In the late 80's, right before Elton went into treatment, he was so visibly ill on stage it was heartbreaking to see. I actually cried and said to my boyfriend, now my husband, that I thought he was going to die soon, just like Elvis. Now all these years later and him 20+ years sober, I am PROUD to be his fan. Yes, his voice has matured and he doesn't hit the falsetto notes, but I'd never say his voice is "wrecked". He's been performing for over 40 years, for crying out loud - no small feat!
I was at this concert on a Summer's day in 1980 and after standing for hours and hours was able to get a place right near the stage for what would become the historic Central Park concert with 500,000 of my closest Elton fans. What an amazing day!
Saw EJ in the 70s at Dodger Stadium there was 105,000 people that day and he sold it out two days in a row. Some of the best music in the 70s. Him and Bernie - unbelievable!!!
some people don't know, Elton would walk into the studio, make up the piano and melody on the spot, walk out, and the rest of the band would fill in the song...had such an amazing band...
This concert is coming up on 40 years ago. In today's terrorism world, I doubt the City would approve such an event. Even in NYC, security would be impossible. Luckily, we have it on tape forever.
Its 4 o'clock in the morning Dammit, Listen To Me Good, Im sleeping by myself tonight, saved in time thank god my musics still alive..... Gives me goosebumps everytime i hear it!!!!
This guy has it all. If I wasn't straight I'd marry the legend. The way he pulled the girl back onto the stage shows why so many fans love him so much. I grew up listening to Elton John and he has inspired me musically. totally awesome legend. would love to meet him. Thank him for all he's done , for me and the world musically and more. I love you Elton John. Hutch
Elton loves his fans. At his Las Vegas residency at Caesars palace he would let a few people at the front row go on stage during Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting and they would just gather around his piano. One fan invaded the stage and Elton high fived him.
@@glardian966 no she wasn't. if you meant Renate he didn't even met her till '83. and ironically this song is about how his friend made him realize he had to end his engagement with a girl in the late '60s
Thankyou Bernie Taupin for pulling Elton out of the gas oven...you are both beautiful and inspirational men and musicians..the world owes you both a great debt of gratitude for the years of happiness you have brought to millions....x
Elton is a rare talent in the history of music. He has lived up to his name. He had throat surgery in the mid 80's but he is resilient. His register decreased a couple of octaves but he still sounds better than the vast majority of "artists" that are parading around now, male and female. Just sheer genius!!!
Elton John and Bernie Taupin are one of the greatest, most successful writing teams ever. Very cool how Taupin can relate that tremedously emotional moment in Elton's life into words incorporating them into this incredibly beautiful song.
Look at how young he looks...so handsome, where today he looks a little plumper and more like a grandpa. I know this concert was a long time ago...but at that time, he seemed older and more mature since he had songs out in the 70's that we all loved. I think this was a fund raiser for African Famine maybe? Does anyone remember?
A lot of people do imitations, but you don't see many imitating Elton John. You know why? No one can imitate that excellent voice he has. So unique. Yes, he was gay, doesn't seem to hurt his voice even one little bit. He sounds so excellent, so perfect. You know, just enjoy his voice, he will not date you or have sex with you, so just listen to one of the greatest ever.
When I first started playing piano I had an Elton John songbook . I was studying music theory in high school at the time . One thing that struck me about Elton's music is the use of inversions ( chords with the third or fifth as the bass note, as opposed to the root) .This is helps make his music so dramatic . Inversions can give you a feeling of suspension or being unresolved.
I know theory myself. I play guitar but played piano first. And your right. I noticed the same thing in parts of The Way We Were by Barbara Streisand around the middle eighth. I was going over Bennie and the Jets on guitar earlier and in some parts I noticed the 5th was the bass line. Some times when I think a song my be in say the key of D. When I noticed something isn't right? I just go to the related minor and then it's like, BAM! Now I'm working! Play on and never stop learning.
Tommy, this song is the perfect example of Elton's use of inversions (Eb in the base of an Ab chord). I saw an interview where he said he was inspired by Brian Wilson's use of inversions with the Beach Boys.
yeah, this song is chock full of inversions. Another thing in a lot of his songs is chord progressions with chromatic bass lines (more inversions), both descending & ascending
Jason Kolojeski I saw my first EJ show in Bridgeport in 2013. I can't explain how happy I was to see him come back to the northeast US. I can't explain how happy I was after the show..... But he played this song, and it blew my fucking mind!!!!!!!!! I fucking love Elton.... Me, being from the northeast U.S, I can't afford to buy a plane ticket to Vegas, I hope he comes back to the northeast so I can see him again!!!!!!!
I did the same thing about 2 years ago. Never really paid much attention before then. Levon is the song that got me started. Blew my mind once I started listening more closely, and watching videos of him on TH-cam.
quite possibly the most powerful and emotive piano piece ever written for a modern popular music song, I couldn't even tell you what the lyrics are or mean, I listen to it just for the piano
I remember watching this concert on tv when I was a kid - I remember when he dressed up as a duck and played this is Your Song! Time flies im 40 now and the music is still better then whats out there today!
We all miss the great range & falsetto. But, hey, I've seen him 3 times in the last year & a half & he sounds fucking great. Voice is strong & intact. He's getting it done with no problem. He's not moaning & barking his way through. It's a different voice, mature, but I like it.
My favorite rendition of this song. Love how this song is so personal yet speaks for the generation. The image of the crowd behind captures this so well. When I was young Elton was played so much that he just became a background to life. I recently became a reborn fan and I like his voice as it became deeper in the later 80s to now and how it brings out more of the blues and gospel of his music.
Oh Wow! I cant believe I'm watching this!! I will never forget that day. Right up front! That beautiful sunny, hot sweaty , everybody lovin it kind of day! Love Elton John and love New York. Could not have asked for a better memory!! Thanks!
Matt, he sure as hell DOES write his material, the music, that is. A fellow named Bernie Taupin pens the lyrics and EJ puts them to music very, very quickly, typically 1/2 hour to 45 mins. As a partnership they have put out more music than any two collaborators over a period of 47 years. It's stunningly amazing how gifted he is.
Elton is the music man and gives us all he can and he is a poet,that's for sure,and if you're sick for some music then he's your cure!!!!LOL:-)Keep it Rockin Elton(**)
This was a real experience. Elton was contemplating suicide due to his doubts and troubles with his finace'. His friend, John Bauldry saved Elton from getting married to Linda Woodrow in 1969. That is how the song originated. Bernie was room mates with Elton and Linda...so he wrote the lyrics of Elton's story...he often called John by the name "Sugar Bear". Elton's finace' is the ... "Prima Donna, Lord you really should've been there...sitting like a princess perched in her electric chair." Refers to Linda's personality.
@@rydorheller876 Hahahaha that wasn't Renate, it was just a random fan. Get your facts straight before throwing false ones on TH-cam, thank you very much.
Man she has one to tell the grandbabies, I can hear her now, I was in Central Park in 1980 listening to an Elton John concert and he just...wait wait I'll just show you on youtube LOL
This guy is a terrific songwriter/singer/musician. One of the best. His songs sell like crazy! Only The Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Led Zeppelin have sold more records/cassetes/cds/etc. than Elton. For more than 40 years, he has wowed his audience with hit after hit after hit.
This is still one of my favorite versions of this song. So much feel and passion. And that killer guitar solo at the end. And the chick 🐥 that gets to sit with Elton. So cool.
In the late 80's, right before Elton went into treatment, he was so visibly ill on stage it was heartbreaking to see. I actually cried and said to my boyfriend, now my husband, that I thought he was going to die soon, just like Elvis. Now all these years later and him 20+ years sober, I am PROUD to be his fan. Yes, his voice has matured and he doesn't hit the falsetto notes, but I'd never say his voice is "wrecked". He's been performing for over 40 years, for crying out loud - no small feat!
The amount of talent this guy has is just insane.
My only regret was not being able to see him play live.
ELTON , DAVEY , DEE & NIGEL . THE CLASSIC LINE- UP .
I was at this concert on a Summer's day in 1980 and after standing for hours and hours was able to get a place right near the stage for what would become the historic Central Park concert with 500,000 of my closest Elton fans. What an amazing day!
James Journalist Was it hot out that day? Wow.
@@ellenmurphy2150 It was a beautiful day and it was worth waiting six hours to get a place at the front of the stage :)
Lucky!
So happy for u...😊🥀🎼
The great lawn :)
Saw EJ in the 70s at Dodger Stadium there was 105,000 people that day and he sold it out two days in a row. Some of the best music in the 70s. Him and Bernie - unbelievable!!!
Young Elton is so adorable...
Elton is the King of 70’s music. I grew up in the 70’s and just beginning to realize his talent and his impact on music of today.
some people don't know, Elton would walk into the studio, make up the piano and melody on the spot, walk out, and the rest of the band would fill in the song...had such an amazing band...
Elton John is one of the GREATEST musicians of all Times!!!! Forever in time.
This concert is coming up on 40 years ago. In today's terrorism world, I doubt the City would approve such an event. Even in NYC, security would be impossible. Luckily, we have it on tape forever.
Hats off to lyricist Bernie Taupin for varied, thoughtful, deep lyrics. They just don't write 'em like that anymore.
The girl said, "I made it!" Would love to hear what she would say about that concert today! What a great thing for Sir Elton to do.
I miss the 70s.
Its 4 o'clock in the morning Dammit, Listen To Me Good, Im sleeping by myself tonight, saved in time thank god my musics still alive..... Gives me goosebumps everytime i hear it!!!!
Not many people are lucky enough to say “someone saved my life tonight” let alone write a song about it.
This song came out when I was a young teenager and it has been my favorite since then, close to 40 years later. Yes, this is timeless.
Legendary! That woman will remember that moment forever!
This guy has it all. If I wasn't straight I'd marry the legend. The way he pulled the girl back onto the stage shows why so many fans love him so much. I grew up listening to Elton John and he has inspired me musically. totally awesome legend. would love to meet him. Thank him for all he's done , for me and the world musically and more. I love you Elton John. Hutch
Elton loves his fans. At his Las Vegas residency at Caesars palace he would let a few people at the front row go on stage during Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting and they would just gather around his piano. One fan invaded the stage and Elton high fived him.
That was his Fiance
@@glardian966 no she wasn't. if you meant Renate he didn't even met her till '83. and ironically this song is about how his friend made him realize he had to end his engagement with a girl in the late '60s
I have no clever comment to make . this is truly humbling, extraordinary performance.
You have to see and ear the performance of this piece at the solo piano concert in Edimburgh, 1976 https:/th-cam.com/video/ExG9YSxxo4o/w-d-xo.html
I don't think there' a performance better than this one I've just suggested
th-cam.com/video/ExG9YSxxo4o/w-d-xo.html
Thankyou Bernie Taupin for pulling Elton out of the gas oven...you are both beautiful and inspirational men and musicians..the world owes you both a great debt of gratitude for the years of happiness you have brought to millions....x
Elton is a rare talent in the history of music. He has lived up to his name. He had throat surgery in the mid 80's but he is resilient. His register decreased a couple of octaves but he still sounds better than the vast majority of "artists" that are parading around now, male and female. Just sheer genius!!!
Elton John and Bernie Taupin are one of the greatest, most successful writing teams ever. Very cool how Taupin can relate that tremedously emotional moment in Elton's life into words incorporating them into this incredibly beautiful song.
Look at how young he looks...so handsome, where today he looks a little plumper and more like a grandpa. I know this concert was a long time ago...but at that time, he seemed older and more mature since he had songs out in the 70's that we all loved. I think this was a fund raiser for African Famine maybe? Does anyone remember?
I can't stop watching this. I know he is a billionaire and a legend and all that, but I hope he is happy.What a gift he shared with us.
+Jason Kolojeski hes not a billionare just sayin
He actually is a multi millionaire. He would be a billionaire if he didn’t donate 30% of his concerts funds to charity. But hey, generosity.
Money isnt his motivation. A human could never have enough of that.
And he's still on this planet. Sugar bear really saved his life.
@@ellenmurphy2150 do you know who he's referring to in that line? Or really the whole song? Touching tale behind this song.
I WAS THERE!!
killer band !!! killer band !!!!! most underrated DRUMMER in the world !!!! pocket !!
I was there front row center. Summer of 1980 NYC
Wow! Elton John is one of this world's most extraordinary talents, and legends.
I hope his son has his genes and will carry on the talent into the next generation.
Seen Elton John in Little Rock, July 2, 1982 still the best damn concert I’ve ever seen such a great performer such a great musician.
I can listen to this all day. My dad was on the nypd and worked security for this show.
A lot of people do imitations, but you don't see many imitating Elton John. You know why? No one can imitate that excellent voice he has. So unique. Yes, he was gay, doesn't seem to hurt his voice even one little bit. He sounds so excellent, so perfect. You know, just enjoy his voice, he will not date you or have sex with you, so just listen to one of the greatest ever.
Pure excellence. Great the way he incorporated the fan who walked onto the stage into the act. Truly inspirational.
A few months later, a few blocks away, something happened that would forever change how stars interacted with fans.
That was his fiance btw
Wish I'd paid more attention to this song 14 years ago... perhaps my music would still be alive.
This is gotta be a near perfect performance. Everyone was just on it, especially in the day light lol.
this is one of those clips you can't watch without applauding at the end...
A talent that will live on in history.
an absolutely stunning performance.
This song is so fucking awesome.
"It's 4 o'clock in the morning, DAMNIT!, listen to me good!"
So good.
When I first started playing piano I had an Elton John songbook . I was studying music theory in high school at the time . One thing that struck me about Elton's music is the use of inversions ( chords with the third or fifth as the bass note, as opposed to the root) .This is helps make his music so dramatic . Inversions can give you a feeling of suspension or being unresolved.
He would often write a lot of the music from Hymns he learned as a kid. A lot of his melodies and choruses dervie from those as well.
I know theory myself. I play guitar but played piano first. And your right. I noticed the same thing in parts of The Way We Were by Barbara Streisand around the middle eighth. I was going over Bennie and the Jets on guitar earlier and in some parts I noticed the 5th was the bass line. Some times when I think a song my be in say the key of D. When I noticed something isn't right? I just go to the related minor and then it's like, BAM! Now I'm working! Play on and never stop learning.
Tommy, this song is the perfect example of Elton's use of inversions (Eb in the base of an Ab chord). I saw an interview where he said he was inspired by Brian Wilson's use of inversions with the Beach Boys.
yeah, this song is chock full of inversions. Another thing in a lot of his songs is chord progressions with chromatic bass lines (more inversions), both descending & ascending
I love his reaction to the fan who jump on stage. :-)
Thank you Sugar Bear
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶for Irwin, who saved my life so many times over with his kindness at the most critical moment imaginable
Good deal.
In the ranks of greatest artists on the planet and in a league of his own .
I'm 41 and grew up with his songs being just ubiquitous, just recently have I realized what a massive talent he was. Guy was incredible.
Is. Still alive. But this period in particular...
Jason Kolojeski I saw my first EJ show in Bridgeport in 2013. I can't explain how happy I was to see him come back to the northeast US. I can't explain how happy I was after the show..... But he played this song, and it blew my fucking mind!!!!!!!!! I fucking love Elton.... Me, being from the northeast U.S, I can't afford to buy a plane ticket to Vegas, I hope he comes back to the northeast so I can see him again!!!!!!!
I did the same thing about 2 years ago. Never really paid much attention before then. Levon is the song that got me started. Blew my mind once I started listening more closely, and watching videos of him on TH-cam.
I love this song. When I hear it it reminds me of how my 15 year old son saved my life. I love you Brandon.
How did he save your life?:)
Oh my God! How this girl was lucky !!! Wow! Elton is a gentleman! The best of this world!
So awesome, gave me goosebumps.
That was his fiance
@@glardian966 It wasn't. What's up with people saying that this was Renate? It wasn't. It was just a fan, goddammit.
@@LunaK06 he hadn't even met Renate yet in 1980! This is just ridiculous 😂
Oh, what a wonderful video where Elton shows his warmth and compassionate side. Bless him and lucky young woman!
made me smile
MASTERPIECE
quite possibly the most powerful and emotive piano piece ever written for a modern popular music song, I couldn't even tell you what the lyrics are or mean, I listen to it just for the piano
He was set to get married to a woman, but his friends-knowing he was gay and would be miserable-were able to talk him out of it at the last minute
No autotune used there, kids! A real singer. Doing it live. Without computers. A pure genius.
Elton's Bohemian Rhapsody....Complex, but also understandable for the little man on the street
I remember watching this concert on tv when I was a kid - I remember when he dressed up as a duck and played this is Your Song! Time flies im 40 now and the music is still better then whats out there today!
Absolutely love this song. It’s absolutely crazy. ❤
We all miss the great range & falsetto. But, hey, I've seen him 3 times in the last year & a half & he sounds fucking great. Voice is strong & intact. He's getting it done with no problem. He's not moaning & barking his way through. It's a different voice, mature, but I like it.
My favorite rendition of this song. Love how this song is so personal yet speaks for the generation. The image of the crowd behind captures this so well. When I was young Elton was played so much that he just became a background to life. I recently became a reborn fan and I like his voice as it became deeper in the later 80s to now and how it brings out more of the blues and gospel of his music.
And that someone saved his life for us .
Nothing better.
And I am overwhelmed by music yet again...for 8 minutes and 5 seconds I am not alone - one of his best, along with One More Arrow.
Saw Elton in Glasgow last night. The man is a legend. Great showman. Didn't sing this, but it remains one of my favs. Thanks for posting.
Oh Wow! I cant believe I'm watching this!! I will never forget that day. Right up front! That beautiful sunny, hot sweaty , everybody lovin it kind of day! Love Elton John and love New York. Could not have asked for a better memory!! Thanks!
People will be listening to Elton John music 10,000 years from now.
Pretty fricken amazing.
Matt, he sure as hell DOES write his material, the music, that is. A fellow named Bernie Taupin pens the lyrics and EJ puts them to music very, very quickly, typically 1/2 hour to 45 mins. As a partnership they have put out more music than any two collaborators over a period of 47 years. It's stunningly amazing how gifted he is.
Elton is the music man and gives us all he can and he is a poet,that's for sure,and if you're sick for some music then he's your cure!!!!LOL:-)Keep it Rockin Elton(**)
Elton is so cool. She got to sit beside him while he finished his song. What a champ!!!
this is one of the best youtube comments ever.
looks like Debra Winger
Saw him in concert in Vegas a couple wks ago. He said he was 65... Still an amazing performer!
maybe i am incorrect, maybe im not lol. it is nice to see someone who loves mr john as i do. muahhhh!
i was at this show- right up front and center- never forget it- i was 20 years old- wow what a show!
One of the greatest songs ever.... and sung perfectly by the master
It was great to see his ex take the stage. Glad to see there still friends ❤
You get the feeling he is singing each word from his heart, from an experience he has actually had,
This was a real experience. Elton was contemplating suicide due to his doubts and troubles with his finace'. His friend, John Bauldry saved Elton from getting married to Linda Woodrow in 1969. That is how the song originated. Bernie was room mates with Elton and Linda...so he wrote the lyrics of Elton's story...he often called John by the name "Sugar Bear". Elton's finace' is the ... "Prima Donna, Lord you really should've been there...sitting like a princess perched in her electric chair." Refers to Linda's personality.
Donna Farmer I don't suppose Linda felt great about this?
I believe she remains bitter to this very day. Life happens...
Elton John is AWESOME..That gal got the thrill of a lifetime...
One of the greatest songs ever, I learned to play piano to EJ songs ,he was big on chord inversions. I learn a lot from his composition skills
One of the greatest live performances ever.
Way cool that he let the woman stay with him on stage. Today someone like that would have been tackled and arrested.
or tasert.
That was his soon to be bride, Renate.
No kidding! Eltons a class act though.
@@rydorheller876 Renate, huh? He should have had her tackled and arrested! It would have saved him a lot of future grief! lol
@@rydorheller876 Hahahaha that wasn't Renate, it was just a random fan. Get your facts straight before throwing false ones on TH-cam, thank you very much.
Bernie Taupin & Elton John Collaborations UNBELIEVABLE
Man she has one to tell the grandbabies, I can hear her now, I was in Central Park in 1980 listening to an Elton John concert and he just...wait wait I'll just show you on youtube LOL
This guy is a terrific songwriter/singer/musician. One of the best. His songs sell like crazy! Only The Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Led Zeppelin have sold more records/cassetes/cds/etc. than Elton. For more than 40 years, he has wowed his audience with hit after hit after hit.
Long days and pleasant nights.
Everyone's on top of their game here. Its a shame there are no more BANDS like this.
I will Always enjoy This Man's Music but to see what he did for a Fan was Remarkable....Good Hearted Man right there!
Absolute best!
Thank goodness for Sugar Bear!
I called my son that. Sugar Bear
Alter Bound!!!
Its so important to have best friend's in life.
Sugar Bear = Long John Baldry (from Bluesology)
A musical icon a true legend piano man his music willl be listened to for generations
Love him Sir Elton John
So musically talented
Damn i was 2 in 80' . grew up to some of the best music.
That someone saved his life for us.Thank God
One of his best.
Wow, Sir Elton nailed this tune. Can't forget all the good he's done for aids research also. Great man and a great artist.
This is still one of my favorite versions of this song. So much feel and passion. And that killer guitar solo at the end. And the chick 🐥 that gets to sit with Elton. So cool.
Perfect!
Aw nice of him to bring the girl back up, awesome
that was UNREAL amazzing
...I get cold chills every time I hear this song...
My favorite Elton song.....since the very early days when it first came out~!!!
I love this song 🎵 ❤️, it's truly amazing 🎉🎉. Elton John is a beautiful soul and his music 🎶 🎵 reflects that🎉🎉
This is one of my favorite song by Elton. Such a beautiful song and voice.
I can´t describe this.
She looks alot like a young Debra Winger
Awesome song... Awesome man!!
I love Elton john And I love this song.