Elton John’s Little-Known Gig as a Touring Keyboardist Revealed in New Memoir

Sir Elton John once worked as a temporary touring keyboardist. This fact is revealed in a new memoir by Derek Shulman. Shulman is the former frontman of the prog-rock band Gentle Giant.The gig happened in 1967. Elton John, then known as Reg Dwight, filled in for a sick bandmate. He joined the psychedelic pop group Simon Dupree and the Big Sound for a Scottish tour.

An Impromptu Audition for a Desperate Band

According to Shulman’s book, they needed a quick replacement. Their keyboardist, Eric Hine, had fallen ill with glandular fever. The band was facing a tour with no player.Shulman and his brother Ray went to London to audition Reg Dwight. He played a wide range of styles effortlessly for them. They were immediately impressed by his skill and hired him on the spot.They offered him £25-30 per week. To them, it was a fair wage for a session musician. To the young Reg Dwight, it was a small fortune compared to his existing retainer.

Life on the Road with a Future Superstar

The Scottish tour offered a glimpse of the man before the fame. Shulman recalls Dwight as chatty, open, and humble during those drives. He even sought advice on a personal dilemma about a potential marriage.A quirky habit also emerged. At every rest stop, Dwight would buy a souvenir. He purchased snow globes, spoons, and other trinkets without much thought for the cost.Shulman gently questioned the spending. Dwight simply replied he liked to collect things to remember the tour. The future superstar’s now-famous collecting habit had humble beginnings.The musical bond was strong. They shared a love for American blues and diverse artists. This connection lasted beyond the tour.

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This early chapter shows a legend in the making, honing his craft one gig at a time. The story of Elton John’s touring keyboardist days adds a rich layer to his iconic origin story.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Which band did Elton John temporarily play for?

He played for Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. This was a psychedelic pop group from Portsmouth. He joined them for a tour of Scotland in 1967.

Q2: Why did the band need a new keyboardist?

Their regular keyboardist, Eric Hine, got sick. He was diagnosed with glandular fever. The illness prevented him from going on tour.

Q3: What was Elton John’s name at the time?

He was still using his birth name, Reginald “Reg” Dwight. He had not yet adopted the stage name Elton John. That change came later.

Q4: Did Elton John ever write a song for the band?

Yes, he wrote a song called “I’m Coming Home” for them. The band recorded it at Abbey Road studios. The single was never officially released at the time.

Q5: Where is this story revealed?

It comes from Derek Shulman’s new memoir. The book is titled “Giant Steps: My Improbable Journey From Stage Lights to Executive Heights.” Shulman was the band’s frontman.