Uncover the Epic Journey of Elton John's Defining Decade
Elton John's Live Prowess at The Troubadour
In 1970, Elton John played his first American concerts at The Troubadour in Los Angeles and achieved undeniable success. Los Angeles Times rock critic Robert Hilburn wrote that John would become "one of rock's biggest and most important stars." Some of the still photos from this show are featured in the documentary for the first time, as R.J. Cutler mined John's archives. But what's even more touching is John's return to the empty venue with his sons prior to his 2022 Los Angeles shows. "This... was tiny," John marvels. "Look at the floor space!" Yet, he comments on the "atmosphere and aura" that remained. Although Cutler says John isn't one to look backward and nostalgia trips aren't his thing, he wanted to share this moment with his sons. "This was the eve of the Dodger Stadium final performance and he wanted to take Zach and Elijah there. It's part of family lore," Cutler explains.Elton John's early days at The Troubadour laid the foundation for his future success. It was here that he began to make a name for himself and capture the hearts of audiences. The significance of this venue in his career cannot be overstated.
The fact that he returned to this same place with his sons shows the importance of family and the connection he feels to his roots. It's a moment that adds a personal touch to his already extraordinary story.
Why Elton John Adored John Lennon
It's no secret that John Lennon joined John onstage at Madison Square Garden in 1974 due to a bet. But hearing John share this legendary story is a treat. After Lennon asked John to sing background vocals on "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" and it became a proper duet, John bet his friend that the song would reach No. 1. Lennon, ever the pessimist, disagreed. John told Lennon that if the song topped the charts, Lennon would have to join him onstage to sing it. The rollicking song became Lennon's only No. 1 solo hit before his tragic death in December 1980, and he kept his word. "John was terrified and physically sick before the show," John says, mainly because the Beatles icon hadn't been on stage in years.The footage from this show is grainy but powerful. Most of the live track is played over still photos, showing John shirtless under overalls and Lennon lanky and bespectacled. It's a moment that captures the essence of their friendship and the impact they had on each other.
Elton John's admiration for Lennon goes beyond their musical collaboration. It's a testament to the bond they shared and the influence they had on each other's careers.
Elton John's Emotional Reaction at the Documentary Premiere
Cutler said John didn't have any control over filming or editing and didn't see the final film until it was almost completed. "He said, 'Play it loud!'" Cutler recalls. John also traveled with his husband, David Furnish, to the Toronto Film Festival in September for the first public screening of the documentary. Sitting between his husband and Cutler, John was so emotional after watching it with an audience that the traditional Q&A session had to be delayed 10 minutes. "He was shaking," Cutler said. "I asked him what moved him so much and he said, 'My family.'"Elton John's emotional response at the premiere shows the depth of his connection to his family and the significance of this documentary in his life. It's a moment that highlights the importance of his loved ones in his journey.
The fact that he was able to share this moment with his family and the world through the documentary is a testament to his enduring legacy.