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Taron Egerton as Elton John in Rocketman

Saw Rocketman on opening day May 31st. It was touching, but maybe because we are old and listened to Elton John from the beginning.

Jan, pregnant with our daughter, Rebecca, and I were at Elton’s concert at Chicago Stadium in late 1974. In the movie, Elton describes this time as the worst of his addictions and despair. 

Because we knew a roadie, we sat behind the stage and were backstage when it ended. While the audience was yelling for more, Elton ran past us and jumped into an idling limo. Still wearing his glitter costume and glasses, toweling his visible sweat, he roared off. Elton had left the building. He was well on his way to his hotel or jet before the fans quieted and the lights went on. 

1974 Elton John Band Tour (courtesy of eltonjohn.com)

Forty-five years later, long sober, married and a father, Elton approved and participated in the making of Rocketman. Not surprisingly, books are born to celebrate and take advantage of the event. Below are some of them–all published or to be published in 2019. Be warned, we don’t carry all of them. We can get most of them for you when they become available.

  • Rocketman: The Official Movie Companion | 9781681884790 (pub date 5/19)
  • Elton John by O’Neill: The Definitive Portrait with Unseen Images | (pub date 11/19
  • Elton John: Fifty Years On: The Complete Guide to the Musical Genius of Elton John and Bernie Taupin | 9781642933277 (pub date 10/19)
  • Me by Elton John | 9781250147608 (pub date 10/19)
  • Elton John: Rocket Man | 9781454934523 (pub date 10/19)
  • Elton John in the 1970s: Every Album, Every Song | 9781789520347 (pub date 10/19)
  • Elton John FAQ | 9781617136504 (pub date 7/19)
  • Elton John: This One’s for You | 9781912332465 (pub date 6/19)
  • I Love Elton John More Than Chocolate (Or About the Same, Which Is A Lot!) | 9781070292878 $7.99 (pub date 5/19)
  • Elton John: Count the Headlights on the Highway… (Fans Have Their Say #7) | 9781099769238 $9.99 (pub date 5/19)
  • Two Days That Rocked the World: Elton John Live at Dodger Stadium: Photographs | 9781788840583 (pub date 5/19)
  • Too Busy Listening To Elton John: Fan Novelty Notebook | 9781096712923 (pub date 5/19)
  • Marc Bolan, Elton John and the Beatles! | 9780368563461 (pub date 4/19)
  • Elton John: The Biography | 9780233005515 (pub date (4/19)
  • Music Has Healing Powers (Elton), Paper Notebook, Blank Sheet Music | 9781091680296 (pub date 3/19)
  • Elton John for Singers: With Piano Accompaniment | 9781540029492 (pub date 1/19)
  • Too Busy Listening To Elton John: Fan Novelty Notebook | 9781096712923 (pub date 5/19)
  • Marc Bolan, Elton John and the Beatles! | 9780368563461 $23.99 (pub date 4/19)
  • Elton John: The Biography | 9780233005515 (pub date (4/19)
Don Barliant is the president and co-owner of Barbara's Bookstores.