Elton John: Captain Fantastic on the Yellow Brick Road by Gillian G. GaarSynopsis: “A beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star,Ā Elton JohnĀ features live onstage and candid offstage photography, an entertaining history, and gatefold timeline. Few rock artists continue to gather more and more adulation with age than Sir Elton Hercules John. In this re-release of Elton John at 75Ā (2022), veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar provides a unique examination of Eltonā€™s life and career through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life eventsā€”from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough albumĀ Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to his flamboyant stage presence, and beyond. Key studio albums are featured, of course, as are a curated selection of his earworm singles. But Gaar delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Eltonā€™s career:

Key performances such as his breakthrough performance at LAā€™s Troubadour, and the historic Soviet Union and Dodger Stadium concerts

  • Legendary collaborations with the likes of Dua LIpa, Billy Joel, and Kate Bush

  • His many film and television roles, including Tommy and The Muppet Show

  • Tireless work on behalf of AIDS research

  • Notable awards and honours, including knighthood

  • And of course his collaboration with long-time co-writer Bernie Taupin

Every page is illustrated with stunning photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more. This incredible package also includes a gatefold Elton John timeline. The result is a fitting tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock.Ā “

My Review

This was a fantastic nonfiction photo-book all about the one and only Elton John!

The book is split up into four parts spanning the years 1947 right up to his 75th birthday in 2022.

There was so much to look at in this book. It’s full of photos and anecdotes from his life and recording history, with a fantastic timeline through the decades.

I think my favourite parts were of him performing Pinball Wizard with The Who in their 1968 film Tommy, his appearance on the Muppet show in 1978 where he performed Crocodile Rock with crocodiles in a swamp, of course. I also enjoyed reading about his time on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs and taking part in the Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1980s, his live tours with Billy Joel and his huge involvement with the Lion King and the Billy Elliot musicals.

Highly recommended for all Elton fans!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for my digital copy via Adobe Digital Editions.