Ask Davey Johnstone a Question
Note from Davey:
“I agreed to be involved in this site to answer questions related to music, NOT gossip regarding me, Elton or anyone else, and most certainly NOT about food or anyone’s personal issues. If I get those types of questions, I’ll immediately trash them.” Davey Johnstone.
Questions
Hey Davey, I don’t think you are a man utd fan, but what’s your thought on your fellow countryman, Sir Alex ferguson stepped down as the manager of Man Utd? Do you think he is the best ever manager?
I like Man U because my heroes were Denis Law and George Best, but my heart belongs to the Edinburgh team Hibernian, known as the Hibs. They are in the final of the Scottish Cup in a couple of weeks…..
I don’t think you can call anyone the best manager ever….Fergie has certainly had an amazing career, but his predecessor, Sir Matt Busby was also brilliant, and Bill Shankly of Liverpool etc etc – and what about Phil Jackson, the Chicago Bulls and LA Laker coach? Talk about unreal success…..it’s like when you see these stupid lists proclaiming “the 100 best albums of all time” or ” the 50 best guitarists ever”!! What a bunch of sh…..
Hi Davey, Happy Birthday to you! Being a fellow singer in a band (and keyboardist) I am curious how you and Elton manage to keep your vocals in good condition throughout many years of extensive touring, does anyone in the band have a vocal coach or vocal training? I recently gigged 5 days in a row and it sure takes its toll!
By the way i’ve seen you live with Elton about 20 times in England over the last 10 years, so thanks for many incredible performances and hours of entertainment and may there be many more to come!
Thank you.
In our case, it’s constant work that keeps us on key, as tiring as it can be…..
Hi Davey
I have just ‘rediscovered’ your ‘Smiling Face’ album…one I had way back but picked it up again at a vinyl fair along with the ‘China’ album from 1977 !
Both brilliant albums that I am enjoying all over again.
How do you rate them both and how do you feel about that period of creativity in your musical life ?
A dear friend just gave me both of those albums last week!
I love certain things about both of those albums – it’s quite amazing to recall doing my first solo album in between touring and doing Elton records! It was totally insane….we were either on the road or in the studio between 1972 and 1976! Some great stuff…..
Davey
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you have a good one!
Love Denise
Many thanks x
Happy Birthday Davey!Health,peace and success always.God bless you.
I’m grateful and humble x
Today, 06/05/13 is your birthday Davey
Happy Birthday my dear! I wish peace, love and success always!
kisses
Eliane de Carvalho
That’s very sweet, thank you x
Hi Davey,
*Happy Birthday!*
Best regards,
Lisa
Thanks xx
how did you first get involved with Elton john, since then has your style of playing changed, what do you enjoy when you have time out.
I was asked to play the guitar part on Madman across the water, then his manager called and said Elton wanted me to join his band….this was 1971.
I love being with my wife and kids – I have the greatest family
Happy Birthday Davey!!!, Are You Doing Anything Special For Your Special Day?
Just being with my family. That’s the most special thing in my life….
Congratulations Davey!!!!!!!!You are a fantastic musician and amazing person….a big idea we(fans)to send a message in this special day.I wish to you health,peace,sucess and continue giving us satisfaction to see you and Elton playing together for many…many time.Have a special day with your family!God bess you!Happy Birthday,Davey!!!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you!
Happy birthday! If you could receive anything for your birthday, what would it be? I’m a writer, so I would choose getting published. You know, something money can’t buy. How ’bout you?
Without sounding like a beauty pageant contestant….World Peace!
Why can’t people just get along?
Happy Birthday! Much love from Australia. Happy 30th
Funny!
Happy Happy Birthday, to my favorite guitarist, and his twin brother, Kim!
Thanks a lot…
Happy Birthday Davey! Hope you guys do a show in LA soon!
Me too – then I could actually sleep in my own bed after a show!
hello Davey
I want to wish you a happy birthday.
With peace, health and much success.
May God enlighten you always.
A hug.
That’s beautiful, thank you….
Hi Davey,
Hope you have a wonderful 62nd birthday tomorrow!
I got a big kick out of your special message video(as a part of the Story of Caleb Quaye series) about playing the correct inversions of chords to the intro to Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting-Whew! – pretty funny. I would like which guitars, amps,and effects you used on 2 songs- Dixie Lily and Meal Ticket. Dixie has a swirling a phasing effect and Meal Ticket is a punishing, brusing sound! thanks a bunch! Jed
Dixie Lily was a Strat through a Univibe on slow phase setting and plugged direct into the consul for an ultra-clean sound.
Meal Ticket was my old Les Paul straight into a Vox AC-30 amp ….then double tracked.
HAPPY,HAPPY Birthday Davey. I do hope you are able to celebrate your special day with your family and friends.
Best wishes from one of your many, many devoted fans.
Please come back to Oz soon.
Kay x
Thank you, I love OZ and God willing, we’ll be back x
“Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Davey (and Kim)
Happy birthday to you”
Have a fantastic day whatever you get up to – at least you don’t have to work in the evening!
And just in case Kim is a secret reader of this site, this one is for him:
On keyboards our Kim is the master,
The fans all know that he has to,
Keep up the pace
At which he is ace,
As Elton plays faster and faster!
Take care and enjoy the day!
Ros
Thank you. Crazy rhyme!
Happy birthday for May 6th Davey. Interesting you share your birthday with Kim. Apart from your musical talents, do you share any other characteristics? Have a lovely day.x
I hope not…..!
I’m guessing for a long song like Funeral for a friend/love lies bleeding, you have to use the switch pedal to switch sound multiple times. Have you ever forgotten to do it?
I know you give out your guiter picks to audiences in a concert. How do you decide which audience to give out to? Thanks!!
Yuki from Japan
It’s like driving a car – it becomes very natural. My guitar tech Rick Salazar makes all my pedal boards – he is amazing. In live music there are always little things you do differently or by accident! That’s what makes it cool!
I don’t decide who gets picks….I throw many every night!
What do you think of Roger Hodgson/ Supertramp? I am a big fan, I think Roger and Elton may have worked together back in the Reggie days??…
If Elton could do a Face2Face tour with any other artist who would you choose? Personally I think Roger could work well, but seeing him share the stage with any of my other idols would be incredible too (Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac, Roger Waters/Pink Floyd, Barry Gibb/Bee Gees).
The Elton/Billy thing was SO successful because these guys are both bona fide mega stars who both play incredible piano so it made sense.
Our tours with Eric C back in the ’90s were also great…..it’s logistically a very difficult thing to pull off live.
Also, I think we’re done with that type of thing…..for now…..who knows?
HI
Did you, or Elton, go see Prince last weekend in Vegas? He played at the Hard Rock on Sat night after your MDP show ended.
Prince was great, but my six friends and I all thought you and Elton were BETTER! Thanks for another fun performance. Empty Garden was FANTASTIC.
Missed it – I usually try to see Prince, one of the greats…..
Glad u enjoyed our show…
Hi Davey,
I recently co-wrote a song and provided lyrics that were purposely vague, leaving much of the back story and details of the song’s story up to listener interpretation. I’ve gotten some negative feedback on that from industry insiders, saying that “people” want details and a three minute movie with everything spelled out. As a long time fan of writers like Taupin and Leonard Cohen, I just don’t believe that is always the case. Sometimes I, as as a listener, like vague song lyrics- it allows us to attach our own ideas and feelings to the songs. Plus it leads to things that aren’t written to formula.
I bring this up, because you’ve spent a career providing music to some of rock’s most esoteric lyrics- it’s Bernie’s style. What are your thoughts on song lyrics- are they as important as the music? What makes them connect to listeners? Have you ever thought that some of Taupin’s were too abstract? (Also, do you happen to remember anything about the missing verse to “Daniel”- one of the most vague song lyrics in the John/Taupin catalog).
Ok, that was way more than one question…sorry….Any answers you have time for would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Lyrics are incredibly important, be they subtle, abstract or whatever….it’s all part of the soup!
Missing verse on Daniel was something about ” the ship’s dog, Paul…” I remember EJ simply tearing that verse off the bottom of the page!
Dear Davey
Do you remember your Long Hanborough days?
Draught Porridge etc.
Best love from a long term fan
Peta (ex folkie in UK now in Western Australia)
Of course, I love OZ – just lost a dear cousin from Perth earlier this year. I have a lot of family there who I try to see when I’m there.
Draught Porridge was a fun time….
Hi Davey,
Oh good GOSH …the ‘Diving Board’ should have been released by this 4th of July…!!! copies would fly for summer vacations…
Good idea to do a special GBYBR gig for next year? You should book MSG for five nights. Every night would sellout! Do the same format as the ‘Capt. Fantastic’ tribute. That’s my fan feedback for the week
I see ‘Empty Garden’ is played in Vegas. Do you find it initially difficult to rehearse songs that you were not involved in during the studio composing process?? Although, I know there were very few Elton albums you were not part of.
Take care, David
Well, I played on 99% of the hits, so, no it doesn’t bother me doing stuff I wasn’t involved in….I usually stick a few extra licks in anyway!
It probably was. I like almost all of Elton’s songs so I don’t have a favorite. What is your favorite song that you have done with elton?
Too many favorites to list…..sorry, I like them all!
Me too when somebody asks me what my favorite song is, I can’t tell them. I’ve heard about the Million Dollar Piano show and I think that it is very neat. Will the MIllion Dollar Piano show become a tour?
No, the stage set is too large and heavy to be transported – it’s just going to be here in Vegas….
HI Davey:
We were at the MDP show Saturday (27th) dancing like crazy in the front row, the 2 seats in front of EJ. I hate that the audience just sits in Vegas, like blobs. Ran on stage for last song and continued dancing so hard next to Elton’s bench that I thought security might pounce! Thank you for a killer performance!! It’s my sixth MDP–I bring more friends every time. Whoever decided to let fans onstage, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. That is the most fun thing EVER!
My question: We went to see Prince at the Hard Rock after MDP. He was great. I know EJ admires him. My friends all thought you guys were better! Did you or any of the band see Prince while he was in Vegas this weekend?
Yeah, saw you guys rocking out – cool.
Love Prince, have seen him do some of the small, more intimate gigs – I’m a fan….
What are your favourite songs by Alabama Shakes? And are there any other bands or artists that you admire as much?
I love their whole album, and the track they used in Silver Linings Playbook hooked me….I just saw the most unbelievable set by Ed Sheerhan in Vegas – I really dug the album, but live he is out of this world. Highly recommend you check him out.
hey is this you? elton john was a hint waffle house waitress
Don’t think I ever ate in a Waffle House – saw a few in Atlanta…..
I was at a bar last night for an Elton tribute band. They played the entire Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, even Jamaica Jerk Off and were very good. Any special plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album with some obscure songs in the set?
It’s still up in the air because his record the Diving Board might get eaten by the GBYBR monster!
We may even do a special gig next year, as originally 1974 was the year we toured that record….ideas fly around all the time……we wait with baited breath…
Davey,
Just and idea, if you gave me your permission to share. If you planned to do a gig about GYBR, I think it would be a great idea to add “Screw You” on the set. I love “B” sides……..
The only track where I tuned all 6 strings of the guitar to the same note! That was fun. We used to do many bizarre things to get different sounds….
Hello Davey,
I’m a french guy. Excuse me for my english I forgot it !
I wanted to be with you, Elton and band in Paris at Olympia in December… but it’s already full… grrrrrr please, please come back !! as soon as possible ! good luck , thank you for the music i’m really fan.
bye bye
Merci bien! We are lucky to have so many fans.
Davey,
Don’t have a question, just a Thank You for the two wonderful show we have attended in the last year at Caesars Palace.
I can’t think of a better rock concert. We can see the love the band all has for each other. It really shows. 41 years!!! Many more to come I hope.
We will be back.
All the best
Stef Butler
PS- If you send me a link to any charity fundraisers you are behind I will be there with a checkbook.
I might just take you up on it……thanks for kind words and generous offer.
Hi Davey,
I remember reading a post a while back where you stated that Paul Buckmaster is one of the finest arrangers in the business and that the work he did with Elton and the band was “revolutionary”. Could you please explain what makes him such a superb arranger and why the work he did with you guys is classified revolutionary?
Thankyou
Well…. it’s remarkable what Paul did to enhance Elton’s early work in such a different way, with string lines that were just so ‘sophisticated ‘ – up until his work on our records, arrangers just wrote parts that were kind of cheesy…..Paul brought real musicality to rock and roll orchestral arrangements. Also, the degree of difficulty in many of his charts really threw a lot of orchestras for a loop! They had to play parts that were intense and syncopated in ways unheard of before.
If you understand music, I think my answer should make sense….?
Hi Davey,
A recent post was someone asking about EJ’s glasses… and your response, “I don’t discuss eyewear…” So funny!! You must crack eachother up in the band!!
Bernie has a website and he posts lengthy blogs every several months. Last Christmas he said someone requested that he hand write the lyrics to ‘Rocketman’ and send them as a Christmas gift to her husband!! Bernie said, “Really now???”
I have a music question about your kids. Not sure how old they are, but when they became aware of what you do and that you tour with Elton; have you ever been asked to go to their school as a music class teacher for the day? Hold a music clinic or talk to the class about the music business??
I have done several fund raiders for the elementary school my children have attended. So, yes, I have worked with kids in a teaching capacity – it is so rewarding….and NOT easy! I congratulate all the amazing teachers we have in our school system.
Music business? I still don’t know myself what that is!
hello Davey:) really strange question but, could you please ask Elton for me, what brand and model are his glasses that he wore at Sydney (red lens black frames, or the same kind but other different colours), and Perth (rimless with blue lens or the same but red/orange lens) its bugging me! and could he please send me a pair? ;D
No, I don’t discuss eyewear with him….
Hi Davey,
You really made me laugh with your comment about Nigel being poked with a drumstick! That got me thinking.
We spent a week in Vegas a few years ago (Red Piano days)and apart from spending money, there ain’t a lot to do there, so I wondered if I could ask, what do you get up to on your days off? Do you pursue other musical projects/hobbies OR do you catch up on much needed sleep?!
To help send you into a stupor, here is verse 2 out of 5:
Young Nigel loves playing the drums,
With Elton and all of his chums,
It’s great playing with ‘em,
This boy sure has got rhythm,
And he smiles as he sings and he hums!
Thank you again. Ros
I just got back from dinner with Ray – I spent the day driving out to Redrocks and hiking some cool trails. If I had to sit around in Vegas I’d lose my mind…..
Hello Davey. What does this guy? Thanks!
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/pdvd005mt.jpg/
That’s Chris, Nigel’s drum tech – he also pokes Nigel with a drumstick if Nige starts to nod off to sleep……
Hi Davey!
I was just wondering if you have ever felt disappointed in how an album or song turned out, after it went through the process of being an idea to a recording session to a produced record. Like it started off well, but then the final product didn’t quite live up to where it could have been.
Thanks for all you do!
Sure, that has happened quite a few times….good question, by the way. Sounds like you understand the process of making a record. It can be very painful…..
Hello Davey,
To give your neck relief, I’m sure you and Rick have considered lighter and chambered Les Pauls. Some folks think they have less sustain and thickness. I have an 1981 Les Paul Custom that is truly heavy and a 1979 Les Paul model called “the Paul” made of walnut which is very light. The Custom has better action, but the Paul has a ballsier tone. Have you found any Les Paul models that help and please your ears- or what has worked for you? You probably need to keep playing many of your current instuments for showmanship, but I understand how it can be difficult to quit playing old friends.
Jed
Thanks for your thoughtful suggestions, the bottom line is, I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve realized it’s going to be physically demanding, but that’s rock’n'roll……
Hi Davey,
Were you a fan of the 70s and early 80s funk and disco sound/era? There are obviously some bad examples of the genre, but songs like Are You Ready For Love and Philadelphia Freedom just have a “funk/soul” quality that’s almost quite similar to tunes being made by Motown artists at that time or bands like Earth, Wind & Fire… what are your favourite tunes of that sort? Sorry if you can’t remember any, it’d just be interesting to get musical recommendations from the key member of my favourite band.
Thanks,
Tom
PS Where are Elton’s blue wayfarer/clubmaster sunglasses from? They’re awesome!
Rollercoaster, Get down tonight, Stayin Alive etc……but I was more into bands like The Meters who were playing dance music, but with so much sweat……
Hi Davey,
I have always wondered if you get to recognise fans who attend concerts regularly? Septembers concert will be my 38th. I really enjoy your playing and always run to your side of the stage! Thanks for all the great gigs (I’m 24 years old and really feel like I missed some great concerts, I was so born in the wrong decade!)
Rachael
Well thank you, and yes, I do recognize fans who come regularly to shows – it’s quite humbling to feel you are giving something and making a connection…..
I read on a tribute thing to Gus Dudgeon (on Eltons web site)that Gus did not play any musical instruments. Is this true? He was so musical and had a profound effect on so many people who heard the records he produced. It is interesting that some people who dont play musical instruments profeicently are still so TOTALLY MUSICAL (James Brown, George Clinton, Augustus Stanley “Bear” Owsley come to mind>). It seems like Gus just lived and breathed music. Also, does Alice Cooper play any instruments, I never followed his carreer closely but I know you played on a few of his albums and toured with him.If you have any insight or opinion on the phenomenom of non-musicians being so musical, I would apreciate your insight. Thirdly, is it true that Bernie Taupin plays a acoustic guitar at home when writing lyrics? I read something to that effect in an interview, but my memory is foggy. Thank you and I wish you well in your continued healing from surgery. I hope these questions arent too bizzare.
It’s true – people who adore music but don’t have the gift themselves are a rare breed.
Alice doesn’t play anything except serious golf, but his wit, passion and just amazing ideas have touched all of us. He’s a true artist.
Old Bernie may strum a bit here and there for his own enjoyment, but when he gives a lyric to Elton, it’s fair to say the magic lies there…..
Hi Davey,
Seen 26 concerts and have well over a 100 **soundboard recordings of Elton John. From time to time I hear mistakes (though very rare) and I don’t mean missed notes; but, times when Elton completely stops a song and starts over. During a concert I was at several years ago, the timing was all off for just a few seconds during a verse… then, as if nothing ever happened, you were all on track again! It was a perfect recovery.
My question is what do you do when that happens? I must say, you guys are the BEST live band out there!! I think mistakes are part of what live music is… live.
**The soundboard recordings I have are bought legally through record shows in NYC, CT and MASS. and also through ConcertLive in Europe. I NEVER download unlawfully. I say that for anyone reading… if the shoe fits.
Thanks Davey.
Respectfully,
David Lewis
I love great mistakes – they can alter the vibe of a song so beautifully. The Beatles were the masters of keeping parts that were maybe a little out of tune, or just a big clam, but that raw passion is, in my humble opinion, what keeps music real.