Elton John

A Visual Documentary

Elton John: A Visual Documentary is the most comprehensive manual ever produced, with all the facts about the singer's magnificent rise to stardom, where he has become a household name of thirty years standing.

From the early days with his band Bluesology and his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, to his virtual overnight success in the early Seventies, the book sets the record straight and charts every important event in Elton's life, in chronological order.

It has been a rocky road to success for the mega-star and his career, and lifestyle have proved an endless source of speculation for the tabloid press. Despite problems with drink and drugs, scandal and speculation about his sexuality, and marriage, and disputes with the tabloid press, Elton John has remained one of the most colourful and much loved artists of the day.

Elton John: A Visual Documentary not only includes his phenomenally successful music career, but Elton John as the owner of a first division football team, a worker for charity and all round pianist for hire by such eminences as John Lennon and Eric Clapton. The book charts all Elton's concerts over the 30 years and includes a comprehensive discography, unique quotes from the artist himself, and a wealth of full colour pictures.

For Elton's fans, who span all ages and backgrounds, including members of the Royal Family, Elton John: A Visual Documentary is a marvellous tribute to their favourite songmaster.

The book is packed with quotes from Elton himself on his music, career and personal life:

ON THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, HIS CAREER AND SUCCESS:

'I can't write lyrics and I can't sing really well, but I think I can write songs.' - 1967, Page 7.

'I've never regarded pop music as an art form – I think it is just entertainment and I think that is why pop groups are coming back because people are fed-up with moodies and they'd rather go out and have a good time.' - 1972, Page 24.

'I know I haven't the best image for rock and roll and that probably gets in the way of my music sometimes. But most of my clothes are just for a laugh.' - 1973, Page 29.

'Most people have completely the wrong idea of me. They think I'm going to go on doing the same thing in glittering clothess, going to Las Vegas till I'm 55... No, I'm looked upon as one of the artists in this country who has the least credibility, and I think I have credibility.' - 1978, Page 56.

ELTON'S PRIVATE LIFE:

'There's nothing wrong with going to bed with somebody of your own sex. I think everybody's bisexual to a certain degree. I don't think it's just me. It's not a bad thing to be. I think people should be free with sex... they should draw the line at goats.' - 1976, Page 50.

'It was just that I met someone whom I liked a lot and wanted to marry her. It happened at a moment when I was tired of my old style of living.' - 1986, Page 74.

'The gay business really hurt me a lot. I'd stop touring after announcing that I was a homosexual and had nothing else to do... I might have became a very big casualty.' - 1986, Page 75

MARRIAGE FAILS:

'Even though I knew I was gay, I thought this woman was attractive and that being married would cure me of everything wrong in my life... but I certainly didn't stop taking drugs and alcohol, and when you take that amount, you can't have any relationship. It was very sad... the simple fact was that I wasn't being honest.' - 1992, Page 104.

ELTON JOHN ABOUT ELTON JOHN:

'I was born Reg and I am Reg. I feel comfortable with that now. I don't want to live a fantasy life as Elton John. I'm very happy with my own personality. I can be very normal or I can be completely off the wall. That's how I've become.' - 1988, Page 89.

'The most important thing for me is trying to be happy within myself. What I do as a profession is very important to me as well... I love doing what I do and I am very privileged to be able to do it. But I still think my personal life is far more important to me than any stagecraft or the records I make.' - 1989, page 95.

'This is going to sound terribly corny, but I notice simple things in life now that I never did before. The trees, the flowers, everything.' - 1992, Page 104.

Elton John: A Visual Documentary is Elton's story in words and pictures – the music, the concerts, the laughter and the heartache. It will appeal to all fans of this flamboyant and enormously popular musical genius.