Elton, mate, listen, I know we haven’t spoken that often lately, and I still apologize for spilling tea on your backup wig, but I’m writing this email to ask you a big favour.
Yeah?
Okay, the thing is, Elt, they’re going to release the Live Aid DVD in a bit, and as you know, and as we’ve talked about a great many times, I sing out of tune for the first verse of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” and – as you know – this was because my nerves never really let go backstage as they usuall do, and it’s been 20 years and I really believe that people, ordinary people, as well as my fans, have eventually got over that. So why remind them, I say!
Like we have also discussed before, I have done this previously, pulled my performances out of releases and broadcasts, and fans have not been pleased, but hey, if it’s not perfect, don’t share it, is my opinion! I know you like the song, I like it too, hell I’ve done it live half a million times with and without your help, mate, but I’m sure you can see where I’m coming from and what I’m asking you to do.
It’s not like it matters to you, does it, cause you release this stuff all the time and people see you live all the time, and don’t get me wrong Elton, you know I love your stuff, man, but how about you do this little thing for me and take your set out. It’s not like it was that memorable anyway, and your fans can get other things, but I’m afraid mine are so deprived of live footage with me in it that they will run out on the first opportunity handy to get hold of this. Surely VCR’s were not invented in 1985?
I’ll do whatever you want. Yes, even that. (I wish I could say, as Meat Loaf, “…but I won’t do that”, but I will, Elt, I promise) (And this is not like the promise I made when I asked you to redo the 1993 version of “Don’t Let…” for the single release, really it’s not.)
Thanks a lot, mate!
George x
