[crowd cheering]
[exhales]
How long is this gonna take?
[woman] That's really up to you.
Right, then.
I know how this bit goes.
My name is Elton Hercules John...
and I'm an alcoholic.
And a cocaine addict.
And a sex addict.
And a bulimic.
I'm also a shopaholic, who has problems with weed... prescription dr*gs...
and anger management.
Why are you here now?
Well, my dealer was out of town.
I thought this seemed like a good alternative.
I'm here because I want to get better.
What were you like as a child, Elton?
As a child?
[bicycle bell rings]
♪ I was justified When I was five ♪
♪ Raising Cain I'll spit in your eye ♪
♪ Times are changing Now the poor get fat ♪
♪ But the fever's Gonna catch you When the bitch gets back ♪
♪ Eat meat on a Friday ♪
♪ That's all right ♪ ♪ That's all right ♪
♪ Even like steak On a Saturday night ♪
♪ Saturday night ♪
♪ I can bitch the best At your social dos ♪
♪ Social dos ♪
♪ I get high in the evening Sniffing pots of glue ♪
[children cheering]
♪ I'm a bitch, I'm a bitch Oh, the bitch is back! ♪
♪ Stone-cold sober As a matter of fact ♪
♪ I can bitch, I can bitch 'Cause I'm better than you ♪
♪ It's the way that I move The things that I do ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪ Reggie! You're late!
I've had to throw your dinner in the bin! Get inside.
[radio: orchestral music]
Is he back?
What am I? Thin air?
Wouldn't get your hopes up.
He's very unreliable and very selfish.
But will you send him up if I'm already in bed?
Reggie! Move!
Got to get this done before I go out.
All right, all done.
[woman] Put it away before you go out.
Mum, I've got to go.
Where's my cardigan?
[music continues]
What? Did I do something wrong?
Bloody hell, Sheila.
Maybe we should get him some lessons.
Love to. Get him out from under my feet.
Go on, play it again.
[Reggie] I want to play it for Dad.
[door opens]
Managed to drag yourself home then.
Hello, Stanley. How are you, Ivy?
[Sheila] Like you care.
Come on. You're letting in a draft.
[door closes]
How long you back?
I've got a couple of weeks' leave.
Reggie's not long gone to bed.
Go on. Pop up, say hello.
I'll see him tomorrow.
Any dinner left?
Or have you fed it all to that boy?
My dad was passionate about... family and music.
He'd talk for hours about jazz.
He was always hugging me.
I was very lucky.
[horns clatter]
I was actually a very happy child.
[puffs]
Dad, is it true you play piano?
I'm saving to get lessons.
If you want to sit in here, you'll have to be quiet.
[record player: jazz music] I'm listening to my music.
I like this one, Dad.
Never, ever touch my collection without asking.
When are you going to hug me?
Don't be soft.
What are you still doing up?
Learning.
Turn off the light. Go to sleep.
[orchestral music playing]
[music continues]
[playing "Rocket Man" on piano]
Crumbs! That was energetic! [chuckles]
Play another one.
The "Moonlight Sonata," Reggie.
Mum? My piano teacher thinks I'm good enough for a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music.
The Royal Academy of Music?
[laughs] It has a nice ring to it.
"Royal."
Scissors.
What do you think? The red one's good.
It's only on Saturdays. I've things to do on weekends.
Can't just drop everything. I'll take you.
Where are you off to? Don't know.
Haven't decided yet.
But whatever it is, you're not invited.
Reggie's piano teacher thinks he's good enough for a scholarship.
Really?
You think he's got that kind of talent?
[Sheila] Of course, he has. But you'd know that if you took the slightest bit of interest in me or this family.
[kissing]
[door opens]
[door closes]
Stop looking at that. You're not a girl.
[siren wailing in distance]
Can we go home? Home? No going home.
This is your life.
You have to get over that silly shyness.
But Mum says I'll never...
Everybody's frightened at the beginning.
You play at being confident.
Life gives you very few chances, Reggie, and this is one of yours.
You show 'em you can be as good as they are.
Better. Number one. You can do that, can't you?
Yeah, I suppose. Good. Go on then. Here.
Here's for a bag of chips and your bus fare home.
[playing "Rondo Alla Turca"]
[music stops]
Reginald Dwight?
[Reggie] Yes. Hi. How do you do?
Good, thank you.
[woman] Take your coat off.
Did you not bring something to play?
Didn't know I had to.
I see. Well...
So, can you show me anything so I can get a sense of where you're up to?
[playing "Turco Alla Ronda"]
[stops playing]
Why have you stopped?
That's as far as you got.
You might have a good memory, and a good ear, but you've an awful lot of work to do.
So, wrists and back straight.
Let's start with the C-major scale, both hands, two octaves.
[playing scale]
[Stanley] Hands off the table, Reginald. Stop making that noise.
What you looking at me for?
[match strikes, flares]
♪ I want love ♪
♪ But it's impossible ♪
♪ A man like him ♪
♪ So irresponsible ♪
♪ A man like him ♪
♪ Is dead in places ♪
♪ Other men feel liberated ♪
♪ I can't love ♪
♪ sh*t full of holes ♪
♪ Don't feel nothing ♪
♪ I just feel cold ♪
♪ Don't feel nothing ♪
[Sheila] ♪ Just old scars ♪
♪ Toughening up ♪
♪ Around my heart ♪
♪ I want love ♪
♪ On my own terms ♪
♪ After everything I have learned ♪
♪ Me, I carry too much baggage ♪
♪ Oh, God, I've seen ♪
♪ So much traffic ♪
♪ But I want love ♪
♪ Just a different kind ♪
♪ I want love ♪ ♪ Won't break me down ♪
[all] ♪ Won't brick me up Won't fence me in ♪
♪ I want a love That'll mean something ♪
♪ That's the love I want ♪
♪ I want love ♪
[couple moans, laughing]
[laughs] [man] Oh, yeah.
Boy... There's a boy there.
Reggie. What you doing?
Hello, son. I'm Fred. I'm a friend of your mum's.
[Stanley] You tied me down with that kid years ago, and now I've finally got a reason to leave and be rid of you and this bloody house!
[door slams]
He didn't even give me a hug goodbye.
He's no good at showing affection.
Never has been.
I wish I was someone else. Oh, don't be silly.
Well, how do you think I felt?
I was a kid.
Heartbroken.
People don't care though, do they?
Anyway...
I'd discovered records.
And rock 'n' roll.
["Blue Suede Shoes" playing]
[Sheila] I know you like him. He's quite a dish.
[Ivy] I would. Oh, Mum!
Thanks, Mum. It's fantastic.
You serious about wanting to be a rock 'n' roller?
Yeah. Of course.
Better get you the proper haircut, eh?
Can I get it cut like Elvis? Enjoy it while it lasts.
He's like my side of the family.
He'll be bald as an egg by the time he's 20.
[classical music playing]
[man] Congratulations to Dave. He's won four pork chops, half a pound of prime mince and a string of sausages.
[cheering] Thank you all! Thank you!
Now, Sheila and Fred's boy is gonna sing us a couple of songs on the piano.
Reggie Dwight!
[applause] [Fred] Come on, Reg!
[man 2] Go on, boy.
Hello. [microphone feeds back]
Bloody hell. Have you got a f*g?
[playing classical music]
Rubbish!
Reg, Reg, play the one I like.
Excuse me.
You can't put that there. Why not?
It'll get knocked off.
[slides finger on keys]
♪ It's getting late Have you seen my mates? ♪
♪ Ma, tell me When the boys get here ♪
♪ It's seven o'clock And I wanna rock ♪
♪ Wanna get a belly Full of beer ♪
♪ My old man's drunker Than a barrel full of monkeys ♪
♪ And my old lady She don't care ♪
♪ My sister looks cute In her braces and boots ♪
♪ A handful of grease In her hair ♪
♪ Don't give us none Of your aggravation ♪
♪ We've had it With your discipline ♪
♪ 'Cause Saturday night's Alright for fighting ♪
♪ Get a little action in ♪
♪ Get about as oiled As a diesel train ♪
♪ Gonna set this dance alight ♪
♪ 'Cause Saturday night's The night I like ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright Alright, alright! ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ Hey!
♪ Well, they're packed Pretty tight in here tonight ♪
♪ I'm looking for a dolly Who'll see me right ♪
♪ I may use a little muscle To get what I need ♪
♪ I may sink a little drink And shout out "She's with me!" ♪
♪ A couple of the sounds That I really like ♪
♪ Are the sounds of A switchblade And a motorbike ♪
♪ I'm a juvenile product Of the working class ♪
♪ Whose best friend floats At the bottom of a glass ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright ♪
Fight!
♪ Don't give us none Of your aggravation ♪
♪ We've had it With your discipline ♪
♪ 'Cause Saturday night's Alright for fighting ♪
♪ Get a little action in ♪
♪ Get about as oiled As a diesel train ♪
♪ Gonna set this dance alight ♪
♪ 'Cause Saturday night's The night I like ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright Alright, alright! ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright ♪
[cheers, applause]
[Fred] Here you go, Dave.
They won't bite. Have a word.
Good show tonight, boys.
You look like you know how to enjoy yourselves.
How'd you like to make two quid a week?
Each.
Go on.
I'm a soul promoter.
And I've got two new American acts doing a tour of England, and they all need backup.
I'll need to know by tomorrow, lunchtime.
[soul music playing]
♪ Like a madman I'm walking the morning ♪
♪ Headin' for the walls Of heartache ♪
♪ Working every day ♪ ♪ Bringing home the pay ♪
♪ Of heartbreak ♪
♪ You are gone And the walls get higher ♪
♪ They are built On the tears I'm crying ♪
♪ Oh, I've got To bring it back ♪
♪ I'm workin' Till the day I'm dyin' Oh, yeah ♪
♪ Breaking down the walls Of heartbreak ♪ ♪ Take it down, take it down ♪
♪ Breaking down The walls of heartache ♪
♪ Rip at 'em Rip and tear them down ♪ So how does a fat boy from Pinner... with glasses, called Reggie Dwight... get to be a soul man, then, eh?
Write some songs.
♪ And your face Is there before me ♪
♪ Writing words of no tomorrow ♪
♪ Your letter of goodbye Is written on the walls Of sorrow ♪ I'm a skinny black kid... from Detroit... whose real name is Rodney Jones.
And I played roadside joints for ten years... before I realized what I had to do.
What, change your name?
It's not just your name.
You gotta k*ll the person you were born to be in order to become the person you wanna be.
♪ I got to tear down All the loneliness and tears ♪
♪ And build you up A house of love ♪
♪ Breaking down The walls of heartache ♪ [cheers, applause]
♪ Watch me, baby ♪
♪ Breaking down The walls of heartache ♪
[woman vocalizing] ♪ Breaking down the walls Of heartache ♪
♪ Brick by brick I tear it down ♪ Have a good show.
♪ Breaking down the walls Of heartache ♪
[song ends] [cheers, applause]
[urinating]
[man] It's on me hands.
Watch that, mate.
Elton? Yeah?
I'm thinking of changing my name.
[Elton] Yeah, great.
I'm thinking of changing it to Elton Dean.
But that's my name.
Yeah, I know. What do you think?
I think, f*ck off!
Right.
♪ And thank you For all of your loving ♪
♪ Thank you For all of your tears ♪
♪ Thank you for all Of your kindness ♪ Piano players I've got. Ten a penny, mate.
I sing, too.
What sort of stuff?
Well, anything.
Rock, soul, country and western.
Bloody hell, I'm gonna sh**t the next piano player who sings "Streets of Laredo."
Uh, well, I write stuff, too.
[playing "Candle in the Wind"]
[stops playing]
That was good. I mean, it could do with some words.
Yeah. That's the part I struggle with.
What's it called?
Oh, no, I just made that up.
Just now?
What did you say your name was again?
Elton.
Elton? Mmm.
Elton what?
John.
Elton John.
[door opens]
What are you doing in my office?
Just taking a meeting.
I'll make you a cup of tea then, shall I... boss?
[door closes]
[chuckles] All right, Elton John the piano player.
Thank you so much for coming in.
Leave your details on your way... Please, Mr. Williams.
Give me a chance.
[exhales] Um... all right.
See if there's anything interesting in this one and set it to music.
Okay. Well, I'll see you soon.
Thank you for coming in. Will I hear from you, or...
We'll be in touch. We'll be in touch. Thank you.
Okay. Thanks so much for your time.
No worries. Come on.
[waitress] One frothy coffee, no froth.
Thanks. We close in an hour.
Bernie Taupin? Yeah. You must be Elton?
Yeah. Hi.
Well, that's my stage name.
You can tell me your real name when we get to know each other better.
Right.
Uh... Um...
[Elton] I was thinking... Sorry. [Bernie] Have you ever... Sorry.
No, no, please. After you.
I like your lyrics. Thank you.
Yeah, I got the tape you sent. It's great.
Really good. Thanks.
Hang on. Don't bother with that one. That wasn't supposed to be in there.
That's sent by mistake. No, no, that's really good.
I wrote a tune to it.
Yeah, I... "Border Song"?
Yeah. I read it and I could hear the whole tune in my head.
It was all there, I could see all the notes, and I just had to get it out.
It was like my fingers couldn't work fast enough to keep up with my brain.
Do you ever get anything like that?
Uh... not really, no.
But I can write more for you, though, Elton.
I'll just send them down to you. Great. That'll be good.
Great.
My real name's Reg Dwight.
Cool. Yeah, that sounds like a cowboy name.
Yeah, all I ever...
All I ever wanted to be was a cowboy, you see.
Do you like country and western music?
Yeah. It's good, isn't it?
Have you heard "Streets of Laredo" by Marty Robbins?
Mmm. [Bernie exhales]
That's good.
♪ As I walked out In the streets of Laredo ♪
♪ As I walked out In Laredo one day ♪
♪ I spied a poor cowboy... ♪ [laughs]
♪ Wrapped in white linen ♪
♪ Wrapped in white linen As cold as the clay ♪ It's a good song. It is good.
[together] ♪ I can see by your outfit ♪
♪ That you are a cowboy ♪
♪ These words he did say As I boldly walked by ♪
♪ Come sit down beside me And hear my sad story ♪
♪ Got sh*t in the breast And I know I must die ♪ Good. Yeah.
Good song. Yeah, good song.
Well, anyway, all of these are great.
♪ Holy Moses I have been removed ♪
♪ I have seen the spectre ♪
♪ He has been here too ♪
[laughing]
♪ Distant cousin From down the line ♪
♪ Brand of people Who ain't my kind ♪
♪ Holy Moses I have been removed ♪
♪ Holy Moses ♪
♪ Let us live in peace ♪
♪ Let us strive to find a way ♪
♪ To make all hatred cease ♪
♪ There's a man over there ♪
♪ What's his color? I don't care ♪
♪ He's my brother ♪
♪ Let us live in peace ♪
♪ He's my brother ♪
♪ Let us live in peace, oh ♪
♪ He's my brother ♪
♪ Let us live Let us live in peace ♪ Am I supposed to be impressed? It's catchy, d*ck.
These guys are special. I've got an instinct for these things.
All right, don't break your neck sucking your own cock.
Maybe we could put these two into a little b*at combo.
He's the good-looking one. We'll make him the singer.
Oh, no, hold on. I'm tone-deaf. Elton is... He sings the songs.
Yeah, I could just take those songs and leave, if you like.
Whoa, all right, no offense. Don't get your knickers in a twist.
They are writing a lot of great tunes, d*ck.
There is one that's perfect for Lulu.
Easy, tiger.
You... You flatmates?
No, we live with our mums.
So I do the writing, I send it down to him, and then he adds the music.
Who ever heard of songwriters not living together?
Yes, Lennon and McCartney are inseparable.
How many songs you got? Um, hundreds.
Play another one.
All right.
♪ Daniel is traveling tonight On a plane ♪ Depressing. Another one.
♪ And I guess that's why They call it the blues ♪ What the f*ck's that about?
♪ Down on my... ♪
♪ Guess there are Times like these ♪
♪ When we all need To share a little... ♪ What, are you taking the piss?
Sounds like 99% of 'em are sh*t!
It's the one percent I'm interested in.
Ray says you're an investment.
But Ray knows f*ck all.
You're a couple of pricks as far as I can tell.
So quit that backing-band nonsense, find a place to work together, and write me tunes that gray-haired old tramps'll whistle in the street.
You never know.
One day, you might have enough for an album.
Do that, and I'll put you on ten quid a week.
["Rock and Roll Madonna" playing]
♪ If anyone should see me Makin' it down the highway ♪
♪ Breakin' all the laws Of the land ♪
♪ Don't you try to stop me ♪
[woman laughs] My wonderful new lodgers!
They're struggling rock stars. Hello. I'm Bernie.
[man laughs]
Who ever heard of a rock star with the name Bernie?
Lovely.
So what are your plans now... Elton?
[exhales] Not too sure.
Written a lot of songs, haven't we? Enough for an album.
[Bernie] And Elton's got himself a girlfriend now.
Arabella, our new landlady. Yep.
So what about rock 'n' roll?
What about hot chicks and cocaine orgies?
What about fame and fortune?
What about the fact that you're a f*g?
A what?
Your little friend is a h*m*.
No, I've got a girlfriend.
When's that ever stopped anybody? [laughing]
Are you?
Don't know.
Would it matter if I was, Bernie?
No, not to me.
Might matter to Arabella, though.
[laughing]
Yeah, mate, I'd agree on that. Have you met her?
f*ck.
♪ That's my rock-and-roll Madonna ♪
[clatter]
[Bernie] Sorry.
[whispering] Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Bernie... Okay. Sorry.
[clatter]
Shh! You, shh!
You, shh! Bins everywhere.
No, no, Bernie. What?
What is it now?
What am I gonna do?
You're going to tell her.
It'll break her heart.
Not sure she has one.
[laughing] Would you please keep the noise down?
You'll wake up the whole bloody street! [dogs barking in distance]
Come on. Yeah.
[Bernie] There's so much that we gotta do. There's worlds to conquer.
I mean, America. Wide open spaces.
Tower Records.
Listen, the songs are great.
And people keep asking. They're, like, "Who's that singing on the demos?" And I...
You are a sh*t-hot piano player, you have an amazing voice, and I'm telling you, there is something special that happens... when you sing our songs.
You heard what d*ck said. He said my hands are like midget boxers.
Who cares what d*ck thinks.
I just don't know if I'm... what they're looking for.
It's time for you to be out front.
I love you, man.
I do, but... not in that way.
[pats leg] Yeah.
[Arabella] Elton, time for bed.
We became inseparable after that.
The brother I never had.
Do you know, in 20 years, we have never had a single argument. Not once.
Anyway, I took his advice, told Arabella.
She took it very well, actually.
[Arabella] You bastard!
She's k*lled my piano.
You treacherous beast!
Your music's as shitty as you are!
Hi, Mum.
[chuckles] I knew you'd be back.
You'll have to pay rent. I'm not made of money.
[Elton] Morning. Good morning.
Get dressed, Reggie! Elton.
I'm not having you moping around here all day.
We're songwriting.
[Fred] Oh, yeah? Looks like it's going well.
[Sheila] Right. I will not have a mess in this house.
It's nice and tidy, and that's how I want it to stay.
I'll not have a doss house around here.
I can't do everything. I can't cook and clean and wash.
Rely upon me to do everything. It's not fair.
There's egg on this.
I'd better go take a shave, I think.
[Bernie] Thanks for breakfast.
[chords ring out]
[sighs] [Elton playing downstairs]
♪ Feeling... In G ♪
[vocalizing]
♪ It's a little bit funny ♪
♪ This feeling inside ♪
♪ I'm not one of those who can ♪
♪ Easily hide ♪
♪ I don't have much money, but ♪
♪ Boy, if I did ♪
♪ I'd buy a big house where ♪
♪ We both could live ♪
♪ If I was a sculptor ♪
♪ But then again, no ♪
♪ Or a man Who makes potions in a ♪
♪ Traveling show ♪
♪ I know it's not much ♪
♪ But it's the best I can do ♪
♪ My gift is my song, and ♪
♪ This one's for you ♪
♪ So excuse me forgetting ♪
♪ But these things I do ♪
♪ You see, I've forgotten ♪
♪ If they're green Or they're blue ♪
♪ Anyway, the thing is ♪
♪ What I really mean ♪
♪ Yours are the sweetest eyes ♪
♪ I've ever seen ♪
♪ And you can tell everybody ♪
♪ This is your song ♪
♪ It may be quite simple, but ♪
♪ Now that it's done ♪
♪ I hope you don't mind I hope you don't mind ♪
♪ That I put down in words ♪
♪ How wonderful life is ♪
♪ While you're in the world ♪
♪ I hope you don't mind I hope you don't mind ♪
♪ That I put down in words ♪
♪ How wonderful life is ♪
♪ While you're in the world ♪
[song ends]
[exhales]
How was that?
[cork pops]
I love it. Best thing I've heard since "Let It Be."
Trans-f*cking-Atlantic!
Always knew you boys could do it.
First thing I'm gonna do is put you on a three-album deal.
Three? [d*ck] A year.
And I got you a couple of nights at the Troubadour.
Doug Weston's an old friend. Hang on. The Troubadour?
It's this really cool folk club in LA. Yeah, we know what it is, Ray.
Hang on. Now, let's not be hasty, because the thing is, I haven't even got a backing band yet.
No, I've sorted the backup band, don't worry.
d*ck, I don't wanna appear ungrateful, but you can't just spring the Troubadour on me.
Look, it's time to do something bold, Elton.
Granted, America's a bit of a gamble, and you f*ck up and I'll k*ll ya.
But Ray'll go, too. He'll keep an eye on you.
Buy yourself some new clothes. Get something flashy.
Let 'em know who you are.
Put on a great f*cking show, and just don't k*ll yourself with dr*gs.
[chuckles] Yeah?
Yeah, all right.
I'm gonna have a massage.
Mary?
♪ Lately I've been thinkin' ♪ I know.
Tower Records, Tower Records, Tower Records.
♪ Amoreena's in the cornfield ♪
♪ Brightenin' the daybreak ♪
♪ Livin' like a lusty flower ♪
♪ Runnin' through The grass for hours ♪
♪ Rollin' through the hay, oh ♪
[chattering]
♪ And when it rains The rain falls down ♪
♪ Washin' out the cattle town ♪ Friends of d*ck!
Good to see you, Doug.
Ray. [laughs]
How are you? So good to see you, man.
What'd you bring me?
Hey, Doug. Bernie. Nice to meet you.
Hi, Bernie. Good morning.
Hi. I'm Elton. Oh.
Sweet. How are you?
Monday night at the Troubadour, man. [laughs]
It's gonna blow your mind.
Be totally packed. You're gonna love it.
It's a bit different from what I expected.
[Doug] Yeah?
Yeah, it's just a bit smaller.
[Doug] Well, size is everything, my friend.
Neil Young played here last week and there were people lined around the block.
Man, it was just... It was the best night ever.
That's a cool hat. [Doug] Yeah?
You like it? I do like it, yeah.
I won that hat, in a bet. Oh.
With Bob Dylan. [voice cracks] Really?
Yeah. That's cool.
Elton. This is the band.
I'm just gonna check they know what they're doing.
[Doug] So, you want something to drink? Get these guys whatever they want.
They just flew in from England and, boy, their arms are tired.
Whoa, dude, what the hell are you wearing?
My stage gear.
Where's Reggie? Where's Reggie? Reggie, Reggie, Reggie.
Neil Diamond is at the bar. He's talking to Leon Russell and half the f*cking Beach Boys. Huh?
Jesus, sh*t, Bernie!
Reggie?
Elton. I think you're overreacting. No.
Bernie, you are under-reacting.
They are the geniuses of American music.
I can't go out there in front of that lot!
Okay, okay. Then we'll tell Doug to refund everyone's ticket, and we'll send everybody home. [Ray] Where is he?
Hey, Ray. You've signed a contract!
d*ck's paid your f*cking airfare!
Now get out there and play, you little twat.
Well, come on then.
[Doug] And now, ladies and gentlemen, a rising star in rock and roll.
Please welcome, all the way from London, England, Elton John.
[cheers, applause]
[muffled applause]
[muffled chatter, laughter]
[crowd cheering]
[vocalizing]
♪ I remember ♪
♪ When rock was young ♪
♪ Me and Suzie had ♪
♪ So much fun ♪
♪ Holding hands ♪
♪ And skimming stones ♪
♪ Had an old gold Chevy And a place of my own ♪
♪ But the biggest kick I ever got ♪
♪ Was doing a thing Called the Crocodile Rock ♪
♪ While the other kids Were rocking round the clock ♪
♪ We were hopping and bopping To the Crocodile Rock ♪
♪ Well, Crocodile Rocking Is something shocking ♪
♪ When your feet Just can't keep still ♪
♪ I never knew me a better time And I guess I never will ♪
♪ Oh, Lawdy Mama, Those Friday nights ♪ [cheering]
♪ When Suzie wore Her dresses tight ♪
♪ And the Crocodile Rocking Was out of sight ♪
[choir, faint] ♪ La, la-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La, la-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La, la-la-la-la-la ♪
[song continues]
♪ La, la-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪ One, two, three, four!
♪ La, la-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La, la-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la-la ♪ It was so good! You were brilliant. Thanks.
This is... This is Heather. Hi.
Hello. You were amazing!
Thank you.
All right. Enough of this bullshit.
Who wants to go to a party at Mama Cass's?
I'm so drunk, and Doug's just lent me his car.
["Crocodile Rock" continues]
[cheering]
[party guests chattering]
[exhales] How cool is this, man? Yeah, great.
Apparently Dylan's here somewhere.
Uh...
I'm gonna go to the teepee with Heather.
Really? All right. Yeah.
Okay.
You'll be all right, won't you? Yeah, of course.
Yeah, yeah.
So we still gonna go to Tower Records tomorrow, then?
Uh, well, she's talking about going to some place called Paradise Cove tomorrow.
But we'll go another time, though.
Yeah, of course. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Come on.
America, man.
Wide open spaces.
Beautiful girls.
It's a dream come true.
Cheers. [glasses clink]
Let's stay here forever.
[kisses]
[chattering]
♪ Blue jean baby ♪
♪ LA lady ♪
♪ Seamstress for the band ♪
♪ Pretty eyed ♪
♪ A pirate smile ♪
♪ You'll marry a music man ♪
♪ Ballerina ♪
♪ You must have seen her ♪
♪ Dancing in the sand ♪
♪ And now she's in me ♪
♪ Always with me ♪
♪ Tiny dancer in my hand ♪
[party guests chattering]
♪ But, oh How it feels so real ♪
♪ Lying here with no one near ♪
♪ And only you ♪
♪ And you can hear me ♪
♪ When I say softly ♪
♪ Slowly ♪
♪ Hold me closer, tiny dancer ♪
♪ Count the headlights On the highway ♪
♪ Lay me down In sheets of linen ♪
♪ You've had a busy day today ♪
♪ Hold me closer, tiny dancer ♪
♪ Count the headlights On the highway ♪
♪ Lay me down In sheets of linen ♪
♪ You've had a busy day today ♪
[chuckling]
Dom Perignon. '63. It's a good vintage.
Oh, no, thanks.
It's always important to rely on the kindness of strangers.
John Reid.
Elton.
I know it all seems a bit overwhelming at first, but something makes me think you'll get used to it.
In fact, I predict you could be the best-selling artist in America if you desire.
So you like the song then?
Not quite as much as the singer.
You don't realize what happened at the Troubadour tonight, do you?
Look, I'm in music management, and let me tell you, there are moments in a rock star's life that define who he is and how people perceive him as he ascends into the heavens.
You lit the blue touch paper.
Now we can all see you sh**ting light and color and... magic into the night sky.
Where there was darkness, there is now you.
Elton John.
You can do anything you want.
You can be anyone you want.
And it's gonna be a wild ride.
["Take Me to the Pilot" playing]
♪ If you feel that it's real I'm on trial ♪
♪ And I'm here in your prison ♪
♪ Like a coin in your mint ♪
♪ I am dented And I'm spent With high treason ♪
♪ Through a glass eye Your throne ♪
♪ Is the one danger zone ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot For control ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot Of your soul ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot Lead me through the chamber ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot I am but a stranger ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot Lead me through the chamber ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot I am but a stranger ♪
♪ Na-na-na, na-na-na ♪
♪ Na-na-na, na-na na-na-na ♪
♪ Na-na-na, na-na-na ♪
♪ Na-na-na, na-na na-na-na ♪
[cheering]
[song continues]
Our review from the LA Times has been syndicated.
Okay. Things are going crazy. I've extended our stay.
We're in San Francisco tomorrow for three nights.
Ray, slow down. After that we fly to NYC, then we're back here for two more shows, and then...
d*ck wants us back in London to start the new album.
Doug. [Doug] "Rejoice.
Rock music has a new star.
He's Englishman Elton John, a 23-year-old, whose debut at the Troubadour was, in every way, magnificent."
Whoo! [chuckles]
It's happening, guys.
Just remember, when you get back... four shows you owe me.
You said... [Doug] Four.
Did... You said four shows?
[Doug] Yes. [Ray] That's not gonna work!
So...
will I see you when I get back?
Now, don't worry about me. Go and enjoy your moment.
That's what's important. Come to London with me.
I can't, but, uh...
But next time I'm there, I'll look you up. Promise.
Hey, I've opened the f*cking house.
Don't be a bummer.
I'm gonna watch out front.
[cheering]
[crowd cheering, shouting]
Ah! I love 'em.
These are extremely stylish boots of my own design.
Can you even play the piano in those?
It's never gonna last. Well...
Let's just enjoy it while we can.
♪ That old tough-man routine Up her sleeves ♪
♪ Livin' and a-lovin' Kissin' and a-huggin' ♪
♪ Livin' and a-lovin' With a cat named Hercules ♪
♪ A cat named Hercules ♪
["Don't Go Breaking My Heart" playing]
[laughing]
♪ Don't go breaking my heart ♪
♪ You take the weight Off of me ♪
♪ But, honey, When you knock on my door ♪
♪ Ooh, I gave you my key ♪
[together] ♪ Ooh, nobody knows it ♪
♪ Nobody knows ♪ Afternoon.
John.
[Elton] ♪ When I was down ♪ [woman] ♪ I was your clown ♪
♪ Ooh ♪ Okay...
Guys, we're gonna stop there.
You all right, darling? Yeah, I'm fine.
Kiki, would you mind giving me five minutes?
[John] I'm gonna go in. [Ray] He's actually quite busy.
[door opens] [Elton] Thanks.
Nice job. [Kiki] Nice suit.
Hello.
What are you doing here? Business.
And I promised if I was ever in town, I'd look you up.
How long you staying?
Well, I'm not sure. That depends.
Don't make me beg. [chuckles]
[John] I've been hearing your songs everywhere.
Makes it very hard to stop thinking about you.
Really?
[switch clicks] Elton, what's going on?
Are we going again or shall we go for a pint?
Yeah, no, yeah, you should go for a pint.
[laughs]
What do you want, Elton?
[stammers] Dinner with you.
You're so humble, it's embarrassing.
A millionaire rock star who lives at home with his mum.
Things are serious now.
Be brave. Think big.
What do you really want?
["h*nky Cat" playing]
♪ When I look back ♪
♪ Boy, I must have been green ♪
♪ Bopping in the country ♪
♪ Fishing in a stream ♪
♪ Looking for an answer ♪
♪ Trying to find a sign ♪
♪ Until I saw your city lights ♪
♪ Honey, I was blind ♪
♪ They said get back h*nky cat! ♪
♪ Better get back to the woods ♪
♪ Well, I quit those days ♪
♪ And my redneck ways, and I ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh ♪
♪ Oh, the change Is gonna do me good! ♪
♪ You better get back h*nky cat! ♪
♪ Living in the city Ain't where it's at ♪
♪ It's like trying To find gold in a... ♪
♪ A silver mine ♪
♪ It's like trying To drink whiskey ♪
♪ Oh, from a bottle of wine! ♪
♪ Well, I read some books ♪
♪ And I read some magazines ♪
♪ About those High-class ladies ♪
♪ Down in New Orleans ♪
♪ And all the fools Back home, well ♪
♪ They said I was a fool ♪
♪ Oh, believe in the Lord Is the golden rule ♪
♪ They said Get back, h*nky cat! ♪
♪ Better get back to the woods ♪
♪ Well, I quit those days ♪
♪ And my redneck ways, and I ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh ♪
♪ Oh, the change Is gonna do me good! ♪ [cheering]
[song ends]
[John] No one's getting phased out, d*ck.
Elton feels things will run more smoothly if he has personal management.
There's never been a problem before. And there isn't one now.
Look, there's loads of work and commitments, tours, etcetera.
That's what I'll be doing, personal management.
Taking care of things. Is that right?
You realize I've got a contract with Elton.
I've had that looked into, and my client is quite entitled to take on outside representation.
That's what you think.
You f*cking poofter.
And you. You're happy with this arrangement, are ya?
Right?
After all these years?
It's nothing personal, d*ck.
Come on, Ray.
Best of luck to you, Elton.
Your very expensive painting is upside down.
After you, Mr. James. Thank you, Raymond.
[door closes] [Elton] Well... that was absolutely horrible.
Don't worry, it's business. d*ck's a big boy, he'll be fine.
Mr. Reid, Lord Grade's office have called about the Royal Variety Performance.
Apparently, the Queen Mother is a big fan.
Couldn't we have kept on Ray? He's such a lovely guy.
"Lovely guy" is not a job.
This is a crucial time, Elton.
You and I are gonna have to be more careful, 'cause the papers have been sniffing around.
We can't give them anything to speculate on.
I'm thinking of getting someone in as your girlfriend.
Doesn't that seem a bit excessive? No, no, no, no, no.
This is your career and our business at stake.
If our sleeping arrangements get out... all of this is gone. Right.
And you're gonna have to talk to your parents.
Make sure they know what to say.
Those are the first doors reporters knock on.
[groans]
[Stanley] Hello, Reg. [Elton] Hello, Dad.
Well, come on in.
Well, those are very fancy shoes.
Oh. Yeah.
I brought you something.
[clears throat]
Why are you here, Reg?
[door opens]
The boys. [door closes]
[faint chatter]
Dad, there's a Rolls-Royce outside.
Stephen, Geoff... this is your brother, Reggie.
Half brother.
Not actually called Reggie anymore.
Hmm.
I thought maybe once I'm back from touring, you and I could get together, if you like.
I could get you some tickets to my next concert.
Not really my thing.
Is it true you're worth 25 million pound?
Do you know, I don't actually know.
They're really proud of you. Mmm.
Yeah, we've even got some of your records.
Why don't you go and get the album? Grab us a pen.
You probably get asked this all the time, but would you...
Would you mind signing this?
Yeah, of course.
Oh, no. Would you make it out to Arthur?
He's one of the blokes from work.
Yeah, he's a big fan.
Is he? Mm-hmm.
Perfect.
[rubbing hands, sighs]
Right.
Well, looks like things worked out really well second time around, Dad.
I suppose they have. Mmm.
'Cause, you know, not everybody gets a second chance.
[Stanley] The boys loved meeting a real-life pop star.
Sure. Thanks, Dad.
Bye.
When I grow up, Dad... [Stanley] Get inside.
What are you doing without your shoes on?
You're gonna be a draftsman.
Back inside.
[sniffles]
[shouts]
[panting]
[exhales]
What have you got to do to get a f*cking drink around here, eh?
Will you stop sulking?
It has to be done whether you like it or not.
Are you gonna be scared of her your whole life?
Right, stop the car.
Elton... I said, stop the car!
You're onstage in 15 minutes.
You're the big-sh*t manager. You make my excuses.
Tell them I'm indisposed, breaking my mother's heart!
Elton. Elton!
Drive 'round, Denis. [phone rings]
[announcer] Liberace!
[ringing]
Pinner nine, seven, double-five.
Mum, it's me. I know who you are.
Well, I've got something to tell you.
Reggie, we're gonna miss the bit of the show with you on.
Look, shut up, Mum!
I'm not on telly yet, am I? I'm talking to you.
I...
Me and John, we...
Well, the thing is...
I'm... a h*m*.
A poofter.
A fairy.
A queen.
Well, say something.
Oh, for God's sake, I know that.
Known for years.
You don't mind? Frankly, I don't care.
But I'd rather you keep that sort of thing to yourself.
I just hope you realize you're choosing a life of being alone forever.
You'll never be loved properly.
Right. Got to go.
[line clicks, dial tone]
[receiver clicks on hook]
She said I'll never be loved.
Don't ever put me in this position again.
You're onstage in 10 minutes, so get over yourself and do the show.
We're running a business here, you f*cking idiot.
[grunts] Don't ever put your hands on me.
Real love's hard to come by.
So you find a way to cope without it.
[snorts]
[inhales]
[stage crew chattering]
You okay? Yeah.
Got the number-one album in America. Again.
I'm about to embark on the highest-grossing tour in rock history.
I'm personally responsible for five percent of all record sales on the entire planet, and I have the biggest headdress known to man.
So, yeah, I think I'm okay, Bernie.
It used to just be the two of us.
Now there's busloads of people just to do the music.
Hang on, hang on, don't you wanna just go out there and sing without this ridiculous paraphernalia?
You know, just be yourself, Reg?
Why the f*ck would I want that, Bernie?
You wouldn't say this sh*t to me if you were a real friend.
People don't pay to see Reginald Dwight.
They pay to see Elton John!
Don't ever tell me how to do my f*cking job!
[crowd cheering, faint]
Break a leg.
You don't have to put up with this, Reg.
Write the f*cking lyrics, Bernie!
Let me deal with the rest.
I'm sorry. I know.
[announcer on PA] Ladies and gentlemen!
Please welcome Elton John!
[cheers, applause]
[playing "Pinball Wizard"]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Ever since I was a young boy I played the silver ball ♪
♪ From Soho down to Brighton I must've played them all ♪
♪ But I ain't seen Nothing like him In any amusement hall ♪
♪ That deaf, dumb And blind kid Sure plays a mean pinball ♪
♪ He stands like a statue Becomes part of the machine ♪
♪ Feeling all the bumpers Always playing clean ♪
♪ He plays by intuition The digit counters fall ♪
♪ That deaf, dumb And blind kid Sure plays a mean pinball ♪
♪ He's a pinball wizard He scores a trillion more ♪
♪ A pinball wizard The world's new pinball lord ♪
♪ He's scoring more ♪
Where am I? At your house in LA, Mr. John.
Right.
I'll put some coffee on.
Darling, I've been thinking, maybe we should quit the booze for a couple of days, take some quality time together...
[John] Afternoon.
[man] Mr. Reid.
What are you doing, John? Just a bit of rock 'n' roll.
Rock 'n' roll is not shagging your secretary in front of the pool boys!
Rock 'n' roll is getting you out of your bed in the morning.
Arranging 250 gigs in 26 different countries.
Rock 'n' roll's actually 112 employment contracts, insurance, copyright indemnity, renegotiating your previously insane contracts and wiping your arse.
You know, all you do, Elton, is play the piano.
But for me, rock 'n' roll is an 87 million-dollar-a-year industry.
Maybe I just play the piano, but you know what else I do?
Hmm? I pay, John.
For everything.
Including this house, which I'd like you to leave now.
You may still be my manager, but you and me are finished.
You're so predictable. No, not predictable.
I want to be by myself, not with some assh*le who doesn't give a sh*t about me and takes the piss day after day!
Get out! [Sheila] Yoo-hoo!
Elton.
What are they doing here?
[John] You told me to hire a jet and fly them over for the gig.
No, no, next week, John. It is next week.
I'm gonna go and fetch them a drink.
Darling, why don't you clean yourself up, because you f*cking stink.
Sheila! It's been too long.
Beautiful woman. Hello, look at this, you lovely lot.
Here we are. Hi, Nan.
I can't believe I'm actually in America. I know.
Hi, Dad. How you doing? Good to see you.
Elton. Hello, Mum.
Elton, darling, you remember the Andersons from next door, don't you? Yes, the Andersons.
How could we forget the Andersons?
Hello. Hello.
And what a shy little boy you were.
Look at you now.
Elton, you must give them a tour.
Yes, right now, go on. Yeah, okay.
Everyone, Elton is giving a tour.
Mum, you're on my gown. Don't be rude.
["Dazz" playing]
Here we go. Come here, come here. Excited?
Car. Yeah.
Bernie, how's it going, man? Hey, man. How's it going?
No idea who he is. Of course.
[chattering]
Here he is!
Ladies, Elton.
Hey. Hey.
[Bernie] What are you doing on your own up here?
Miserable bastard.
You're missing all the fun downstairs.
Well, as long as all the fun isn't missing me, then who gives a sh*t, Bernie?
We should get a drink.
No, we should. Let's go get a drink. Come on, it's fine.
No, we absolutely should. No, I'm telling you...
Yeah, go and get a little drink.
[coughs]
[distorted laughter, chatter]
[woman] You look amazing.
f*cking prick.
[party guests chattering]
For my next trick,
I'm gonna f*cking k*ll myself.
["Rocket Man" playing]
♪ She packed my bags Last night pre-flight ♪
♪ Zero hour, 9:00 a.m. ♪
♪ And you're gonna be high ♪
♪ As a kite by then ♪
♪ I'll miss the earth so much ♪
♪ I'll miss my life ♪
♪ It's lonely out in space ♪
♪ On such a timeless flight ♪
[choir vocalizing]
[chattering]
You self-indulgent prick.
Baby!
♪ And all this science I don't understand ♪
♪ It's just my job Five days a week ♪
♪ A rocket man ♪
♪ A rocket man ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
♪ Till touchdown brings Me 'round again to find ♪
♪ I'm not the man They think I am at home ♪
♪ Oh, no, no, no ♪
♪ I'm a rocket man ♪
♪ Rocket man burning out His fuse up here alone ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
♪ Till touchdown brings Me 'round again to find ♪
♪ I'm not the man They think I am at home ♪
♪ Oh, no, no, no ♪
♪ I'm a rocket man ♪
♪ Rocket man burning out His fuse up here alone ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be A long, long time ♪
[crowd cheering]
[exhales]
[Bernie] Elton.
Elton. [stammers] Yes, sorry. You were saying?
I was saying that I think I need a break.
[laughs] You need to take a break?
[Bernie] I think that I just need to go and sort myself out a bit.
[Elton] What?
I'm going home... for a while.
Well, that's nice for you.
Why can't we just, you know, both of us just disappear together?
My ranch.
We'll go to my ranch, we'll hide away.
We can write like we did.
Like we used to.
We should go home, Elton.
Reconnect.
No, you should go.
There are other writers I'd like to work with anyway.
Do me good. Collaborate with other people.
I think it's a really good idea.
[crowd cheering]
[laughing]
[cheering]
My loyal subjects.
Hello, hello, Australia. G'day.
sh*t, or New York? [crowd boos]
Swindon. Or wherever the hell we are.
Well, if you don't like it, go home. [crowd boos, hisses]
It's what everyone else seems to be doing at the moment.
[crowd claps in rhythm]
Anyway, here's one for all the sober people.
[hits piano chord] [cheering]
[playing "Bennie and the Jets"]
♪ Hey, kids Shake it loose together ♪
♪ The spotlight's Hitting something ♪
♪ That's been known To change the weather ♪
♪ We'll k*ll The fatted calf tonight ♪
♪ So stick around ♪
♪ You're gonna hear Electric music ♪
♪ Solid walls of sound ♪
♪ Say, Candy and Ronnie Have you seen them yet? ♪
♪ Ooh, but they're So spaced out ♪
♪ She's got electric boots A mohair suit ♪
♪ You know, I read it In a magazine ♪
♪ Oh, oh ♪
♪ B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets ♪
[snorts]
[crowd] ♪ Bennie, Bennie ♪
[Elton] ♪ Bennie ♪ [crowd] ♪ Bennie ♪
♪ Bennie, Bennie ♪ ♪ Bennie, Bennie ♪
♪ Bennie, Bennie Bennie, Bennie ♪
♪ Bennie and the Jets ♪
♪ Bennie ♪
♪ Bennie ♪
[music fades]
[Sheila] I just hope you realize you're choosing a life of being alone forever.
You'll never be loved properly.
When are you going to hug me?
[Stanley] Don't be soft.
[Ivy] Life gives you very few chances, Reggie, and this is one of yours Who are you?
[John] You can do anything you want.
You can be anyone you want. What do you really want?
[Mrs. Anderson] And what a shy little boy you were.
Look at you now.
[John] What do you really want?
[Bernie] I'm going home... for a while.
[gasping]
[panting]
[door clicks]
[exhales]
What do you want? I'm busy.
Why don't you get back in the studio you're paying for?
Why don't you sell my f*cking records? What's this? Hmm?
Number 11 in Italy.
The song doesn't work, that's the problem.
The record's coked-out MOR sh*t.
No, the problem... is you have never understood me... and what I have to go through.
And you know what? I should've sacked you when you left me.
I am glad I left you. It means I can maintain some objectivity in your self-indulgent, myopic little world.
Get in the studio and make some music or don't.
I don't care.
Well, you will when your money runs out.
[John] Do your worst. In fact, take me to court.
You signed contracts with me years ago.
So I'll still be collecting my 20% long after you've k*lled yourself.
Get out of my f*cking house!
[glass shatters]
f*ck off!
♪ Did you take me for a ride? ♪
♪ A victim of love A victim of love ♪
♪ Then I hope You're satisfied ♪ It's fantastic.
♪ Victim of love... ♪ Would you like to hear it again? Not really, no.
Would you like a cup of tea?
Not got anything stronger?
You should be very proud.
I've watched you play many times, and your music is always so... personal and honest... and open.
It must be lonely sometimes.
[note tapped on piano]
[note taps continue]
♪ I can't light ♪
♪ No more of your darkness ♪
♪ All my pictures ♪
♪ Seem to fade To black and white ♪
♪ I'm growing tired ♪
♪ And time stands still Before me ♪
♪ Frozen here ♪
♪ On the ladder of my life ♪
♪ Too late ♪
♪ To save yourself From falling ♪
♪ Take a chance ♪
♪ Change your way of life ♪
♪ But you misread ♪ ♪ But you misread ♪
♪ My meaning when I met you ♪ ♪ My meaning when I met you ♪
♪ Closed the door ♪ ♪ Closed the door ♪
♪ And left me ♪ ♪ And left me ♪
♪ Blinded by the light ♪ ♪ Blinded by the light ♪
[chorus] ♪ Don't let the sun Go down on me ♪
♪ Although I search myself ♪
♪ It's always someone else I see ♪
[laughing]
♪ I'd just allow a fragment Of your life ♪
♪ To wander free ♪
♪ But losing everything ♪
♪ Is like the sun Going down on me ♪ Morning. Morning.
I'm sorry.
I know.
Renate didn't deserve that.
She's a good person.
I dragged her into all my madness.
Did being married make you happy?
Not really. I'm gay.
[all chuckling]
[Sheila] I think... Hello, Mum.
Sir, would you like me to... Maybe a bit later, thank you.
Hi, Dad. Hello, son.
You all right? Yeah. Good.
Just talking about poor Renate.
Such a lovely woman.
Divorce can be so painful.
Yeah. [Sheila] Anyway, celebration is in order.
[chuckles]
We found a lovely villa by the sea.
It'd be good if you would talk to John today, get the money arranged. Can't risk losing this one.
Yeah, in Minorca.
It is a lovely place. You should see it.
Minorca, eh? [Sheila] Mmm.
What do you want to go there for?
Because you're driving me away. [Elton] Mmm.
[Fred] Every time we open a paper, there's something about you and the booze or the dr*gs, and... you're breaking your poor mum's heart.
Tell you what, I'll write you a check. Hmm?
So she can go buy a new one.
Typical that you'd say something like that about me, when I've given up so much for you.
What have you given up for me?
Your father... for a start.
You really are a heartless monster.
You know, I don't live my life in black and white.
And I do not want your f*cked-up, frigid ideas about anything.
[clears throat] You know, I am so sick of running away from who I am.
[exhales] There's nothing wrong with success. Or pleasure.
In fact, why am I apologizing for it?
Mum, I have f*cked everything that moves.
And I've taken every drug known to man.
All of them.
Do you know what?
I enjoyed every last minute of it.
Ever since you first dangled your fat little legs in front of a piano, you've been lucky.
You've never worked hard for a bloody thing in your life.
It all just comes to you. You don't do anything.
And I'm the one who suffers.
I should never have had children.
Do you know how disappointing it is to be your mother?
[sobbing]
[door opens]
♪ It's sad, so sad ♪
♪ It's a sad, sad situation ♪
♪ And it's getting More and more absurd ♪
♪ It's sad, so sad ♪
♪ Why can't they talk it over? ♪
♪ Oh, it seems to me ♪
♪ Sorry seems to be The hardest word ♪ Some dessert, sir?
Yeah. Um, two chocolate puddings, an apple pie, and a raspberry fool, please.
Any ice cream? I...
Yeah, all of them. Excellent choice.
Where's Reid these days?
Uh...
Well... [stammers]
Does it matter?
Hates my f*cking guts.
Nobody hates you, Elton.
Campaign to k*ll yourself is going well.
What are you doing here, Bernie?
Hmm?
You left when it suited you.
Now you come back to lecture me?
'Cause the thing is, the first time we actually got anywhere, you left, didn't you?
Some girl was more important to you than me and all those legends who were welcoming us in.
You left me at the most important time, Bernie.
When did you give up?
If you don't care about yourself, how do you expect anyone else to?
Whenever I needed you most... you weren't there. It's not weak to ask for help.
I have worked my balls off to get us out of the sh*t.
Day in, day out, for years.
And now it's me that can't walk down the streets.
It's me who doesn't have a life.
'Cause I don't get to sit around with my feet on a desk, chewing on the end of a f*cking pencil.
"Write the lyrics, Bernie. I'll take care of everything else."
That was a test!
You should've known.
Thank you. [waiter] Enjoy.
♪ When are you gonna Come down? ♪
♪ When are you going to land? ♪
♪ I should have stayed On the farm ♪
♪ I should have listened To my old man ♪
♪ Maybe you'll get A replacement ♪ I'm getting the bill, am I?
♪ There's plenty like me To be found ♪
♪ Mongrels Who ain't got a penny ♪
♪ Sniffing for tidbits like you On the ground ♪ Yeah, yeah, later. Bernie.
[Elton] Come on, Bernie!
♪ So goodbye yellow brick road ♪ Don't be so dramatic. Coward!
Same as always! Leaving me when things get too real!
♪ I'm going back to my plough ♪
♪ Back to the howling old owl In the woods ♪
♪ Hunting the horny back toad ♪
♪ I've finally decided My future lies ♪
♪ Beyond the yellow brick... ♪
♪ Road ♪ You f*cking idiot!
[vomiting]
[snorting]
Bernie betrayed me. The way everyone does.
[singing, distorted]
[Mike] I heard that it was a heart att*ck.
It's a chest infection, Mike. He'll be fine.
How are ticket sales? What the hell's that got to do with it?
Every night is sold out.
Well, add five more nights then.
Are you insane? He could've d*ed.
Just let me take care of things, Mike.
I always get him back on his feet, don't I?
Yeah, but are you gonna be able to...
Brilliant, man. He is gonna be there.
[crowd chattering]
[panting]
All right, you're good to go.
♪ So what do you think You'll do then? ♪
♪ I bet that'll sh**t down Your plane ♪
♪ It'll take you A couple of vodka and tonics ♪
♪ To set you On your feet again ♪
♪ You know they can't Hold you forever ♪
♪ I didn't sign up for you ♪
♪ I'm not a present For your friends to open ♪
♪ This boy's too young To be singing... ♪
♪ The blues ♪ Hey! Where are you going?
[vocalizing]
♪ So goodbye yellow brick road ♪
♪ Where the dogs Of society howl ♪
♪ You can't plant me In your penthouse ♪
♪ I'm going back to my plough ♪
♪ Back to the howling old owl In the woods ♪
♪ Hunting the horny back toad ♪
♪ I've finally decided My future lies ♪
♪ Beyond the yellow brick road ♪
[vocalizing]
[tinkling]
[Elton] For as long as I can remember, I've hated myself.
Believed I'd never be loved.
[moderator] Shows progress to take responsibility for your actions.
Yeah, but I started acting like a c**t in 1975.
I just forgot to stop.
I do feel ashamed.
Spent so long feeling resentful for things that just don't matter.
Maybe I should've tried to be more ordinary.
Hello, Nan.
You was never ordinary.
[Sheila] Look at you.
In here, talking about your feelings.
What a waste of time.
Mum, I know it was never easy.
And I hope you can forgive me.
Because I've realized that's what we need to do now.
Forgive each other.
No, your problem is you're selfish. [Elton] No.
My problem was I believed you loved me.
And you're incapable of it.
I gave everything to keep something that I never even had in the first place.
I always thought you was an introverted extrovert.
A what? He's shy. He's always been shy.
[Sheila] It's all his father's fault.
Don't blame me. He'd have been strange, regardless.
Actually, I think I'm okay with "strange."
God. Not him.
Both of you. Stop.
I'm not going to allow you to talk to me like this anymore.
[Bernie] It's about time you said that.
Bernie.
I never told you how much I need you.
No, no, no, I love you, man.
Always have, always will.
You write songs that millions of people love.
And that's what's important.
You just need to remember who you are... and be okay with it.
[John] He doesn't know who he is.
Yes, I do.
I'm Elton Hercules John.
I thought you were Reggie Dwight.
I haven't been Reggie Dwight for years.
When are you going to hug me?
Impressed you know how to use one of those.
How you doing?
Good to see you.
Some days are tougher than others, but I feel good.
They got a piano here?
You been playing? Hmm...
No. No?
Not in the right place for that just now.
I'm scared, Bernie.
What if I'm not as good...
without the drink and the dr*gs?
[chuckles]
You know that's not true.
You're not scared you're not good without it, you're scared to feel again.
You might be able to lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me.
[laughs]
I should be going. [pats leg]
Don't go.
Not yet.
This is the part you gotta do on your own.
These... need music.
Thank you, Bernie.
You're my brother.
[playing "I'm Still Standing"]
♪ You could never know What it's like ♪
♪ Your blood like winter Freezes just like ice ♪
♪ And there's a cold And lonely light ♪
♪ That shines from you ♪
♪ You will wind up Like the wreck you hide ♪
♪ Behind that mask you use ♪
♪ And did you think this fool Could never win? ♪
♪ Well, look at me I'm coming back again ♪
♪ I got a taste of love In a simple way ♪
♪ And if you need to know While I'm still standing ♪
♪ You just fade away ♪
♪ And don't you know I'm still standing ♪
♪ Better than I ever did ♪
♪ Looking like a true survivor ♪
♪ Feeling like a little kid ♪
♪ And I'm still standing ♪
♪ After all this time ♪
♪ Picking up the pieces Of my life ♪
♪ Without you on my mind ♪
♪ Once I never coulda Hoped to win ♪
♪ You starting down the road Leaving me again ♪
♪ The threats you made Were meant to cut me down ♪
♪ And if our love Was just a circus ♪
♪ You'd be a clown by now ♪
♪ You know I'm still standing Better than I ever did ♪
♪ Looking like a true survivor ♪
♪ Feeling like a little kid ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ After all this time ♪
♪ Picking up the pieces Of my life Without you on my mind ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Don't you know I'm still standing Better than I ever did ♪
♪ Looking like a true survivor ♪
♪ Feeling like a little kid ♪
♪ And I'm still standing After all this time ♪
♪ Picking up the pieces Of my life Without you on my mind ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Oh, the joke Was never hard to tell ♪
♪ Threw my spare change In the wishing well ♪
♪ The dream alone Is always in your hands ♪
♪ If that don't fill the boy And build the man ♪
♪ A heart has many secrets So I'm told ♪
♪ Through the years a theory Can grow cold ♪
♪ I'm up to be the king It's gotten clear ♪
♪ The voice inside my head Is the one I hear ♪
♪ Singing I'm gonna love me again ♪
♪ Check in On my very best friend ♪
♪ Find the wind That can fill my sails ♪
♪ Rise above the broken rails ♪
♪ Unbound by any ties That break or bend ♪
♪ I'm free And don't you know? ♪
♪ No clown to claim He used to know me then ♪
♪ I'm free And don't you know? ♪
♪ And oh-oh-oh I'm gonna love me again ♪
♪ The golden age Was somehow bittersweet ♪
♪ But now the past lies Sleeping in the deep ♪
♪ The peaceful days That followed hollow nights ♪
♪ A kiss or touch Could feel like Kryptonite ♪
♪ Praise the saints That hung up on my wall ♪
♪ For trust is left In lovers after all ♪
♪ A whispered word Emerging from a tale ♪
♪ My wake-up call To claim the cursed spell ♪
♪ Well, I'm gonna Love me again ♪ ♪ Love me again ♪
♪ Check in On my very best friend ♪
♪ Find the wind To fill my sails ♪
♪ Rise above the broken rails ♪
♪ Unbound by any ties That break or bend ♪
♪ I'm free And don't you know? ♪
♪ No clown to claim He used to know me then ♪
♪ I'm free Don't you know? ♪
♪ Oh-oh-oh I'm gonna love me again ♪
♪ Sing I'm gonna love me again ♪
♪ Check in On my very best friend ♪
♪ Find the wind To fill my sails ♪
♪ Rise above the broken rails ♪
♪ Unbound by any ties That break or bend ♪
♪ I'm free And don't you know? ♪
♪ No clown to claim He used to know me then ♪
♪ I'm free, don't you know? ♪
♪ And oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Oh-oh-oh I'm gonna love me again ♪
♪ I'm gonna love me again ♪
[song ends]
["Don't Go Breaking My Heart" playing]
♪ Don't go breaking my heart ♪
♪ I couldn't if I tried ♪
♪ Oh, honey, if I get restless ♪
♪ Baby, you're not that kind ♪
♪ Don't go breaking my heart ♪
♪ You take the weight Off of me ♪
♪ Oh, honey When you knock on my door ♪
♪ Ooh, I gave you my key ♪
♪ Ooh, nobody knows it ♪
♪ When I was down ♪ ♪ I was your clown ♪
♪ Ooh, nobody knows it ♪
♪ Nobody knows it ♪
♪ Right from the start ♪ ♪ I gave you my heart ♪
♪ Oh, I gave you my heart ♪
♪ So don't go Breaking my heart ♪
♪ I won't go Breaking your heart ♪
♪ Don't go breaking my heart ♪
♪ Ooh, nobody knows it ♪
♪ When I was down ♪ ♪ I was your clown ♪
♪ Right from the start ♪ ♪ I gave you my heart ♪
♪ Oh, I gave you my heart ♪
♪ So don't go Breaking my heart ♪
♪ I won't go Breaking your heart ♪
Rocketman (2019)
Moderator: Maskath3