Play Book Tag discussion

I'm not a celebrity biography/autobiography person, but when it came to Chrissie Hynde and Elton John, I felt I should make an exception (plus, I'd seen Rocketman and wanted to know what was real, and what wasn't.)

I don't like drugs, I don't like drug culture, I'm not interesting in hearing about the use of drugs, so note to self --- no more celebrity bios.

I think this gave a good overview of Elton John's life, and his songwriting process was truly amazing. Imagine just being handed some words on a page (brilliant words, no doubt) and then coming out with Levon or Tiny Dancer in a matter of minutes. Hearing music by seeing words. Mind boggling.

As for the rest of the book, Elton's parents were horrible and he had a LOT of celebrity friends, and a lot of them died. And he cried a lot. And he had a temper, and a lot of falling outs. There was a lot of name dropping and a MASSIVE EGO. I think even when he tried to be self-effacing it came across as bragging.

Look, I get it - He's Elton John, but I would have been better off NOT knowing all this about him.

I was a big fan girl-stood in line for concert tickets for over a day and a half! (in the late 70's) When you talk about him being giving lyrics, I assume it was from Bernie T. That man was amazing!

Aw, this makes me sad. :-(

I've come to the conclusion that when it comes to artists, any kind, performance, visual , theatrical; I'm awed by the art, the genius and the artistic process. I'm unimpressed by the ego and the narcisism.
Maybe there's no avoiding the combination. But, my note to self includes no celebrity bios but also no (more) intimate relationships with performers.

A coworker took her autistic son (a huge fan) to see him in concert ages ago. Because he also had a physical disability, he got front row seats. He kept getting closer to the stage, and finally was right up next to it. The security guards went to move him, and Elton John told them to stop- “he’s not going to hurt me”. And then he shook his hand.

Tracy wrote: "A coworker took her autistic son (a huge fan) to see him in concert ages ago. Because he also had a physical disability, he got front row seats. He kept getting closer to the stage, and finally was..."

Those are the types of stories I like hearing!

I have been unimpressed with most if not all music autobiographies I have read and I've read a few and have a couple more on my TBR. I hate the drugs and the repetitiveness of the books but love the artistic aspect. The song writing and their love of music.

This is one I will keep on the back burner and see if I ever feel like picking it up.