Cornflakes & Classics A musical history of Elton John
1997

by

V4.2, May 2005

Copyright 1989, 2009 Paul Maclauchlan
Permission granted to copy this information if credit is given

Explanation of symbols: + Live  * Non-LP B-side    # guest appearance
		 $ If you have this I would love to hear it!   CB Concert broadcast

1997

Early 1997

US PROMO CD SINGLE
MCA MCA5P-3945

1. You Can Make History Young Again (without sitar) (4:54)
2. You Can Make History Young Again (with sitar) (4:54)

Radio-only release. These are "unplugged" versions of the song issued for radio play.

Jan 17 1997

FRANCE CONCERT - Bejart Ballet - The Theatre National De Chaillot, Paris - Queen

• +The Show Must Go On - Elton John with Queen

This performance is released on Queen's Greatest Hits Volume 3 CD and on the Queen's Greatest Flix 3 home video in the UK (November 22 1999) and the US (February 2000).

Feb 8 1997

US CONCERT - Elton John AIDS Foundation, Waldorf Hotel, New York City NY

Concert with Jessye Norman and Luciano Pavorotti. Along with an auction, this event raised US$900,000 for the EJAF.

Mar 25 1997

PROMO CD - Celebrating Elton John's 50th Birthday
Rocket Records RKSAD 00415

1. YOUR SONG
2. BURN DOWN THE MISSION
3. LEVON
4. ROCKET MAN
5. BENNIE AND THE JETS
6. SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT
7. ISLNAD GIRL
8. BLUE EYES
9. SAD SONGS (SAY SO MUCH)
10. THE ONE
11. BELIEVE
12. YOU CAN MAKE HISTORY YOUNG AGAIN

Mar 25 1997

Elton John turns 50 and celebrates with an outrageously extravagant party.

Apr 26 1997

US MAGAZINE - Billboard

Article on Gus Dudgeon: Producer Dudgeon's Flair Felt Beyond His Elton Classics.

Apr 29 1997

US CD - Carnival! - The Rainforest Foundation - Various Artists
BMG 74321 44769-2

• Abide With Me (William Monk / H.F. Lyte) - Elton John
  • Arranged by Dave Hartley.
  • The Black Dyke Mills Brass Band
  • Dave Hartley, piano
  • Music preparation by Paul Hodgson
  • Recorded by Simon Osborne at Townhouse Studios
  • The Black Dyke Mills Brass Band recorded by Christopher Dibble at Air Studios, London
  • Mixed by Simon Osborne using the Steerpike portable studio
  • Special thanks to Simon Prythwych, John Reid and Nicola Turnbull

Charity album for The Rainforest Foundation. The participants were asked to choose a song from their childhood or that had a message for children.

Apr 30 1997

US CONCERT - Sting's Rainforest Concert, Carnegie Hall, New York City NY

Jul 8 1997

GERMANY CONCERT - UNICEF Benefit - Historical Castle Square, Aschaffenburg

1. +I'm Still Standing
2. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
3. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
4. +Sacrifice
5. +Live Like Horses
6. +Border Song
7. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
8. +Simple Life
9. +The One
10. +Take Me To The Pilot
11. +Made In England
12. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
13. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
14. +Bennie And The Jets
15. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
16. +Believe
17. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
18. +The Bitch Is Back
19. +Candle In The Wind
20. +Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding
21. +The Last Song

Open Air concert in Germany in front of 55,000. Along with familiar band members Davey Johnstone, Guy Babylon, Bob Birch, Charlie Morgan and John Jorgenson there were two new background singers: Billy Trudell and John Maion. German newspapers reported that the event raised approx. 300,000 DM (about US$180,000) for an AIDS project in Africa.

Jul 8 1997

US THEATRE - The Lion King (Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis MN)

1. Circle Of Life (Elton John / Tim Rice)
2. The Morning Report (Elton John / Tim Rice)
3. I Just Can't Wait To Be King (Elton John / Tim Rice)
4. Chow Down (Elton John / Tim Rice)
5. [They Live In You (Mancina / Rifkin / Lebo M)]
6. Be Prepared (Elton John / Tim Rice)
7. Be Prepared (Reprise) (Elton John / Tim Rice)
8. Hakuna Matata (Elton John / Tim Rice)
9. [One By One (Lebo M)]
10. The Madness Of King Scar (Elton John / Tim Rice)
11. [Shadowland (Zimmer / Lebo M / Mancina)]
12. [Endless Night (Zimmer / Rifkin / Lebo M; lyrics by Taymor)]
13. Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John / Tim Rice)
14. [He Lives In You (Mancina / Rifkin / Lebo M)]
15. [Busa (Lebo M / Zimmer / Rifkin)]
16. Circle Of Life (Elton John / Tim Rice)

Pre-Broadway tryout of the Disney musical play. This production ran until Aug 31 1997. Broadway previews begin October 15 in New York at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Opening night will be November 13 1997.

Jul 22 1997

ITALY - Gianni Versace funeral Milano Italy

1. +Abide With Me (Elton John & Sting unaccompanied)

Fashion designer Gianni Versace was shot dead on July 15 1997 in Miami FL. Versace was responsible for much of Elton John's image in the 1990's, from stage clothes to The One album cover and tour set design.

Aug 8 1997

MONACO CONCERT - Red Cross Ball at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, Monte Carlo

1. +Your Song
2. +Sacrifice
3. +Border Song
4. +Talking Old Soldiers
5. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
6. +The One
7. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
8. +Daniel
9. +Bennie And The Jets
10. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
11. +Take Me To The Pilot
12. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
13. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Aug 12 1997

US CD - BLUE MOVES

Two CD remastered release, containing the complete original recordings.

Aug 1997

EUROPE CD SINGLE

1. Something About the Way You Look Tonight
2. *I Know Why I Am In Love
3. No Valentines

Sep 4 1997

US BROADWAY - Aida auditions at Bailey Concert Hall, Davie FL
September 4, 5 & 6

Auditions for various parts for Disney's musical written by Elton John & Tim Rice.

See the article on Playbill's web site for more information.

Sep 4 1997

US TV - MTV Music Awards

Elton John appeared as an award presenter.

Sep 5 1997

US TV - 20 /20 (ABC network)

Elton John is interviewed by Barbara Walters during the days following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Here is a transcript of the broadcast.

Sep 6 1997

UK BROADCAST - Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales

1. +Candle In The Wind 1997

Elton John solo grand piano performance at Westminster Abbey, with special tribute lyrics written by Taupin. Released on CD by the BBC, September 22 1997 After the funeral service, Elton went directly to George Martin's AIR Studios in London and recorded a piano/vocal version for general CD release. Elton has stated he will not perform the song again, in either version.

Robert Hilburn's article: "Relighting 'Candle' for Di" from the Los Angeles Times on Taupin and John's writing of the new version.

Sep 8 1997

UK TV - BBC Breakfast With Frost

Elton John interview. Article from The BBC Online

Sep 8 1997

US TV - Time & Again (MSNBC cable network)

Career profile, interviews of Elton John and performance clips including Ryan White's funeral and Princess Diana's funeral.

Sep 9 1997

CANADA CD SINGLE
Mercury/Rocket 314 574 891-2

1. Something About The Way You Look Tonight (3:59)
2. I Know Why I'm In Love (4:27)
3. No Valentines (4:08)
4. Something About The Way You Look Tonight (album version) (5:13)

Produced by Chris Thomas. #1, 2 & 3: Strings arranged by Anne Dudley and Guy Babylon; conducted by Anne Dudley

Cover scan is the Australian issue, kindly provided by Mark Bliss.

Sep 12 1997

UK TV - TFI

1. +Something About the Way You Look Tonight
2. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting

Elton John was also interviewed on the show.

Sep 13 1997

UK CD SINGLE

1. Something About The Way You Look Tonight (edit)
2. Candle In The Wind 1997

Replaces the two-part single that was announced in August. All proceeds will go to the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fund. Worldwide orders are reported to be 8 million copies. It was also reported that Elton John has denied use of the song in "official" funeral videos by the BBC and ITV, because they will not guarantee all proceeds will go to charity.
The single reportedly sold 600,000 copies on the first day of release in England. It will enter the charts at #1 based on the first day's sales, the first single in history to do that.

Sep 15 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Music For Montserrat - Royal Albert Hall, London

1. +Your Song
2. +Live Like Horses
3. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
4. +Medley: Golden Slumbers / The End Paul McCartney
   • Elton John: background vocals
5. +Hey Jude Paul McCartney
   • Elton John: piano & background vocals
6. +Kansas City
   • Elton John: piano & background vocals

Elton John, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Sting and others perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London to benefit victims of the volcanic eruption in July on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Former site of one of George Martin's AIR Studios.
Newswire article.

Sep 16 1997

US CD - Butterfly - Mariah Carey
Columbia 68845

• Fly Away (Mariah Carey / Elton John / David Morales / Bernie Taupin)

Sep 17 1997

CANADA CD SINGLE
Rocket 314 568 109-2

1. Something About The Way You Look Tonight (4:00)
   • Produced by Chris Thomas
2. Candle In The Wind 1997 (4:13)
   • Produced by George Maritin
3. You Can Make History (Young Again) (4:53)
   • Produced by Chris Thomas

• As elsewhere, the single sells out on the morning of release.
• Recorded at The Townhouse Studios
• All artist and composer royalties and record compnay profits from sales of this single will be donated to the DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES MEMORIAL FUND

Sep 19 1997

US TV - Storytellers (VH1 cable network)
Live from The House Of Blues, New Orleans LA
"Simple As Pianoman"; "Storytellers"

1. +Your Song
2. +Talking Old Soldiers
3. +I Don't Want to Go On With You Like That
4. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
5. +Daniel
6. +Levon
7. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
8. +Long Way From Happiness
9. +Bennie And The Jets
10. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
11. +Take Me To The Pilot
12. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Solo piano performance by Elton John, with commentary by Bernie Taupin.

Read Pam's report from the House Of Blues.

Sep 22 1997

UK CD - THE BIG PICTURE

1. Long Way From Happiness (4:49)
   • Carol Kenyon: backing vocals
2. Live Like Horses (5:02)
   • Angel Voices Choir: vocals
3. The End Will Come (4:52)
4. If The River Can Bend (5:24)
   • East London Gospel Choir: vocals
5. Love's Got A Lot To Answer For (5:02)
6. Something About The Way You Look Tonight (5:09)
   • Paul Carrack: organ; Carol Kenyon & Jackie Rawe: backing vocals
7. The Big Picture (3:46)
8. Recover Your Soul (5:17)
   • Paul Clarvis: tablas; Carol Kenyon & Jackie Rawe: backing vocals
9. January (4:03)
10. I Can't Steer My Heart Clear Of You (4:07)
    • Matthew Vaughn: keyboards & percussion
11. Wicked Dreams (4:42)

PolyGram Group Canada press release.

• Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Taupin
• Elton John: piano, organ & vocals; Davey Johnstone: guitars; John Jorgenson: guitars; Bob Birch: bass; Guy Babylon: keyboards; Charlie Morgan: drums & percussion.
• Produced by: Chris Thomas; Engineered by: Pete Lewis; Assistant engineers: Andy Green & Jay Reynolds
• Management: John Reid
• Recorded at Townhouse Studios London
• Strings recorded at Air Lyndhurst Hall; Assistant at Air Lyndhurst Hall: Ben Georgiades
• String arrangements: Guy Babylon & Anne Dudley; Conducted by: Anne Dudley
• Session co-ordination: Derek MacKillop, Ranni Lewis & Maureen Hillier
• Studio co-ordination: Adrian Collee & Pete Mills
• Special thanks to Julian Schnabel for his outstanding input
• Paintings by Julian Schnabel
• Portrait photography: Mario Testino; Still life photography: Julian Schnabel
• Design by Rick Lecoat @ Mercury in conjunction with Julian Schnabel
• Special thanks to David Furnish
• This album is dedicated to the loving memory of Gianni Versace

There is also a promo interview CD that has Elton answering 29 questions. Per-Gunnar Eriksson has prepared a transcription of the interview and kindly granted permission to include it here.

Unreleased songs from The Big Picture sessions:

• Big Man In A Little Suit
• I Know Why I'm In Love (completely different version)
• Past Imperfect
• Recover Your Soul

Sep 22 1997

UK CD - Diana Princess Of Wales 1961-1997 - The BBC recording of the Funeral Service
BBC 289 460 000-2

• Candle In The Wind - Elton John

Solo performance at the service.

Sep 22 1997

US TV - The Tonight Show (NBC network)

1. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight

Elton John is interviewed by Jay Leno. They talk about Elton's taping of an episode of The Nanny, and Elton does his Fran Drescher impersonation. Then he says he is going to do a sitcom called The Ninny or, looking at Tim Allen, Homo Improvements. Jay promotes The Big Picture and an upcoming appearance for both Elton and Jay in Las Vegas at an Andre Agassi hosted benefit. See a detailed summary.

The song is performed by Elton John and his band.

Sep 23 1997

US CD SINGLE

1. Something About The Way You Look Tonight (edit)
2. Candle In The Wind 1997

Originally announced as September 16, postponed due to CD production problems.

Sep 23 1997

US CD - THE BIG PICTURE

Same songs as UK CD

Sep 24 1997

US TV - The Oprah Winfrey Show (Syndicated)

1. +Your Song
2. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
3. +Bennie And The Jets
4. +Crocodile Rock
   • not broadcast

Taped September 23 1997. These songs were played in the studio.

Read M. Lasker's articles on the taping and broadcast

Read RoofTopMom's account of the taping.

Sep 25 1997

US TV - The Rosie O'Donnell Show (Syndicated)

Elton John taped a performance / interview to be broadcast October 1 1997.

Sep 25 1997

US TV - Late Night With Conan O'Brien (NBC network)

1. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
2. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

Elton John performed with his band and was interviewed by Conan. Read Shirley's eye-witness article on the taping.

Sep 26 1997

US NEWSPAPER - Los Angeles Times

An interview of Elton John by Robert Hillburn runs under the title: Amid All of His Sorrows, He's Still Standing.

Sep 26 1997

US MAGAZINE - BILLBOARD

The October 4 1997 issue contains an article: Elton John 30 Years Of Music With Bernie Taupin. Check the Billboard web site for an excerpt from Timothy White's interview.

Sep 26 1997

US TV - The Today Show (NBC network)

Elton John has cancelled this appearance because NBC was running promotions saying he was going to discuss "the deaths of his friends Versace and the Princess of Wales". Elton was offended and withdrew from the show.

NEWSWIRE report:
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Elton John announced today that he will not be making any further public comments to the media concerning the deaths of his two friends, Gianni Versace and Princess Diana. Mr. John was prompted to make this announcement after the NBC "Today Show's" promotion department issued a series of erroneous on-air promotions stating that he would be appearing on the program to discuss the deaths of Mr. Versace and the Princess of Wales. Mr. John, who was scheduled to appear on "The Today Show" to promote his new album and tour, has now cancelled this appearance due to the incorrect information issued by their promotion department

Sep 27 1997

UK TV - An Audience With Elton (London Weekend Television - ITV network)

1. +I'm Still Standing
2. +Don't Go Breaking My Heart
   • Elton duet with The Spice Girls
3. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
4. +Abide With Me
   • Elton sang accompanied by The Black Dyke Mills Band, a pianist, and the Kingdom Choir.
5. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
   • backing vocals by a large group of British sports personalities.
6. +If The River Can Bend
   • from THE BIG PICTURE, with the Kingdom Choir.
7. +Believe / Song For Guy
   • Performed by Elton and The Pet Shop Boys
8. +Philadelphia Freedom
9. Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
10. +Come Down In Time
    • duet Sting
11. +Your Song

Recorded September 16 1997. Produced by Lorna Dickinson. Here is an eye-witness account of the taping by Brian Jacobs.

Here is a review of the broadcast by David Smith, and an article by Brian O'Donnell.

Released on home video in the UK on December 15 1997.

Sep 1997

UK TV - BBC promotion

1. #Perfect Day (Lou Reed)
   • Elton John sings one line.

Promotional campaign by the BBC to encourage people to purchase an annual TV license. The song and video feature many artists, from many styles and genres of music, contributing a line or phrase to the Lou Reed song.

The BBC web page has more information and a Real Video clip.

Oct 1 1997

US TV - The Rosie O'Donnell Show (Syndicated)

1. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
2. +Tiny Dancer

Elton John did not appear "live" on the announced date of September 25 1997, but did record an appearance on that day for taped broadcast October 1. Songs were performed solo.

Early Oct 1997

US MAGAZINE - Vanity Fair - November 1997 issue

11 page article/interview with photos.

Oct 7 1997

US CD - Isn't Life Fine - Lisa Saunders
Cargo 85011

• Black on Blue (des Pres / Bernie Taupin)

Oct 8 to Nov 22 1997

The first North American leg of The Big Picture Tour is 23 shows beginning on October 8 in Atlanta GA and ending on November 22 in Memphis TN.

Oct 8 1997

US CONCERT - The Roxy, Atlanta GA

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Take Me To The Pilot
7. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
   • Elton solo piano
8. +Daniel
   • Elton solo piano
9. +Tiny Dancer
10. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
11. +If The River Can Bend
12. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
13. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
14. +The Last Song
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Long Way From Happiness
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +Your Song
25. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
26. +Sand And Water (Beth Nielsen Chapman)
    • With an additional verse written especially for Elton's performance.
27. +We All Fall In Love Sometimes
28. +Curtains

"Short notice" concert. The show was announced October 3 with tickets on sale October 6. Only 1,000 seats available to the public.

Read Lisa J. Macdonald's report from the fire exit! Also, Anthony in Atlanta's article from his vantage point inside the theatre.

Oct 8 1997

US TV - The Nanny (CBS network)

Elton John guest stars on the sitcom.

Oct 10 1997

US CONCERT - Lawrence Joel Coliseum, Winston Salem NC
Start of The Big Picture Tour.

Same set list as October 8 in Atlanta, except Daniel is performed after The Last Song.

Read a review from Ron Byram, and an article from Erik describing the concert. Also, a commentary from Darryl Johnson.

Oct 11 1997

US CONCERT - Viginia Beach Amphitheater, Virginia Beach VA

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
24. +I'm Still Standing
25. +Sand And Water
26. +The Bitch Is Back
27. +We All Fall In Love Sometimes / Curtains
28. +Your Song

Set list changes: I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That is moved up in the set, I'm Still Standing and The Bitch Is Back are added as encores and Your Song is moved to the end (after Curtains).

Read Rick F.'s amazing story about getting a seat upgrade to the front row(!) and his review of the show.

Oct 14 1997

US CONCERT - North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston SC

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +We All Fall In Love Sometimes / Curtains
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +I'm Still Standing
27. +Sand And Water
28. +Your Song

Stan Pilinski wrote this review of the show.

Oct 15 1997

US CONCERT - University of South Carolina Coliseum, Columbia SC

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +I'm Still Standing
25. +Sand And Water
26. +The Bitch Is Back
27. +We All Fall In Love Sometimes / Curtains
28. +Your Song

Read Daria's review of the show.

Oct 15 1997

US BROADWAY - The Lion King (New Amsterdam Theatre, NY NY)

Preview engagement. See song details in the August 25 1997 entry. Opening night will be November 13 1997. Visit Disney's web site for ticket information.

Oct 17 1997

US CONCERT - Civic Center, Charleston WV

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +We All Fall In Love Sometimes / Curtains
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Sand And Water
27. +Your Song

Suzanne Glass has contributed an article about the show.

Darla has provided this review of the show

Oct 18 1997

US CONCERT - Freedom Hall, Louisville KY

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +We All Fall In Love Sometimes
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Sand And Water (Beth Nielsen Chapman)
27. +Your Song

Clarissa Moxley sends us this review. And Kevin Burnett, who travelled halfway across the country, provides this report, including Beth Nielsen Chapman's original lyrics to Sand And Water. And a short article by HDock.

Oct 22 1997

US CONCERT - Mark of the Quad, Moline IL

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Want To Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Liz' account of her first Elton John concert.

Oct 24 1997

US CONCERT - Iowa State University Hilton Coliseum, Ames IA

Same set list as October 22 in Moline IL two nights before.

Read Mike from Minnesota's article on the concert.

Oct 25 1997

US CONCERT - Fargodome, Fargo ND

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Want To Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting
24. +The Bitch Is Back
25. +Your Song

Elton John's first appearance in North Dakota. Read Deb Ott's review of the concert.

Oct 28 1997

US SINGLE
Rocket 41356 8108 7

1. SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT
2. CANDLE IN THE WIND 1997

This seven inch single was originally scheduled for September 30, but was abruptly cancelled a week prior to release (September 24). The hue and cry from jukebox distributors (and from a writer in Goldmine magazine) was great enough to get A&M in America to change its mind about not releasing a 45. It was not issued with a picture sleeve. It has white labels, but it is NOT promo only; it has bar codes on the labels. (Thanks to Tim Neely of Goldmine Magazine for this story.)

Oct 28 1997

US CONCERT - Roberts Stadium, Evansville IN

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Want To Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Cindy Birk Conley contributes this review.

Oct 29 1997

US CONCERT - Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids MI

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Want To Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Oct 1997

Super fans Arjen Buikstra and Jennifer Hansman followed Elton John's tour for The Big Picture to nine concert dates in October! Read Arjen's diary of the trip, including his visits with Elton backstage!.

Nov 4 1997

US CONCERT - Penn State University Bryce Jordan Center, State College PA

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodby Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Concert review by Nannette.

Nov 5 1997

US CONCERT - University of Massachusetts Mullins Center, Amherst MA

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Want To Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Read a concert review by Jill Meister. And here are some comments by John Baril. Rich Kilarski provides another article on this show. And, yet another review, this one from Joann Garrido. Finally, Liz Rosenthal contributes an article.

Nov 7 1997

CANADA CONCERT - Corel Centre, Ottawa ON

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +The Last Song
13. +Daniel
14. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
15. +Take Me to the Pilot
16. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
17. +Made In England
18. +Believe
19. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Levon
22. +Bennie & The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
24. +Sand & Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Read David Peter Herle's concert review. And an article by Lee Anne Boswell.

Nov 8 1997

CANADA CONCERT - Colisee, Quebec City QC

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie and the Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Read a concert review by Lucie Bellemare

Nov 11 1997

CANADA CONCERT - Molson Centre, Montreal QC

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie and the Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Read David Peter Herle's concert comment

Nov 12 1997

CANADA CONCERT - Molson Centre, Montral QC

Same set as the previous night.

Nov 13 1997

US BROADWAY - The Lion King (New Amsterdam Theatre, NY NY)

Opening night.

Nov 13 1997

US CD - The Lion King - Original Broadway Cast Recording

A limited pre-release. Worldwide release is November 18 1997.

Nov 14 1997

US CONCERT - Jefferson Civic Coliseum, Birmingham AL

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Read David Rosen's article on the concert. And a review from Paul Lilly.

Nov 15 1997

US CONCERT - University of Tennessee - Thompson, Boling Arena, Knoxville TN

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

Picture courtesy of Lisa MacDonald, who also wrote this review of the show, and sent another photo.

mid Nov 1997

US MAGAZINE - Musician, January 1998

Songwriting column by Paul Zollo features an interview with Bernie Taupin on the subject of songwriting. 2 pages.

Nov 18 1997

US CD - The Lion King - Original Broadway Cast Recording

Worldwide official release.

Nov 19 1997

US CONCERT - Myriad Arena, Oklahoma City OK

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

A review from Jim Smith. And an article from Trevi Miller

Nov 21 1997

US CONCERT - Leon County Civic Center, Tallahassee FL

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

A brief review by David Evseeff.

Nov 22 1997

US CONCERT - Pyramid Arena, Memphis TN

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Can You Feel The Love Tonight
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
21. +Philadelphia Freedom
22. +Bennie And The Jets
23. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
24. +Sand And Water
25. +The Bitch Is Back
26. +Your Song

The end of this leg of the tour! Cheri sent this review.

Photos copyright Ann, used by permission. Visit her Elton John In Concert Pictures web site.

Dec 1 1997

US CONCERT - An Evening For La Fenice, Carnegie Hall, New York City NY

• +Live Like Horses

Elton John solo piano performance.

A benefit for Venice's La Fenice ("The Phoenix") opera house that was destroyed by fire earlier this year. The concert will feature singers: Paul Groves, Thomas Hampson, Manfred Hemm, Luis Lima, James Morris, Regina Resnik, Ruth Ann Swenson, Carol Vaness; conductor Nello Santi, The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Collegiate Chorale and special guest Elton John. Tickets range form $35 to $25,000 (for 8 tickets).
Here is a review from Steve Moger

Dec 6 1997

US VIDEO SHOOT - Loews Theater, Jersey City NJ

• Recover Your Soul

Elton John and the band perform for the cameras making the promotional video for the next single release. Here is an article from Newark NJ's Sunday Star-Ledger.

Dec 8 1997

US TV - Billboard Music Awards

Elton John's Candle In The Wind 1997 wins awards for Best Single and Best Selling Single. Elton and Bernie Taupin win the Best Songwriting award for the same song. Elton appeared via satellite, while Bernie was in attendance to accept.

Dec 11 1997

SCOTLAND CONCERT - Scottish Exhibition Conference Centre, Glasgow

The Big Picture Tour resumes for a brief seven show UK "Christmas" leg.

This concert produced the scathing newspaper review that prompted Elton's outburst in Manchester, on December 14, that he would never tour the UK again. Elton's publicist later described the incident as "he's all bark and no trousers" and that he was angry over the review and spoke in haste.

courtesy Steven Betts

Dec 12 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Newcastle Arena, Newcastle

courtesy Steven Betts

Dec 12 1997

GERMAN TV - Wetten Dass (ZDF network)

• +Recover Your Soul

Elton John and the band perform the new single.

Dec 14 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Nynex Arena, Manchester

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Sacrifice
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. + I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Take Me To The Pilot
16. +Someone Saved My Life Tonight
17. +Philadelphia Freedom
18. +Bennie And The Jets
19. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
20. +Your Song
21. +The Bitch Is Back

A shortened set. Elton John claims he will never tour the UK again after a review of the December 11 Glasgow Show appeared in The Observer.

Mark Danby submitted his own review and this one from the Manchester Evening News. The following songs, in the Glasgow set, were not performed: Love's Got A Lot To Answer For, Believe, Made In England, Something About The Way You Look Tonight, I'm Still Standing.

Dec 15 1997

US MAGAZINE - New York Magazine

Article about Elton John and Donatella Versace.

Dec 15 1997

GERMANY CD SINGLE

1. Recover Your Soul (4:16)
   Single remix by Chris Thomas)
2. *Big Man In A Little Suit (4:25)
3. I KNOW WHY I'M IN LOVE (4:27)
4. RECOVER YOUR SOUL (5:18)
   (Album version)

Dec 15 1997

UK VIDEO - AN AUDIENCE WITH ELTON JOHN
91 minutes

An extended version of the show broadcast on UK TV on September 27 1997. More questions and answers, but no additional musical content. The "uncut, unbroadcastable video version" according to a sticker on the cover.

Dec 15 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Birmingham NEC, Birmingham

1. +Simple Life
2. +The One
3. +Grey Seal
4. +Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. +Honky Cat
6. +Sacrifice
7. +Tiny Dancer
8. +I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. +If The River Can Bend
10. +I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
11. +Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
12. +Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
13. +The Last Song
14. +Daniel
15. +Love's Got A Lot To Answer For
16. +Take Me To The Pilot
17. +Something About The Way You Look Tonight
18. +Made In England
19. +Believe
20. +Philadelphia Freedom
21. +Bennie And The Jets
22. +Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
23. +The Bitch Is Back
24. +Your Song

Read Giuseppe Caruso's review of the show, and the Birmingham audience.

Dec 16 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Birmingham NEC, Birmingham

Dec 19 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Wembley Arena, London

Dec 20 1997

ENGLAND CONCERT - Wembley Arena, London

End of the short UK "Christmas" leg of The Big Picture Tour

Dec 1997

US MAGAZINE - Interview, January 1998 issue

Elton John is interviewed by Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys).

1997

CD - A Gift From Lalique - Elton John & Larry Adler

1. Someone To Watch Over Me - Elton John & Larry Adler

A special promotional CD recorded and issued to commemorate Lalique's production of Elton John's charity angels.

Missing Events

Some things that never happened, even though they were planned and announced

Sep 23 1997

US CD SINGLE

1. Something About the Way You Look Tonight (edit)
2. Candle In The Wind 1997
3. *I Know Why I'm In Love

US status of this release is unknown at this time but it looks like this one won't be issued.

Oct 10 1997

US TV - Good Morning America (ABC network)

This appearance didn't happen.

Dec 1 1997

US & UK CD - Diana: Queen Of Hearts (Various Artists)
"Official" Diana Tribute Album, to be released by Richard Branson's Virgin Records label. Supposedly brings together her favourite recording artitsts.

Contrary to early reports, there will be no Elton John involvement with this project.