Thank you for helping me understand (at 62 years of age) why I stopped listening to EJ after Rock of The Westies. The magic really was Elton, Nigel, Dee and Davey. Thankful that they produced a lifetime of music from ‘70-‘75. More than enough for me anyway. I will never see or experience anything remotely like that again.
One cannot underestimate the effect Dee and Nigel had on the music; they had a very specific sound, a character all its own, producing some o the greatest rock in history. My fav was Madman Across The Water album.
Thanks for watching Ken. If you like Dee and Nigel you’ll enjoy my other video. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
DEE MURRAY was a BRILLIANT bassplayer.....He was SO MELODICALLY AWARE ....He' came up with counter melodies which fit Elton's tunes SO perfectly....We Miss him .
Yes I always noticed he'd often play away from the tonic note. Like, he'd be playing the 3rd, or some other bass note that really added drama to the terrain of the song. I always wondered if that was at E. John's direction? Or was it just him? Anyway it was a kind of musicality you don't often get with most bassists.
Remember the old Peggy Lee song "Is That All There Is?" The complete achievement of one's dreams is a terrible moment of existencial crisis for many MANY successful people; leaving them asking the same question: Is That All There Is? For many ambitious people it is the determination to achieve their dream which is a BIG part of their drive. When their dreams are finally achieved, it is often a very difficult thing for them to REALize that The Valiant Struggle is no longer necessary. Oddly, in many ways, it is harder for them to just relax and just ENJOY their success than it ever was to "struggle to the top". I would not be surprised if this is what happened to Elton. Great analysis, Jon.
Totally agreed! I talk about it in this video: The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
@@JonBlackstone Not sure how I found your channel. Glad I did. I was a pro musician at one point in my life. Elton John was my first love, musically speaking. His first band was as strong as any country rock backing band on the West Coast at that time. Listen to country comfort on side one of here and there. That band sounds as good as anything Jackson Browne ever had (Leland Sklar / Russ Kunkle)
Elton probably fired them because they probably wouldn't let their sons go down on him. "Why won't you let your sons go down on me or is it someone else I see touching my pee pee" 😂
This is ironic because I once heard an interview regarding Goodbye Yellowbrick Road. When asked how he pulled off such a phenomenal album, he replied along the lines of, “I let my musicians do their own thing”.
Excellent analysis. Sadly this often happens, bands try to make a change in the lineup, either for financial reasons, or for creative reasons, and they end up losing the lightening they had captured in the bottle.
I couldn’t agree more. I hope you’ll watch my other Elton videos: especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Totally agree from the u.k.! My two sons play bass in separate bands, now in their 30s. Seen this a lot, being unpaid roadie for years! What you said, and just down to human nature. A band has to have a leader, and his agreeable sidekick. The others just come and go. Perfect example of this is KING CRIMSONS first album.
Thanks Jon, for your insight on this. I am a 69 year old Elton John fan of those early 70 years. For me, Nigel was the glue both visually and rhythmically. His subtle and dynamic drumming became his signature. There's a 1971 Circus Magazine issue that features Elton's three-piece band and in an outdoor photo, Nigel is wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket, looking like the coolest guy in the world. I was 17 at that time and that image stuck all these years. The Captain Fantastic album, was the band's best up to that time. The synergy of music, lyrics, tempo and crescendo are put to great use throughout. That album ends with a simple, profound and spacious arrangement. No wonder Nigel and Dee anticipated the forthcoming tour.
I marveled at the economy of stick-strikes played by "Nigel in Someone Saved my Life..." The way he comes in late too, a la "Border Song", and lifts the energy of it, very well arranged.
Yes, good point; I know that cymbal. @@gerry1620 Btw, as a drummer, you might appreciate the remastered version of Ringo's 'Hard Day's Night'; they made his cowbell more prominent in the bridge. Ringo has good energy; he can work the crowd, also in "I wanna hold your hand."
I've often wondered if this change turned off many fans as it did to me. I excitedly bought Rock of the Westies and noticed Dee and Nigel were out, and I thought the album was terrible to the point where it extinguished my excitement for Elton's music direction as a fan. The astounding body of work from Empty Sky all the way to Captain Fantastic (and Caribou, to some degree) still stands out, and is woven deeply into the fabric of my life.
Ck of the westies was a magnificent album by elton you talk nonesense. Mate!!!!! And Blue Moves fantastic orchestral arrangements. Yep his stuff in the 90s was very average. But his standards were so high from 1970 to 1980 Who cares
So, in 1975 I had been doing sessions for about a year or so. Nigel and Dee were some of the top session players, with Robert Apere, Foster, and some of those cats. It may have been a factor of knowing they were going to start touring again, they could miss out on some of that great session work. On tour, one could make a small fraction of what you make in the studio. Plus the producers, if you're not at hand to show up for the record dates, oftentimes the producers would forget about you. Anyway, that could have been it. I don't believe those guys were ungrateful to Elton, maybe they were just bracing themselves for the tour situation. It's a totally different mindset and your chops are adjusting to a completely altered set of muscles when you play live consistently as opposed to studio. I can totally relate.
If you go to the end of the Tumbleweed Connection album you can hear the first rendition of Madman...... the long version. That's a great album too but I agree about the Madman album...... I wore that out in highschool...
Davey must have been hanging on the edge of the seat for along time but luckily Elton kept him for 52 yrs. When Dee and Nigel came back it became the Elton John band again. They could harmonize too.
Even though I bought “Rock of the Westies” when it first came out, I was confused and saddened about him sacking Dee and Nigel. I soon stopped following him. I didn’t even bother with “Blue Moves”. In hindsight, perhaps it was just a trend. Starting in 1973, Bowie disbanded the Spiders, the original Alice Cooper group broke up, and Marc Bolan disbanded T. Rex.
One more thing: 'Captain Fantastic...' is my favorite Elton John album. And the apotheotic song 'Curtains' displays Nigel Olsson's ingenuity. After the third minute, the song chnges into a sequence of loops and Nigel links these loops with drum fills. He never repeats any of them, and in a segment he links one loop to another seamlessly. Wonderful!
Wow, excellent insights! From your comments, I never realized that "Captain Fantastic" was actually recorded (August 1974) before the Lennon show happened (November 1974). I'm about your same age and like you, have been a fan since I was about 8 years old and love to learn new things about Elton's band that I never knew. Great video, loved the Blue Angels soundtrack, too!
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the Blue Angels! 😂 The one time I decide to shoot a video outside and they’re flying right over me! I hope you’ll watch my other Elton videos; especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
My first introduction to Elton was the 11-17-70 album, recorded live at A&R Studios in NYC. I was floored by the energy and the way the band worked as a unit. So tight! I thought, who were these guys??? And guess who was on drums and bass.....? As a musician, I totally understood your feeling as a kid when you saw Elton with the different band. A lot of people wouldn't have picked up on the nuance. You get it. Really a sad story about Elton throwing away the best thing that could have ever happened to him. It should have been the high that never stopped.
Great video Jon. I was upset when Nigel and Dee were let go. They were IMO the best he had. Also it was such a shame that Dee never got to play with Elton again.
Agreed. Dee was hurt both times. He told me as much. But I want to make it clear he never said a critical or negative word about Elton. Nor did Nigel. In the end it's not my business. They were friends and no one knows the dynamics of their friendship and musical partnership. But we all know it's very sad that Elton didn't seem to understand just how integral they were to the amazing catalog of recordings they made between 1970-75; and again on Too Low For Zero. It's no coincidence his farewell tour setlist was almost exclusively songs they recorded with him in the '70s and the '80s. Thanks for watching! Have you watched my other Elton videos? I think you'll enjoy these: th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Nf_gdw6aC8w/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/VEaCrRdsaFI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/BShA0x4QioA/w-d-xo.html
@@JonBlackstonei was very impressed with your other videos here. I realized that the way you investigate and examined their careers, but the interband dynamics, was similar to how I think and write my blogs- Insight only a musician could give- Brilliant. I love it... Yellow Brick Road was my fave, and still is, especially the 'deep cuts' Social Disease, Danny Bailey, This Song Has No Title....and my favorite, Dirty Little Girl. Another favorite is Texan Love Song, which nobodys ever heard, seemingly. Madman is excellent as well. Even Mick Ronson's guest track. I believe that if an artist issues 5 records that are good, its a real gift. One...or two is good. Writing songs is hard.
@@TheEDZEPPELINBAND Thanks for watching and the excellent comments. I agree with every word! You’ve got me wanting to read your blog. Can you post a link? I don’t know if you’ve seen this one yet; but I think you’ll like it. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
It was a horrible decision (twice). Nigel and Dee not only were a fantastic rhythm section, but their background vocals were HUGE parts of the arrangements. Springsteen fired his band once also. That killed HIS creativity, as it did EJ’s.
Totally agreed! Have you seen my other Elton videos? The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
@@JonBlackstone my intro to Elton was Crocodile Rock at 12 years old. I had the 45 and like you, I flipped it over and discovered Elderberry Wine (one of my all time favorite Elton tracks). I was not yet an album buyer. Mostly just 45 singles. Then came the fall/winter of 1973 and I discovered a cassette tape that my older cousin had in his room called Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by the same guy who did Croc & Elderberry. I put the cassette in and pressed play…my 13 year old ears could not believe what I was hearing. The opening salvo of Funeral/Love Lies Bleeding to the lovely harmonies on Harmony (bad pun) was just incredible. I became a fanatic right then and there. Of course Elton was the big draw, but you COULD NOT ignore the band backing him up. I was as much a fan of Dee, Nigel and Davey (Ray too but to a lesser extent). GYBR will always be my favorite Elton album, but CFBDC ranks almost as high. And then seeing Elton as Pinball Wizard in Tommy and hearing the BLISTERING the band did to that track…I was just in awe. Then came ROTW. I was SO disappointed when I opened the album and did not see Dee or Nigel. I tried to give ROTW every opportunity, but it just didn’t cut the mustard without that bass and drums. It was never the same for me after that. I was heartbroken when I heard that Dee had passed. I never got to see the classic EJB live but I’ve seen Elton, Davey and Nigel 2 times (2014 40th GYBR anniversary tour and in 2021 on the Farewell tour). Thanks for the vids!
@@CODYnTX I love your comments! They resonate with mine so closely! It sounded almost identical to my experience discovering this amazing music. I went absolutely nuts over Pinball Wizard! I don’t know if you remember but that wasn’t a top 40 single; and it drove me crazy. Every time my family went out for pizza I would play Pinball Wizard on the jukebox over and over until they made me stop! I was a member of the fan club so I wrote a letter asking if they would send me a copy! 😂 Eventually I realized I could get the track by purchasing the Tommy movie soundtrack album (which introduced me to The Who etc). Anyway thanks for bringing up more memories today. I’m assuming you’ve watched my other videos? If not, you will love these! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html Reflections on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by The Elton John Band - OKWC Conversations th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html Nigel Olsson Recording Session with Dee Murray - Elton John Band th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html
@@JonBlackstone Hey Jon. Thanks for your response. I just found your channel a day or so ago. The first video I watched was the video about the EJB itself. We pretty much had the exact same experiences discovering this music. During the 60’s, I was all about the Beatles (as were most) and I had decided when I heard Sgt Pepper that I was going to be a musician. Once I discovered the talents of Dee Murray, I knew I wanted to play bass (especially his bass playing on GBYBR and Pinball Wizard). To me, their version of Pinball Wizard blows the Who’s away in every way. Elton’s playing is incendiary as is Dee’s on that track! Then there’s their version of Lucy in the Sky…I could go on but I digress. Having the EJB and Dee as a background for my music education as a bass player in my formative years was priceless. I’ve got the Captain Fantastic album on as I write this and it still affects me the same as it did when I first heard it. I might even listen to Rock of the Westies afterwards. Lol. You’ve got a new subscriber and will get to all the vids soon…Thanks again for your reply!
Jon, what a great story. I was working on a self produced album in 1991 and became connected to Davey Johnstone through a studio in LA. Davey played on three songs on my album. I was a HUGE fan of the Elton John Band as well. Completely destroyed when Nigel and Dee were fired. I asked Davey how Dee and Nigel were doing and he told me that Dee was in Nashville and married a country girl. I didn’t have the courage to ask why Dee and Nigel were let go. He had just been to Nashville to visit Dee. I asked Davey what he thought of Nashville and he said it was “cowboys on acid” I love this video even with the top of your head missing.
Thanks for watching and for the great comments! Your experience with Davey sounds similar to mine. I love Davey’s description of Nashville! Are you still doing music? I’d love to hear what you’re doing. I tell the stories of working with Dee and Nigel in these other videos if you’re interested. Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html The Day Nigel Olsson Played On My Album (w Dee Murray) th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html
Hi Jon, love your videos. Thank you for your research and thoughts about Elton and his band. I was at a friends house in the 70's and we were listening to his older brothers records and we dropped the needle on Grey Seal and I became a loyal fan. Elton, Bernie, Davey, Dee, Nigel and Ray will go down in history one of the best pop/rock bands in history. Keep posting I subscribed and am looking forward to more. Go Blue Angels!
I love that live Capt. Fantastic release and listen often but glad I heard your take on the band performance. It's very interesting and most appreciated.
There is nothing wrong about EJ wanting to move on to another sound - by changing his band. He probably could have done it more thoughtfully, however. The albums which followed Elton firing Nigel and Dee, ROCK OF THE WESTIES and BLUE MOVES, are two very different sounding records. Love them both. I, too, heard or read somewhere years ago that he was tired of his band just rattling on live and a change was necessary. Regardless, EJ should have sat down face to face to let Dee & Nigel know that he wanted to move on to a new sound. Yeah, this was a time, too, when Elton was beginning to experiment with drugs. He also had the pressure of super-stardom. Thanks for this video.
Thank you for watching and your comments! Have you seen my other Elton videos? I think you’ll enjoy this one. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Thanks 4 the info I know back in those days wen westies came out with out Nigel and dee it wasn't the same I herd wen after the guys wer recoding there vocals they wer glad wen elton left the studio because he would drive them crazy thanks again
@@JonBlackstone That 1975-76 time period for Elton is incredibly fascinating. Those three consecutive albums (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY then ROCK OF THE WESTIES then BLUE MOVES) couldn't be more different from one another. Two of those records are in my top 3 EJ albums - ever! The two bands used at this time certainly had their specific strengths. The "new" band with Caleb, Roger, James, and Kenny being added for ROCK OF THE WESTIES could certainly rock! Agreed, they didn't have the touch that Nigel & Dee had on ballads, big ballads, and some of the more straight forward pop-oriented hits. Agreed, too, about Elton's impatience with his music. The band had always evolved. Nigel & Dee only for 1970-71. Davey added live in 1972 , then Ray was added in 1974, then the firing, and then an assembly line of new studio & live musicians and bands until 2000. Clearly Elton feared stagnating or feeling that he was stagnating, hence the 1975 shock firing of Nigel & Dee. I also agree that the 1975 Wembley concert of CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY does not sound good - except "Meal Ticket" which rocks nicely. That band, I'll say it again, could rock out. Some of my favourite EJ songs are courtesy of that "new" 1975 band, especially BLUE MOVES. Someone should interview the surviving musicians from that period and write a book about 1975-76.
Captain Fantastic and the BDC represents the pinnacle of EJ’s career musically. I believe it’s a perfect album in all respects - the writing, the songs, sound, production, engineering, and of course the performances. Best album in the catalog. That was the end of the golden period. Westies and Blue Moves had a handful of really good songs…but then that was the end of the magic.
I love this EJ series. In high school (Toronto) I had a good friend, also a great piano player, who was seriously into Elton John already in the early '70s. Through my friend's introduction, I had ALL EJ's early albums (starting with Empty Sky, also the Friends 1971 soundtrack), and could play most of Madman and Tumbleweed by heart (later, much of GBYBR and Honky Chateau, of course;). We went to see him live at Maple Leaf Gardens on the Honky Chateau tour. I can still picture it in my mind's eye! Things seemed to me to unravel somewhat after Captain Fantastic (even Caribou was a dip). The magic slowly ebbed away. To say he remained iconic is simply to state the obvious. But my wee comments here explain why I have found your series so compelling, Jon, with its invitation to revisit, celebrate, and understand that very special time and this very special music. Many, many thanks.
I was a HUGE fan of the Elton John band...and I'll never forget how betrayed I felt when Nigel and Dee were fired. I was 15 and actually cried when I found out. Captain Fantastic was the last EJ album I bought. Even though I went to the Dodger Stadium concert, it wasn't the same. The music FELT so different. One of the saddest times in my life.
Hi Jon. I know definitely one of the reasons, and possibly a second reason why Elton John fired Dee and Nigel. Back in 1976 Paul Gambaccini presented a four or five part radio special on the career thus far of Elton John. In the latter part of the special it was revealed that Elton John overheard Dee and Nigel bemoaning that they had to tour again. This really bugged E.J. and he subsequently ended up firing them. Also, I know from later interviews of E.J. that he was perturbed with Dee and Nigel when he found out that they were doing hard drugs behind Elton's back. The changing of the sound of the band may have played a part as well, but the complaining about having to go on tour was apparently the straw that broke the camel's back. In that radio special it said that Nigel Olsson was is a state of shock. I felt so bad for him, and Dee as well, but especially Nigel! In 2013 I saw E.J. at Madison Square Garden. Nigel Olsson was playing drums, and when Elton introduced him he got a thunderous, longish ovation that might have been even louder then the ovation Elton got when he came out on stage! Elton looked surprised by the crowd's reaction. I think the crowd gave him that ovation not just out of appreciation for his great drum work, but also out of support over his being fired. Anyway, that's the story. Best wishes to you.
Thanks for watching and for sharing that story. Elton Fan seem to really love Nigel and Davey. I think Elton Fan’s appreciate them more than Ellison does. I just finished interviewing Caleb Quaye; I’ll be posting that interview next week. Thanks again!
I'm really glad I found your channel. I was a huge Elton John fan as a kid. My first album was GBYBR, followed by Caribou, then Captain Fantastic. Over time, I started backfilling his catalog, and was just in love with his and the band's sound. I was 11 when Rock of the Westies was released, and though I appreciated the sound and direction of RotW and then BM, it was clear the original sound wasn't to be anymore. I managed to catch an Elton John concert in the mid-80s when I was in school in Atlanta, and frankly, wish I had seen him in the first third of his career. I have to say I haven't purchased an EJ album since 21 at 33. I just couldn't get into his music from that point onward. I am so glad he cleaned himself up, and love hearing that the Kate Bush / Peter Gabriel duet 'Don't Give Up' was instrumental to his recovery, since I'm a huge fan of both. Thanks again for the deep dives looking into EJ's amazing musical life! Also, from Annapolis, so a big Blue Angels fan! I loved the guest appearance!
I always felt Captain Fantastic was the Final presentation of his creative genius. That, somehow, Elton didn't want to continue trying to live up to the pressure of being "fantastic". The departure of his band indicated to me that he wanted to shrink away from the spotlight of success having nothing else to prove. PS I am delighted to have discovered you on You Tube and your heartfelt analysis of one of my favorite bands
Nicely done. Never bothered to answer that question as it was a huge change that drove me away. At 68 I saw Elton several times at the Spectrum in Philly and others ... but the Yellow Brick Road concert was an event. After all is said and done now in 2024, my favorite live recording is ""11 17 70" and my favorite studio LP is "Tumbleweed" as the writing and production and performance is top notch. Thanks for posting this ...
All you need to do is listen to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to know why both Dee And Nigel were absolutely irreplaceable. No other style of bass playing and drums could’ve worked that magic. One bit I might add, was when Elton saw a performance by the Doobie Brothers, and had 2 drummers. Afterwords, he said his band was just going “chug chug” but wanted a sound more like the Doobies and that was around the time he let Dee and Nigel go.
Thanks for watching! I couldn't agree more. Based on your comment I'm pretty sure you'll love my other Elton videos. Here are a couple you should watch: th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html
I mean, heck, Yes, I have to agree with that. This is what I mean that Eton's songs were made by a big machine behind him. From my information, Elton would typically do a solo vocal track WITH piano against a timer track and discuss with Nigel Dee what he wanted the sound to be then leave for the day. Then Nigel and Dee would work the song and get a foundation recorded, before adding backing-vocals and any other percussion and playing or synth pads etc. Then Elton would return and do the real vocal against the real song that was taking form, where he could adjust his vioice according the genre.
I just need to add that Yellow Brick Road has been described by Elton as 'breaking all the rules' in process. They'd recorded at the Chateux previously with Honk and Don't Shoot me, and loved staying there to work. However, remember that they'd already tried to do the Yellow Brick road 'project' in jamaica, which fell apart, and caused them all great personal and creative stress. Elton has described re-starting Yellow Brick at the Chateux as a 'joyful way of forgetting Jamaica'. I see Yellow Brick as the band at their height, where they'd developed great formula and work process.
Big EJ fan here - I'm 3 years older than you Jon. I agree with your analysis on this big question. The 1.0 band was a huge influence on my learning to play guitar and bass teaching me to PLAY FOR THE SONG. That band was untouchable compared with other 70's bands. I have the double CD release of Captain Fantastic studio backed with the live show. NO comparison ! Great channel , best wishes !
Thanks for these insightful presentations! I rode that wave of Elton+band mania, but I grew up in a small town with no access to actual gigs. Had to rely on all the other media. I proudly count Davey Johnston and Dee Murray as major influences on my guitar and bass slinging. Such a precious time to grow up.
So cool that you appreciate the players. Your knowledge is exhaustive and totaly fascinating. Elton gave an interview in Mojo awhile back and the question of Nigel and Dee came up, Elton blamed the Coke and said it was a flippant decision and he more or less instantly regretted losing his guys. Keep doin what your doing - can you do a quick one about Mick Ronson playing on Tumbleweed Connection?
Thank you for watching! It was wonderful to meet you folks. If you’re in Seattle again send me a message through my website www.jonblackstone.com God bless you with safe travels!
Jon , Great video! I am a huge Elton fan like you. I always ask myself the same question and I finally got the answer. Thank you. Jon you are correct The Elton John Band lost the magic with Dee & Nigel.
Thanks for watching. Please check out my other Elton videos; I know you’ll enjoy them; especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
As usual, another great video Jon. I learn so much from your videos, and in this one, you've explained so well the question of why Elton fired Dee and Nigel. Sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, as Elton found out. Thank you for this Jon.
Hey man, I have seen a couple of your videos now, and I must say it is very cool to hear theses stories from a firsthand perspective… I’m huge Elton John fan! I went to a show in 1998 in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. And I did not know how amazing of a pianist he just is absolutely mind blowing heart touching melodies to boogie woogie and everything in between very dynamic. I definitely had a newfound respect for the man.
That does make perfect sense to me. Especially now on this farewell tour, Nigel’s back, if Dee were here I do believe he would have been there as well. And Elton seemed now to be so elated to have Nigel and Davey on this tour at the end. After Captain Fantastic, I think everything went down hill for Elton. I think he didn’t knew how to relate to this new band. He had a few hits here and there, but never would achieve the EJ Band 70’s success. Feels like. Bullet (in the gun of Robert Ford) is one of my favorites. I never got to see that 70’s era Elton. My first show was 1980 Chicago, Elton touring the smaller venues with Ray Cooper. That was an amazing show!! Thank you again Jon for these videos - I feel like I have a kindred spirit with you as an Elton fan. ☮️💟
Hi Patti! That’s very cool you got to see one of the solo shows in ‘80! He still had his beautiful youthful voice. I also love some tracks from Westies (Robert Ford being the best) and Blue Moves has some of Elton’s greatest compositions. There’s a TH-cam channel GregSynthWizard who has posted those 80s solo shows if you’re interested. Have a blessed day!
@@JonBlackstone Hi Jon - His voice was still so soulful - and he sang on that tour, Come Down in Time - it just blew me away and is still today my absolute favorite EJ song. The lyrics are just beautiful. Take care Jon I will definitely check out the page.
Hi John. Need to tell you how eye-opening this was. Yes, all his music up until Fantastic was mostly 'fun' music. I'd just never equated the change due his band change. And the thought about him reaching peak and then the roll down. Yep - it sounds right. But I'll say one thing, and that is that Elton's popularity was owed to a dozen factors-not least that his own personality charmed everyone. But thank you for sharing this - It really has given me food for thought. I'm going to share an experience in the next comment
Wow, thank you for the great comments! I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to get responses from people like you. Like I said my video sometimes I wish that I could sit with everyone that enjoys this music and everyone geek out together 😆. I’m looking into possibly doing some live listening parties Where people could sign in and request a certain song and then we listen to it together and people can comment live. I’m new to this technology so I’m still figuring things out. I hope your check out my other videos too. I’ve done a ton of stuff on Elton John and the Elton John band; I just and I just released an interview with Caleb Quaye. My next video is an interview with a gentleman named Stewart Epps who was with Elton and Caleb at the very beginning and ended up working as Eltons assistant on the 1970s tours. He then went on to work with Jimmy page, and a bunch of other amazing people. His stories about the very early days are so cool. Stay tuned!
Greetings Jon. Love your content. I watched a Tom Cridland YT interview with Davey Johnston; fascinating behind the scenes nuggets about the EJ Band. It was Davey who persuaded EJ to hire back Nigel. I watched this segment of the interview twice b/c of what Davey said. It was simply stunning. I'm paraphrasing, but in essence Davey told EJ there is only one person in the world who can play drums the way it should be: Nigel Olsson. P.S., off topic, but funny little story Davey recalls with Bernie Taupin and the hit: "I guess that's why they call it the blues". I paused the interview to read the lyrics again. Masterful. Powerful. Genius Poetry.
Really solid insight on the band. Sounds like your journey and mine paralleled as I got into Elton when my friend’s older brother played Bennie and the Jets for us eight year olds. It would be a couple years later when I got my copy of Yellow Brick Road, and for the next 4-5 years, I gathered up the earlier albums and it was all I listened to. You got a ‘subscribe’ out of me. Great channel
I was a big fan back then too. The first 45 I ever got was "The bitch is back." I wonder if this ever happened to you... Because there were so many good tracks on so many records, I delayed listening to some songs that were not hits. This led me to 'discover' old songs as if they were new. It wasn't until my 30's, in the 1990's, that I discovered how good "Bad Side of the Moon" was on 11-17-70, for example, or "Sixty Years On". I also listened to "Dirty Little Girl" more than his #1 hits years later. It took me many years to even turn "Rock of the Westies" over on the turntable and play "Street Kids" and the rest, finally, discovering those songs anew in the '80s.
Very nice analysis. I was with Dad and my two best friends at Atlanta's Omni in July of 76. It was, for me, a crystallizing moment. I have always loved Elton and wondered about Dee and Nigel... this makes a lot of sense. Loved how you picked up on the nuances of the MSG/Lennon peak, the Westies/Blue Moves disappointments, and when Elton must have been psychologically. Makes a lot of sense. Lovely video. (Too bad you lost your scalp in the process!) Subscribed.
This video epitomizes my opinion of Elton John in those early years. When I think of Elton John and the music I love, I only think of the years 1970-1975. I'm glad this date range was graphically portrayed in this video. It all had to do with his voice. I had read about the drugs and I thought back then that this was what contributed to the decline of his voice. I must confess that my being a big fan of his made me still purchase Rock of the Westies and Blue Moves. My enthusiasm of those two records was luke warm at best. Thank goodness he churned out so many records between '70 and '75 so that there's a lot of great music to listing to since that time. Thanks for these videos,, Jon. Elton's early music takes me back to my teens and some great years in the 70s.
Subscribed immediately to a fellow Elton fan! I saw my first (out of six in total over the last 28 years) Elton concert in the capital of my country (Stockholm, Sweden) as a 10 year old in 1995, and feel so lucky and blessed that I got the see his only show ever in my hometown (Linköping/Linkopia) in 2016 and a month ago (tonight!) the very last show (number 333) of his farewell tour again in Stockholm, in the arena right next to the Globe arena, where I saw the first three times (the biggest spherical building in the world, nowadays called the Avicii Arena, after the death of the famous swedish DJ etc.)- there were to many people for ”Globen”, despite two shows two nights in a row. A very worthy Goodbye to the yellow brick road for me!!!
He Leland, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you watched my video. I’m doing a number of interviews in the next few months including Caleb Quaye and Stuart Epps. I would be honored if you would do an interview with me. I am an artist and producer myself and I’m very knowledgeable about your contribution to music history. Please let me know if you’d be interested. Regardless, I’m honored you watched my video. Cheers
First time watching your videos. I agree with you 100%. I, too, love the original lineup. Your hypothesis seems spot on. There's been so much out on EJ lately to support your view. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed it
Welcome! I really appreciate hearing from new viewers. So glad you enjoyed my video. There’s so much on TH-cam so it’s great to know when people find my channel. Hope to hear from you again!
When I was 14, I was in the Seattle Coliseum for both the Caribou tour and the Rock of the Westies the following year. I bootlegged them both. The Caribou show (first night, 10-12-74) was the better of the two. Actually it's the best live Elton John show I've heard to this day. The hair on my arms still goes up at the beginning of Funeral For A Friend and hear the audience reaction.
Thanks for this. I ‘discovered’ Elton John band in 1970…first shows in 1971. You are right. Nigel & Dee (of course, Bernie too) were the magic sauce of those early live shows. I grudgingly accepted (and love) Davey’s contribution, but, for me, seeing Elton, Nigel and Dee… just those three was amazing. Never knew the “firing” story.
For me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (GBYBR) was the peak. All the stuff he recorded leading to that album was solid and I remember when GBYBR came out, it was like Sgt. Pepper. Radio stations were playing tracks like mad and you couldn't tune in without at least one station playing a cut at any given moment in time. After that, for me and a lot of my friends, things went from mediocre to meh. My personal favorite is Tumbleweed Connection. That album has a great consistent feel to it and Bernie wrote some of his best stuff for that record. Talking Old Soldiers is one of those songs that should be a classic but like Burn Down the Mission and Where to Now St. Peter, while it hasn't been relegated to obscurity, those songs don't come to mind right away for many of his fans who either weren't around when the album was released or were only casual listeners to his stuff before GBYBR. Prior to that album he was known, but he wasn't a superstar and those of us who were into his stuff felt like we were onto something most others weren't. Fame definitely went to his head and it became more about the theatrical than the music. But that's just my take. I have the old records and I can listen to Indian Summer, Your Song, or Take to the Pilot when I want. That was Elton in his prime for me anyway. But like I say, to each his own.
I agree that GYBR was the absolute peak, and it was a BAND effort; Davey was as hot as any guitar player out there then, and in 1974 that's saying a lot! I'll say that other than the LP's he recorded with this band, he was just a singer/songwriter act by and large. This band gave him rock n roll respect and an arena act that could compete with the real rock bands of the day. I'd like to have seen Davey, Dee, & Nigel hooked up with a serious rock singer after they got canned; that might have been quite a band too. You take this band away and Elton's James Taylor:)
Just listen to 17-11-70 to hear how in the pocket Elton/Dee/Nigel were, very tight band. I've also heard Nigel was involved in an automobile crash, that was his fault, and the other driver died; Elton didn't want the bad press. I'm not sure if that's true but something I was told by a boomer Elton fan. I like the content of the channel so far, keep it up.
When I was ages 13-16 I sank into Elton's music like no other band, as I was coming of age as a music fan. I had every studio album from Empty Sky through Blue Moves, except (for some reason) Honky Chateau and "Elton John", although I ended up knowing all that stuff eventually too. Just loved it, and the sound of the band on all those albums. Your 1970-75 geek-out retrospective was so enjoyable and I just finished watching it this morning, then this one. Thank you. "Here and There" is a revelation and I want to now listen to both flavors. Earlier this year, I completed "Me", Elton's autobiography (read it, then started again and re-read it, like a good geek). I found out about just how low he'd sunk into drugs by the end of the Elton John Band era. It might surprise you to know, though, that out of all those amazing albums, "Blue Moves" is my favorite. To me, it is Elton's White Album, the breadth of style and performance is astonishing to me. Roger Pope's performances on the drums are breathtaking, particularly on Crazy Water and One Horse Town. Side 2 to me is the pinnacle. Yes, Roger had a much different style than Nigel, who was excellent in a subtler way. As a drummer myself, though, I have to give the nod to Roger and his expansive chops. Guess I need to go listen to some Hookfoot!
I have to admit that part of Side 2 of Blue Moves attraction is the amazing performances of the Brecker Brothers on horns on Boogie Pilgrim and Shoulder Holster. If you haven't listened for awhile....whew. Wow.
I know ive already commented but does anyone here like the blues band hookfoot that consisted of eltons guitarist Celeb quay lead guitar, vocals. Roger pope drums Dave glover bass Ian duck vocals, guitar and harp. Although they only cut about 4 albums, they are fantastic!!! They were signed to A&M records in the states. I want to give a shout for them as i believe they were very much overlooked here in the uk. Maybe they served better in the states, i'd like to hope. Im absolutely obsessed with celebs guitar soloing. Celeb was highly influenced by the northern indian sitar sound as he sometimes plays his gibson hollow body guitar whilst soloing in that style which i absolutely love. I don't think he ever used an electric sitar as many artists did back in the day. Celeb is an incredible guitar wizard! Okay, he's not overly fast like some, but his style and sound is utterly mind blowing. Its not only about speed is it. Give me melody over speed any day🎸❤🔥
Thanks for watching! I am interviewing Caleb Quaye next week. Since you are such a fan is there a question I should ask him on your behalf? Let me know through my website contact page www.jonblackstone.com
I met Nigel at a racetrack in California..... which I won't mention because of their business policies and politics, anyway I took a CD to get autographed....he was fine with it but he told me that he was not on that particular album...... still found him to be a class act and very likeable.... thanks again Nigel.
Thanks for watching! If you’re a Nigel fan you might enjoy these: Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html Nigel Olsson Recording Session with Dee Murray - Elton John Band th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html Reflections on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by The Elton John Band - OKWC Conversations th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html
I’m so elated to have a true Christian brother who also loves the EJ Band history and music like I do. I’ll listen to anything you have to say, I’m loving the stories JB. I was one of those who asked if you had asked Nigel about the sacking. I was riveted to those LPs in the day (I was born in 57) and read every word on the sleeves over and over. When my drum god Nigel was replaced I was bummed, but I fell in love with Westies and Blue Moves just like I did with the previous LPs. I learned all of Pope’s drum parts and satisfied myself with the work. And honestly Island Girl, Grow Funk and Bullet are three of my most loved EJ tracks. Not to mention the sprawling, potpourri of Blue Moves. Seeing Elton live for the Goodbye tour gave me closure seeing Nigel back on the throne ❤
Thanks again sir. I really appreciate your kind words; especially knowing your a brother in the faith. This has been a very interesting and unexpected journey for me; and I’m very blessed to be meeting people I admire so much who inspired me to do creative work. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed year to come!
Hi John. Just recently came across your TH-cam channel. I am enjoying listening to your stories about Elton John and the band. I’ve been an Elton John fan from the early 70’s, in particular I remember Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I was 13 years old when the album came out. Me and my best friend used to listen to that album over and over, I think that album was the peak of Elton’s music. I enjoyed his earlier albums just as much. Elton’s band was tight as hell during those years. However, as you mentioned, I do remember when his music changed in the mid 70s and as much as I was a big fan of Elton, I could tell there was a big change happening to his music. It was becoming “pop”. Although I don’t remember if that word was used in those days. Listening to your story, it’s jives exactly with what I remember , but didn’t have the background information that you provided. I appreciate your channel and looking forward to some more videos from you! Keep up the great work!!!
Thank you for watching and the great comments. I discovered Elton in 1973 when he was already becoming more "pop" oriented with the hit song "Crocodile Rock". But it was my love of that song that caused me to purchase Caribou a couple years later; which then led me to Yellow Brick Road; which then led to me excitedly collecting all his 70s catalog. I totally understand the people who loved Tumbleweed and Madman stuff feeling like Elton was turning "pop". But for me as a 12 year old kid; I was thrilled to go backwards and discover how different his music was at the very beginning. The album that really blew my mind was the "Elton John" album; with the orchestral arrangements etc. That album turned me onto the entire world of singer/songwriter music of that time. So I guess I credit Elton with showing me a wider universe of styles. I love all of those early albums and each one has a very different and unique flavor. But I do believe the recordings he made with Dee, Nigel and Davey are pinnacle of his career. To me that lineup was The Beatles of the 1970s. They were so inventive and had a very rare chemistry in the studio. Anyway, I really enjoyed your comments. Hope to hear from you again!
What a great video. Glad to have found your channel and we appear to be the same age. I remember my first ever lp was a 10th birthday present of Dont Shoot Me.
Great video! Elton John is one of my favorite artists. I only own a handful of his albums though. My first exposure to him was via the song “Crocodile Rock” on the radio. I was a kid in the late 70s so there is so much of his early music that’s a mystery to me. I do have a goal of eventually purchasing his catalog and being able to listen to everything he ever record. But “Blue Moves” has special significance for me. It was the first time I learned that I could actually checkout whole *records* from our public library. My brother’s friend, our next-door neighbor, had a father who was very into Elton John and had many of his albums. So it was through my brother and his friend that I gradually learned to love Elton John. But I remember distinctly going with my dad to the public library and checking out “Blue Moves” and listening to it over and over. It’s still one of my favorite albums to this day.
Saw Elton at 16 (first concert) and fan since then. I love "Country Comfort", "Madman Across the Water" and "Honky Chateau", "Rock of the Westies", and of course the album everyone carried around "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". My favorite Elton song of all time is "Come Down in Time" from "Country Comfort".
Loved both videos on The Elton John Band. I have been reading Bernie's book Scattershot and it renewed my interest in Captian Fantstic and other albums during the early/mid 70's. I grew up immersed by the music and lyrics during this period . Over time I lost interest in Elton's music. I never understood why. But after watching your videos It brought clarity as to why. Simply put it was the magic of this band that pulled me in. Rock of the westies and Blue Moves were to be the last albums I purchased by E.J. I loved these albums also but you're so right....they just weren't the same without Nigel and Dee.
Rock of the Westies was fun, but almost seemed like a throwaway album, and Blue Moves... Elton's sound seemed to reflect his down mood, that what he was doing wasn't fun anymore. Even his shows at that time, he acted like he was not a happy person. Elton also seemed to always give Davey more attention on stage. After Dee passed away, it seemed important to Elton to keep Nigel with him, so glad he did.
I remember reading that Elton said something along the lines of, "The band just loped along, and I wanted it to chug." This is something that has always interested me greatly - thank you! When I listen to 17-11-70, Dee's bass is having an incredibly intelligent and vibrant conversation with Elton's piano and lyrics - that wasn't an accident or a one time thing. His phrasing wasn't like anything else you heard on pop radio. As for Nigel, I always cite "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" as a master class in ballad drumming. Yes, Elton's name is at the top of the company letterhead, and it's his decision...while Elton could only use his live band on a handful of songs over those first few albums up until Honky Chateau, what a difference! With the run of success they had up to Captain Fantastic, and considering Elton ended up "retiring from touring" at the end of 1977, I wish he stopped in 75 instead and kept the band intact. He did have a few hits over the next few years, but none as big as "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" or "I'm Still Standing" with...Dee and Nigel - which is no accident!
For Nigel's ballad drumming I've always loved his contributions on The Greatest Discovery and the King Must Die epic both of which are on the self-titled album.
Yes Nigel is one of my all-time drumming heroes, and his work not only on Someone Saved My Life Tonight (my all-time fave Elt tune) but on Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds is without equal. Absolutely stellar performances! And those backing vocals...WOW!!👍👍
I like how you ended this broadcast with a very tired and Jaded sounding Elton counting in the start of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Perfectly sums up the topic's content.
I absolutely love the two videos you did on Elton’s band. We are the same age and I lived inside those gatefold album covers lost in the lyrics of goodbye yellow brick Road and other albums. Due to drugs and other issues, most of the great bands died between 74 and 75. Mick Taylor, leaving the stones, king crimson, traffic breaking up. Yes Grateful Dead and ELP on hiatus. I love blue moves, but that was a move in a new direction, and when he released Ego in 77, that was the death of Elton John the rock star. A single man while I like some of the tunes is cold and a turning point in Elton’s career as he becomes more of a buttoned down gentleman. The final end for me is with the victim of love /Thom Bell sessions when he started singing in the lower register of his voice, I completely lost interest in his vocals after that.
Personally I think "Ego" showed us a version of Elton where he pretty much hates himself, especially after you see the video. Kinda hard to be an enthusiastic fan after that.
I agree you can't touch Elton's "classic era," but he's still done some amazing stuff since then. Later albums like Songs From the West Coast, The Captain and the Kid, and even much more recent albums like The Diving Board have some incredible songs. It's different, but he's still a genius.
Wow, this gentleman just popped up on my radar, and I'm so glad! Of course when he's talking about Elton John and the original band, I had to click on it. Glad I did, subbed!
In my time, I have repeatedly seen another phenomenon that has caused artists to make moves like replacing long-time members. It often comes down to insecurity. Elton’s band was seen as an integral part of his sound. Very few solo artists have had sidemen whose names became as well known as Elton’s musicians, especially, Dee, Nigel and Davey. Elton may have wanted to prove that he didn’t need them, and that it was his talent alone that got him to the top. And so, key members are shown the door. But along with them goes the magic. The first real casualty in Elton’s case was the great arranger, Paul Buckmaster, who also enhanced Elton and Bernie’s songs greatly, but who also might have made Elton feel a bit diminished, as his arrangements were so highly praised by the critics. It’s no secret that great and successful artists don’t always feel great themselves. It’s a shame when those feelings keep them from truly enjoying the rare thing that is success.
I always thought it was strange that Pual Buckmaster was not part of the GYBR album. He did great arranging for Elton's albums right up until GYBR, then he suddenly was absent for EJ's greatest album. Someone named Del Newman did the arrangements, and I don't believe that he ever returned. Buckmaster did return for Blue Moves, but strange that he was absent for GYBR.
@@nikita-dh5je Paul was an absolute genius. His last great arrangement before he passed away was Train's "Drops of Jupiter", which won them a Grammy. If you look at the records he worked on, from "I Haven't Got Time For The Pain" to "Moonlight Mile" to "Madman Across The Water", it's hard to imagine those songs without his brilliant arrangements. Not to mention his work with Miles Davis... We shall never see his like again.
@@chunkystylemusic Yes, Paul was a genius, his work for Elton was tremendous. Very sad that he is no longer with us, does anyone know he died, there was never a cause of death when he suddenly passed. He is greatly missed.
Hey, was in the Navy in the early '80s, electrician on airplanes, so I love the Jets above you, and the bird in the background in just all the normal life stuff going on around you as you're sharing your wonderful opinion! I'm going to go look for your original video that spark to this video, thank you!
Hey Jon, I’ve enjoyed your other videos going back to that one where you described having Dee and Nigel in the studio with you in Nashville. You’ve got a great way about you for TH-cam. I’m really glad you took on this topic because I’ve been disappointed that others gloss right over it. John Boden dances around it when he talks to guys like Caleb Quaye and I’ve seen other writers or video guys walk right up to it and then flinch. I think your theories are sound, I think Elton was doing a ton of blow, and was basically an insecure little man to begin with. You’d like to think that his musicianship would be strong enough to know that he had a hell of a rhythm section, but it was probably the coke talking. I agree with others in the comments who liken Dee’s melodic playing to Paul’s, I think those two were the only ones in their class, period. Dee was a phenomenal player. I know Elton played a tribute for him after he passed, but I still don’t think it’s enough. I was the kid growing up on the other side of your state, listening to the same albums, and being alarmed by the same realization that Nigel and Dee were gone. I flat out draw the line on Elton’s music after that. It’s one thing to have great songs, but it’s another thing to have a great band and that’s what made all of that music what it was. Rock of the Westies was crap, Blue Moves was boring, and everything else has never mattered to me as a fan. So thanks for the great work. One correction though, there were three other guys who got to play on stage with John Lennon, but let’s not forget the plastic Ono woman! 😱
Hi Jon. I'm with you. My first concert was seeing Elton with Davey ,Dee ,Nigel, and I think Ray at Festival Hall in Melbourne around 1982. Jump Up tour. Fantastic show.
I was never a big Elton John fan, but I was talked into going to the '75 Rock of the Westies tour in Vancouver. Not knowing much about the history of Elton's band and being skeptical at best, the concert just blew me away! It was so good, we went the next night as well. Elton's voice was a bit weak on the second night, but it was a hot concert regardless. So, without the exposure to his previous band and not knowing what to expect, these two nights remain in my memory as the best concerts I have ever seen and heard.
Wow! Thanks for watching and the kind words! Sincerely they mean so much to me. It’s so cool to be connecting with people who love great music! I hope to hear from you again!
There is a lyric in the song Captain Fanastic: "too hot for the band, with a desperate desire for change". I recalled this lyric when I noticed the band who recorded Rock of the Westies was different. Great program, sir! I grew up on those albums from '73 to '77. Still love them!
My older brother gave me for my birthday "Goodbye Yellow Brick" album when I was a kid. I must have been 10 years old or so? I loved this album, as a kid, and have the whole album on my iphone, and iwatch, listening to it again today. It's one of my favorite albums. My brother Lyle Ronglien, is an awesome guitarist, and later I learned to play bass. The playing of Dee Murray has always been influential in all my formative years, and beyond to my current age of 59. My brother Lyle and I started a cover band called Aurora in Seattle, and played the club circuit for over 5 years 6 nights a week from 86 - 91. When some people ask who are my influences, I say Dee Murray, and I have to educate them!! He's so awesome!!
Thanks for watching! Have you seen this video yet? The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Jon for your energetic, and knowledgeable input that each of your videos on Elton contain. I am so glad to know that there’s someone out there that has the the same interest in EJ/BT’s music as I do at basically the same age(I think you may be a year older than myself). Anyway, please continue to do more videos on The EJ Band, who you so accurately described as the greatest band of the 1970’s. I totally agree. Also, Davey had said in recent years that he wanted to make a documentary on the band during those very years of ‘70-‘75. Have you heard any further information on this? I believe it would be very much needed documentary on a very important band in the history of music. And, if not Davey doing the doc, maybe you and some collaborators???? The best to you and your loved ones in the year ahead. -Digger Miller
Thank you for watching and the kind words! Davey’s son is working on a documentary titled “pillars of Hercules”. Apparently it involves Davey and Nigel and their wives and Dee’s ex wife etc. They’ve been talking about it for a long time, but it doesn’t appear to be anywhere near release. I would love to participate in the film as an interviewer!
I've read Elton's autobiography. Here's what he has to say about firing Dee and Nigel: I decided to change the band and let Dee and Nigel go. I rang them myself. They took the news quite well - Dee was more upset than Nigel, but there wasn't a huge row or a feeling of bad blood from either of them. I feel worse about it now than I did at the time. It must have been devastating to them - they'd been integral for years and we were at the peak of our careers. Back then, I was always looking forward, and I felt it in my gut that I needed to revamp our sound: make it funkier and harder-driving. Interesting to hear from Nigel and Dee saying management called them with the news. I'm a big Elton fan but I have to say I believe Nigel and Dee. Elton made a big mistake and deep down I'm sure he still regrets it, also drugs are bad for musical judgement.
Hey there Jon! Another excellent EJ documentary.... FYI, as i just posted on your video on the band, my first show was sitting in the 3rd row in front of his piano at the Hammersmith Odeon Dec 23rd 1974 Christmas show, then the following summer i was up front at Wembley stadium for the mid summer music show on June 21st 1975 with the infamous Captain Fantastic debut with the new lineup, as well as being at the Buffalo NY "Louder Than Concorde" show in August 1976 with the huge backing band, and you are spot on! The shows with the new band weren't even close! That Dec 1974 Christmas show was the best show i have ever seen, still to this day, and i have seen pretty much all the great rock bands over the years.... hands down NOTHONG beats that band, with Davey, Dee, Nigel, and Ray! RIP Dee.... a true Rock legend
I’m sorry I missed your comment that you left a long time ago. I agree with everything you said and really appreciate what you said. I am envious that you attended the 1974 Christmas show. They were just on top of the world at that point. I’m so glad they have video footage of that show. I really wish they had video of the previous 1973 Christmas show. That was a really rockin show and he played a bunch of songs from goodbye yellow brick Road. Anyway thanks for the great comments!
Your love for Elton’s music is infectious and the detail you go into in describing what we are listening to adds to the experience. For the casual listener such as myself I never knew the musicians in his band and that he fired the drummer and bass player but you can definitely hear the difference and it’s not for the better. The only reason he got away with it, in my opinion, was his sheer force of personality and the musical capital he acquired with the original band. It would be like Mick firing Charlie and Bill or Robert Plant firing Bozo and John Paul Jones or Roger Daltrey firing Keith Moon and John Entwistle. He could have found his new sound with Dee and Nigel, they had been doing it for years with them.
Thanks for watching! I completely agree with your assessment. Elton obviously would have had great success one way or another. But Dee and Nigel were a huge part of his explosive debut at The Troubador in 1970. And it was that excitement that brought him so much success in the early 70s as a touring three piece band. Then when they made the first entire album together with Davey, Elton had his very first blockbuster hit with Rocket Man. It was the special creative chemistry they had that made that song so magical and impactful. And of course Yellow Brick Road is just an amazing album start to finish. That’s the album that made Elton a legendary artist that will be celebrated centuries from now. I agree that those guys could have walked with Elton through Westies and Blue Moves. Having said that I respect the work that was done by Elton’s new band in the studio. Blue Moves in particular had some incredible music. But it sounded more like Elton with studio musicians; rather than a band effort like the albums that came before. Anyway thanks for your comments and supporting my channel!
Great show man! I really appreciate your perspective and input about these artists. Watched a bunch of your episodes now, this is just the latest. Keep going!!🎶
I grew up a huge fan of not only Elton John but also Bernie and what I thought was the best 3 piece backing band I've ever known. Totally unique sounding, highly creative and went from one feel to another seamlessly. They never overplayed yet added color to every song. And their harmonies were sublime. They were on top of the world and at some point the bubble was going to burst. It's like Elton decided to burst it himself. I know so many people that love his music and don't know a single person who liked when he dropped those guys.
If there was only one album left in the world and I could choose it, it would be Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. If there was only one song left in the world and I could choose it, it would be Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.
Again Jon well well said, that tempo & rhythm was key from day 1 with Nigel & Dee, sad how immature Elton really was, way too many changes = a sign of youth period, really haven’t taken Elton John seriously since 76/77 which is coming into “50” yrs now & that’s sad. But you have me listening & reliving all the early stuff again thank you my friend 👏
Elton was my "Teenage Idol" and the very first album I bought was 'Rock Of The Westies', and it really did sound different from his previous releases. I found 'Island Girl' a bit weird when I listened to it for the first time on the radio and that weirdness was present throghout the album. Maybe, I'm emotionally attached to this record, but I do like it and I love 'Blue Moves' even more. Nevertheless, I do agree with your take on how this change affected him negatively. I bought some of Elton's albums from 1979 on such as 'Single Man', 'Jump Up', 'The Fox' and 'Too Low For Zero'. I like these albums, but I have to admit they're not as good as the previous ones. And yes, I hated his live performance of 'Captain Fantastic...' at Wembley Stadium too. And I didn't understand why he turned the title song into a mere country balad instead of the powerful folk rock of the original recording. Now, thanks to you, I know why. I saw Elton here in Brasil in 2017 and as he introduced Nigel Olsson, he did it in such affectionate way. He said that Nigel had been with him since 1969. He sang 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' and I loved it. By the way, thanks for mentioning the album '17/11/70' on your previous video. It is a document on how powerful that combo with Nigel and Dee was and why it impacted the music scene in the US so much. Thanks!
Back then I followed each new Elton album release with great anticipation. Being a fan of his stuff in real time was no different than the kids who followed The Beatles early on. The real shame of the firing of Dee and Nigel is that I believe Elton John took for granted how great his rhythm section really was. When I first heard Dee's bass on Rocket Man in 1972, I was floored. The only other bass player that stood out within a record with such unheard of bass flourishes was Paul McCartney. Dee backed that up later on in Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, The Legend of Danny Bailey, two great performances that came from within Dee, not Elton, not Gus Dudgeon. Nigel owned the beat in songs like Someone Saved My Life Tonight and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me. It is absolutely no coincedence that his greatest and most inspired work was done with the original Elton John Band & that both he and Bernie hit rock bottom at the time of Blue Moves, where Bernie's dark lyrics reflect his real personal life and marriage break up to "the seamstress for the band." Within these dark times, Blue Moves began the downward slide of Elton John and though he was yet to create more great individual works, nothing would come close to the near-Beatlemania that was Elton John back when he played alongside Davey, Dee, Nigel and Ray.
Michael I could have written this myself! I couldn’t agree with you more. You perfectly explained exactly what happened; and why it was so unfortunate. I totally agree with your comparison to McCartney’s bass playing. To my mind Elton’s ‘70s music is second only to The Beatles catalog in the ‘60s. I’ve always felt The Elton John Band were The Beatles of the 1970s. They carried that torch of originality and passion for creativity in the studio. Elton and Bernie were writing such brilliant songs; but it was the band (and Gus) that poured magic into those recordings. Elton could have ended up with any number of musicians; but those songs wouldn’t have turned out as special (as was demonstrated by Westies and Blue Moves). Please check out my other Elton videos; they’ll be right down your alley. Especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html Let me know what you think!
@@JonBlackstone Jon, thank you for the kind words and I will be sure to view and comment on your other great videos as well. I'm not sure if you've already done so, but the Bryan Forbes film "Elton John & Bernie Taupin Say Goodbe Norma Jean And Other Things" is worth your analysis. Forbes, the noted filmaker, was given exclusive permission to mingle with Elton, Bernie, Dee, Nigel, Davey, John Reid and at that, all in the height of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. Too see him at the piano, inside the Chateau recording studio". doodling on the keyboard & working out Grey Seal and Danny Bailey is watchng genius at work. I always got a kick at Forbes filming the boys eating breakfast and talking to Dee about how easy and fast these hit songs were created, one after another after another: Dee Murray-"It's like a factory!!!"
@@michaelnotigan7796 Thanks again Michael! I watched that film as a young Elton fan on ABC TV in 1973. My friend and I sat transfixed as we caught our first glimpse of Elton and the band playing live! I've been searching forever and I finally purchased a decent quality copy. I used a lot of footage in both of these videos. In fact I created brand new edits around the studio recordings. I'm especially proud of what I did with "Harmony". I worked with Dee and Nigel in Nashville on my first album. I tell about my experiences and post footage of Nigel in the studio. Please check these out. I'd love to hear your feedback! th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/VEaCrRdsaFI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html
@@michaelnotigan7796 Yes! Another funny thing about that footage of Dee; his hair is soaking wet from just coming out of the pool. The first time we saw it as kids we said, "Gross! Look how greasy his hair is!" 😂
Jon really good video, liked your assessment of EJs, mid 70's burnout. In truth a lot of what you said has more than a grain of truth to it, the only issue I have in your final assessment is that in truth by 1975 at his peak with Captain Fantastic the original band had no where else to go, if you listen to the lyric of the title track its there in the chorus "too hot for the band with a desperate desire for change". Elton was indeed singing his own swan song. I know we spoke before about Rock of the Westies and Blue Moves, and I still feel he made the right decision artistically to change the band line up ROTW is a pretty decent R&R record even if it borrows heavily from the mid 70's Rolling Stone sound (Namely on Street Kids) and Blue Moves still ranks in my opinion as EJ's most adult sounding album, but your right when you say after these last two records he never sounded the same again, the voice and the magic left him.
I totally agree with your assessment of Westies and Blue Moves. The lyric you referenced is actually Bernie talking about his very first band Bluesology. Elton was longing to break out of the rut he was in playing other people’s music. He felt he was “to hot” to be in a cover band; and he was longing to do something more legitimate. Have you seen my other videos on Elton? I think you’ll really enjoy them. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Sometimes it is hard to remember Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. They seem to belong to Elton's state of mind. I like to think of them as one soul split into 2 bodies.
😳😳😳You are so RIGHT about the Wembley Stadium concert!! I just checked. I hadn’t heard it. WoW. Always loved Nigel. #DancinShoes Thanks for the video!!
Elton was an amazing songwriter, pianist and singer, but thank you for touching on the background vocals. At the chateau where they made GYBR, Elton recorded his part and then the rest of the band later recorded the amazing background vocals which added so much to the recordings. This was true on later albums as well. To break up that tight nit group was regrettable.
I feel so blessed to have found your channel Jon. I love how you really got into Elton’s psyche in this video. Kinda stood in his shoes. And I think your conclusions are spot on. Lol… In my mind, Elton, Dee, n Nigel were buds. The original trio, for god sake! How could there be such impersonalism as this within that trio???!!! To fire them thru management, not even call. 🥺 Yeah, that was an eye opener for me at the time this all happened. But this video clarified a bit more of his personality. Imo all the magic was those early 70’s albums. They were so tight as a band. How could Elton not even call them? I’m sorry, but, he may be king musically, but interpersonally speaking that’s f@&”ed up!
Good talk, thanks. Rock of The Westies was not a strong album apart from a couple of good tracks and likewise Blue Moves which maybe should have been a single album. By then I think the magic had gone and things were never the same. It's amazing what they achieved in such a short space of time though but the band deserved more credit.
Totally agreed! That’s why I made this other video! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
In 1980 I was in Melbourne Australia, where I'd gone to see Elton John at Festival Hall. There were no barriers seperating the stage in those days, and i'd managed to get right up front against the actual stage which was chest-high, with elton on piano only 6 feet away. At the end of the show, Elton returned for 3 encores, and then no return. But the crowd kept thumping in a dimmed hall and stage. Still no return. So, realizing that you only live once, I jumped up on stage and jumped on his piano and began those signature piano bars of 'Love Lies Bleeding'. The crowd went utterly berserk as they clearly thought that Elton had returned. However, the security guys grabbed me, and threw me back into the crowd. But then Elton came back onto stage, and wanted to know who it was - so I raised and waved my hand, and he came over and crouched down and shook my hand. He was utterly delighted, and yelled at me, above the noise "Well done! You gave me competition tonight." I'd been approached by the 'The Age' later to make a story out of it, and asked for my phone. Well, they never called, but the road crew did at around midnight and asked me if I was interested in the after-concert party. I must have sounded not excited because they hung up before I could answer! -But in later years I spoke to Elton in a phone interview regarding his new use of computers and sequencers, but of course I never mentioned this story to him.
Wow, what a great story! Since you’ve interviewed Elton, I have to assume that you work in radio? Or do you work as an independent reporter? I’d love to hear or see stuff that you’ve done. Do you have it posted anywhere?
There is no artist that can maintain that level of success commercially or artistically forever. If you have a new band, of course it will be different. As an artist, you can't expect things to stay the same way forever. Whether it is in a direction you like is a different matter. His band after Dee and Nigel were funkier and the performance he gave at Wembley arena when he announced stopping touring back then,showed a fine band. As I am sure you know Elton was doing Coke by Captain Fantastic time. With that enormous workload and productivity, no matter what happened, Elton was simply burnt out by '76, surprise, surprise!!
LOVE your other video about Elton 'n the boys!! I had heard that Dee and Nigel were in the Caribbean when they got the phone call. Apparently, Elton had grown discontent with the "chugging-along" sound of the E.J. Band. He wanted more of a Rolling Stones vibe - where everyone just "jams." ~ an E.J. fan!! :)
Thank you for watching my video! I wanted to let you know that I just did an interview with Caleb Quaye in Los Angeles and he had some interesting comments about why Elton fired his band. I hope you’ll check out the other episodes on my channel as I do a lot of deep dives into the amazing music that the Elton John band created in the mid-70s. Cheers!
Rock of the Westies is one of my least favorite album. I agree with you about Elton’s decision. It just makes sense. Drugs are terrible ! I’ve been there.
Thanks for your comment. I’ve been there too and have a story to tell. I hope you’ll check it out. THE TRUTH - How I Survived a Lifetime of Depression and Addiction th-cam.com/video/v7eePDFJGxE/w-d-xo.html
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I never bothered listening to his later music! Your analysis makes sense!
Thank you for helping me understand (at 62 years of age) why I stopped listening to EJ after Rock of The Westies. The magic really was Elton, Nigel, Dee and Davey. Thankful that they produced a lifetime of music from ‘70-‘75. More than enough for me anyway. I will never see or experience anything remotely like that again.
Thank for watching. Believe me I relate to every word you said.
One cannot underestimate the effect Dee and Nigel had on the music; they had a very specific sound, a character all its own, producing some o the greatest rock in history. My fav was Madman Across The Water album.
Thanks for watching Ken. If you like Dee and Nigel you’ll enjoy my other video. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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Neither one played much on madman
DEE MURRAY was a BRILLIANT bassplayer.....He was SO MELODICALLY AWARE ....He' came up with counter melodies which fit Elton's tunes SO perfectly....We Miss him .
Dee was one of the greatest, no doubt about it!
@walterevans2118 He's so unheralded for the talent he displayed. Dee, Davey, and Nigel, along with Elton, were a kick ass band.
@@tr5947 yes. Nobody could have made Elton’s songs work so well …NOBODY.
Yes I always noticed he'd often play away from the tonic note. Like, he'd be playing the 3rd, or some other bass note that really added drama to the terrain of the song. I always wondered if that was at E. John's direction? Or was it just him? Anyway it was a kind of musicality you don't often get with most bassists.
It’s so sad this man thinks he’s beyond reproach and showed no respect to his fellow musicians who supported him through his road to stardom
Remember the old Peggy Lee song "Is That All There Is?" The complete achievement of one's dreams is a terrible moment of existencial crisis for many MANY successful people; leaving them asking the same question: Is That All There Is? For many ambitious people it is the determination to achieve their dream which is a BIG part of their drive. When their dreams are finally achieved, it is often a very difficult thing for them to REALize that The Valiant Struggle is no longer necessary. Oddly, in many ways, it is harder for them to just relax and just ENJOY their success than it ever was to "struggle to the top". I would not be surprised if this is what happened to Elton.
Great analysis, Jon.
Nigel/Dee: one of the greatest rhythm sections of all time.
Totally agreed! I talk about it in this video: The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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@@JonBlackstone Not sure how I found your channel. Glad I did. I was a pro musician at one point in my life. Elton John was my first love, musically speaking. His first band was as strong as any country rock backing band on the West Coast at that time. Listen to country comfort on side one of here and there. That band sounds as good as anything Jackson Browne ever had (Leland Sklar / Russ Kunkle)
Elton probably fired them because they probably wouldn't let their sons go down on him.
"Why won't you let your sons go down on me or is it someone else I see touching my pee pee" 😂
@@HarryJoiner Oh I love those guys! I finally got to see them play live when they did the tour with Carole King and James Taylor. It was a thrill!
This is ironic because I once heard an interview regarding Goodbye Yellowbrick Road. When asked how he pulled off such a phenomenal album, he replied along the lines of, “I let my musicians do their own thing”.
Excellent analysis. Sadly this often happens, bands try to make a change in the lineup, either for financial reasons, or for creative reasons, and they end up losing the lightening they had captured in the bottle.
Wel put man..lightning is right..crazy
I couldn’t agree more. I hope you’ll watch my other Elton videos: especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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Ego is involved most times
Totally agree from the u.k.!
My two sons play bass in separate bands, now in their 30s.
Seen this a lot, being unpaid roadie for years!
What you said, and just down to human nature.
A band has to have a leader, and his agreeable sidekick.
The others just come and go.
Perfect example of this is KING CRIMSONS first album.
Men at Work a perfect example
Thanks Jon, for your insight on this. I am a 69 year old Elton John fan of those early 70 years. For me, Nigel was the glue both visually and rhythmically. His subtle and dynamic drumming became his signature. There's a 1971 Circus Magazine issue that features Elton's three-piece band and in an outdoor photo, Nigel is wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket, looking like the coolest guy in the world. I was 17 at that time and that image stuck all these years. The Captain Fantastic album, was the band's best up to that time. The synergy of music, lyrics, tempo and crescendo are put to great use throughout. That album ends with a simple, profound and spacious arrangement. No wonder Nigel and Dee anticipated the forthcoming tour.
I marveled at the economy of stick-strikes played by "Nigel in Someone Saved my Life..." The way he comes in late too, a la "Border Song", and lifts the energy of it, very well arranged.
Oh my... Circus Magazine...
Yes! The cymbal crash when Elton says “strangled” is my favorite note in the song! But I’m a drummer so of course I like that part. 😀@@StephenDoty84
Yes, good point; I know that cymbal. @@gerry1620 Btw, as a drummer, you might appreciate the remastered version of Ringo's 'Hard Day's Night'; they made his cowbell more prominent in the bridge. Ringo has good energy; he can work the crowd, also in "I wanna hold your hand."
I've often wondered if this change turned off many fans as it did to me. I excitedly bought Rock of the Westies and noticed Dee and Nigel were out, and I thought the album was terrible to the point where it extinguished my excitement for Elton's music direction as a fan. The astounding body of work from Empty Sky all the way to Captain Fantastic (and Caribou, to some degree) still stands out, and is woven deeply into the fabric of my life.
Totally agree with you, I felt exactly the same way and I believe it was the beginning of the end of the EJ high.
Same when I bought Bebe Le Strange by the Heart chicks....Even it Up is not exactly Barracuda level....very sad.
Maybe you should revisit that Heart album. It’s full of great songs!
Ck of the westies was a magnificent album by elton you talk nonesense. Mate!!!!!
And Blue Moves fantastic orchestral arrangements. Yep his stuff in the 90s was very average. But his standards were so high from 1970 to 1980
Who cares
So, in 1975 I had been doing sessions for about a year or so. Nigel and Dee were some of the top session players, with Robert Apere, Foster, and some of those cats. It may have been a factor of knowing they were going to start touring again, they could miss out on some of that great session work. On tour, one could make a small fraction of what you make in the studio. Plus the producers, if you're not at hand to show up for the record dates, oftentimes the producers would forget about you. Anyway, that could have been it. I don't believe those guys were ungrateful to Elton, maybe they were just bracing themselves for the tour situation. It's a totally different mindset and your chops are adjusting to a completely altered set of muscles when you play live consistently as opposed to studio. I can totally relate.
For me Elton's greatest album is Mad Man across the water it just sounds fantastic .Great video really enjoyed it
I played that album so much that the needle scraped the grooves off the record!
@@mandolinic I absolutely love the track Indian sunset so dramatic
@@hannchris2762 In that case, you might just like this song by the Welsh prog rock band Magenta.
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Have you ever wondered why John Elton looks like a dork?
If you go to the end of the Tumbleweed Connection album you can hear the first rendition of Madman...... the long version. That's a great album too but I agree about the Madman album...... I wore that out in highschool...
The summer of '75 I had two 8-tracks in my car player, "Captain Fantastic" and "Venus and Mars". Such great memories of that summer!
Davey must have been hanging on the edge of the seat for along time but luckily Elton kept him for 52 yrs. When Dee and Nigel came back it became the Elton John band again. They could harmonize too.
Agreed! Thanks for watching! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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They sure could! Great singers.
@@JonBlackstone I felt the original line up was the best.
Even though I bought “Rock of the Westies” when it first came out, I was confused and saddened about him sacking Dee and Nigel. I soon stopped following him. I didn’t even bother with “Blue Moves”. In hindsight, perhaps it was just a trend. Starting in 1973, Bowie disbanded the Spiders, the original Alice Cooper group broke up, and Marc Bolan disbanded T. Rex.
One more thing: 'Captain Fantastic...' is my favorite Elton John album. And the apotheotic song 'Curtains' displays Nigel Olsson's ingenuity. After the third minute, the song chnges into a sequence of loops and Nigel links these loops with drum fills. He never repeats any of them, and in a segment he links one loop to another seamlessly. Wonderful!
I love 'Curtains'. I turn the volume as high as possible so I can hear every last beat as it fades. Especially when I'm in the car. Amazing!
I don't know where he got the phrase from, but it's definitely not British slang.
@vaseofflowers4619Elton is Captain Fantastic and Bernie Taupin is the (straight) Brown Dirt Cowboy.
Captain Fantastic was also the name of a character David Jason played in Do Not Adjust Your Set. He was a superhero whose nemesis was Mrs. Black.
@vaseofflowers4619 We never even thought about these things in 1975 !!!! Bernie is not gay!
Wow, excellent insights! From your comments, I never realized that "Captain Fantastic" was actually recorded (August 1974) before the Lennon show happened (November 1974). I'm about your same age and like you, have been a fan since I was about 8 years old and love to learn new things about Elton's band that I never knew. Great video, loved the Blue Angels soundtrack, too!
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the Blue Angels! 😂 The one time I decide to shoot a video outside and they’re flying right over me! I hope you’ll watch my other Elton videos; especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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My first introduction to Elton was the 11-17-70 album, recorded live at A&R Studios in NYC. I was floored by the energy and the way the band worked as a unit. So tight! I thought, who were these guys??? And guess who was on drums and bass.....?
As a musician, I totally understood your feeling as a kid when you saw Elton with the different band. A lot of people wouldn't have picked up on the nuance. You get it. Really a sad story about Elton throwing away the best thing that could have ever happened to him. It should have been the high that never stopped.
Love that record... I always call it "hungry Elton".
Great video Jon. I was upset when Nigel and Dee were let go. They were IMO the best he had. Also it was such a shame that Dee never got to play with Elton again.
Agreed. Dee was hurt both times. He told me as much. But I want to make it clear he never said a critical or negative word about Elton. Nor did Nigel. In the end it's not my business. They were friends and no one knows the dynamics of their friendship and musical partnership. But we all know it's very sad that Elton didn't seem to understand just how integral they were to the amazing catalog of recordings they made between 1970-75; and again on Too Low For Zero. It's no coincidence his farewell tour setlist was almost exclusively songs they recorded with him in the '70s and the '80s. Thanks for watching! Have you watched my other Elton videos? I think you'll enjoy these:
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@@JonBlackstonei was very impressed with your other videos here.
I realized that the way you investigate and examined their careers, but the interband dynamics, was similar to how I think and write my blogs-
Insight only a musician could give-
Brilliant.
I love it...
Yellow Brick Road was my fave, and still is, especially the 'deep cuts'
Social Disease, Danny Bailey, This Song Has No Title....and my favorite, Dirty Little Girl.
Another favorite is Texan Love Song, which nobodys ever heard, seemingly.
Madman is excellent as well.
Even Mick Ronson's guest track.
I believe that if an artist issues 5 records that are good, its a real gift.
One...or two is good.
Writing songs is hard.
@@TheEDZEPPELINBAND Thanks for watching and the excellent comments. I agree with every word! You’ve got me wanting to read your blog. Can you post a link? I don’t know if you’ve seen this one yet; but I think you’ll like it. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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It was a horrible decision (twice). Nigel and Dee not only were a fantastic rhythm section, but their background vocals were HUGE parts of the arrangements.
Springsteen fired his band once also. That killed HIS creativity, as it did EJ’s.
Totally agreed! Have you seen my other Elton videos? The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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@@JonBlackstone my intro to Elton was Crocodile Rock at 12 years old. I had the 45 and like you, I flipped it over and discovered Elderberry Wine (one of my all time favorite Elton tracks). I was not yet an album buyer. Mostly just 45 singles. Then came the fall/winter of 1973 and I discovered a cassette tape that my older cousin had in his room called Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by the same guy who did Croc & Elderberry. I put the cassette in and pressed play…my 13 year old ears could not believe what I was hearing. The opening salvo of Funeral/Love Lies Bleeding to the lovely harmonies on Harmony (bad pun) was just incredible. I became a fanatic right then and there. Of course Elton was the big draw, but you COULD NOT ignore the band backing him up. I was as much a fan of Dee, Nigel and Davey (Ray too but to a lesser extent). GYBR will always be my favorite Elton album, but CFBDC ranks almost as high. And then seeing Elton as Pinball Wizard in Tommy and hearing the BLISTERING the band did to that track…I was just in awe. Then came ROTW. I was SO disappointed when I opened the album and did not see Dee or Nigel. I tried to give ROTW every opportunity, but it just didn’t cut the mustard without that bass and drums. It was never the same for me after that. I was heartbroken when I heard that Dee had passed. I never got to see the classic EJB live but I’ve seen Elton, Davey and Nigel 2 times (2014 40th GYBR anniversary tour and in 2021 on the Farewell tour).
Thanks for the vids!
@@CODYnTX I love your comments! They resonate with mine so closely! It sounded almost identical to my experience discovering this amazing music. I went absolutely nuts over Pinball Wizard! I don’t know if you remember but that wasn’t a top 40 single; and it drove me crazy. Every time my family went out for pizza I would play Pinball Wizard on the jukebox over and over until they made me stop! I was a member of the fan club so I wrote a letter asking if they would send me a copy! 😂 Eventually I realized I could get the track by purchasing the Tommy movie soundtrack album (which introduced me to The Who etc). Anyway thanks for bringing up more memories today. I’m assuming you’ve watched my other videos? If not, you will love these! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
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Reflections on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by The Elton John Band - OKWC Conversations
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Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories
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Nigel Olsson Recording Session with Dee Murray - Elton John Band
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@@JonBlackstone Hey Jon. Thanks for your response. I just found your channel a day or so ago. The first video I watched was the video about the EJB itself. We pretty much had the exact same experiences discovering this music. During the 60’s, I was all about the Beatles (as were most) and I had decided when I heard Sgt Pepper that I was going to be a musician. Once I discovered the talents of Dee Murray, I knew I wanted to play bass (especially his bass playing on GBYBR and Pinball Wizard). To me, their version of Pinball Wizard blows the Who’s away in every way. Elton’s playing is incendiary as is Dee’s on that track! Then there’s their version of Lucy in the Sky…I could go on but I digress. Having the EJB and Dee as a background for my music education as a bass player in my formative years was priceless. I’ve got the Captain Fantastic album on as I write this and it still affects me the same as it did when I first heard it. I might even listen to Rock of the Westies afterwards. Lol. You’ve got a new subscriber and will get to all the vids soon…Thanks again for your reply!
@@CODYnTXGreat story!
Jon, what a great story. I was working on a self produced album in 1991 and became connected to Davey Johnstone through a studio in LA. Davey played on three songs on my album. I was a HUGE fan of the Elton John Band as well. Completely destroyed when Nigel and Dee were fired. I asked Davey how Dee and Nigel were doing and he told me that Dee was in Nashville and married a country girl. I didn’t have the courage to ask why Dee and Nigel were let go. He had just been to Nashville to visit Dee. I asked Davey what he thought of Nashville and he said it was “cowboys on acid” I love this video even with the top of your head missing.
Thanks for watching and for the great comments! Your experience with Davey sounds similar to mine. I love Davey’s description of Nashville! Are you still doing music? I’d love to hear what you’re doing. I tell the stories of working with Dee and Nigel in these other videos if you’re interested. Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories
th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html
The Day Nigel Olsson Played On My Album (w Dee Murray)
th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html
Hi Jon, love your videos. Thank you for your research and thoughts about Elton and his band. I was at a friends house in the 70's and we were listening to his older brothers records and we dropped the needle on Grey Seal and I became a loyal fan. Elton, Bernie, Davey, Dee, Nigel and Ray will go down in history one of the best pop/rock bands in history. Keep posting I subscribed and am looking forward to more. Go Blue Angels!
Thanks for watching! I love the Blue Angels too; except when I’m making a video.
I love that live Capt. Fantastic release and listen often but glad I heard your take on the band performance. It's very interesting and most appreciated.
There is nothing wrong about EJ wanting to move on to another sound - by changing his band. He probably could have done it more thoughtfully, however. The albums which followed Elton firing Nigel and Dee, ROCK OF THE WESTIES and BLUE MOVES, are two very different sounding records. Love them both. I, too, heard or read somewhere years ago that he was tired of his band just rattling on live and a change was necessary. Regardless, EJ should have sat down face to face to let Dee & Nigel know that he wanted to move on to a new sound. Yeah, this was a time, too, when Elton was beginning to experiment with drugs. He also had the pressure of super-stardom. Thanks for this video.
Thank you for watching and your comments! Have you seen my other Elton videos? I think you’ll enjoy this one. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Thanks 4 the info I know back in those days wen westies came out with out Nigel and dee it wasn't the same I herd wen after the guys wer recoding there vocals they wer glad wen elton left the studio because he would drive them crazy thanks again
@@JonBlackstone That 1975-76 time period for Elton is incredibly fascinating. Those three consecutive albums (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY then ROCK OF THE WESTIES then BLUE MOVES) couldn't be more different from one another. Two of those records are in my top 3 EJ albums - ever! The two bands used at this time certainly had their specific strengths. The "new" band with Caleb, Roger, James, and Kenny being added for ROCK OF THE WESTIES could certainly rock! Agreed, they didn't have the touch that Nigel & Dee had on ballads, big ballads, and some of the more straight forward pop-oriented hits. Agreed, too, about Elton's impatience with his music. The band had always evolved. Nigel & Dee only for 1970-71. Davey added live in 1972 , then Ray was added in 1974, then the firing, and then an assembly line of new studio & live musicians and bands until 2000. Clearly Elton feared stagnating or feeling that he was stagnating, hence the 1975 shock firing of Nigel & Dee. I also agree that the 1975 Wembley concert of CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY does not sound good - except "Meal Ticket" which rocks nicely. That band, I'll say it again, could rock out. Some of my favourite EJ songs are courtesy of that "new" 1975 band, especially BLUE MOVES. Someone should interview the surviving musicians from that period and write a book about 1975-76.
@@douglasstruthers8307 Thanks for watching! I’m in contact with Caleb and it looks like I’ll be interviewing for an episode. Stay tuned!
Captain Fantastic and the BDC represents the pinnacle of EJ’s career musically. I believe it’s a perfect album in all respects - the writing, the songs, sound, production, engineering, and of course the performances. Best album in the catalog. That was the end of the golden period. Westies and Blue Moves had a handful of really good songs…but then that was the end of the magic.
I love this EJ series. In high school (Toronto) I had a good friend, also a great piano player, who was seriously into Elton John already in the early '70s. Through my friend's introduction, I had ALL EJ's early albums (starting with Empty Sky, also the Friends 1971 soundtrack), and could play most of Madman and Tumbleweed by heart (later, much of GBYBR and Honky Chateau, of course;). We went to see him live at Maple Leaf Gardens on the Honky Chateau tour. I can still picture it in my mind's eye!
Things seemed to me to unravel somewhat after Captain Fantastic (even Caribou was a dip). The magic slowly ebbed away. To say he remained iconic is simply to state the obvious. But my wee comments here explain why I have found your series so compelling, Jon, with its invitation to revisit, celebrate, and understand that very special time and this very special music. Many, many thanks.
Oh man I envy you seeing them on the tour! Thank you for watching and for your kind words. I really appreciate the positive comments!
I was a HUGE fan of the Elton John band...and I'll never forget how betrayed I felt when Nigel and Dee were fired. I was 15 and actually cried when I found out. Captain Fantastic was the last EJ album I bought. Even though I went to the Dodger Stadium concert, it wasn't the same. The music FELT so different. One of the saddest times in my life.
Hi Jon. I know definitely one of the reasons, and possibly a second reason why Elton John fired Dee and Nigel. Back in 1976 Paul Gambaccini presented a four or five part radio special on the career thus far of Elton John. In the latter part of the special it was revealed that Elton John overheard Dee and Nigel bemoaning that they had to tour again. This really bugged E.J. and he subsequently ended up firing them. Also, I know from later interviews of E.J. that he was perturbed with Dee and Nigel when he found out that they were doing hard drugs behind Elton's back. The changing of the sound of the band may have played a part as well, but the complaining about having to go on tour was apparently the straw that broke the camel's back. In that radio special it said that Nigel Olsson was is a state of shock. I felt so bad for him, and Dee as well, but especially Nigel! In 2013 I saw E.J. at Madison Square Garden. Nigel Olsson was playing drums, and when Elton introduced him he got a thunderous, longish ovation that might have been even louder then the ovation Elton got when he came out on stage! Elton looked surprised by the crowd's reaction. I think the crowd gave him that ovation not just out of appreciation for his great drum work, but also out of support over his being fired. Anyway, that's the story. Best wishes to you.
Thanks for watching and for sharing that story. Elton Fan seem to really love Nigel and Davey. I think Elton Fan’s appreciate them more than Ellison does. I just finished interviewing Caleb Quaye; I’ll be posting that interview next week. Thanks again!
I'm really glad I found your channel. I was a huge Elton John fan as a kid. My first album was GBYBR, followed by Caribou, then Captain Fantastic. Over time, I started backfilling his catalog, and was just in love with his and the band's sound. I was 11 when Rock of the Westies was released, and though I appreciated the sound and direction of RotW and then BM, it was clear the original sound wasn't to be anymore. I managed to catch an Elton John concert in the mid-80s when I was in school in Atlanta, and frankly, wish I had seen him in the first third of his career. I have to say I haven't purchased an EJ album since 21 at 33. I just couldn't get into his music from that point onward. I am so glad he cleaned himself up, and love hearing that the Kate Bush / Peter Gabriel duet 'Don't Give Up' was instrumental to his recovery, since I'm a huge fan of both. Thanks again for the deep dives looking into EJ's amazing musical life!
Also, from Annapolis, so a big Blue Angels fan! I loved the guest appearance!
I always felt Captain Fantastic was the Final presentation of his creative genius. That, somehow, Elton didn't want to continue trying to live up to the pressure of being "fantastic". The departure of his band indicated to me that he wanted to shrink away from the spotlight of success having nothing else to prove. PS I am delighted to have discovered you on You Tube and your heartfelt analysis of one of my favorite bands
Nicely done. Never bothered to answer that question as it was a huge change that drove me away. At 68 I saw Elton several times at the Spectrum in Philly and others ... but the Yellow Brick Road concert was an event. After all is said and done now in 2024, my favorite live recording is ""11 17 70" and my favorite studio LP is "Tumbleweed" as the writing and production and performance is top notch. Thanks for posting this ...
All you need to do is listen to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to know why both Dee And Nigel were absolutely irreplaceable. No other style of bass playing and drums could’ve worked that magic. One bit I might add, was when Elton saw a performance by the Doobie Brothers, and had 2 drummers. Afterwords, he said his band was just going “chug chug” but wanted a sound more like the Doobies and that was around the time he let Dee and Nigel go.
Thanks for watching! I couldn't agree more. Based on your comment I'm pretty sure you'll love my other Elton videos. Here are a couple you should watch: th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html
I mean, heck, Yes, I have to agree with that. This is what I mean that Eton's songs were made by a big machine behind him. From my information, Elton would typically do a solo vocal track WITH piano against a timer track and discuss with Nigel Dee what he wanted the sound to be then leave for the day. Then Nigel and Dee would work the song and get a foundation recorded, before adding backing-vocals and any other percussion and playing or synth pads etc. Then Elton would return and do the real vocal against the real song that was taking form, where he could adjust his vioice according the genre.
I just need to add that Yellow Brick Road has been described by Elton as 'breaking all the rules' in process. They'd recorded at the Chateux previously with Honk and Don't Shoot me, and loved staying there to work. However, remember that they'd already tried to do the Yellow Brick road 'project' in jamaica, which fell apart, and caused them all great personal and creative stress. Elton has described re-starting Yellow Brick at the Chateux as a 'joyful way of forgetting Jamaica'. I see Yellow Brick as the band at their height, where they'd developed great formula and work process.
Big EJ fan here - I'm 3 years older than you Jon. I agree with your analysis on this big question. The 1.0 band was a huge influence on my learning to play guitar and bass teaching me to PLAY FOR THE SONG. That band was untouchable compared with other 70's bands. I have the double CD release of Captain Fantastic studio backed with the live show. NO comparison ! Great channel , best wishes !
Thanks for these insightful presentations! I rode that wave of Elton+band mania, but I grew up in a small town with no access to actual gigs. Had to rely on all the other media. I proudly count Davey Johnston and Dee Murray as major influences on my guitar and bass slinging. Such a precious time to grow up.
I thoroughly enjoyed your take on Elton's state of mind in the 74 to 76 era.
So cool that you appreciate the players. Your knowledge is exhaustive and totaly fascinating. Elton gave an interview in Mojo awhile back and the question of Nigel and Dee came up, Elton blamed the Coke and said it was a flippant decision and he more or less instantly regretted losing his guys. Keep doin what your doing - can you do a quick one about Mick Ronson playing on Tumbleweed Connection?
We met you on the shuttle yesterday.
Like your channel😊 Great story on Elton John.
Thank you for watching! It was wonderful to meet you folks. If you’re in Seattle again send me a message through my website www.jonblackstone.com God bless you with safe travels!
Jon , Great video! I am a huge Elton fan like you. I always ask myself the same question and I finally got the answer. Thank you. Jon you are correct The Elton John Band lost the magic with Dee & Nigel.
Thanks for watching. Please check out my other Elton videos; I know you’ll enjoy them; especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Elton's best days were with the originals....
As usual, another great video Jon. I learn so much from your videos, and in this one, you've explained so well the question of why Elton fired Dee and Nigel. Sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, as Elton found out. Thank you for this Jon.
This man is spot on about everything he said in this video he’s absolutely right
Thanks for watching! I appreciate your support!
Hey man, I have seen a couple of your videos now, and I must say it is very cool to hear theses stories from a firsthand perspective… I’m huge Elton John fan! I went to a show in 1998 in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. And I did not know how amazing of a pianist he just is absolutely mind blowing heart touching melodies to boogie woogie and everything in between very dynamic. I definitely had a newfound respect for the man.
another great video, im hooked on the Elton videos, good explanation on Dee and Nigel . seems plausible.
Thanks for the kind words! I truly appreciate the encouragement. Hope to hear from you again!
That does make perfect sense to me. Especially now on this farewell tour, Nigel’s back, if Dee were here I do believe he would have been there as well. And Elton seemed now to be so elated to have Nigel and Davey on this tour at the end.
After Captain Fantastic, I think everything went down hill for Elton. I think he didn’t knew how to relate to this new band. He had a few hits here and there, but never would achieve the EJ Band 70’s success. Feels like. Bullet (in the gun of Robert Ford) is one of my favorites.
I never got to see that 70’s era Elton. My first show was 1980 Chicago, Elton touring the smaller venues with Ray Cooper. That was an amazing show!!
Thank you again Jon for these videos - I feel like I have a kindred spirit with you as an Elton fan.
☮️💟
Hi Patti! That’s very cool you got to see one of the solo shows in ‘80! He still had his beautiful youthful voice. I also love some tracks from Westies (Robert Ford being the best) and Blue Moves has some of Elton’s greatest compositions. There’s a TH-cam channel GregSynthWizard who has posted those 80s solo shows if you’re interested. Have a blessed day!
@@JonBlackstone Hi Jon -
His voice was still so soulful - and he sang on that tour, Come Down in Time - it just blew me away and is still today my absolute favorite EJ song. The lyrics are just beautiful. Take care Jon
I will definitely check out the page.
Hi John. Need to tell you how eye-opening this was. Yes, all his music up until Fantastic was mostly 'fun' music. I'd just never equated the change due his band change. And the thought about him reaching peak and then the roll down. Yep - it sounds right. But I'll say one thing, and that is that Elton's popularity was owed to a dozen factors-not least that his own personality charmed everyone. But thank you for sharing this - It really has given me food for thought. I'm going to share an experience in the next comment
Wow, thank you for the great comments! I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to get responses from people like you. Like I said my video sometimes I wish that I could sit with everyone that enjoys this music and everyone geek out together 😆. I’m looking into possibly doing some live listening parties Where people could sign in and request a certain song and then we listen to it together and people can comment live. I’m new to this technology so I’m still figuring things out. I hope your check out my other videos too. I’ve done a ton of stuff on Elton John and the Elton John band; I just and I just released an interview with Caleb Quaye. My next video is an interview with a gentleman named Stewart Epps who was with Elton and Caleb at the very beginning and ended up working as Eltons assistant on the 1970s tours. He then went on to work with Jimmy page, and a bunch of other amazing people. His stories about the very early days are so cool. Stay tuned!
Davey Johnstone's mandolin playing on Holiday Inn was the reason why I bought my first mandolin... over 40 years ago now.
Greetings Jon. Love your content. I watched a Tom Cridland YT interview with Davey Johnston; fascinating behind the scenes nuggets about the EJ Band. It was Davey who persuaded EJ to hire back Nigel. I watched this segment of the interview twice b/c of what Davey said. It was simply stunning. I'm paraphrasing, but in essence Davey told EJ there is only one person in the world who can play drums the way it should be: Nigel Olsson. P.S., off topic, but funny little story Davey recalls with Bernie Taupin and the hit: "I guess that's why they call it the blues". I paused the interview to read the lyrics again. Masterful. Powerful. Genius Poetry.
Really solid insight on the band. Sounds like your journey and mine paralleled as I got into Elton when my friend’s
older brother played Bennie and the Jets for us eight year olds. It would be a couple years later when I got my copy of Yellow Brick Road, and for the next 4-5 years, I gathered up the earlier albums and it was all I listened to. You got a ‘subscribe’ out of me. Great channel
I was a big fan back then too. The first 45 I ever got was "The bitch is back." I wonder if this ever happened to you... Because there were so many good tracks on so many records, I delayed listening to some songs that were not hits. This led me to 'discover' old songs as if they were new. It wasn't until my 30's, in the 1990's, that I discovered how good "Bad Side of the Moon" was on 11-17-70, for example, or "Sixty Years On". I also listened to "Dirty Little Girl" more than his #1 hits years later. It took me many years to even turn "Rock of the Westies" over on the turntable and play "Street Kids" and the rest, finally, discovering those songs anew in the '80s.
Very nice analysis. I was with Dad and my two best friends at Atlanta's Omni in July of 76. It was, for me, a crystallizing moment. I have always loved Elton and wondered about Dee and Nigel... this makes a lot of sense. Loved how you picked up on the nuances of the MSG/Lennon peak, the Westies/Blue Moves disappointments, and when Elton must have been psychologically. Makes a lot of sense. Lovely video. (Too bad you lost your scalp in the process!) Subscribed.
This video epitomizes my opinion of Elton John in those early years. When I think of Elton John and the music I love, I only think of the years 1970-1975. I'm glad this date range was graphically portrayed in this video. It all had to do with his voice. I had read about the drugs and I thought back then that this was what contributed to the decline of his voice. I must confess that my being a big fan of his made me still purchase Rock of the Westies and Blue Moves. My enthusiasm of those two records was luke warm at best. Thank goodness he churned out so many records between '70 and '75 so that there's a lot of great music to listing to since that time. Thanks for these videos,, Jon. Elton's early music takes me back to my teens and some great years in the 70s.
Subscribed immediately to a fellow Elton fan! I saw my first (out of six in total over the last 28 years) Elton concert in the capital of my country (Stockholm, Sweden) as a 10 year old in 1995, and feel so lucky and blessed that I got the see his only show ever in my hometown (Linköping/Linkopia) in 2016 and a month ago (tonight!) the very last show (number 333) of his farewell tour again in Stockholm, in the arena right next to the Globe arena, where I saw the first three times (the biggest spherical building in the world, nowadays called the Avicii Arena, after the death of the famous swedish DJ etc.)- there were to many people for ”Globen”, despite two shows two nights in a row. A very worthy Goodbye to the yellow brick road for me!!!
Nigel and Dee were one of my all-time favorite rhythm sections. Lost Dee way too young. Had the pleasure of playing on Nigels solo album.
A Little Bit of Soap? 😀
I think I still have the 45.
He Leland, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you watched my video. I’m doing a number of interviews in the next few months including Caleb Quaye and Stuart Epps. I would be honored if you would do an interview with me. I am an artist and producer myself and I’m very knowledgeable about your contribution to music history. Please let me know if you’d be interested. Regardless, I’m honored you watched my video. Cheers
Nice one Lee. Yes the world lost Dee Murray way too soon. He's got similar melodic sense to you. Love the both of your respective styles.
First time watching your videos. I agree with you 100%. I, too, love the original lineup. Your hypothesis seems spot on. There's been so much out on EJ lately to support your view. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed it
Welcome! I really appreciate hearing from new viewers. So glad you enjoyed my video. There’s so much on TH-cam so it’s great to know when people find my channel. Hope to hear from you again!
When I was 14, I was in the Seattle Coliseum for both the Caribou tour and the Rock of the Westies the following year. I bootlegged them both. The Caribou show (first night, 10-12-74) was the better of the two. Actually it's the best live Elton John show I've heard to this day. The hair on my arms still goes up at the beginning of Funeral For A Friend and hear the audience reaction.
Thanks for this. I ‘discovered’ Elton John band in 1970…first shows in 1971. You are right. Nigel & Dee (of course, Bernie too) were the magic sauce of those early live shows. I grudgingly accepted (and love) Davey’s contribution, but, for me, seeing Elton, Nigel and Dee… just those three was amazing. Never knew the “firing” story.
That eerie photo inside CFATBDC with his hands on the two members he would keep.
Very interesting. I never noticed that!
very strange indeed 😮
What do you mean? He kept Davey, but he fired Nigel.
Nigel Olsson's drums on Curtains (Captain Fantastic album) is epic. I hear you man.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
For me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (GBYBR) was the peak. All the stuff he recorded leading to that album was solid and I remember when GBYBR came out, it was like Sgt. Pepper. Radio stations were playing tracks like mad and you couldn't tune in without at least one station playing a cut at any given moment in time. After that, for me and a lot of my friends, things went from mediocre to meh. My personal favorite is Tumbleweed Connection. That album has a great consistent feel to it and Bernie wrote some of his best stuff for that record. Talking Old Soldiers is one of those songs that should be a classic but like Burn Down the Mission and Where to Now St. Peter, while it hasn't been relegated to obscurity, those songs don't come to mind right away for many of his fans who either weren't around when the album was released or were only casual listeners to his stuff before GBYBR. Prior to that album he was known, but he wasn't a superstar and those of us who were into his stuff felt like we were onto something most others weren't. Fame definitely went to his head and it became more about the theatrical than the music. But that's just my take. I have the old records and I can listen to Indian Summer, Your Song, or Take to the Pilot when I want. That was Elton in his prime for me anyway. But like I say, to each his own.
Agreed! Goodbye yellow brick road was the Apex-
Tumbleweed Connection! My fave...👍🎯
I agree that GYBR was the absolute peak, and it was a BAND effort; Davey was as hot as any guitar player out there then, and in 1974 that's saying a lot! I'll say that other than the LP's he recorded with this band, he was just a singer/songwriter act by and large. This band gave him rock n roll respect and an arena act that could compete with the real rock bands of the day. I'd like to have seen Davey, Dee, & Nigel hooked up with a serious rock singer after they got canned; that might have been quite a band too. You take this band away and Elton's James Taylor:)
Captain Fantastic for me
Honky Chateau on back for me as far as albums go. There were a lot of great songs afterwards but whole albums, not so much.
Just listen to 17-11-70 to hear how in the pocket Elton/Dee/Nigel were, very tight band. I've also heard Nigel was involved in an automobile crash, that was his fault, and the other driver died; Elton didn't want the bad press. I'm not sure if that's true but something I was told by a boomer Elton fan. I like the content of the channel so far, keep it up.
Thanks for watching in for the kind words!
I was in Jr. High when Captain Fantastic and Caribou came out, I received immense joy listening to them,,,, two magical albums.....
When I was ages 13-16 I sank into Elton's music like no other band, as I was coming of age as a music fan. I had every studio album from Empty Sky through Blue Moves, except (for some reason) Honky Chateau and "Elton John", although I ended up knowing all that stuff eventually too. Just loved it, and the sound of the band on all those albums.
Your 1970-75 geek-out retrospective was so enjoyable and I just finished watching it this morning, then this one. Thank you. "Here and There" is a revelation and I want to now listen to both flavors.
Earlier this year, I completed "Me", Elton's autobiography (read it, then started again and re-read it, like a good geek). I found out about just how low he'd sunk into drugs by the end of the Elton John Band era.
It might surprise you to know, though, that out of all those amazing albums, "Blue Moves" is my favorite. To me, it is Elton's White Album, the breadth of style and performance is astonishing to me. Roger Pope's performances on the drums are breathtaking, particularly on Crazy Water and One Horse Town. Side 2 to me is the pinnacle.
Yes, Roger had a much different style than Nigel, who was excellent in a subtler way. As a drummer myself, though, I have to give the nod to Roger and his expansive chops. Guess I need to go listen to some Hookfoot!
I have to admit that part of Side 2 of Blue Moves attraction is the amazing performances of the Brecker Brothers on horns on Boogie Pilgrim and Shoulder Holster. If you haven't listened for awhile....whew. Wow.
I know ive already commented but does anyone here like the blues band hookfoot that consisted of eltons guitarist
Celeb quay lead guitar, vocals.
Roger pope drums
Dave glover bass
Ian duck vocals, guitar and harp.
Although they only cut about 4 albums, they are fantastic!!!
They were signed to A&M records in the states.
I want to give a shout for them as i believe they were very much overlooked here in the uk.
Maybe they served better in the states, i'd like to hope.
Im absolutely obsessed with celebs guitar soloing.
Celeb was highly influenced by the northern indian sitar sound as he sometimes plays his gibson hollow body guitar
whilst soloing in that style which i absolutely love.
I don't think he ever used an electric sitar as many artists did back in the day.
Celeb is an incredible guitar wizard!
Okay, he's not overly fast like some, but his style and sound is utterly mind blowing.
Its not only about speed is it. Give me melody over speed any day🎸❤🔥
Just send me a note on the contact page. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I am interviewing Caleb Quaye next week. Since you are such a fan is there a question I should ask him on your behalf? Let me know through my website contact page www.jonblackstone.com
@@JonBlackstoneWill do. Thank you so much jon. Looks fantastic. Very, very interesting,
cool dude😎
I met Nigel at a racetrack in California..... which I won't mention because of their business policies and politics, anyway I took a CD to get autographed....he was fine with it but he told me that he was not on that particular album...... still found him to be a class act and very likeable.... thanks again Nigel.
Thanks for watching! If you’re a Nigel fan you might enjoy these: Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories
th-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/w-d-xo.html
Nigel Olsson Recording Session with Dee Murray - Elton John Band
th-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/w-d-xo.html
The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Reflections on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by The Elton John Band - OKWC Conversations
th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html
I’m so elated to have a true Christian brother who also loves the EJ Band history and music like I do. I’ll listen to anything you have to say, I’m loving the stories JB.
I was one of those who asked if you had asked Nigel about the sacking. I was riveted to those LPs in the day (I was born in 57) and read every word on the sleeves over and over. When my drum god Nigel was replaced I was bummed, but I fell in love with Westies and Blue Moves just like I did with the previous LPs. I learned all of Pope’s drum parts and satisfied myself with the work. And honestly Island Girl, Grow Funk and Bullet are three of my most loved EJ tracks. Not to mention the sprawling, potpourri of Blue Moves.
Seeing Elton live for the Goodbye tour gave me closure seeing Nigel back on the throne ❤
Thanks again sir. I really appreciate your kind words; especially knowing your a brother in the faith. This has been a very interesting and unexpected journey for me; and I’m very blessed to be meeting people I admire so much who inspired me to do creative work. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed year to come!
Hi John. Just recently came across your TH-cam channel. I am enjoying listening to your stories about Elton John and the band.
I’ve been an Elton John fan from the early 70’s, in particular I remember Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I was 13 years old when the album came out. Me and my best friend used to listen to that album over and over, I think that album was the peak of Elton’s music.
I enjoyed his earlier albums just as much. Elton’s band was tight as hell during those years.
However, as you mentioned, I do remember when his music changed in the mid 70s and as much as I was a big fan of Elton, I could tell there was a big change happening to his music. It was becoming “pop”. Although I don’t remember if that word was used in those days.
Listening to your story, it’s jives exactly with what I remember , but didn’t have the background information that you provided.
I appreciate your channel and looking forward to some more videos from you!
Keep up the great work!!!
Thank you for watching and the great comments. I discovered Elton in 1973 when he was already becoming more "pop" oriented with the hit song "Crocodile Rock". But it was my love of that song that caused me to purchase Caribou a couple years later; which then led me to Yellow Brick Road; which then led to me excitedly collecting all his 70s catalog. I totally understand the people who loved Tumbleweed and Madman stuff feeling like Elton was turning "pop". But for me as a 12 year old kid; I was thrilled to go backwards and discover how different his music was at the very beginning. The album that really blew my mind was the "Elton John" album; with the orchestral arrangements etc. That album turned me onto the entire world of singer/songwriter music of that time. So I guess I credit Elton with showing me a wider universe of styles. I love all of those early albums and each one has a very different and unique flavor. But I do believe the recordings he made with Dee, Nigel and Davey are pinnacle of his career. To me that lineup was The Beatles of the 1970s. They were so inventive and had a very rare chemistry in the studio. Anyway, I really enjoyed your comments. Hope to hear from you again!
What a great video. Glad to have found your channel and we appear to be the same age. I remember my first ever lp was a 10th birthday present of Dont Shoot Me.
Great video! Elton John is one of my favorite artists. I only own a handful of his albums though. My first exposure to him was via the song “Crocodile Rock” on the radio. I was a kid in the late 70s so there is so much of his early music that’s a mystery to me. I do have a goal of eventually purchasing his catalog and being able to listen to everything he ever record. But “Blue Moves” has special significance for me. It was the first time I learned that I could actually checkout whole *records* from our public library. My brother’s friend, our next-door neighbor, had a father who was very into Elton John and had many of his albums. So it was through my brother and his friend that I gradually learned to love Elton John. But I remember distinctly going with my dad to the public library and checking out “Blue Moves” and listening to it over and over. It’s still one of my favorite albums to this day.
Saw Elton at 16 (first concert) and fan since then. I love "Country Comfort", "Madman Across the Water" and "Honky Chateau", "Rock of the Westies", and of course the album everyone carried around "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". My favorite Elton song of all time is "Come Down in Time" from "Country Comfort".
I love Blue Moves as well
@@lindahuff8976I did a slide show of Country Comfort for a college media class in 1979; still have the slides and still love the song.
I think Blue Moves is one of his best records.
Loved both videos on The Elton John Band. I have been reading Bernie's book Scattershot and it renewed my interest in Captian Fantstic and other albums during the early/mid 70's. I grew up immersed by the music and lyrics during this period . Over time I lost interest in Elton's music. I never understood why. But after watching your videos It brought clarity as to why. Simply put it was the magic of this band that pulled me in. Rock of the westies and Blue Moves were to be the last albums I purchased by E.J. I loved these albums also but you're so right....they just weren't the same without Nigel and Dee.
Thank you for watching; and for the thoughtful comments. It’s so interesting to hear from people who went through the same experiences as I did.
Rock of the Westies was fun, but almost seemed like a throwaway album, and Blue Moves... Elton's sound seemed to reflect his down mood, that what he was doing wasn't fun anymore. Even his shows at that time, he acted like he was not a happy person. Elton also seemed to always give Davey more attention on stage. After Dee passed away, it seemed important to Elton to keep Nigel with him, so glad he did.
I was pretty upset at 11 years old, to see the back of the Rock of the Westies album
I’m okay now. I’m over it.
No I’m not 😂😅
Sadly, I'm not.
Thanks for this. I had the privilege of seeing Elton John band in 1974.also in 1982and 2004.the original band is a legend 😊❤
I remember reading that Elton said something along the lines of, "The band just loped along, and I wanted it to chug."
This is something that has always interested me greatly - thank you!
When I listen to 17-11-70, Dee's bass is having an incredibly intelligent and vibrant conversation with Elton's piano and lyrics - that wasn't an accident or a one time thing. His phrasing wasn't like anything else you heard on pop radio. As for Nigel, I always cite "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" as a master class in ballad drumming. Yes, Elton's name is at the top of the company letterhead, and it's his decision...while Elton could only use his live band on a handful of songs over those first few albums up until Honky Chateau, what a difference! With the run of success they had up to Captain Fantastic, and considering Elton ended up "retiring from touring" at the end of 1977, I wish he stopped in 75 instead and kept the band intact.
He did have a few hits over the next few years, but none as big as "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" or "I'm Still Standing" with...Dee and Nigel - which is no accident!
I agree about Nigel's drumming in (cited) song. But for me it is in BETTER OFF DEAD that I always get the most joy. ✌
For Nigel's ballad drumming I've always loved his contributions on The Greatest Discovery and the King Must Die epic both of which are on the self-titled album.
Yes Nigel is one of my all-time drumming heroes, and his work not only on Someone Saved My Life Tonight (my all-time fave Elt tune) but on Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds is without equal. Absolutely stellar performances! And those backing vocals...WOW!!👍👍
I like how you ended this broadcast with a very tired and Jaded sounding Elton counting in the start of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Perfectly sums up the topic's content.
I absolutely love the two videos you did on Elton’s band. We are the same age and I lived inside those gatefold album covers lost in the lyrics of goodbye yellow brick Road and other albums. Due to drugs and other issues, most of the great bands died between 74 and 75. Mick Taylor, leaving the stones, king crimson, traffic breaking up. Yes Grateful Dead and ELP on hiatus. I love blue moves, but that was a move in a new direction, and when he released Ego in 77, that was the death of Elton John the rock star. A single man while I like some of the tunes is cold and a turning point in Elton’s career as he becomes more of a buttoned down gentleman. The final end for me is with the victim of love /Thom Bell sessions when he started singing in the lower register of his voice, I completely lost interest in his vocals after that.
As did i...it was my bible
Personally I think "Ego" showed us a version of Elton where he pretty much hates himself, especially after you see the video. Kinda hard to be an enthusiastic fan after that.
i fancy the deeper voice tbh he didnt sound like a dying screeching hamster all the time after that
I agree you can't touch Elton's "classic era," but he's still done some amazing stuff since then. Later albums like Songs From the West Coast, The Captain and the Kid, and even much more recent albums like The Diving Board have some incredible songs. It's different, but he's still a genius.
@@keithhayes844"Peachtree Road" is my favorite album from that period..
Wow, this gentleman just popped up on my radar, and I'm so glad! Of course when he's talking about Elton John and the original band, I had to click on it. Glad I did, subbed!
In my time, I have repeatedly seen another phenomenon that has caused artists to make moves like replacing long-time members. It often comes down to insecurity. Elton’s band was seen as an integral part of his sound. Very few solo artists have had sidemen whose names became as well known as Elton’s musicians, especially, Dee, Nigel and Davey. Elton may have wanted to prove that he didn’t need them, and that it was his talent alone that got him to the top. And so, key members are shown the door. But along with them goes the magic.
The first real casualty in Elton’s case was the great arranger, Paul Buckmaster, who also enhanced Elton and Bernie’s songs greatly, but who also might have made Elton feel a bit diminished, as his arrangements were so highly praised by the critics.
It’s no secret that great and successful artists don’t always feel great themselves. It’s a shame when those feelings keep them from truly enjoying the rare thing that is success.
I always thought it was strange that Pual Buckmaster was not part of the GYBR album. He did great arranging for Elton's albums right up until GYBR, then he suddenly was absent for EJ's greatest album. Someone named Del Newman did the arrangements, and I don't believe that he ever returned. Buckmaster did return for Blue Moves, but strange that he was absent for GYBR.
@@nikita-dh5je Paul was an absolute genius. His last great arrangement before he passed away was Train's "Drops of Jupiter", which won them a Grammy. If you look at the records he worked on, from "I Haven't Got Time For The Pain" to "Moonlight Mile" to "Madman Across The Water", it's hard to imagine those songs without his brilliant arrangements. Not to mention his work with Miles Davis... We shall never see his like again.
@@chunkystylemusic Yes, Paul was a genius, his work for Elton was tremendous. Very sad that he is no longer with us, does anyone know he died, there was never a cause of death when he suddenly passed. He is greatly missed.
@@nikita-dh5je Liver cancer.
@@sludge8506 Thank you, both Paul Buckmaster and Gus Dudgeon passed on too early, both are greatly missed.
Hey, was in the Navy in the early '80s, electrician on airplanes, so I love the Jets above you, and the bird in the background in just all the normal life stuff going on around you as you're sharing your wonderful opinion!
I'm going to go look for your original video that spark to this video, thank you!
Hey Jon, I’ve enjoyed your other videos going back to that one where you described having Dee and Nigel in the studio with you in Nashville. You’ve got a great way about you for TH-cam. I’m really glad you took on this topic because I’ve been disappointed that others gloss right over it. John Boden dances around it when he talks to guys like Caleb Quaye and I’ve seen other writers or video guys walk right up to it and then flinch. I think your theories are sound, I think Elton was doing a ton of blow, and was basically an insecure little man to begin with. You’d like to think that his musicianship would be strong enough to know that he had a hell of a rhythm section, but it was probably the coke talking. I agree with others in the comments who liken Dee’s melodic playing to Paul’s, I think those two were the only ones in their class, period. Dee was a phenomenal player. I know Elton played a tribute for him after he passed, but I still don’t think it’s enough. I was the kid growing up on the other side of your state, listening to the same albums, and being alarmed by the same realization that Nigel and Dee were gone. I flat out draw the line on Elton’s music after that. It’s one thing to have great songs, but it’s another thing to have a great band and that’s what made all of that music what it was. Rock of the Westies was crap, Blue Moves was boring, and everything else has never mattered to me as a fan.
So thanks for the great work. One correction though, there were three other guys who got to play on stage with John Lennon, but let’s not forget the plastic Ono woman! 😱
Hi Jon. I'm with you. My first concert was seeing Elton with Davey ,Dee ,Nigel, and I think Ray at Festival Hall in Melbourne around 1982. Jump Up tour. Fantastic show.
I was never a big Elton John fan, but I was talked into going to the '75 Rock of the Westies tour in Vancouver. Not knowing much about the history of Elton's band and being skeptical at best, the concert just blew me away! It was so good, we went the next night as well. Elton's voice was a bit weak on the second night, but it was a hot concert regardless. So, without the exposure to his previous band and not knowing what to expect, these two nights remain in my memory as the best concerts I have ever seen and heard.
You saw a young James Newton-Howard that night...How cool was his career direction?
Jon, Your podcasts are spectacular! Watching you, "geek-out", while listening to GBYBR made my heart fill with joy! I have found my people 😊
Wow! Thanks for watching and the kind words! Sincerely they mean so much to me. It’s so cool to be connecting with people who love great music! I hope to hear from you again!
There is a lyric in the song Captain Fanastic: "too hot for the band, with a desperate desire for change". I recalled this lyric when I noticed the band who recorded Rock of the Westies was different. Great program, sir! I grew up on those albums from '73 to '77. Still love them!
You also have to remember that Elton’s good friend John Lennon was murdered and I think he became pessimistic about fame.
@@sejrec56 Yes - in 1980 though
@@erwinwoodedge4885 correct
My older brother gave me for my birthday "Goodbye Yellow Brick" album when I was a kid. I must have been 10 years old or so? I loved this album, as a kid, and have the whole album on my iphone, and iwatch, listening to it again today. It's one of my favorite albums. My brother Lyle Ronglien, is an awesome guitarist, and later I learned to play bass. The playing of Dee Murray has always been influential in all my formative years, and beyond to my current age of 59. My brother Lyle and I started a cover band called Aurora in Seattle, and played the club circuit for over 5 years 6 nights a week from 86 - 91. When some people ask who are my influences, I say Dee Murray, and I have to educate them!! He's so awesome!!
My first ever concert was the Saturday night show at Dodger Stadium. I've seen hundreds since and that one is still in my top 3.
Thanks for watching! Have you seen this video yet? The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Jon for your energetic, and knowledgeable input that each of your videos on Elton contain. I am so glad to know that there’s someone out there that has the the same interest in EJ/BT’s music as I do at basically the same age(I think you may be a year older than myself). Anyway, please continue to do more videos on The EJ Band, who you so accurately described as the greatest band of the 1970’s. I totally agree.
Also, Davey had said in recent years that he wanted to make a documentary on the band during those very years of ‘70-‘75. Have you heard any further information on this? I believe it would be very much needed documentary on a very important band in the history of music.
And, if not Davey doing the doc, maybe you and some collaborators????
The best to you and your loved ones in the year ahead. -Digger Miller
Thank you for watching and the kind words! Davey’s son is working on a documentary titled “pillars of Hercules”. Apparently it involves Davey and Nigel and their wives and Dee’s ex wife etc. They’ve been talking about it for a long time, but it doesn’t appear to be anywhere near release. I would love to participate in the film as an interviewer!
I've read Elton's autobiography. Here's what he has to say about firing Dee and Nigel:
I decided to change the band and let Dee and Nigel go. I rang them myself. They took the news quite well - Dee was more upset than Nigel, but there wasn't a huge row or a feeling of bad blood from either of them. I feel worse about it now than I did at the time. It must have been devastating to them - they'd been integral for years and we were at the peak of our careers. Back then, I was always looking forward, and I felt it in my gut that I needed to revamp our sound: make it funkier and harder-driving.
Interesting to hear from Nigel and Dee saying management called them with the news. I'm a big Elton fan but I have to say I believe Nigel and Dee. Elton made a big mistake and deep down I'm sure he still regrets it, also drugs are bad for musical judgement.
Hey there Jon! Another excellent EJ documentary.... FYI, as i just posted on your video on the band, my first show was sitting in the 3rd row in front of his piano at the Hammersmith Odeon Dec 23rd 1974 Christmas show, then the following summer i was up front at Wembley stadium for the mid summer music show on June 21st 1975 with the infamous Captain Fantastic debut with the new lineup, as well as being at the Buffalo NY "Louder Than Concorde" show in August 1976 with the huge backing band, and you are spot on! The shows with the new band weren't even close!
That Dec 1974 Christmas show was the best show i have ever seen, still to this day, and i have seen pretty much all the great rock bands over the years.... hands down NOTHONG beats that band, with Davey, Dee, Nigel, and Ray!
RIP Dee.... a true Rock legend
I’m sorry I missed your comment that you left a long time ago. I agree with everything you said and really appreciate what you said. I am envious that you attended the 1974 Christmas show. They were just on top of the world at that point. I’m so glad they have video footage of that show. I really wish they had video of the previous 1973 Christmas show. That was a really rockin show and he played a bunch of songs from goodbye yellow brick Road. Anyway thanks for the great comments!
Your love for Elton’s music is infectious and the detail you go into in describing what we are listening to adds to the experience. For the casual listener such as myself I never knew the musicians in his band and that he fired the drummer and bass player but you can definitely hear the difference and it’s not for the better. The only reason he got away with it, in my opinion, was his sheer force of personality and the musical capital he acquired with the original band. It would be like Mick firing Charlie and Bill or Robert Plant firing Bozo and John Paul Jones or Roger Daltrey firing Keith Moon and John Entwistle. He could have found his new sound with Dee and Nigel, they had been doing it for years with them.
As far as I know this wasn't addressed in the film Rocketman. But I got the impression that EJ got too attached to John Reid.
Thanks for watching! I completely agree with your assessment. Elton obviously would have had great success one way or another. But Dee and Nigel were a huge part of his explosive debut at The Troubador in 1970. And it was that excitement that brought him so much success in the early 70s as a touring three piece band. Then when they made the first entire album together with Davey, Elton had his very first blockbuster hit with Rocket Man. It was the special creative chemistry they had that made that song so magical and impactful. And of course Yellow Brick Road is just an amazing album start to finish. That’s the album that made Elton a legendary artist that will be celebrated centuries from now. I agree that those guys could have walked with Elton through Westies and Blue Moves. Having said that I respect the work that was done by Elton’s new band in the studio. Blue Moves in particular had some incredible music. But it sounded more like Elton with studio musicians; rather than a band effort like the albums that came before. Anyway thanks for your comments and supporting my channel!
Great show man! I really appreciate your perspective and input about these artists. Watched a bunch of your episodes now, this is just the latest. Keep going!!🎶
I grew up a huge fan of not only Elton John but also Bernie and what I thought was the best 3 piece backing band I've ever known. Totally unique sounding, highly creative and went from one feel to another seamlessly. They never overplayed yet added color to every song. And their harmonies were sublime. They were on top of the world and at some point the bubble was going to burst. It's like Elton decided to burst it himself. I know so many people that love his music and don't know a single person who liked when he dropped those guys.
If there was only one album left in the world and I could choose it, it would be Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.
If there was only one song left in the world and I could choose it, it would be Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.
But James Newton Howard was a music legend. After elton he started to write music for Hollywood films. Magnificent artist
Again Jon well well said, that tempo & rhythm was key from day 1 with Nigel & Dee, sad how immature Elton really was, way too many changes = a sign of youth period, really haven’t taken Elton John seriously since 76/77 which is coming into “50” yrs now & that’s sad. But you have me listening & reliving all the early stuff again thank you my friend 👏
Elton was my "Teenage Idol" and the very first album I bought was 'Rock Of The Westies', and it really did sound different from his previous releases. I found 'Island Girl' a bit weird when I listened to it for the first time on the radio and that weirdness was present throghout the album. Maybe, I'm emotionally attached to this record, but I do like it and I love 'Blue Moves' even more. Nevertheless, I do agree with your take on how this change affected him negatively. I bought some of Elton's albums from 1979 on such as 'Single Man', 'Jump Up', 'The Fox' and 'Too Low For Zero'. I like these albums, but I have to admit they're not as good as the previous ones. And yes, I hated his live performance of 'Captain Fantastic...' at Wembley Stadium too. And I didn't understand why he turned the title song into a mere country balad instead of the powerful folk rock of the original recording. Now, thanks to you, I know why. I saw Elton here in Brasil in 2017 and as he introduced Nigel Olsson, he did it in such affectionate way. He said that Nigel had been with him since 1969. He sang 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' and I loved it. By the way, thanks for mentioning the album '17/11/70' on your previous video. It is a document on how powerful that combo with Nigel and Dee was and why it impacted the music scene in the US so much. Thanks!
I believe your analysis is spot on.
Back then I followed each new Elton album release with great anticipation. Being a fan of his stuff in real time was no different than the kids who followed The Beatles early on. The real shame of the firing of Dee and Nigel is that I believe Elton John took for granted how great his rhythm section really was. When I first heard Dee's bass on Rocket Man in 1972, I was floored. The only other bass player that stood out within a record with such unheard of bass flourishes was Paul McCartney. Dee backed that up later on in Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, The Legend of Danny Bailey, two great performances that came from within Dee, not Elton, not Gus Dudgeon. Nigel owned the beat in songs like Someone Saved My Life Tonight and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me. It is absolutely no coincedence that his greatest and most inspired work was done with the original Elton John Band & that both he and Bernie hit rock bottom at the time of Blue Moves, where Bernie's dark lyrics reflect his real personal life and marriage break up to "the seamstress for the band." Within these dark times, Blue Moves began the downward slide of Elton John and though he was yet to create more great individual works, nothing would come close to the near-Beatlemania that was Elton John back when he played alongside Davey, Dee, Nigel and Ray.
Michael I could have written this myself! I couldn’t agree with you more. You perfectly explained exactly what happened; and why it was so unfortunate. I totally agree with your comparison to McCartney’s bass playing. To my mind Elton’s ‘70s music is second only to The Beatles catalog in the ‘60s. I’ve always felt The Elton John Band were The Beatles of the 1970s. They carried that torch of originality and passion for creativity in the studio. Elton and Bernie were writing such brilliant songs; but it was the band (and Gus) that poured magic into those recordings. Elton could have ended up with any number of musicians; but those songs wouldn’t have turned out as special (as was demonstrated by Westies and Blue Moves). Please check out my other Elton videos; they’ll be right down your alley. Especially this one! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Let me know what you think!
@@JonBlackstone Jon, thank you for the kind words and I will be sure to view and comment on your other great videos as well. I'm not sure if you've already done so, but the Bryan Forbes film "Elton John & Bernie Taupin Say Goodbe Norma Jean And Other Things" is worth your analysis. Forbes, the noted filmaker, was given exclusive permission to mingle with Elton, Bernie, Dee, Nigel, Davey, John Reid and at that, all in the height of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. Too see him at the piano, inside the Chateau recording studio". doodling on the keyboard & working out Grey Seal and Danny Bailey is watchng genius at work. I always got a kick at Forbes filming the boys eating breakfast and talking to Dee about how easy and fast these hit songs were created, one after another after another: Dee Murray-"It's like a factory!!!"
@@michaelnotigan7796 Thanks again Michael! I watched that film as a young Elton fan on ABC TV in 1973. My friend and I sat transfixed as we caught our first glimpse of Elton and the band playing live! I've been searching forever and I finally purchased a decent quality copy. I used a lot of footage in both of these videos. In fact I created brand new edits around the studio recordings. I'm especially proud of what I did with "Harmony". I worked with Dee and Nigel in Nashville on my first album. I tell about my experiences and post footage of Nigel in the studio. Please check these out. I'd love to hear your feedback!
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th-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/w-d-xo.html
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Knowing you're a Beatles and Paul fan I know you'll love this one! th-cam.com/video/hi6Mi83jxwg/w-d-xo.html
@@michaelnotigan7796 Yes! Another funny thing about that footage of Dee; his hair is soaking wet from just coming out of the pool. The first time we saw it as kids we said, "Gross! Look how greasy his hair is!" 😂
As an Elton fan since 1971, thank you so much for this excellent insight into the EJB!
Jon really good video, liked your assessment of EJs, mid 70's burnout. In truth a lot of what you said has more than a grain of truth to it, the only issue I have in your final assessment is that in truth by 1975 at his peak with Captain Fantastic the original band had no where else to go, if you listen to the lyric of the title track its there in the chorus "too hot for the band with a desperate desire for change". Elton was indeed singing his own swan song. I know we spoke before about Rock of the Westies and Blue Moves, and I still feel he made the right decision artistically to change the band line up ROTW is a pretty decent R&R record even if it borrows heavily from the mid 70's Rolling Stone sound (Namely on Street Kids) and Blue Moves still ranks in my opinion as EJ's most adult sounding album, but your right when you say after these last two records he never sounded the same again, the voice and the magic left him.
I totally agree with your assessment of Westies and Blue Moves. The lyric you referenced is actually Bernie talking about his very first band Bluesology. Elton was longing to break out of the rut he was in playing other people’s music. He felt he was “to hot” to be in a cover band; and he was longing to do something more legitimate. Have you seen my other videos on Elton? I think you’ll really enjoy them. The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
Sometimes it is hard to remember Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. They seem to belong to Elton's state of mind. I like to think of them as one soul split into 2 bodies.
😳😳😳You are so RIGHT about the Wembley Stadium concert!! I just checked. I hadn’t heard it. WoW. Always loved Nigel. #DancinShoes Thanks for the video!!
Elton was an amazing songwriter, pianist and singer, but thank you for touching on the background vocals. At the chateau where they made GYBR, Elton recorded his part and then the rest of the band later recorded the amazing background vocals which added so much to the recordings. This was true on later albums as well. To break up that tight nit group was regrettable.
Elton is NOT a songwriter.. Bernie writes all the songs....how could you not know that.. ?!
@@skyseasun_333 Thought you would know Bernie gave Elton lyrics and Elton would put them to music
@@laotse_ You certainly are correct!! The early songs were written by Bernie, and *…Elton!*
I feel so blessed to have found your channel Jon.
I love how you really got into Elton’s psyche in this video. Kinda stood in his shoes. And I think your conclusions are spot on.
Lol… In my mind, Elton, Dee, n Nigel were buds. The original trio, for god sake! How could there be such impersonalism as this within that trio???!!! To fire them thru management, not even call. 🥺
Yeah, that was an eye opener for me at the time this all happened. But this video clarified a bit more of his personality.
Imo all the magic was those early 70’s albums. They were so tight as a band. How could Elton not even call them? I’m sorry, but, he may be king musically, but interpersonally speaking that’s f@&”ed up!
Good talk, thanks. Rock of The Westies was not a strong album apart from a couple of good tracks and likewise Blue Moves which maybe should have been a single album. By then I think the magic had gone and things were never the same. It's amazing what they achieved in such a short space of time though but the band deserved more credit.
Totally agreed! That’s why I made this other video! The Elton John Band 1970-75 - A Celebration of Musical Excellence
th-cam.com/video/03EY5Vq-XNk/w-d-xo.html
In 1980 I was in Melbourne Australia, where I'd gone to see Elton John at Festival Hall. There were no barriers seperating the stage in those days, and i'd managed to get right up front against the actual stage which was chest-high, with elton on piano only 6 feet away. At the end of the show, Elton returned for 3 encores, and then no return. But the crowd kept thumping in a dimmed hall and stage. Still no return. So, realizing that you only live once, I jumped up on stage and jumped on his piano and began those signature piano bars of
'Love Lies Bleeding'. The crowd went utterly berserk as they clearly thought that Elton had returned. However, the security guys grabbed me, and threw me back into the crowd. But then Elton came back onto stage, and wanted to know who it was - so I raised and waved my hand, and he came over and crouched down and shook my hand. He was utterly delighted, and yelled at me, above the noise "Well done! You gave me competition tonight." I'd been approached by the 'The Age' later to make a story out of it, and asked for my phone. Well, they never called, but the road crew did at around midnight and asked me if I was interested in the after-concert party. I must have sounded not excited because they hung up before I could answer!
-But in later years I spoke to Elton in a phone interview regarding his new use of computers and sequencers, but of course I never mentioned this story to him.
Wow, what a great story! Since you’ve interviewed Elton, I have to assume that you work in radio? Or do you work as an independent reporter? I’d love to hear or see stuff that you’ve done. Do you have it posted anywhere?
Omg - what a freakin' great story ! I love you already!
There is no artist that can maintain that level of success commercially or artistically forever. If you have a new band, of course it will be different. As an artist, you can't expect things to stay the same way forever. Whether it is in a direction you like is a different matter. His band after Dee and Nigel were funkier and the performance he gave at Wembley arena when he announced stopping touring back then,showed a fine band. As I am sure you know Elton was doing Coke by Captain Fantastic time. With that enormous workload and productivity, no matter what happened, Elton was simply burnt out by '76, surprise, surprise!!
LOVE your other video about Elton 'n the boys!! I had heard that Dee and Nigel were in the Caribbean when they got the phone call. Apparently, Elton had grown discontent with the "chugging-along" sound of the E.J. Band. He wanted more of a Rolling Stones vibe - where everyone just "jams." ~ an E.J. fan!! :)
Thank you for watching my video! I wanted to let you know that I just did an interview with Caleb Quaye in Los Angeles and he had some interesting comments about why Elton fired his band. I hope you’ll check out the other episodes on my channel as I do a lot of deep dives into the amazing music that the Elton John band created in the mid-70s. Cheers!
@@JonBlackstone I will deffo check it out!! And thank you!! :)
Rock of the Westies is one of my least favorite album. I agree with you about Elton’s decision. It just makes sense. Drugs are terrible ! I’ve been there.
Thanks for your comment. I’ve been there too and have a story to tell. I hope you’ll check it out. THE TRUTH - How I Survived a Lifetime of Depression and Addiction
th-cam.com/video/v7eePDFJGxE/w-d-xo.html
@@JonBlackstone I will. Thank you!
Thanks for the input! I too have been afan of elton and the band! Keep up this great work! Mark Hooper