A friend and I heard that Elton was going to make an in studio appearance at one of the local radio stations here in GA. So we headed down there early that morning. There were 2 other fans waiting on Elton as well. We were sitting on the wrong side of the lobby, so we missed Elton coming in. As the morning went by, a few more fans came by. By the end of the show, there were about 20 of us. Elton then came down to the lobby and stopped to sign autographs. I got pushed to the back of the crowd and then my friend yelled, "Elton, don't forget about Janet". Elton said, "Who's Janet? Come here darling." AHHHHH that's me! He signed my Complete Lyrics book and then I asked if he mind posing for a pic w/me. He put his arm around me, so of course I had to do the same :0) and my friend clicked away. As we were posing, I said to Elton, "You don't know how much this means to me" and he gave me a big squeeze. I was jello by then. I shook his hand and thanked him. Elton made sure everyone got an autograph and then he was off into his limo. Then I went to work with the biggest smile on my face. I was supposed to be at a doctor's appointment, haha!
Lakewood Amphitheatre
May 8 & 9 were to be my first EJ concerts and I was siked. I was fortunate enough to have box seats for both nights and backstage passes. The first night, we got to the show extra early. We were greeted by Charlie Morgan backstage and had a great time chatting about racing and took some pics. What a nice guy. Charlie even got the band to sign our programs. That night we met John Jorgenson, Davey Johnstone and said hi to David Furnish. Everyone was so nice. Then it was showtime! What a show! Elton and the band ROCKED THE HOUSE! Everytime I hear Funeral For a Friend and Love Lies Bleeding, I get goose bumps. I guess it's because those were the first two songs I heard Elton and the band do live. I couldn't believe I had another night ahead of me of this.
The next night my friend, Angela and her husband, Bob, went with us. Bob was once a crew chief for a racing team, so he and Charlie hit it off. We again saw Davey and managed to take some pics. We even got a glimpse of Usher. I was sad to see this part of the night to end. I then told Charlie I was going to be in Boston the following week and had tickets for the show. He said he'll see me there. We said our goodbyes and headed to our seats, well...we saw our seats, but then headed to the stage. FRONT ROW! I couldn't believe it. Again, they ROCKED THE HOUSE! I brought the pic of Elton and me from the radio station and managed to get it signed. He came over to me and I handed it to him. He looked at it and giggled. After the show, Angela told me I was on the big screens with Elton and I even had messages on my machine the next day about it. Those were the two happiest nights of my life. I want to thank the people who helped to make it happen...you know who you are. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Fleet Center, Boston
It just so happened that when I was in town to visit family and friends, Elton and the band were in town to perform. My dad and sister-in-law's sister attended the concert with me. We were lucky enough to have backstage passes again. Charlie came out to greet us and we chatted and took more pics. He is just the friendliest guy. All of the guys are, must be a requirement to be a part of the band. That and being tall, lol. That night, we met the whole band, except for Guy. He was talking with someone and I didn't want to interupt. John Mahon wanted to know if I was following the band, lol. I think they were following me, haha. They were on my turf, both in Georgia and Boston, lol. After a while, we were told by security that we had to leave. I tried to explain that I wanted to say goodbye, but they said no. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to thank Charlie for being so nice and to wish him luck on the rest of the tour. What can I say, another great show. Our seats were kinda behind the stage on the left, but still a great view. This was the end to a perfect week of three shows. I was sad to see it end, but I have pics and memories of it that I cherish. Thank YOU again!
Elaborate Lives
The Legend of Aida
I've never seen a play before seeing Elaborate Lives. So, if I must go, why not have it be an Elton John musical. I didn't see it just once, but twice. The first night I brought my mom. We got there early so we sat outside, watching everyone go into the theatre. I met up with an associate and as we stood there talking, I noticed Guy Babylon walking by. We walked over to him, introduced ourselves and told him how much of a fan we are of him and the rest of the guys. He said he could only talk for a minute cause he was running late. Guy did the music arrangements and orchestrations for Elaborate Lives. We asked him a lot of questions about the show and when he learned how interested we were, he said he was very flattered, especially cause we knew who he is. I was very impressed by Guy, he is so nice, just like the rest of the band. He took time to sign our ticket envelopes and posed for pictures. After about 20 minutes, he said he really had to go. We thanked him and he told us to enjoy the show.
The show was AMAZING! The music was fantastic and the actors were great. I knew I had to come back again. During intermission, someone pointed out Tim Rice to me. He was standing all alone so I approached him. I told him how much I was enjoying the show and he asked if I saw any mistakes yet. I said no, but he admitted he saw a few :0) I asked him if he would mind signing my ticket stub. He said yes and handed me his beer as he signed. It was funny cause no one else reconized Tim Rice in the audience. After the show, I walked by Guy and gave him two thumbs up, GREAT SHOW!
I then attended Elaborate Lives on September 23. I was standing outside waiting on a friend. It was almost show time and I was just about to walk in when I saw a black limo pull up. My ride? Yeah, I wish. No, it was Elton's! Elton stepped out and I thought I was going to freak. I looked around and there was not another sole around. Elton walked towards me and I asked him if he could sign my program. He said sure. I told him this was my second time seeing the show and that I really like it. He then said, "You are seeing it at it's worse." I thanked him for the autograph and he thanked me for coming. While I stood there pinching myself, I noticed a tall man in a green suit and yellow Converse sneakers walk up. It was Tim Rice. He reconized me from the other night and said, "Back again?!" I told him that I just got Elton to sign my program and asked if he could do the same. He said, "I'd be happy to." I couldn't believe how lucky I was. I met two Sirs in one day, haha.
The show was great once again. Unfortunately this was one of the times the pyramid broke down. I felt bad for the people seeing the show for the first time, but the actors pulled it off great. After the show, I stood in the lobby to talk to a friend. Elton was the last to come out of the theatre and as he walked out, we gave him a big applause. I wish I had my camera cause as Elton tried to walk out, a little old lady ran up and grabbed him and wouldn't let go, lol.
As for the program...I ended up auctioning it off for charity; Aids Walk Atlanta. I miss it dearly, but I know it went to a great cause. I did make sure I took a pic of it before I auctioned it, haha.
