Information about the Beatles is of course not just limited to books written solely about the Beatles.
One of the reasons it is difficult to keep up with the information onslaught in compiling a Beatles-related library is that there is a significant amount of little-known stories and information about the band and their solo careers found with friends and associates the Beatles made over the years. These individuals, who are often superstars themselves, manage to come out with stories of their own in their respective books!
A wonderful example of that is the new book by Elton John’s lyricist, Bernie Taupin with his terrific new book entitled “Scattershot.”
There is a chapter in this book that Bernie writes about his experiences with John Lennon entitled “John Lennon’s Not So Lost Weekend.” Not to detract from the other interesting parts of the book that have nothing to do with the Fab Four or John Lennon specifically, but the Lennon chapter I found to be especially riveting as Taupin deals with both Lennon’s insecurities and his own. For example, at the famous Elton Thanksgiving concert, when it was time for the encore and John’s return to the stage to play tambourine with Taupin, they literally had to encourage and push one another to return to the stage to end the show.
Both were reticent, but their mutual fright made it easier for both of them to encourage one another to make their appearance. Bernie also tells an amusing but very sad tale about Lennon and Taupin’s encounter with Beach Boy Brian Wilson at a party. Bernie also attended a Bob Marley show with John Lennon and that is detailed in the chapter about John. Needless to say, that story gives the line, “The grass is always greener,” a totally new meaning. Bernie obviously had a lot of respect for John Lennon as did Elton John.
Some say that Bernie’s lyrics to the Lennon tribute “Empty Garden” are perhaps the best lyrics attributable to any Lennon tribute song! The Lennon/ Taupin respect for one another was obviously mutual as many people do not realize that Lennon also contributed a collage he designed for the song “Bennie and the Jets” for the book.
This is the book that the collage appears in:
Here is the book described at the beginning of this post!
Scattershot by Bernie Taupin
Published by Hachette Books-2023
I loved this book and was so happy that I purchased it!
This is a signed/autographed copy that was available at Premiere Collectibles.
Here is a brief excerpt from the beginning of the Lennon chapter in the Taupin book:
Buzz
Sounds like quite a fascinating book. I remember that in the early ’70s, Bernie Taupin did an LP of his poetry with background music, apart from the albums he did with Elton John.
Antonio-the story about Brian Wilson and John Lennon in this book was heartbreaking, and it certainly must have made Bernie Taupin feel very uncomfortable.
The Wilson family was completely messed up. Dennis ended up a full blown alcoholic, and it eventually killed him in the end. All due to their tyrant of a father Murry. A failed songwriter, and jealous of son Brian’s talent. Their mother eventually left the bastard, due to his womanizing.