were from £20 each.

Walt Disney says "The LionKing" will begin performances atLos Angeles' Pantages TheaterSept. 28, 2000 and play a limitedengagement through June 30,2001. The Los Angeles productionwill be the first U.S. productionoutside of New York and the fifthproduction worldwide after Tokyo,Osaka, London and Toronto(opening April 2000).

ELTON’S TWIRL WITH BÉJARTAccording to Germany's

newspaper Berliner Morgenpostof Nov. 13, Elton is involved ina project of choreographerMaurice Béjart for the year2000. Béjart is preparing afestival in Versailles near Paris.Béjart says the music for theplay will be composed by a"very well-known British poppianist". He doesn't deny thename Elton John.

THE LION KING SCORE BOOKThe music score to "The Lion

King" musical has hit Londonshops. With 13 entries, the bookhas all the music and lyric lines,including the three new songsby Elton and Sir Tim Rice - "TheMorning Post", "Chow Down",and "The Madness of King Scar."The book is called "The LionKing: Broadway Selections",priced $19.95 but available asan import in U.K. priced£16.95. Buy it with 20%discount via Amazon.com if yougo through link fromwww.eltonfan.com A spokesman told Herculesthere are no immediate plans toreceive a score book for the newElton/Rice joint work "ElaborateLives: The Legend of AIDA".

ELTON PACKERS THEM IN!Elton performed a two hour

solo show on Oct. 23, at thewedding of James Packer, son ofAustralian media tycoon KerryPacker. Elton is said to havebeen paid $1.2 million for hisperformance in Sydney,Australia. More than 650 guestsarrived at the multi-million-dollarreception. Elton shared stage withblues legend B.B. King andAustralian Band Human Nature.


Full details of the following news items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site

NEWS BULLETS...CANDLE BLOWN OUT

After an amazing 111-weekstand on Canada's Top 10 singleschart, Elton's "Candle in theWind" has finally blown out,reported The Ottawa Sunnewspaper 5 November 1999.

Elton's tribute to Diana,Princess of Wales, in late Octoberhovered in the mid-teens, markingthe first significant stretch it hasspent outside the SoundScanCanada Top 10 since it wasreleased more than two years ago.Although the single made globalhistory for getting to number andselling well, Candle in the Wind'stwo-year stretch in the Canadiansingles chart is unprecedented.

Yet even though the single sold1.35 million copies in Canada, it'sless to do with Canada'sadmiration of Diana, and more todo with the tiny local market forCD singles, says Doug Spence,spokesman for the company thatcharts local music sales. It's notnecessarily Canada's affection forthe song. It's the fact that there isa very small singles market inCanada, in that very few retailerscarry singles. Virtually no massmerchant carries singles, and veryfew record companies releasesingles domestically of anyquantity." Compared to most CDsingles, Candle was produced invast quantities and was availablein virtually every record store, aswell as other retail outlets thatdon't normally carry record sales.Also, the high profile meantpeople who would normallynever be out buying CD singleswere out scooping up copies ofCandle.

In fact, the singles sales marketin Canada is so feeble, a song canoften sell a mere 500 copies in aweek and still count as one of thebest-selling singles in the country.In certain weeks during Candle'srun, the song managed to land atthe top of the charts by sellingonly 1,700 copies, says Spence.

IT'S A LITTLE BIT "PFANNI"It had to happen sooner or

later: Food company Bestfoods isusing Elton's "Your Song" for itsbrand Pfanni. New TVcommercials in Germany containthe first two lines of the title - sungby an unknown artist. It goes "It's alittle bit Pfanni, this feeling inside".

CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE

TONIGHT?Song publisher Haliwill Music

has slapped Elton, his songwritingpartner Tim Rice and the Disneycompany with a copyrightinfringement suit over the songCan You Feel The Love Tonightfrom the Disney musical "The LionKing". The lawsuit claims that Eltonripped of the 1993 song Listen ToYour Heart by Glenn Medeiros. Aspokesman for Elton said "Eltonnever heard Mr. Medeiros' recordprior to composing the music for'The Lion King'. There's been nocopying and we are confident wewill win."

While it might happen that onesong reminds someone of anotherrecording, Hercules is wonderingwhy it takes this "someone" fiveyears to figure this out....

HARVEY GOLDSMITH IN

RECEIVERSHIP,

ATTEMPTS TO RAISE CURTAINGerman impresario Peter

Schwenkow is attempting tonegotiate a rescue package forHarvey Goldsmith, whose tourpromoting company went intoreceivership Sept. 30.Schwenkow's DeutscheEntertainment group is in talks torefinance Harvey GoldsmithEntertainments. Goldsmith hadbeen a concert promoter foralmost 30 years, including topacts like Elton.

I’M STILL RUNNING....

Ever wondered what gives Eltonthe power to perform three hourshows almost every night? Well,apparently he is doing a lotbetween concerts in oder to stay ingood shape: On Nov. 6, Eltonbecame known as "the guy in thepurple shirt" when he took part inthe Arkansas 20Km Championshiprace in Benton without most peoplerealising who he was. Raising cashfor a charity which providesadvocates for abused and neglectedchildren, Elton finished in twohours, one minute and 13 seconds.During the race he told participantshe'd finished a half marathon inEngland two weeks before.

BE PREPARED!Football's World Cup

Inspectors left England on Oct. 26,after Elton, accompanied by actorHugh Grant and rock stars MickJagger and Sting, presented thedelegation with a brochure aboutEngland's World Cup hopes andpreparations, together with apersonally signed letter advocatingEngland for World Cup 2006.

Rockford I.L USA, Sept '99Photo: S Kalinoski,


BARBIE TROUBLE IN AN

ELTON WORLD!Barbie Doll manufacturer

Mattel Inc. has imposed a banover a beheaded, blood redpainted Barbie for an exhibitionorganised by Elton. Elton asked50 artists and designers tocreate their very own Barbiewhich will then be auctionedoff benefiting the Elton JohnAids Foundation. The exhibitiontook place in London on Dec.1, (World Aids Day). Guestswere asked to appear dressed inpink Barbie-like clothes!

I AM (AT) THE FOXIn a "Chameleon" role, Elton

makes a surprise appearance atthe Fox theater in Atlanta on Nov.7, to sing a couple of verses withhis close friend Sting! As Stingstarts singing his new song FillHer Up, Elton walks on stage in awhite suit and sings the secondand third verse. Then, disappearsas quickly as he'd appeared.

ELTON’S HEALING HANDSMariah Carey, along with Elton

and Mia Hamm, will be joiningNickelodeon's The Big HolidayHelp-a-thon, scheduled to air Dec.11. Elton joins the "Team Big HelpAll-Stars", a series of behind-the-scenes looks at how celebrities gotinvolved in volunteer activities andhow their personal causes havemade an impact.

CHICAGO - MY KINDA TOWN?Elton is miffed with the venue

in Chicago Nov. 9. After EmptyGarden he states he'd rather play49 shows in Lennon's tomb, orat the Hard Rock, than play atArie Crown, which he describesas "cavernous" and "terrible". Heapologises to the audience forbringing them there.

Full details of these items have appeared on our Hotline and Web-site

NEWS BULLETS...

CHRISTMAS STOCKING FILLERS?ELTON'S COVER VERSION OF THE SHOW MUST GO ONa tribute to the late Freddie Mercury - is included on

the Queen CD, titled "Greatest Hits Vol. 3". The album was released Nov. 9.

ROSIE O'DONNELL HAS PRODUCED A SEASONAL ALBUM"A ROSIE CHRISTMAS"

featuring duets with Elton (White Christmas), Billy Joel (HaveYourself A Merry Little Christmas), and others. Released by

Columbia Records Nov. 2. The ABC Television Network willair an hour-long "A Rosie Christmas" holiday special on Dec.5. Proceeds from the album will be donated to the "For All

Kids Foundation", founded by Rosie.

THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE EDITION OF"FOR OUR CHILDREN"

was released Oct. 19. The album - benefiting the ElizabethGlasier Paediatric AIDS Foundation - contains the track "The

Pacifier" by Elton, as well as songs by other artists.

THE OFFICIAL ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS CARDS

for 1999 are available, in two designs. Cards come inpacks of 8 with snowflake envelopes, & are 15x15cm.

Hercules are not offering these for sale this year.

THE 2ND ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE WORLD'S REIGNING VOCAL DIVAS, KNOWN AS

VH1 DIVAS LIVE/99this year starring Whitney Houston,

Tina Turner, Elton, Brandy, Cher, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, and Chaka Khan

was released Nov. 2 on Arista (07822-14604-2). The CD/Cassette/Video

contains "The Bitch Is Back" and "Pride Mary" performed by Elton and Tina Turner, as well as Elton's "I'm Still Standing" performance.

STING'S GUITARIST, DOMINIC MILLERHAS RECORDED AN INSTRUMENTAL VERSION

OF "THE LAST SONG" for his solo album, "Second Nature",

released at the end of October.

HERCULES EDITOR TAMMI LAW REPORTS ON HERCULES’ PRESENCE AT ELTON’S AMAZING SOLO SHOWS IN THE UK, AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 1999


At last, this is what we’dall been waiting for!

Elton was bringing histriumphant Solo tour to

the UK, and theexcitement of seeing

him again after too-longaway was at a peak.

These were alwaysgoing to be special

shows, not least becauseof the amazing venues

which Elton had chosen- open-air in thegrounds of two

magnificent ancientbuildings, Harewood

House and Leeds Castle.

We had all been worriedabout Elton and hishealth, since these UK

shows had to be postponed due tohis pacemaker operation. Theshows had been re-scheduled forjust 6 weeks after he left hospital.Would he be well enough toperform to his usual highstandards?

Hercules UK had a special treatin store for members - we hadsecured group-allocation ticketsfor the premium priced seats forthe UK shows. On the day of thefirst show at Harewood House,Hercules had organised aconvention before the concert at anearby pub. As we arrived mid-afternoon we could hear Elton’svoice drifting across the tree-topsas he rehearsed “Talking OldSoldiers” - oh, the anticipation of itall!

And what fun we had.Hercules had booked EJ

impersonator Dieter Graham toperform an outdoor concert as a“warm-up” to the main event. Thepub garden was crowded withpeople - we met lots of old friends,and made new ones. Dieter evenbrought the traffic to a standstill ashe belted out “I’m Still Standing”over the PA system - we could seecoaches of fans driving into thegates of Harewood House singingand clapping along!

Upon arriving at the venue, Icouldn’t believe how close theseats were to the stage; the wholething had a very intimate feel. Thestage was much lower and thepiano far closer to the fans than Ihad ever seen before at all the EJshows I’ve attended over the years.Our Hercules group were in the3rd row.

When Elton ran out on to thestage to thunderous cheering andapplause - the crowd of Herculesmembers held up individual

summer of

Dieter Graham entertains straightfrom the heart. (Photo: G Matlock)

Harewood House, August 1999Photo: Mark Swinden

Leeds Castle, September 1999

banners proclaiming “Elton’sHercules fan club”. They stoppedElton in his tracks - a massive grin,he pointed at each one, gave athumbs up and mouthed “Thankyou!” He pointed at me, gave abow, and then a thumbs up. It feltfantastic - and he hadn’t evenstarted playing yet!

And wow! What a show. If anyof us had any doubts about Elton’shealth - he blew them away withinminutes. His voice was the bestI’ve ever heard it - his energy leftus all breathless. Even the raindownpour didn’t dampen hisenthusiasm. Whilst the roadiescovered the beautiful black pianoin waterproof sheeting, Eltontreated us all to an impromptuchorus of “Singing in the Rain”.He took a quiet moment betweensongs to tell us he was feeling fine,to apologise for “mucking you allabout”, and to thank us for the GetWell messages we all sent him.

Rocket Man was amazing -they way he played it was likehearing it for the first time, evenafter all these years.

We had the usual battles withstewards, who made us sit downevery time we tried to get closer tothe stage. That particular aspect ofseeing Elton live is getting a bitannoying. But it was certainlyworth it. We were able to get soclose to EJ, who took the time toshake our hands, sign programmesand accept gifts. And he seemedgenuinely pleased to be doing it.The Hercules banners were verymuch in evidence, member KarenCully placed hers on the stagewhich made Elton smile.

The following day, we met upat the pub again before the show.Some non-members who had beenat the previous night’s concertcame along too - they wanted tobe part of the Hercules “road-show”.

Tonight we were sitting in the5th row. The stewards were a littlemore relaxed with us, and we wereable to stand in front of the stagefor all the encores. It was obviousthat Elton enjoyed seeing the


fun

'All together now...'Photo: B Turner

Elton signing 'The Mag' for TammiPhoto: C Smedley

familiar faces of Herculesmembers, together with the now-famous banners.

EJ was in a great mood allevening, again signing programmesand CD covers for the fans in frontof the stage - he even signed acopy of the June issue of Hercules’The Mag for me.

At one point, whilst a largecrowd of us were singing alongwith Crocodile Rock at the front ofthe stage, club-member DavidWright grabbed my arm andshouted “This is SO great!!”. Itwas like being at the best partyimaginable.

Most nights, EJ says more orless the same things between songs- the stories behind lyrics, or tothank the crowd for our support.But tonight he said somethingunusual: “Y’know, I really lovedoing these solo shows, because itmeans I can get closer to theaudience, and actually get to seeyou , and talk to some of you for achange, which is SO nice for me.”He was looking directly at ourcrowd of Hercules fans as he saidit. And Elton, it was pretty damnnice for us too!

Four days back at workbetween the two weekends, tryingto live a normal life, andconcentrate in meetings withoutdrifting off into my Elton-world.Very difficult.

The following weekend we hadglorious summer weather. Ichecked into the hotel and againcould hear EJ’s voice drifting acrossthe Kent countryside as he did hissound-check at about 3pm. Theparty atmosphere kicked off at theGeorge Inn pub, where a largecrowd had gathered for ourHercules get-together, organised byGeorge Matlock. Greatentertainment was provided byperformer EJ sound-alike PaulLucas; and amazing look-alike RayJohnson, who was accompaniedby a television crew filming himfor a documentary.

We gave Ray and his wife a liftto the venue; his effect on thecrowds was amazing. He looks solike EJ, and was dressed for thepart. As we walked through thecrowds towards the arena in frontof the Castle, people were shoutingand pointing “There’s Elton!” Ourlittle gang moved through the

crowds very slowly, as Ray wasconstantly being stopped forautographs and photos. He took itall in his stride and was happy topose for photos. But he drew theline at autographs; instead he justwhispered “I’m not who you thinkI am” to anyone who asked him.

Upon arriving at the ticket-barrier, the officials just stood backand waved Ray through, believinghim to be Elton! “No, no! You’vegot to take my ticket!” he shoutedas we all dissolved into laughter.At one point there was even agroup of paparazzi following us,all trying to get a picture of “Elton”mingling with his fans, and visitingthe hot-dog stands!

As we spent time enjoying thatwonderful pre-concert feeling ofanticipation, walking through thecrowds, enjoying the magnificentspectacle of Leeds Castle, it was sonice to see so many familiar facesamongst the fans. People who hadbeen at Harewood the previousweekend, and people I’ve knownfor years within Hercules, havebecome real friends. In the early1980’s I used to feel I was the onlyhuge Elton-fan in the country - as


summer of fun

Ray Johnson turns a few heads.Photo: B Turner

Party Time! (L to R: David Wright, Andy Thorpe, George Matlock, MarkSwinden, John Michie and Nigel Coleman)


there were never any familiar facesat concerts, and no-one couldunderstand why I would want tosee him 5 nights in a row.

That, for me, is the best thingabout Hercules. The feeling ofcamaraderie amongst themembers. Member Andy Thorpesummed it up for me when hequietly said to me, about 2 hoursbefore the show, “Are youbeginning to get nervous?” And Iwas! It was so nice to know thatother people understood, becausethey feel the same way aboutseeing EJ live.

Leeds Castle was an amazingvenue. The castle, on the otherside of the moat, was lit up fromwithin for the duration of the show,and was reflected in the water.Truly magical. It was less intimatethan Harewood House, with a farlarger audience.

Elton was in fantastic form. Hepronounced every word and didn’t“swallow” the end of sentenceslike he has done in the past. Ifanything, his voice was evenstronger than at Harewood.Several groups of Hercules bannersin the crowd brought waves and

smiles from EJ as he pointed to usall.

Elton’s ballads are at their bestwhen it’s just him and his piano -he often changed the direction ofthe music from night to night.Rocket Man was much longersome nights if he was feelingmellow - with Take Me to the Pilotfaster and longer other nights if hewas really rocking!

Yet again, the battles withstewards, who wouldn’t evenallow us to stand up to dance infront of our seats. Someoneshould tell them it’s a rockconcert! But we wouldn’t take nofor an answer for the encores, andstormed the stage for CrocodileRock. This situation improved overthe 3 nights, and by the last nightwe weren’t stopped at all; westood in front of the stage singingand dancing for the last half of theshow. What a party!

Hercules was very much inevidence throughout the wholeweekend, with our banners, t-shirtsand baseball caps shown manytimes on the big screens.

On the second night, as wewere milling around before theshow, David Furnish appearedwalking through the crowds,totally unnoticed by most people.I’m not quite sure what he wasdoing in that part of the venue -one theory was he was buying ahot-dog, another that he wasbuying a souvenir T-shirt!! Wetook the opportunity to say “Hi” tohim, and shook his hand. He wasutterly charming, and said thatElton was in a great mood and thattonight’s show was going to bereally special. He was right, ofcourse.

Before “Carla/Etude” EJ wastelling us that he was about toperform a number from the album,The Fox, which “only sold about 4copies over here”. Andy Thorpeshouted “I’ve got it!”, and Eltonreplied “You’ve got it have you? I

said The Fox, not The Pox!!”. Heobviously was in a fantastic moodand was cracking jokes all night.

When Elton saw us in front ofthe stage, he again pointed andsmiled - he seemed genuinelypleased to see us. So many of thepeople which Elton pointed outwere Hercules members - BarbaraTurner got a special wave fromhim as he copied her armmovements. As he came forwardto shake mine and Andy‘s hand -Andy shouted “See you tomorrownight, sir!”, to which Elton replied“I think you lot are mad!” There’sgratitude for you!

On the last night - I presentedEJ with red roses. I was amazed athow tightly he squeezed my handas he said “Thank you........ foreverything” - my hand was stillthrobbing several songs later.

Elton left the Leeds Castlevenue each night by helicopter - itwas an incredible sight to see, aswe were all still cheering andshouting for another encore,flashing lights appeared in thedarkness from the other side of themoat, and a sleek helicopter roseup and hovered above the crowd,before disappearing over the treetops.

All in all, we had a fantasticElton-week. Not just because ofthe amazing concerts, which Ithink were the best ever in all theyears that I’ve seen Elton perform,but because of a “bigger picture”.The relief of seeing him well again;the venues themselves; therecognition and appreciation thatElton showed towards Hercules;and the friendship and party-atmosphere of sharing the wholeexperience with fellow Herculesmembers!

Here’s to the next time!

Paul Lucas 'live' at the George InnPhoto: B Turner


These were Elton's 48th and49th shows at the Garden, i.e. thenext time he will play theGarden, it will be the 50th show!

The stage set was new (to me).It was "Medusa" all over theplace, with a chandelier-like lightconstruction in the middle of thestage, being covered bysomething similar to a circus tenttop. The "chandelier" moved upand down during the show, itcould also move its "arms" like anoctopus.

Both nights, "Empty Garden"was the emotional highlight of theshow. A wonderful solo versionby Elton sung at the place where25 years ago John Lennon had hisfinal live appearance - togetherwith Elton. "Rocket Man" wasextended again, compared to thesolo versions he played duringthe European leg of the solo tour.Elton performed very powerfulsolo parts during "Honky Cat","Burn Down The Mission" and"Take Me To The Pilot"."Philadelphia Freedom" was avery cool and groovy version thatreminded me a bit of the "StonesThrow From Hurting"athmosphere.

The second night, Elton was abit less concentrated: he screwedup the lyrics during "Better offDead", and played a little"strange" during "Tonight". Duringthe intro to "Take Me To ThePilot" he lifted his right leg like adog!

Telling from somemicrophones that were set up allover the place, I have the feelingthat both shows were recordedprofessionally. I have no wordabout an official release,however, it is likely that at least afew songs will be used in thefuture.Madison Square Garden, Oct 99.

Photo: S KalinoskiMadison Square Garden, Oct 99.Photo: S Kalinoski

Phot

o: L

ynne

Syk

es

summer of fun

STEPHAN HEIMBECHER REPORTS AS

ELTON’S SOLO TOUR MOVES ON TO

NEW YORK’S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

IN OCTOBER

Elton thentook hisfantastic

Solo show toAmerica andCanada.StephanHeimbecherwas at NewYork’s MadisonSquare Gardenshows onOctober 15thand 16th, andreports thefollowing fromthe States:


We have been told bysomeone “in theknow” that this is

Elton’s favourite dessert, and heinsists on it every time he visitshis home in Atlanta! Give it atry over Christmas and NewYear, and let us know how yougot on........

BANANA CREAM PIE

12 oz Pastry Cream (or good quality custard)

16 oz of Heavy Cream (Double Cream)

6 Ripe Bananas1 Cup of Sugar1 Tablespoon of Banana Liqueur1 Tablespoon of Creme de CocoaWhite chocolate to decorate

Whip the double cream withthe sugar and fold into the pastrycream (or custard). Add bananaliqueur, creme de cocoa, slicedbananas and mix lightly. Addmixture to a pre-baked pie-crustand chill for 4 hours until set.Decorate the top with shavedwhite chocolate curls.

Elton’sfavourite recipe...

UK SET LIST USA SET LISTFollowing is the complete song list of the UK shows (August/September 1999)

Your Song Skyline Pigeon

The Greatest Discovery Talking Old Soldiers

Border Song Daniel

Honkey Cat Rocket Man

(Singing in the Rain - 1st night) Sacrifice

Better Off Dead House

I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues Ticking

Carla Etude Tonight

I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That The One

Blue Eyes Song for Guy

Take Me To The Pilot Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

Crocodile Rock Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Encore No 1Circle of Life

Bennie And The Jets

Encore No 2Candle In The Wind

Following is the complete song list of the Madison Square Garden shows: (October 1999)

Your Song Skyline Pigeon The Greatest Discovery Border Song HarmonyDanielHonky Cat Rocket Man Tiny Dancer Better Off Dead Philadelphia Freedom Elton's Song Sweet Painted Lady I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues Ticking Carla/EtudeTonight Burn Down The Mission The One Blue Eyes Empty Garden Take Me To The Pilot LevonCrocodile Rock Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Encore No.1Circle of Life Bennie and The Jets

Encore No.2Candle in the Wind

how the sets compare...

20Hercules. The Elton John Fan Club14

Tick(et)ing...The millennium is just

around the corner,and Elton is more

active than ever before.What can the loyal fan

expect in the nextmillennium? A not-

entirely serious look back,and an attempt at a look

into the future. ByStephan Heimbecher

Millennium, the word of thecentury... a non-word? Arguably,the upcoming change of themillennium has been with ussince the beginning of the 1999at least. Surely, the number 2000has something magical about it,and not only because of the Y2Kproblem which could make somecomputers sweat on January 1,2000.

Let's just assume thataeroplanes will not fall from thesky on New Year's Eve, that thepower supply will not breakdown, that phone lines will workon New Year's Day, and thatElton's pacemaker will still serveits purpose in the year 2000.

This leads us to the topic ofthis article: In my opinion, Eltonwas not implanted with apacemaker in July 1999 but astate-of-the-art heart acceleratorwhich makes him run faster andeven longer - like the longest-running batteries on the market.

But jokes aside - the situationis serious! I very well rememberthe first days of my fandomduring the early 80s, when Elton- like any other halfway sensibleartist - toured with a frequency ofevery two or three years. Butgone are the times of rest in-between two tours, gone are thetimes of relaxed ticket-buying,and most importantly, gone arethe times of anticipation for thenext show.

These days, one tour is notyet finished when sales alreadystart for the next - like ithappened recently whensuddenly and unexpectedly, thesales for Elton's solo shows inJune/July 2000 started while hewas still playing stadiums in theUSA. And last-but-not-least, he

had been on a solo tour inEurope in June 1999 (althoughput to a stop by his heartoperation).... and in November1998, there had been shows withthe band.... another half yearbefore that, we had theopportunity to enjoy seeing him(and in the beginning Billy Joel)in huge stadiums....

Help! Stop! Mercy! Whowould be able to cope with allthat? Quite a few fans are alreadydown to their last penny becausetheir financial backbone isbroken, and most of us know thatthe purchase of the next ticketbears some similarity to thenecessity of the next shot for adrug addict. Are we Eltonjunkies?

Now I do not want to losemyself in metaphors but weshould spend a moment to thinkhow all this will continue in thenext millennium. Sure, we are allhappy when Elton goes on tour,and it has always been veryentertaining... sometimes withthe band, then only with RayCooper, with Billy Joel, nowentirely on his own. (If only hedid not play "I Guess That's WhyThey Call It The Blues" everysingle time!). But does it reallyhave to be that often?

And then there is anotherimportant topic, which we haveto talk about: Everyoneunderstands why tickets do notcost the same as ten years ago.Everything keeps getting moreexpensive. The thing I just do notget is why ticket prices for Elton'sconcerts have almost doubledwithin the last two years. In thiscontext, it is interesting to notethat tickets have become moreunaffordable, but at the same

into the next

00Quarterly Fanzine. Issue 49. December 1999 15

time fewer musicians andinstruments on stage: With theband, the prices could still beconsidered normal, the showswith Ray Cooper were moreexpensive, and for the solo tour,ticket prices have gone up evenhigher (see box).

We have already experiencedover-priced tickets, and I am nottalking about scalpers in the USselling tickets for ten times of theoriginal price. No, the magicword is "Silver Ticket", "GoldenCircle Ticket" or even "PlatinumTicket".

Who the Hell needs all that?We do not want pseudo-VIPswho for a 200% higher ticketprice get a seat cushion as thickas a kitchen towel and a VIPreception from which they arrivehalf an hour after the beginningof the show so that everyone cansee them take theirs seats in thefront row. And of course, theyjust have to leave during the firstencore - in order to be the first inline for the after show buffet.

Why do Elton's shows have tobe all-seated nowadays? Wewere able to resist this Americantrend for so long but somehowthey just have to copy everythingfrom the 'land of unlimitedpossibilities' sooner or later -most of the times in a bad way.And this results in people fromthe typical "You just have to haveseen Elton John!" party who have'bought themselves' into theconcert sitting behind you.

In order to get a halfwayrealistic price/performance-relation for his or her seat, theperson in this party will usuallynot get up during the entireshow. And if anyone in front ofhim or her should dare to do so,

they immediately protest andthreaten to get the security staff -who are nearly always at handstraight away threatening thedancing fan with being kickedout if they do not sit down atonce. There is nothing betterthan a relaxed concertatmosphere (Danger: irony!).

How did I get to talk about allthis? Oh yes, the Millennium. Forthe next Millennium, my wish isthat Elton will slow down hispace a little - especiallyregarding his tour schedule (notto mention the varioussoundtracks and other projects).No, we ARE thankful for everyshow he performs. But how longwill he be able to continue this?Sure, he looks younger andhealthier today than ten yearsago, and how he manages toperform three hour long concertsevery night is simply admirable.

Still, after a voice operation inthe eighties and the heartoperation this year (after whichhe was on stage just four weekslater) the loyal fan asks thequestion what will happen next.We do not want to imaginethat....

How Are TicketPrices Calculated?

Many fans have told us latelythey can’t understand why ticketsfor Elton concerts are continuallymore expensive. Summer 2000will be even more expensive. Weasked Peter RiegerKonzertagentur - the promoter forElton's solo shows in Germanynext year - and received thefollowing statement:

“Unfortunately, many ticketsellers think that they mainlypay the artist with the ticketprice. That is not the case.Because the costs resulting froma big rock'n roll production areimmense. Just imagine howmany people and technicalequipment are involved in sucha production, and all this has tobe paid for. From the personsetting up the chairs (and ofcourse the chair itself!) up to theperson driving the crew busfrom town to town, and to thepeople setting up the entirestage, and of course also thepeople designing the stage formany months, putting together,checking, equalizing lights andsound, the local security staff aswell, the ushers, and... and...and....

Not much remains for theartist (and the band).

In the last few years, Eltonand his band have performed inmany stadiums where you cancount on an average of 60.000people a night. As well as that,stadiums already have thecomplete infrastructure likechairs on the sides, bathroomsfor everyone, offices for theproduction, staff restaurants etc.Thus, the so-called 'local costs'for each audience member aremuch lower.

The solo tour will mainlytake place in public spaceswhere we have to build anentire infrastructure ourselves:power supplies, miles of cable,audience stands, every singlechair, office containers,bathroom containers, crowdbarriers, ground fortification forthe stage, whole tent cities forcatering, showers, lounges,and... and... and... And thenthese events only have acapacity of about 10.000 peoplea concert. But those people willbe able to enjoy an unusual,wonderful experience of aspecial outside show.”

t millennium


Every Elton tour isaccompanied by a certainamount of hard work by

Hercules chiefs. As the fansassemble, we have to make surethings work out - especially sowhen we offer members tickets,as we did for the first time inthe UK in 1999.

Elton’s surgery, and thesubsequently postponed shows,left us with our own casualties.Some fans wanted to quit thetickets, as they could not fly infrom other parts of the world.Complex refunds followed. Forothers, it was a chance to snapup orphan tickets, and one suchlucky member was Jodie Evanswho flew from Australia! SomeGerman fans decided to snap upall four ticket allocations weoffered. The tickets came with a£4 per ticket discount, at £51each. So... each of those fanswho bought Hercules tickets gottheir annual £14 subscriptionback through these savings!

I travelled north to Leedswith a fan from Russia whokinda likes Elton, but quicklywondered whether she was fanenough for the task when wewould hours later act like kids inthe front row. She didn't like mysinging Elton songs in the car;what she failed to grasp is that Iwas actually trying to stay awakefor the long journey!

A highlight of the tour,however, was meeting Hercules'oldest fan...Frances Fitzgerald-Hart, who lives in Yorkshire andturned 86 years in October.Frances joined Hercules a fewmonths back (see picture, that'sher seated on the right!). Shewrote to me in spring to sayshe'd heard shows were comingto Leeds Castle in southernEngland. How she wished Eltonwould tour the north too. Therewere plenty of castles andvenues. Her prayers were

answered only two weekslater...as Elton announcedHarewood House in Yorkshire,would be added. Sadly, Francesis in poor health herself, anddoctor's orders were to stayhome. Nevertheless, I resolvedto meet her to say an official"hello" from Hercules, and bringher a few gifts.

On the day of the concert,during my visit to her home withher family, I was surprised howmuch she knows about Elton.She's got loads of his albums.She knew about the Hercules"Steptoe And Son" televisionconnection. "Elton loved thatBBC comedy series" sherecalled. She also knew whereElton had just been playing...andyet she has NO access tocomputers and the Internet! Shereads a lot of newspapers, andkeeps informed with her newcompanion, Hercules "The Mag"fanzine.

I found the talk thoroughlyrefreshing, and she put manyyounger fans, myself included,to shame by her knowledge ofElton. Here's wishing Frances agreat Millennium!

Pacing 1,040 MilesBEHIND THE SCENES WITH HERCULES, FOR ELTON'S UK TOUR. By George Matlock

heart (and wallet)

in therightplaceFollowing six years of a solid relationship, David Furnish and Elton talk to Canada's The National Post's Linda Frum about heart scares, a new film, and spending cash, on the day of the world premiere of “Women Talking Dirty”.(October 99)

Hercules’ oldest member, Franceschats to George Matlock


David has been comforterand ally to Elton throughsome recent scary

moments."They told me I couldn't play

tennis for a month," says Elton. "Soas I was going into the operatingroom, I got off the trolley andsaid: 'That's it! If I can't playtennis for a month I'm not goingin there.' Everyone was groaning."

David continues, addressingElton directly: "I said, 'Get back onthe gurney and let's go backupstairs and talk about this.' Youknow what's right. You alwaysknow. I think you were justscared. I think that was fear ..."

"No," retorts Elton, "I was justpissed off that I couldn't playtennis for a month. I wasn'tscared. I think you get scaredwhen you don't know what isgoing to happen. If they do anexploratory operation becausethey don't know what's wrongwith you, then you're scared. Iwasn't scared. I was beingunreasonable. Which is part of mycharacter."

Now it's a role reversal. It'sDavid's turn to be front andcentre and Elton's turn to play thesupportive partner. David has justgot back from the TorontoInternational Film Festival,arranging business meetings withdistributors, and visiting family inhis native Scarborough, Ontario.But now, a few hours before theworld premiere of their newmovie, "Women Talking Dirty",Elton has arrived to be at David'sside.

"I was in a little bit of a panicgetting here," explains Sir Elton,who had intended to fly in via theConcorde Thursday night, butwhose plans were scuttled by thearrival of Hurricane Floyd. Whenhe learned his plane would bedelayed Sir Elton says he toldhimself: "'I cannot let him down.I've got to be there.' So we renteda jet and got here at 4 a.m. It wasessential that I be here. Yes, youcould say it's a role reversal. Thiswas something I had to be herefor."

"Women Talking Dirty"is the first feature byRocket Pictures,Elton's productioncompany. StarringHelena BonhamCarter and GinaMcKee, it's aabout a pair ofworking-classwomen inEdinburgh, theirfriendship and therat-like men whodestroy their lives.Elton wrote the scorefor the film, but otherwise it'sDavid's and his producing partner,Polly Steele's work.

"One of the drawbacks that I'mafraid of," says Elton, "is thatpeople are going to expect somuch because the film is getting alot of attention and it's our first.This is a $5-million movie. It's asweet little movie. It's not ablockbuster. There is anexpectation and I hope peopledon't get too disappointed. I thinkif you stay with it for the wholefilm, you'll walk out feeling reallygood."

David says placing the film washard too. Elton's name wasn'tgoing to sell it. "We've beenbattling to get this film done fortwo years. It's been a nightmare,"says David. "Nobody gives you themoney to make a film just becauseyou are associated with a veryfamous person."

Famously, Elton relieves thepressure with shopping sprees.And recently Elton fuelledspeculation about a possiblefinancial crisis when he took out a$50-million bank loan.

Elton rebuts: "Well, it's just nottrue and there's nothing I can doabout it except tell people it's nottrue. Yes, I did have a problemwith my former manager. Yes, Iam suing Price Waterhouse for alot of money. But what bank isgoing to lend me £25 millionpounds if I have cash flowproblems and no assets?

Elton's personal fortune isestimated to be $375-million, and

it doesn't look like he is goingbroke any time soon. There wassome unpleasantness with hisformer manager, John Reid, whichnecessitated the loan, "but it's allsettled now. It is upsetting whendisc jockeys on the radio say:'Well, it serves him right forspending $400,000 a month on hiscredit card.'"

Linda asks: "You are known assomebody who enjoys a good ...",struggling to find the mot juste.

"A good spend?" Elton says."Oh, I love it! My theory in life isthat I really like to enjoy life and Ilike to live well."

Good news for Toronto'sshopkeepers! A "mooch," Elton'sand David's term for an unbridledshopping spree, is on the agenda."We have to buy things for David'sfamily because there are birthdayscoming up," says Elton. "No placeis safe from me."

Adds Mr. Furnish: "My level ofrecognition in Canada has goneup, and I've walked by the Versaceshop a few times this week on myway to screenings and there arethese three guys, standing outfront, waiting. They're poised.They're ready. And as I walk by Ican hear them saying: 'Uggh, he'son his own. When is Elton gettinginto town?!'"

And will Elton disappoint theshops?

"I don't want to spend all dayin the hotel room."


Elton John, Neil Young& Rod Stewart were inPollstar’s top 10 list ofmost expensive concerttickets this year.

Did you know thatBernie wrote "SnowQueen" about Cher andit made her mad? EJdidn't know it wasabout her until severalyears later.

Did you know that EJ'sname did not appear onthe credits of NeilSedaka's "The HungryYears" album? Creditfor the "Bad Blood"background vocals wentto "Ann Orson", whichwas one of EJ's aliases.

BBC1s heavyweightdiscussion programmeQuestion Time isconsidering Elton as afuture panelist. Oneperson ruled out wasLiz Hurley as she wasdeemed too lightweightand lacking in any firmpolitical opinions.

Apparently, when Eltoncouldn’t find DietCherry Coke in Francehe had it flown in tohim especially by SonicAir Service.

BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20ANOTHER VERSE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMN FEATURING TRIVIA AND

Hercules’ Nordicrepresentative, Urpu Kallio,chats to EJ’s second cousin,

Ron DwightI'm more nervous than ever as I

drive on a tiny road in the middleof forest in southern Finland. I hopethat this is the right road and that Iam going to the right place at theright time. I just keep telling myselfthat I am going to meet somebodywho is Elton's relative.

I remember one day noticingthe name Ron Dwight in the phonebook. I got interested and found outthat he is possibly Elton's secondcousin. Why on earth does ourElton's relative live in a place likeFinland? I can't stop wondering.Well, I'm soon going to find out.The house is a beautiful large loghouse. Ron greets me with ahandshake and I can see a strongfamily resemblance, which getsstronger as we start to chat, and heintroduces me to his wife.

In the living room, I give Ron acopy of June and September’s TheMag. He shows me a photograph ofhis father, who has a pretty strongresemblance to Elton. He tells meabout the way his father used to

pose in very funny ways for photos.I smile - I think I know somebodyelse who also poses funnily whenhaving his photo taken.

Ron tells me that his sister, wholives in England, was researchingthe family tree, and that it appearsas if Ron is Elton’s second cousin.Elton’s father, Stanley Dwight, andRon’s father are thought to becousins. He tells me that he lived inLondon for 28 years before comingto Finland with his work, in 1970,just before EJ made the big time.Ron enjoyed the place so much thathe stayed.

I ask him if there are anymusical talents in other Dwightfamily members he knows. "Goodquestion... no. The only instrumentthat I play is a record player!” Anddo his relatives like Elton's music? "Ithink my sister has couple of hisrecords. She's not a fan as such...but... no, my musical taste iscountry and western. That's it, I'mafraid... sorry Elton!" When I askwhether many people know that heis Elton's relative, he says no, not alot. "We have nothing in common...musically. He's more talented than Iam... but I'm better looking than he

is!" He bursts to laughter and I can'thelp laughing either. All theDwights I know by now seem tohave the same great sense ofhumour.

He has known that he’s arelative of Elton’s for about 15 to 20years. "People who get to know thatI'm Elton's relative usually ask if Iknow him, and they are surprisedwhen I have to say no. It's anaccident of birth, not designed... Ithink we would get on pretty well ifwe met but our interests arecertainly different."

What does Ron think aboutElton having changed his name."Well, it's his own affair... mostshowbusiness people do changetheir names. I'm not sure thatReginald Dwight would have beena very successful stage name.” Iask what does he think of Elton'spacemaker operation. "The pace oflife that the guy lives...- he ought torelax more. Flying to Finland for athree hour concert and then offagain, rushing around... it's not athing that a fifty year old guy does.The pacemaker thing did notsurprise me at all. The guy just hasto slow down and live more.”

When I thank them and leave,Ron and his wife let me know that Iwould be welcome to see themagain - and of course they tell methat Elton will also be welcome attheir house any time!

The Son of your Father....?!


Prestigious interior designand home fragrance houseSlatkin & Co, have launched

the latest candles in the ‘Elton’range of scented products.Hercules are delighted to offerthe new ELTON 2000 collectionto all HERCULES club membersat a substantial discount fromretail prices.

Hercules donates all profits tothe Elton John Aids Foundation.We have already raised $1000for Elton’s charity from candlesales in 1999.

The ELTON 2000collection consist of 2different candles;

The deluxe candle issolid white, packaged ina 4 inch tall octagonalglass jar with a silvermetallic lid. The outerpackaging is mainly whitewith the logo ELTON2000 printed in metallicsilver. The box has photosof EJ himself. The scent is,in our opinion, the best sofar of the EJ candle lines.

Slatkin describes it as "base notesof white musk/precious woods,mid notes whitelily/peony/cyclamen, top notesarmoise/aquatic accord/icedpineapple leaves".

Also in the ELTON 2000candle line is a shorter, clear gelcandle packaged in a tin. Thepaper covering the tin has thephoto design like the Deluxecandles. Inside, the candle is in aclear glass jar, the wax/gel is alsoclear with bubbles in it.....very

pretty.

Elton 2000 deluxe candles: Retail ................................$54Hercules members ............$35

Elton 2000 clear gel candle:Retail ................................$30Hercules members ............$21

Shipping costs per order:Within USA ........................$4Canada ................................$6Outside North America

for first item ..................$15each additional item ......$5

Please allow up to 6 to 8weeks for delivery. Order soon!Stocks won't last long!

Orders are handled by ourHERCULES USA/Canadadepartment.

Order from Sharon Kalinoski,P.O. Box 398, La Grange, IL60525, USA directly, or sendyour order to: [email protected].

Payment is accepted viaVISA, Mastercard, or cheque(made payable to SharonKalinoski and sent to HERCULES USA).

Elton 2000 Candlesnow available

An Australian reporter tellsHercules that GoodbyeYellow Brick Road albumwasn’t only available inyellow. It was also pressedin Australia, as a limitededition, in red and also inblue vinyl, especially forthe New Zealand market.One copy recently sold toan Italian fan for A$500,about £200. The yellowvinyl is fairly commonand sells for around £30 -£40.

Did you know thatwhen EJ recorded thevocals for "Don't GoBreaking My Heart" hekept singing both hispart and Kiki's part (sheadded her vocals at alater recording session).Everyone kept tellinghim that if he sang itthat way that itwouldn't end up as aduet, but merely him upfront with Kiki doingbackground vocals.

Did you know that EJsays "1, 2, 3, 4" at thebeginning of RingoStarr's rendition of"Snookeroo" on his"Goodnight Vienna"album?

Did you know that EJ's1996 "Love Songs"album wasn't the first ofhis albums to have thattitle? In 1982, Rocketreleased an earlierversion of "Love Songs".It featured a number of"Blue Moves" tracks, aswell as "Strangers",which has been theonly "official" albumrelease of that particularrecording.

BETWEEN 17 AND 20 • BETWEEN 17 AND 20GOSSIP ABOUT ELTON - FOUND OF COURSE, BETWEEN PAGES 17 AND 20!!

USAFifth annual EJ fan

party near Chicago,Illinois USA. Saturday,

March 25, 2000. Pleaseleave a message on the HerculesUSA hotline if you want aninvitation....if you attended lastyear, you will automatically getan invitation. Phone 815-293-3843....regularphone rates apply.

UKMarch 25 2000:

Hercules UK will goahead with the annual

event free to members, £1 tonon-members, at the ANNAHotel, Queensborough Terrace,London, on Elton’s birthday,building on the success of theopen-air conventions of summer1999!

LAS VEGAS:The first ever

HerculesInternational Fan

Convention that is plannedfor Las Vegas in the middle ofSeptember, 2000. Please see theenclosed supplement and orderform for full details. If you havenot received a supplement andwould like more details, pleasecontact Stephan Heimbecher(address on page 2).

GERMANY:As part of Elton's

solo tour in the year2000, Hercules would againlike to stage a half-day fan

convention in Germany on theday of one of the concerts. Thistime it will take place on 23June 2000 from 12 noon to 6pmat the Hotel Schweizer Hof,Wilhelmshöher Allee 288, inKassel, Germany.

Why in Kassel? Well, thereare several good reasons: Firstly,the concert in Kassel is takingplace right in front of theHerkulesstatue (Hercules statue),so we felt it was veryappropriate for our fan meeting!Furthermore the concert inKassel happens to be on a bankholiday, which will make travelarrangements easier for you.And finally Kassel is situatedcentrally in Germany.

We have reserved severalrooms at the Schweizer Hofhotel, which you can bookyourself by calling +49-561/9369-0 quoting "Hercules".Rates for single rooms are DM165, double rooms DM 215including a welcome drink andbreakfast buffet.

You can easily walk from thehotel to the concert by foot!Free car parking facilities aresituated directly at the hotel(follow signs: Boarding House),and the ICE railway stationWilhelmshöhe is only 400metres away! If you prefer tostay in a different hotel or wouldlike to get to the conventionfrom elsewhere, you can taketram line no. 1, which stopsright in front of the hotel.

Further information on theconvention as well as anapplication form are going to bepublished in the March issue ofThe Mag.


conventionally speaking

J U S T F O R F U N

1) He was born a pauperTo a pawn on a Christmas day

2) You tell me there’s an angel inyour tree

Did he say he’d come to call on me

3) Now the old fat goose isflying cross the sticks

The hedgehog’s done in claybetween the bricks

4) When the snow fallsAnd Central Park looks like a

Christmas card

5) If we can help to entertainyou,

Oh, we will find the ways.

6) It was the lure of the tropicsThat I thought might heal

the scars

7) I see a red flag burnYeah now we need a Santa

Claus

8) I won’t see you till ChristmasI breathe coal dust,

I get blisters

9) Little satelliteBrightest star tonight, oh

my love

10) On my roof there’s thumpingsounds

And bells inside my head.

Have a go at this festive versionof our popular lyric quiz.

We give you a line - see if youcan name the song!

(Answers on page 26)

J U S T F O R F U N

LYRIC QUIZ

FORTHCOMING HERCULES CONVENTIONS

We have a lot ofHercules conventionsand parties planned for

the Year 2000. We’recelebrating Elton’s birthday, theEuropean summer shows and

more. Read on for moredetails.....


When I saw this site listedon the Internet, my firstthoughts were

"FANtastic! Someone has finallyset up a website where fans candownload rare and obscure EJrecordings to add to theirgrowing collection." However,the download offerings wererather lackluster.

Instead of what was expected,I was met with "Duets" and"Captain Fantastic”, along withthe promise of "Honky Chateau"in the near future. Two questionsimmediately came to mind."Doesn't every EJ fan alreadyhave these albums in theircollection?" and "Why would wewant to download something thatwe already have?" It would havebeen far more thrilling todownload an obscure or raresong, such as "Red", "Up TheRevolution", "The Measure Of AMan", or "Indian Maiden".

Perhaps the webmaster,Dmitry Zakharoff, is living in acountry where the songs that hedid upload are considered hard-to-find. On that premise, I'll notjudge too harshly on his choice ofdownload selections. I wasimpressed that he included everysong from the albums and not justa few of them. At the verybeginning, Dmitry acknowledgesthat his website is rather plainlooking and lacks a lot ofgraphics. In his own words, "Youwill not find there any "cool"web-design, because this pagecreated only for listeningwonderfull music." The site livesup to that promise. I have always

said that too many graphics candiminish the true content. Eventhough this site is hosted byGeoCities, that pesky GeoCitiespopup window did not appearacross the top of my computerscreen as expected.

The format used for thedownloads is RAM, which was adisappointment. MP3 is thefastest growing format inpopularity and the "RealJukeBox"is capable of recording andplaying songs in that format.Chances are that Dmitry is notaware of MP3 yet. Finally, whatreally bothered me the mostabout this site is the fact that"Real's" company name was used

twice in this website's own title,but there are absolutely no linksto the "Real" website. What's aperson to do if they don't have aRealPlayer or a RealJukeBox?Probably quickly move on toanother website. There arecertainly a few bugs to work outhere, but once completed, thissite could garner a lot of traffic.Until then, it earns 1 Royal Wave.

REAL ELTON JOHN IN REAL AUDIO

RATING: 1 ROYAL WAVE

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Location/3797/index.html

take.me.down/to/the.oceana.web.surfer's/guide/to.finding/ej/on.the.netby Reggie Zippo ([email protected]) All websites are rated from 0 to 4 Royal Waves.

Please keep in mind that this review does not reflect the opinions of HERCULES or its supporters.


L E T T E R S T O T H E Send your letters to Tammi Law, Editor (address on page 2) or e.mail her at [email protected].

At events such as these a lot of'informal' and 'unplanned'

incidents happen - I want to sharesome of them with Herculesmembers - many of whom werethere on the night, but may notknow of them.

Ray, the fantastic Elton Johnlook-alike was a star before theshow, after the show and whatsome people don't know - alsoDURING the show. Before theshow, along with many of us, Raywas down by the front of the stagesoaking up the atmosphere. Thoseof you that have seen Ray willknow just how uncanny it is to seehim. For many it IS Elton Johnstanding in front of them. Raywas chatting to all sorts of peopleat the front, in fact, quite a crowdhad gathered around him in thisvery relaxed and easy going venue(Leeds Castle - Saturday Night).Ray was very popular with peoplehaving their photos taken andchatting away - all good fun.

Having taken his seat, GeorgeMatlock felt another 'photoopportunity' coming on strong. Heasked Ray to stand on his seat andhold up a Hercules Fan ClubBanner. All those to the rear ofBlock A suddenly roared withlaughter and gave a rapturousapplause at 'Elton' standing on hisseat in the middle of the crowd!

This extra FREE entertainmentof Ray hanging around the stageand then on his seat certainlyhelped to warm up the crowd.When the 'mad-dash' to the stagewas complete our Ray managed toget himself right in front of thepiano. Quite what Elton made ofthis is not yet on record - but.....and being one of the very few fansthat did not race to the front on

this night, I had a great view of theproceedings from behind.

All of a sudden, during one ofthe songs, the most amazing thinghappens..... our Ray is on thevideo screens singing his heartout! The crowd, recognising himfrom standing on his seat earliershrieked with laughter and about14,000 people were all pointingup at the screens where Ray wasgiving it his all. What a wonderfulexperience and a great bit of fun!Sorry to say that because most ofthe fans were tapping on the stage- they were too far forward to seethis extraordinary sight.

It doesn't stop there either: thenext night I had a conversationwith someone that went like this:-

Them: Elton came out to meetpeople last night you know

Me: What? where?? (a sense ofpanic that I may have missedsomething!)

Them: Right here by the stageMe: Really? Jeez! What time

was THAT because we all sawhim leave after the show in theHelicopter.

Them: No, no. This wasBEFORE the show.

Me: When, what time beforethe show?

Them: About an hour beforethe show, Elton was out front here- having photos taken and chattingto the crowd

Me: Well I was here at the sideof the stage about 1.5 hours beforethe show and I didn't see him

Them: Oh! yes - I heard allabout it but I wasn't here myself.

Me: Oh you daft XXX thatwasn't Elton........ it was RAY!!

(I swear I had thisconversation!)

Rob Cargill, UK

Iam livid and still fuming withEntertainment Weekly’s (USA

Entertainment magazine) new issuewhich named the Top 100performers of all time. Theysnubbed EJ and the computers arebuzzing in the States via e-mailattack on the Editor, who wantedany feedback at [email protected]. Isent them a piece of my mind asdid other EJ fans. Please post thismessage in the next issue of TheMag so the rest of the world of avidElton fans can tell this Editor to “getwith it!”. Where have they been forthe last 30 years, on Mars?!

Richard Georgeou, USA

Hi Tammi, it’s me Jodie, fromAustralia. I’m just writing to

thank you - I’m very grateful tohave gone to the Leeds Castleconcert, and to sit so close to thestage was fantastic. I have beento a lot of concerts but this wasspecial - Elton was great, it waslike he was playing just for me! Iam so glad to be part of theHercules club and to have metother members who I could talkto about Elton. Everybody was sofriendly and looked after me sowell. It was worth the long tripover - thanks to people like youand George (Matlock) and the restof the Team. Without Hercules,people like me would be isolatedfrom such events and informationso keep up the great work!

Jodie Evans, Melbourne,Australia

Iwould like to say that I thinkJohn Reid is responsible for the

pacemaker for Elton. I took onelook at him and knew he was nogood for Elton. I think that some ofElton’s health problems were dueto being under the stress andstrain. I wish Elton good luck inthe years to come.

Shannon Duhon, Louisiana,USA

Its not been very easy to get 'decent' seats for Elton’s concerts. Evenwhen a fan is first on the 'phone - it seems all the best seats had

already gone! (How this happens is always a mystery.) This time,however, Hercules managed to come up with some of the very bestseats in the HOUSE for Leeds Castle and Harewood House. This letterneed not dwell on what a difference the best seats made, but thanks allthose involved.


E D I T O R

In answering your questionabout whether drugs affected

Sir Elton’s performances, I thinkthey did. For me, Elton used tohave much less voice, it wasn’tas warm and strong as it is now.Secondly, his eyes looked lost forsome reason. He didn’t spend somuch time signing autographsand joking with his audience.

Therefore, I’m really happythat Elton has "recovered his

soul" and has become soberand clean. He didn’tconcentrate enough on humanaspects of life, such as fightinghis health war, or dignity war,but you need to make mistakesto avoid them next time, don’tyou? Elton is an example to usall, as there are times when weall need help.

Carla Zuntini, Italy

Many thanks for your effortsin organising the tickets (for

UK show) and pre-show get-together on Saturday. Bothmyself and my father enjoyedthe whole day immensely. I'vebeen taking my Dad along toElton shows for around ten yearsand our seats on Saturday werethe best we've had.

Andrew Rowley, UK

How can we begin to thank youfor the concert of our lives

or tell you of the admirationyour performance so inspires?

We live daily with your musicand Bernie’s wonderful words

but - tonight - like Leeds Castlethey were truly ‘the loveliest in the world’

You mesmerise us with sweet melodiesfilling the night air with magic

then excite us to our feetwith the thrill of rock ‘n’ roll classics

We sing along with all our favouriteswhile your fingers interpret them anewand listen entranced to the less familiar

in your voice so clear and true

We have been so concerned for youin all the recent weeks

we are delighted just to SEE youbut you are absolutely at your peak

Then the rapturous ovationthe chanting of your name

which you reward by returningto play for us once again

We’ll never let the sun go downon the living legend you’ve becomeyou enrich our lives with all you dofor us, Elton you simply are The One

POEM FROM A FAN

Iwrote these thoughts down afterreturning from the Leeds Castle

concert, which was absolutelyfantastic!

Vivien Heather, UK

now & then

photo: Jimmie Collins


photo: Lynne Sykes


Reggie Zippo offers his ownopinion on the story behindone of EJ and BT’s best

loved songs I remember when the now

famous split of Elton John andBernie Taupin was announcedafter the release of the "BlueMoves" album in 1976. Thedevastation I felt could not bedescribed through mere words.After all, how could Elton's careerpossibly continue without the witand wisdom of Bernie's lyricalmagic? For nearly a decade, thetwo had seemed to be perfectlymatched (professionally speakingof course). So the notion of abreakup was unthinkable. Thenews media, Elton and Bernie,however, all said that the "split"was nothing more than atemporary separation to pursueother interests and that theywould most assuredly team upagain in the future. Even so, it all

seemed like the Elton party wasover forever. Time heals allwounds and the separation wasindeed temporary. Both EJ and BTbounced back togethertriumphantly, but what most fansdo not realize is that, if not forsincere reluctance, this "split" couldhave happened as early as 1973.

Back when Bernie wascreating the lyrics for the"GBYBR" album, he included alyrical letter to Elton that outlinedhis intent to leave the team.Perhaps Elton was oblivious tothe underlying meaning of thewords or maybe he simply choseto ignore the situation and let thechips fall where they may.Whichever the circumstance,they remained together at leastuntil 1977. To prove my point,consider the words for thealbum's title song.When are you gonna come down,When are you going to land?I should have stayed on the farm,I should have listened to my old man.

Bernie felt that Elton's egotrips were more than he couldhandle or possibly that Elton wasspreading himself too thin. Theconstant regime was obviouslytaking an exhausting toll onBernie.You know you can't hold me forever,I didn't sign up with you.I'm not a present for your friends to open,This boy's too young to be singing the

blues."This exposes Bernie's desire

for independence and an end tothe relationship. Did he feel thatElton only rolled him out as anovelty whenever it suited hisneeds? This is where he tellsElton that there is a foreseeablelife without him.So, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,Where the dogs of society howl.You can't plant me in your penthouse.I'm going back to my plough.Back to the howling old owl in the woods,Hunting the horny back toad.Oh, I've finally decided my future liesBeyond the yellow brick road."

Elton's glamorous careermoves could be considered bysome as the road leading to theEmerald City of OZ. On that road

to success, there most certainlywere questionable characters anddecisions that lurked in theshadows and Bernie wanted nopart of it, nor the fame that camewith it. His need for simplicityand a bare bones career structurereflects back to when he and EJfirst began their adventure.Everything was less hectic andmore for the music than it was forpopularity and business dealings. What do you think you'll do then?I bet that'll shoot down your plane.It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonicsTo set you on your feet again."

What would Elton do withoutBernie? That is exactly whatBernie contemplated. Somethingso drastic as to leave the teamwould have been a major shockto both Elton and his adoring fans.By 1972, Elton was already on thefast track to drink and drugs andBernie certainly knew that hisresignation might cause him tosink further into that kind activity.Maybe you'll get a replacement,There's plenty like me to be found,Mongrels who ain't got a penny,Sniffing for tit bits like you on the

ground."Obviously, Bernie was not

worried that Elton would have thetrouble of finding a replacement.Musical history has proven thatfor every successful songwriterthere are thousands of others stillwaiting to be discovered, some ofwhich will never see the light ofday without the shiningintervention of a successfulpersonality such as Elton.

If Bernie had followed throughwith his intentions, we wouldnever have heard Elton sing"Ticking", "Curtains", "Dan Dare","Boogie Pilgrim", and "Ego".Perhaps Elton did read betweenthe lines and had a long heartfelttalk with Bernie and persuadedhim to stay. This scenario isdefinitely a complete fabricationon my part, but if you look at thewords closely enough, you toomight have come to theconclusion that Bernie wasthinking about leaving Elton asearly as 1973. I am very gratefulthat it never happened at that time.

GoodbyeYellow

Brick Road(BT's First Farewell To EJ?)


1) Levon2) Burn Down the Mission3) Country Comfort4) Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters (pt 2) 5) Step into Christmas 6) Cold as Christmas 7) Medicine Man 8) Durban Deep 9) The Big Picture10) Ho, Ho, Ho, Who’d be a

Turkey at Christmas

LYRIC QUIZ ANSWERS

ALWAYS let us know theexpiry date of the card, and

the cardholders name.

ALWAYS state yourmembership number if yousend a cheque to Hercules,or pay into one of the Club

accounts.

PLEASE REMEMBER...

SMALL ADSThese are free to Hercules members.Send yours to Tammi Law, Editor, 49Horseshoe Crescent, Swindon SN55AX, UK., or e-mail her [email protected]

ELTON MEMORABILIAFor Sale: Elton Memorabilia

Collection. Vinyl, CDs, Videos,Books, Mags, plus huge archivecollection. Please contactDanny Hayes, 62 SwinleyHouse, Redhill Street, RegentsPark, London NW9 4BB, UK. Tel:0171 387 0082 for list.

CD-SINGLES WANTEDI am looking for cd-singles.

The older the better. I especiallyam looking for "I Don't WannaGo On.." For trade I have gotsome newspaper articles(especially about his heartoperation) and the "Made inEngland" (maxi) single. E-mail to:[email protected] or writeto: Tim Blezer, PastoorPendersstraat 8, 6262 PABanholt, Netherlands

WANTED! ELTON VIDEOS. Please send description and

prices. R A Curlis, 2002 WalnutSt., San Angelo, TX 76901 USA

EJ CELS!

Similar to the way animationCels are made. Matted andpresented in shadow box frames.16 titles available. Some inlimited edition! Special free offer!Write to: Cartoon Creations, POBox 396, Dunedin, FL 34697USA or visit our website athttp://www.angelfire.com/biz/celebritycel/ Our home since 1996!

WANTED! ELTON PHOTOS from 1980 to 1990 without

hats! These are very rare, Iknow. Please contact CarlaZuntini, via matteotti 2, 20035lissone - mi - italia, Italy

idol

Please note that if you havepaid your Membership Fee by

Credit Card, your card willautomatically be charged

again for the renewal fee, atthe end of your membershipyear. If your card has expired

in the meantime, or if youhave switched companies,please forward your new

Credit Card details to HerculesCoordination in time for your

next renewal.

This is no official tour schedule, as it also includes rumoured and unconfirmed dates.


TOUR DATESPlans & RumoursPlans & RumoursSPECIAL APPEARANCES

13-April-2000 ..............................................................New York, NY............................................Carnegie Hall (Rainforest Benefit show)

30-Dec-99 ..................................................................Las Vegas, NV ......................................................................Thomas & Mack Center

SOLO TOUR 2000

07-Jan-2000 ..........................................................Honolulu, Hawaii ........................................................................Blaisdell Center Arena

08-Jan-2000 ..........................................................Honolulu, Hawaii ........................................................................Blaisdell Center Arena

18-June-2000 ..........................................................................Prague................................Sportovni Hala (postponed from 1998 Solo Tour)

23-June-2000 ..........................................................Kassel, Germany ....................................................................Wilhelmshöhe (open air)

24-June-2000 ......................................................Hamburg, Germany............................................................................Derbypark (open air)

27-June-2000 ........................................................Cologne, Germany ..........................................................................................KölnArena

28-June-2000 ........................................................Coburg, Germany ........................................................................Schlossplatz (open air)

30-June-2000 ........................................................Leipzig, Germany ......................................................Völkerschlachtdenkmal (open air)

01-July-2000 ........................................................Stuttgart, Germany ........................................................................Schlossplatz (open air)

04-July-2000 ......................................................Mannheim, Germany ................................................................Schloss Ehrenhof (open air)

05-July-2000 ........................................................Koblenz, Germany ..........................................................................Schlosshof (open air)

07-July-2000 ......................................................Künzelsau, Germany ........................................................................Schlosspark (open air)

08-July-2000 ..........................................................Munich, Germany ..........................................................................Königsplatz (open air)

1999~2000

Hercules was able to secure anumber of special fan tickets at areduced rate for selected shows ofElton's German Tour in the year2000. Every member was sent anInfoletter about the availability ofthese tickets during November1999. The offer is now closed, butif you would like to discuss thisfurther, please contact Stephan,Hercules Coordination (see page 2for the address).

Fan tickets were available forthe shows in

Kassel (23 June 2000, DM 138) Hamburg (24 June 2000, DM 128)Cologne (27 June 2000, DM 103) Stuttgart (01 July 2000, DM 146) Munich (08-July-2000), DM 140)

Germanticket offer

Ludwigslust June '99. Photo: H Reppel

HERCULES Hotline on 0906 888 20 20

For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, callers in the UK can phone the

HERCULES Hotline on 0906 888 20 20Calls cost 60p per minute anytime

For up-to-the-minute news about Elton, callers in the UK can phone the

hercules fanzine no. 49 · nice and solo elton is set to continue the solo tour with more shows in...

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