The Yellow Brick Road Mob Feature: 1974

Elton's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Team Spotlight

Published in the UK on January 1, 1974, Music Scene Magazine’s three-page feature “The Yellow Brick Road Mob” celebrated Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road as one of the finest albums of the year and noted the tour’s finale at Hammersmith Odeon, which ended with scenes of jubilation and delight akin to the relief of Mafeking. The article described Elton as happy, but focused on the key contributors to the show: lyricist Bernie Taupin and guitarist Davey Johnstone. It emphasized that while Elton is show-biz glamour and entertainment, he is also a musician of rare quality, with the final effect achieved by blending his talents with others. On record (if not always on stage), they are all stars — Elton is just first among equals.

Article Text Excerpt

Elton John-Star

The world is now aware that "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is one of the finest albums of the year and the tour which followed its release is coming to an end in a few days down at the Hammersmith Odeon after scenes of jubilation and delight akin to those that greeted the relief of Mafeking. So Elton John is happy. But what about the others who make up the show. Well two in particular stand out. Bernie Taupin who writes the words for Elton's songs, and Davey Johnstone whose skill on guitar and banjo is an integral part of their performance. Elton is Show-biz glamour and entertainment, but he's also a musician of rare quality, and the final effect he achieves comes from blending his own talents with those of others. On record, if not on stage, they are all stars, Elton is just first among equals.