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bookishwelshie's review against another edition
5.0
Listened to the audio version of Elton John’s autobiography, narrated (in part) by Elton himself and (mostly) by Taron Egerton, the actor who played Elton in the biographical movie of his life - Rocketman.
This is an honest, raw, life story - filled with tales about his struggles growing up with an abusive father and drug addiction.
Elton’s first love, John, was emotionally and physically abusive to him… he was his first love so he made excuses for the behaviour until it went too far and he was finally able to let go. You wonder if this early romantic relationship echoes past treatment by his Father and him latching onto that, making him stay in something so toxic.
He’s even very frank and honest about (tw) suicide attempts. The main one being right before he played two of the biggest gigs of his life.
If you’re interested in “behind the scenes” looks into the music industry at all, there are lots of details into Elton’s career beginnings and how he progress into being the mega star he is today.
A lot of other musicians are name-dropped here, with some personal stories about them. Elton really got along with Freddie Mercury, not so much with David Bowie (a real shame to read!) Bowie just never seemed to be fond of Elton for some apparently unknown reason.
He also describes a, coke-fuelled, time where he took over playing the keyboard for a little bit too long at a Rolling Stones concert, outstaying his welcome past where they invited him on stage - annoying them in the process
This is an honest, raw, life story - filled with tales about his struggles growing up with an abusive father and drug addiction.
Elton’s first love, John, was emotionally and physically abusive to him… he was his first love so he made excuses for the behaviour until it went too far and he was finally able to let go. You wonder if this early romantic relationship echoes past treatment by his Father and him latching onto that, making him stay in something so toxic.
He’s even very frank and honest about (tw) suicide attempts. The main one being right before he played two of the biggest gigs of his life.
If you’re interested in “behind the scenes” looks into the music industry at all, there are lots of details into Elton’s career beginnings and how he progress into being the mega star he is today.
A lot of other musicians are name-dropped here, with some personal stories about them. Elton really got along with Freddie Mercury, not so much with David Bowie (a real shame to read!) Bowie just never seemed to be fond of Elton for some apparently unknown reason.
He also describes a, coke-fuelled, time where he took over playing the keyboard for a little bit too long at a Rolling Stones concert, outstaying his welcome past where they invited him on stage - annoying them in the process
iowabibliobibuli's review against another edition
3.0
It's a good book - don't get me wrong. I just struggle with autobiographies and memory being higher than 3 (in my rating scale) because there's very little WOW in them.
halliechanan's review against another edition
5.0
i first saw the movie rocketman in 2019 when it came out. i was about 12, maybe 13 when it and did not appreciate it to the full extent. then recently, i would say early december, maybe january i rewatched it. when i tell you i cried, like absolutely sobbed, and realized this could possibly be my favorite movie of all time. taron is absolutely incredible as elton and truly makes me want to listen to elton john’s music and learn about his story through the entirety of the biopic. i started to watch countless interviews of elton john, and dedicating myself to listening to every one of his songs, i found myself truly amazed by him, as a person, and artist. i have always loved his music but i was beginning to understand that there was more to it. after watching an interview on amazon prime i discovered his book. i instantly bought it and the minute it came in the mail i read and read and read. this is the best autobiography i have read in my life and i love elton john so much more now. thank you for continuing to bless people with your songs i love u so much.
brighroosh's review against another edition
3.0
I should say 3.25 stars because I "really liked it" in some places.
When I first started the book, and John was rattling off the different bands and bandmates from his early career, I thought this is going to be a slog. And although I'm not into gossipy types of books or shows, I have to admit when he started dishing about his celeb pals I found it much more interesting.
He really has quite a memory for all the show dates, and the who's who who showed up at various parties.
I liked his self-deprecating humor - almost necessary, because his "antics" especially high on drugs were really inexcusable.
He talks about his several life changing moments only to be followed by his several back-sliding ways.
I think that by the time he got to his 70's and had children he finally found footing.
Reading this book was an entre to his world that could leave your head spinning as if you had spent the night with him!
When I first started the book, and John was rattling off the different bands and bandmates from his early career, I thought this is going to be a slog. And although I'm not into gossipy types of books or shows, I have to admit when he started dishing about his celeb pals I found it much more interesting.
He really has quite a memory for all the show dates, and the who's who who showed up at various parties.
I liked his self-deprecating humor - almost necessary, because his "antics" especially high on drugs were really inexcusable.
He talks about his several life changing moments only to be followed by his several back-sliding ways.
I think that by the time he got to his 70's and had children he finally found footing.
Reading this book was an entre to his world that could leave your head spinning as if you had spent the night with him!
ashlinvrf's review against another edition
3.0
Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Elton John and debated a 4 star review after finishing the last few chapters, but really couldn't connect with the middle drug-fueled days of the book. Usually I find the absurdity of the shenanigans in a "rock and roll lifestyle" entertaining, if anything, but how they were recounted wasn't as compelling to me?
gordonk's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely sensational. Elton John has lead a privileged life, but he's had some really dark days too. A dramatic and emotional memoir.
demipizza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
fischeremma's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adore Elton John so this has been on my tbr for quite some time. I admire the honesty and pure candor of his autobiography. He does not mince words or hide parts of himself which can leave readers feeling rather uncomfortable on several occasions. I can only imagine the vulnerability and courage many portions of this book required but he also sounds as if he has been able to heal and accept all parts of his life’s story. “There’s really no point in asking what if? The only question worth asking is: what’s next?” - Sir Elton John