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Historical event

Elton John · 1997

Elton John

Historical music event in the Radio Music History database.

September 6, 1997Concert⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description

Elton John performed a dramatically rewritten version of "Candle in the Wind" at Princess Diana's funeral at Westminster Abbey, later released as "Candle in the Wind 1997". In the new version, he replaced the original lyric "Goodbye Norma Jean" with "Goodbye England's Rose". His performance was estimated to have been watched by 2.5 billion television viewers. The song was subsequently re-recorded and released as a charity single, topping charts around the world and selling more than 33 million copies, making it the best-selling single in the history of the UK and U.S. singles charts according to the source.

Related events

  1. Elton JohnSeptember 5, 1997
    Concert⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John performed an updated version of “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Diana's funeral at Westminster Abbey in London. The new version, titled “Candle in the Wind '97,” later became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
  2. Elton JohnSeptember 6, 1997
    Recording⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John recorded a new version of "Candle in the Wind" after performing it live at Diana, Princess of Wales's funeral. The original song was written in tribute to Marilyn Monroe, but Elton John revised the lyrics as a tribute to the late princess. His performance was estimated to have been watched by 2.5 billion people worldwide. "Candle in the Wind 1997" reached No. 1 in the U.S., UK and many other countries and subsequently became the best-selling single of all time.
  3. Elton JohnAugust 22, 1998
    Concert⭐⭐⭐⭐
    During the second of two concerts at Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, Elton John invited comedian Jim Carrey onto the stage, in the presence of Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley, for an unexpected duet of “Rocket Man”. Carrey wore one of Elton’s distinctive red Versace jackets, alternated vocals with him, and harmonized; while singing, he improvised the line “a long, long time” as “friggin' forever”. After the performance, he sat down at the piano and struck his head against the keys.
  4. Elton JohnAugust 31, 2003
    Chart⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John reached No. 1 on the British singles chart with "Are You Ready For Love". The song was recorded in 1977 and released in 1979, when it reached No. 42. It was later used in Sky TV advertisements for the new football season.
  5. Elton JohnSeptember 6, 2003
    Chart⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John took "Are You Ready for Love" to No. 1 on the UK singles chart. The song was originally released in 1979 but was later remixed by DJ Ashley Beedle and re-released.
  6. Elton JohnJuly 29, 1990
    Personal⭐⭐⭐⭐
    On July 29, 1990, Elton John officially registered and was admitted to Parkside Lutheran Hospital in Chicago.
  7. Elton JohnAugust 29, 1989
    Album⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John released the album "Sleeping With the Past", one of the albums commemorated as part of the musical anniversaries for August 29.
  8. Elton JohnAugust 20, 1988
    Chart⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John reached No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart with “I Don't Wanna' Go On With You Like That”. Steve Winwood spent his fourth week at No. 1 with “Roll With It”. George Michael moved from No. 8 to No. 2 with “Monkey”, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine were at No. 3, and Elton John also had “I Don't Wanna' Go On With You Like That” at No. 4. Chicago were at No. 5, Breathe at No. 6, Terence Trent D'Arby at No. 8, and “Sweet Child O' Mine” by Guns N' Roses and “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman entered the Top 10.
  9. Elton JohnSeptember 6, 1988
    Auction⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John had 2,000 items of his personal possessions auctioned at Sotheby's in London. The auction raised $6.2 million and included feather boas, hundreds of pairs of glasses and the giant "Pinball Wizard" boots he wore in the film "Tommy", which sold for $20,000.
  10. Elton JohnSeptember 6, 1986
    Album⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John's album "Leather Jackets" reached No. 1 on the UK chart.
  11. Elton JohnAugust 17, 1984
    Concert⭐⭐⭐⭐
    During the opening night of his Breaking Hearts tour, Elton John announced that he was retiring from touring.
  12. Elton JohnAugust 8, 2012
    Business⭐⭐⭐
    Elton John filed a lawsuit against the British newspaper The Times over an article published on June 21 that linked him to a tax avoidance scheme. The case was settled in October when the British High Court ruled in favor of The Times.