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Elton John: Captain Fantastic on the Yellow Brick Road
A beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star, Elton John 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 75 (2022), veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar provides a unique examination of Elton’s life and career through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events —from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough album 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 Elton’s
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.
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 75 (2022), veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar provides a unique examination of Elton’s life and career through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events —from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough album 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 Elton’s
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.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2024
About the author
Gillian G. Gaar
43 books50 followersI write regularly about music, entertainment, and travel. I enjoy taking pictures for my articles and books as well. My very first book was "She's A Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll," first published in 1992, and updated in 2002; Yoko Ono wrote the book's preface, and it still gives me a thrill to see her name on the cover. Other areas of expertise include Nirvana, the Beatles, and Elvis, all of whom I've written books about. I've also written for a variety of publications around the world, including Mojo, Rolling Stone, Goldmine (where I had regular Beatles and Elvis columns), and many others. I was also a senior editor at legendary Seattle music publication "The Rocket."
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 1, 2024
I’ve been a big fan of Elton John since the early 1970s. My elder brother bought a copy of his album Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player and played it continually in our house. He then added Madman Across the Water and I was completely hooked, this becoming my favourite album of all time – by anybody! I subsequently added other albums to the family collection, in fact all Elton's albums up to and including the biographical Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. Keep in mind that in the the first half of the 1970s Elton was releasing a new album at roughly six-monthly intervals. After captain Fantastic I admit that I somewhat neglected EJ for a period; his music had diversified somewhat as he explored a new writing partnership and he lost me for a bit. I was to return again later, re-listening to the early albums, though I never did invest in his work from 1976 onwards, with the exception of the excellent Songs from the West Coast (2001).
This book details Elton’s rise to fame, explores his early life, his fledgling career and walks us through each album (complete with critique) and then practically every major event in his life to date. It’s comprehensive, up to date and has loads of photos to supplement the text. I found that there’s a great deal I didn’t previously know about the singer/song writer, for instance: that he’d been a session player on Tom Jones’s Delilah and also the Hollies track He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and that an album called Reg Dwight’s Piano Goes Pop was once release in which he sings covers of songs by artists such as Mungo Jerry and Canned Heat.
If I had to find something to criticise, it would be that I don’t agree with some of the thoughts here on the merits of a number of Elton’s albums and also that I found the writing a little ‘dry’. In addition, I noted that a reference to the song Tiny Dancer states that Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics to recount the time he met his first wife - something he refutes in his own memoire Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me. But I know that this is nitpicking, this book really is as comprehensive a study of the man and his work as I’ve come across and the collection of photos here really are fantastic. This book would make a fabulous addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of any Elton John fan.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book details Elton’s rise to fame, explores his early life, his fledgling career and walks us through each album (complete with critique) and then practically every major event in his life to date. It’s comprehensive, up to date and has loads of photos to supplement the text. I found that there’s a great deal I didn’t previously know about the singer/song writer, for instance: that he’d been a session player on Tom Jones’s Delilah and also the Hollies track He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and that an album called Reg Dwight’s Piano Goes Pop was once release in which he sings covers of songs by artists such as Mungo Jerry and Canned Heat.
If I had to find something to criticise, it would be that I don’t agree with some of the thoughts here on the merits of a number of Elton’s albums and also that I found the writing a little ‘dry’. In addition, I noted that a reference to the song Tiny Dancer states that Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics to recount the time he met his first wife - something he refutes in his own memoire Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me. But I know that this is nitpicking, this book really is as comprehensive a study of the man and his work as I’ve come across and the collection of photos here really are fantastic. This book would make a fabulous addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of any Elton John fan.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2023
This is a very nice photographic biography following Elton John and his career.
The information covers roughly 1947 - present day.
I really appreciated this book, mainly because of the beautiful photography. Almost, if not every page has pictures that are relevant, adding depth to the content. I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review, but I also think I am going to purchase this for my library as well.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and Motorbooks, this book was a good find!
The information covers roughly 1947 - present day.
I really appreciated this book, mainly because of the beautiful photography. Almost, if not every page has pictures that are relevant, adding depth to the content. I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review, but I also think I am going to purchase this for my library as well.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and Motorbooks, this book was a good find!
December 29, 2023
A spectacular tribute book to Elton John, with fabulous photos, engaging text, and a stunning compilation of his music. I learned so much about this fav musician and recommend it highly to other fans and those who want to know more about this legend.
January 25, 2024
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.
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.
December 28, 2023
Wonderful chronological overview of the life of Elton John. The photos are the highlight. The information is general and informative. It says when it is drawing from Elton’s words (book or interviews) but other times I’m unclear on the sources used. This is great if you are a fan of Elton and want a display book for your shelf or coffee table. It is the kind of book to be enjoyed by looking through pages and finding your favorite memories of him.
December 17, 2023
Fabulous retrospective looking back on the truly impressive career of one of my favorite performers. It included so many little stories and photographs I've never read or seen before. A real gem of a gift for any ultimate Elton John fan. Highly recommend!!!
February 28, 2024
A journey through the life and musical career of Sir Elton John, whose music I have loved for years…from his email childhood days to the birth of his name…and so much more.
I recommend this biography to lovers of Elton John and his music.
I recommend this biography to lovers of Elton John and his music.
February 8, 2024
This book was absolutely lovely! I wasn't sure what to expect. After reading Taupin's book of late last year, I was a bit leery that this might ruin what I consider to be some of the music that got me through my teen years. I was the person running to the store on release day to buy that EJ album and I still listen to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road on the regular.
I loved the format of this book. Short descriptive segments framed with some amazing photographs through the years. I think I loved the artwork the most, as it brought me back to the 70's when life was full of a promise for the future. I started reading this and didn't put it down until the very end. I read it cover to cover and I'm still thinking about it the next day. There were even some lovely tidbits of info that were new to me, which I also enjoyed.
This is a wonderful telling of Elton John's life story. While it focuses mostly on the musical side, there are some personal moments here that round out the picture of the man who gifted us with so much entertainment. I recommend this to new and old Elton John fans. It's a definite keeper for your personal library.
I loved the format of this book. Short descriptive segments framed with some amazing photographs through the years. I think I loved the artwork the most, as it brought me back to the 70's when life was full of a promise for the future. I started reading this and didn't put it down until the very end. I read it cover to cover and I'm still thinking about it the next day. There were even some lovely tidbits of info that were new to me, which I also enjoyed.
This is a wonderful telling of Elton John's life story. While it focuses mostly on the musical side, there are some personal moments here that round out the picture of the man who gifted us with so much entertainment. I recommend this to new and old Elton John fans. It's a definite keeper for your personal library.
December 29, 2023
5 stars!!
I mean, who doesn't love Elton John?! This book gave me a deeper understanding of the man and the music. I didn't think it was possible to love him more than I did, but after this book, I do.
The pictures are AMAZING.
It gave me some fun tidbits of knowledge ("Your Song" was written in 30 minutes?! "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" was his FIRST UK #1 single?!) I got to learn so much more about him and Bernie's relationship and how they came together (they lived with Elton's family?!) and his friendship with John Lennon and Freddie Mercury. I got to see pictures of his concert in Dodger Stadium (I went to his farewell concert at Dodger Stadium last year and loved it) and I had no idea he was behind Billy Elliot! My favorite Carpool Karaoke even made the cut in the book!
If you love Elton and want to see some amazing pictures and pick up some random facts this is where to do it.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks, Motorbooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I mean, who doesn't love Elton John?! This book gave me a deeper understanding of the man and the music. I didn't think it was possible to love him more than I did, but after this book, I do.
The pictures are AMAZING.
It gave me some fun tidbits of knowledge ("Your Song" was written in 30 minutes?! "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" was his FIRST UK #1 single?!) I got to learn so much more about him and Bernie's relationship and how they came together (they lived with Elton's family?!) and his friendship with John Lennon and Freddie Mercury. I got to see pictures of his concert in Dodger Stadium (I went to his farewell concert at Dodger Stadium last year and loved it) and I had no idea he was behind Billy Elliot! My favorite Carpool Karaoke even made the cut in the book!
If you love Elton and want to see some amazing pictures and pick up some random facts this is where to do it.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks, Motorbooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 9, 2024
I am a huge fan of Elton John and loved the photos and writing in this book. Given that his career has spanned almost 60 years (starting in 1965 with his first record release!) no book can ever cover it all. This book focuses on 75 key moments. The book is divided into 5 parts - the first part covering his birth up until 1970 and then divides the other parts into significant years of his career. We learn about his musical influences (his parents who loved music, Winifred Atwell, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, among others). There is a beautiful visual timeline of his life and career. We learn about the making of each of his albums, concerts, and collaborations with others. I also learned new things (like him being offered a part in a Hal Ashby movie - which I won't name since I don't want to spoil it). This book is well-researched and has beautiful visuals throughout.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.
February 29, 2024
For as long as I can remember, I've said that my favorite artist is Elton John. So when I saw this title on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it. Falling somewhere between a memoir and a coffee table tome, this book contains a mixture of writing--mostly dates, facts, and objective information about Elton's career, with a smattering of anecdotes and quotes from his contemporaries--and photographs of Elton's childhood, his tours, his evolving fashion, promotional posters, and memorabilia.
While the beginning of the book is a little dry and feels more like a list of gathered biographical facts, it becomes increasingly more engaging towards the middle and latter half of the book. Despite the fact that I consider myself to be an avid Elton John fan, I learned quite a lot from the pages of this book, and it inspired me to listen to some albums and singles that I had either previously dismissed or had never listened to before.
Thank you to NetGalley for my digital copy.
While the beginning of the book is a little dry and feels more like a list of gathered biographical facts, it becomes increasingly more engaging towards the middle and latter half of the book. Despite the fact that I consider myself to be an avid Elton John fan, I learned quite a lot from the pages of this book, and it inspired me to listen to some albums and singles that I had either previously dismissed or had never listened to before.
Thank you to NetGalley for my digital copy.
March 11, 2024
Elton John, Captain Fantastic on the Yellow Brick Road by Gillian G. Gaar is a wonderful book and is a beautifully colourful throughout celebrating of the iconic and beloved rock star, Sir Elton John which features his life, live onstage and candid offstage photography etc. It is beautifully illustrated on every page.
It was a joy too read and it's a wonderful book to have especially if you are a fan of this brilliant performer.
A fitting tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing a copy of this book
It was a joy too read and it's a wonderful book to have especially if you are a fan of this brilliant performer.
A fitting tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing a copy of this book
December 31, 2023
I love Elton John. I saw his farewell tour prior to the pandemic and it absolutely blew me away. This book covers Elton's live and career with each page filled with wonderful information and lots of photos. A lot of the photos I have seen, but there were others that were completely new to me. I have read Elton's book so I already knew a lot of the information, but this was a nice refresher. This would be a wonderful coffee table book for any Elton John fan.
January 2, 2024
Gorgeous pictorial review of the life of Elton John with interesting stories and tidbits thrown in. Growing up an Elton John fan I enjoyed the antidotes behind some of my favorite songs and costumes.
This is a fun coffee table book or gift for the Elton John fan in your life.
This is a fun coffee table book or gift for the Elton John fan in your life.
February 19, 2024
A wonderful insight into the life of Elton John including both the ups and the downs. The photography is excellent and abundant throughout the book. When you see his life in chronological order you can really see what a roller coaster journey it has been for him, and his talent shines through. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2024
If you love Elton John and his music, you'll love this book!
I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/Motorbooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was released 30 Jan 2024.
I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/Motorbooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was released 30 Jan 2024.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews