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Me: Elton John Official Autobiography Paperback – 13 Oct. 2020
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In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life. Me is the joyously funny, honest and moving story of the most enduringly successful singer/songwriter of all time.
The Sunday Times bestseller with a new chapter bringing the story up to date.
'The rock memoir of the decade' – Daily Mail
'The rock star's gloriously entertaining and candid memoir is a gift to the reader' – Sunday Times
______________
Christened Reginald Dwight was a shy boy with Buddy Holly glasses who grew up in the London suburb of Pinner and dreamed of becoming a pop star. By the age of twenty-three, he was performing his first gig in America, facing an astonished audience in his bright yellow dungarees, a star-spangled T-shirt and boots with wings. Elton John had arrived and the music world would never be the same again.
His life has been full of drama, from the early rejection of his work with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin to spinning out of control as a chart-topping superstar; from half-heartedly trying to drown himself in his LA swimming pool to disco-dancing with the Queen; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation. All the while, Elton was hiding a drug addiction that would grip him for over a decade.
In Me Elton also writes powerfully about getting clean and changing his life, about finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. In a voice that is warm, humble and open, this is Elton on his music and his relationships, his passions and his mistakes. This is a story that will stay with you, by a living legend.
______________
'Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all' – The Times
'Racy, pacy and crammed with scurrilous anecdotes - what more could you ask from the rocket man' – Guardian (Book of the Week)
'Chatty, gossipy, amusing and at times brutally candid' – Telegraph
- Print length416 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPan
- Publication date13 Oct. 2020
- Reading age18 years and up
- Dimensions13 x 2.6 x 19.7 cm
- ISBN-101509853340
- ISBN-13978-1509853342
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Product description
Review
The rock memoir of the decade ― Daily Mail
Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all ― The Times
All the sex, drugs and showbiz gossip you could want . . . A chatty, gossipy, amusing and at times brutally candid account ― Telegraph
Outrageously enjoyable . . . racy, pacy and crammed with scurrilous anecdotes – what more could you ask from the rocket man? ― Guardian
Bracingly open and spectacularly funny . . . practically everyone who is anyone in rock jumps briefly but revealingly into view ― New Statesman
Full of warmth and candour . . . John's enthusiasm for music continues to shine through, as does the rebellious streak that made him the groundbreaking artist he continues to be today ― Independent
A fitting testament to Elton’s life . . . unrelentingly enjoyable ― GQ
Me is a riveting, laugh-til-you-cry, heartfelt page-turner . . . it is the earnest, sweet, damaged “music mad” kid at the heart of Me that will stick with you. ― EW
The perfect pop memoir . . . the world's most successful singer-songwriter is thin-skinned, opinionated, mischievous a, prone to excess - and funny ― The I
Review
The rock memoir of the decade ― Daily Mail
Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all ― The Times
All the sex, drugs and showbiz gossip you could want . . . A chatty, gossipy, amusing and at times brutally candid account ― Telegraph
Outrageously enjoyable . . . racy, pacy and crammed with scurrilous anecdotes – what more could you ask from the rocket man? ― Guardian
Bracingly open and spectacularly funny . . . practically everyone who is anyone in rock jumps briefly but revealingly into view ― New Statesman
Full of warmth and candour . . . John's enthusiasm for music continues to shine through, as does the rebellious streak that made him the groundbreaking artist he continues to be today ― Independent
A fitting testament to Elton’s life . . . unrelentingly enjoyable ― GQ
Me is a riveting, laugh-til-you-cry, heartfelt page-turner . . . it is the earnest, sweet, damaged “music mad” kid at the heart of Me that will stick with you. ― EW
The perfect pop memoir . . . the world's most successful singer-songwriter is thin-skinned, opinionated, mischievous a, prone to excess - and funny ― The I
From the Back Cover
‘A riveting, laugh-til-you-cry, heartfelt page-turner’ Entertainment Weekly
Elton John is the most enduringly successful singer-songwriter of all time. His life is extraordinary, packed with incredible highs and lows, from a troubled childhood to chart-topping superstardom, from cocaine addiction to friendships with John Lennon, George Michael and Princess Diana, from outrageous excess to sobriety and finding happiness as a husband and father. Now, in his own words and with his usual honesty, he shares his story – every hilarious, heartbreaking moment.
‘Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all’ The Times
‘The rock memoir of the decade’ Daily Mail
NME Music Book of the Year 2020
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Pan; Main Market edition (13 Oct. 2020)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 416 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1509853340
- ISBN-13 : 978-1509853342
- Reading age : 18 years and up
- Dimensions : 13 x 2.6 x 19.7 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 62,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 271 in Popular Music
- 289 in Community & Culture Biographies
- 358 in Rock & Pop Musician Biographies
- Customer reviews:
About the author
Sir Elton John, CBE, is a multi-award winning solo artist who has achieved 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, 'Candle in the Wind 1997'. In August 2018 Elton was named the most successful male solo artist in the Billboard Hot 100 chart history, having logged 67 entries, including nine Number 1s and 27 Top 10s. Elton launched his first tour in 1970 and since then has performed over 4,000 times in more than 80 countries. When not recording or touring, Elton devotes his time to a number of charities, including his own Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over $450 million and funded programmes across four continents in the twenty-four years it has existed. He is married to David Furnish, and they have two sons.
'Me' is his first and only official autobiography.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's honesty and sense of humor. The writing quality is described as well-written and narrative, with interesting psychological insights. Many readers find the story inspiring and enlightening, offering valuable insights into Elton John's life.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and honest. They enjoy reading about EJ's involvement with Watford Football Club. The book is described as candid and entertaining, with some incredible revelations.
"...This is a fantastic read and is very moving at times as well as being hilarious at times, I thoroughly recommend this even if you aren’t a fan of..." Read more
"...of a larger-than-life person which is in turn hilarious, moving and shocking - for example, in a fond look back at his lengthy career, he says, "I..." Read more
"...There is some incredible revelations in the book ( not wanting to give too much away), but he mentions a moment when the HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS Kathreen..." Read more
"...So, while the read was great and contained stories I hadn't heard of before, including the shocking revelation of cancer a few years ago, it lacked,..." Read more
Customers find the autobiography honest and moving. They enjoy reading about Elton's life, finding it well-written and packed with anecdotes. The book provides insights into his world and life that readers may not have known.
"...so many different aspects of his life, and in particular some great stories of him and Rod Stewart trying to upset each other even though they are..." Read more
"...It's an entralling account of a larger-than-life person which is in turn hilarious, moving and shocking - for example, in a fond look back at his..." Read more
"...autobiography just one of the most honest and incredibly moving music autobiographies EVER written...." Read more
"Loved the honesty and things I didn't know about Elton John and what a wonderful kind thoughtful him Human he is" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it entertaining and say it makes them laugh out loud.
"...is a fantastic read and is very moving at times as well as being hilarious at times, I thoroughly recommend this even if you aren’t a fan of his..." Read more
"...an entralling account of a larger-than-life person which is in turn hilarious, moving and shocking - for example, in a fond look back at his lengthy..." Read more
"...This book is very entertaining because of Elton John's incredible humour...." Read more
"...Some of this especially at the start was hilarious and genuinely laugh out loud with Elton describing some of the very early songs and his and Bernie..." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty and candor in the book. They find the writing witty, matter-of-fact, and down-to-earth. The author is candid about his problems with drugs, alcohol, sex, love, and other people. Overall, readers feel the book is more accurate than the media.
"...of a fan of him, it is a brilliant read and is so funny and brutally honest at times...." Read more
"...and for me, this is what makes this autobiography just one of the most honest and incredibly moving music autobiographies EVER written...." Read more
"...EJ seems to be very honest about what is going on in his head but also tells us a lot about those around him - being very generous to those who..." Read more
"...It is hard to stop when engrossed. This is a great read. It seems honest and transparent...." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the narrative style in Elton John's voice. The book reveals his struggles and chart-topping success. It is entertaining, harrowing, and self-deprecating at times.
"...Elton (and/or his ghostwriter Alexis Petridis) writes vividly..." Read more
"...book is a wonderful peek into the music industry in such an easy to read format...." Read more
"...don’t know if he wrote it or commissioned a ghost writer, but it is well written & easy to read...." Read more
"...the hardback book and then got the Kindle edition, the kindle is easier to read in bed than a heavy book...." Read more
Customers find the book enlightening and inspiring. They appreciate the interesting psychological insights and self-awareness. The story is described as moving, funny, and engaging from start to finish. Readers mention it's fact-filled, and they learn and understand a lot from it.
"...but have as general view of his character and I was amazed by the humble way this book was written from the start which hooked me immediately...." Read more
"...Overall pretty enlightening and in places even uplifting, it sits somewhere in the middle of two recent celebrity reads I've worked through, Sean..." Read more
"...years rising to fame, John’s feverish collecting habits, interesting psychological insights such as keeping meticulous notes of his record..." Read more
"...However, there's plenty to read about; his miserable childhood with a narcissistic mother and unfeeling father, his battles with alcoholism, drugs,..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it moving and hilarious at times, with an honest and uncensored account of Elton's life. The book is described as easy to read and gripping.
"...This is a fantastic read and is very moving at times as well as being hilarious at times, I thoroughly recommend this even if you aren’t a fan of..." Read more
"...account of a larger-than-life person which is in turn hilarious, moving and shocking - for example, in a fond look back at his lengthy career, he..." Read more
"...A truly moving book from a truly incredible musician, somgwriter and man." Read more
"...but I totally enjoyed his story, it was honest and did not hold back with regard to his drink and drugs habits,..." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's talent. They find the book a great portrait of a music genius and true artist. The book gives readers admiration for the author and is described as the best musicians autobiography they have ever read.
"...is so loved, because he is just one of the most down to earth and honest musicians that the United Kingdom has EVER produced in Modern British..." Read more
"...Reading this book had given me great admiration for it's author...." Read more
"...Elton has a remarkable talent, which was evident from a very young age...." Read more
"...A truly moving book from a truly incredible musician, somgwriter and man." Read more
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 January 2021For someone my age, Elton John became a star way before my time – though I grew up and he was still a big star, it was quite some time after his appearance onto the scene. I knew about him, in terms of him being a huge rock star but nothing about him as a person or his stories.
Since reading this I have become more of a fan of him, it is a brilliant read and is so funny and brutally honest at times. He speaks about so many different aspects of his life, and in particular some great stories of him and Rod Stewart trying to upset each other even though they are friends, that was a cracking read.
This book covers it all from his years in rehabilitation to when he had prostate cancer, his childhood, his parents’ rushed wartime marriage and much more, everything is laid out bare here for all to see.
This is a fantastic read and is very moving at times as well as being hilarious at times, I thoroughly recommend this even if you aren’t a fan of his music.
Please take a second to hit the helpful button, as it really helps and makes reviewing worthwhile!
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 October 2021I bought this for my daughter's birthday last year and picked it up to read last week. It's an entralling account of a larger-than-life person which is in turn hilarious, moving and shocking - for example, in a fond look back at his lengthy career, he says, "I've played with people who were so hopeless they had no business being onstage and I've played with a group of male strippers dressed as Cub Scouts" [p332]. Elsewhere, he quotes the account of one of his days in the mid-70s from his diary: "Got up. Tidied house. Watched football on TV. Wrote 'Candle In The Wind'. Went to London. Bought Rolls-Royce. Ringo Starr came to dinner." [p354].
Elton (and/or his ghostwriter Alexis Petridis) writes vividly (an early memory is of a school friend whose winkle-picker shoes had "pointed toes so long the ends of them seemed to arrive in class several minutes before he did" [p22]), and has cultivated a self-deprecating style which gives the impression of not taking himself too seriously. This is quite a feat because there's a lot of himself: before there was the chart-topping superstardom (seven consecutive US #1 albums in four years), the shopping on an industrial scale (including a tram which had to be shipped from Australia and airlifted into his garden by two Chinook helicopters) and the tantrums, there was a difficult childhood and unhappy relationships with his parents. The latter reminded me of the problems which Mike Oldfield (whose autobiography I read a few weeks ago) had with his family; it could be said that both individuals turned to music as an escape from personal issues but, of the two, Elton manages to make this sound less traumatic (of course, in spite of their shared backgrounds and music, they're very different people).
Before (and after) he was a star, Elton was a fan: he describes touring with the Ink Spots and marvelling at how nobody seemed to know who they were, until they got to The Twisted Wheel in Manchester, where the adoring audience carried them from the stage on their shoulders. Later on, after his big success at The Troubador in 1970, he was invited to a party at Cass Elliot's house in Laurel Canyon, where it was "like the record sleeves in [his bedroom in England] had come to life" [p87] and at which Bob Dylan introduced himself and told him how much he liked "My Father's Gun" off "Tumbleweed Connection".
Later on, it seems as if it's more than record sleeves which have come to life - for example, there's a story about Richard Gere and Sylvester Stallone aggressively vying for the attention of Princess Diana at one of his dinner parties. This often means that there's little time to talk about his music in detail (many of the thirty-odd albums that he's made barely get a mention) but there's a nice story of how Davey Johnstone came down to breakfast on the first day of recording "Honky Chateau" to discover Elton had already written three songs, including "Rocket Man", and how he then picked up his guitar and added the "odd, lonely notes that drifted around and away from the melody".
And there's a very pleasing account of Elton's relationship with Leon Russell, who graciously congratulated him after that Troubador debut; an honour which Elton repaid many years later (when their fortunes were very different) by asking him to collaborate on a record and a tour. The record revived Russell's career (as for Elton, it came out in between yet another greatest hits compilation and the Gnomeo & Juliet soundtrack), to Elton's delight: he says simply: "If you didn't see him, I'm sorry; you missed out. Leon Russell was the greatest." [p312]. Great stuff.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 February 2020I always knew this forthcoming music autobiography by Elton John would be very special when it was released to the public.
You only have to have listened to how Elton has spoken on screen in the decades that he has been making music that this is a man who was born to speak eloquently and entertain.
The old added term of sex and drugs and rock n roll, is pumped 6 times the volume for Elton's biography.
There is no stone left unturned, there is virtually NOTHING left untold in Elton telling his life story, and for me, this is what makes this autobiography just one of the most honest and incredibly moving music autobiographies EVER written.
There were some incredible situations that I have never heard about Elton John before, for example:
When he released his first studio albums at the beginning of his music career, he was still a session musician. He used to be a session musician for the Top of the Pops compilation albums, that did not have the original versions like they do today, with the That's What I Call Music Series; they would use session musicians, and Elton was one of these session musicians.
There is some incredible revelations in the book ( not wanting to give too much away), but he mentions a moment when the HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS Kathreen Hepburn just walked into Elton's swimming pool, from the suggestion of British Film Director Byran Forbes, and walked out with a frog.
Some of the revelations in this book,are incredibly un- believable, but when you have lived the life that Elton John has lived, NOTHING IS OUT OF BOUNDS.
The most shocking revelation is the relationship Elton John has with his mother, these two just did not get along with each other. The relationship is just as shocking as Tina Turner had with Ike Turner and Marvin Gaye had with his father.
This book is very entertaining because of Elton John's incredible humour.
You realise that by the End of the book that Elton is so loved, because he is just one of the most down to earth and honest musicians that the United Kingdom has EVER produced in Modern British Popular Music.
In my opinion, this book is just as brilliant as Hunter Davis book on the Beatles, and in my opinion Me: Elton John is one of the BEST Music Autobiography Books EVER written.
BUY...BUY...BUY...TODAY!
Top reviews from other countries
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 5 September 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!!!
This book is Elton John unfiltered and so wonderful! From his early life, full of insecurities, his many years of substance abuse, told in it's unflattering truthfulness. His struggles and rise to stardom, getting sober and married and his highest achievement of becoming a dad and everything in between, including his promotion and active involvement in many AIDS foundations. He's lead an incredible life and lived through many lows, to share it all with his millions of fans! His accomplishments are truly an inspiration!! I saw him play in 2010 in Oakland with Billy Joel, in their dueling pianos concert.... absolutely incredible, cementing me as a forever fan!!!!!
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Maximiliano SánchezReviewed in Mexico on 11 July 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente compra.
Excelente libro. Llegó antes de lo esperado y en perfecto estado.
Maximiliano Sánchez
Reviewed in Mexico on 11 July 2022
Images in this review - IllaTReviewed in Italy on 4 October 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
I love Elton, and I loved to read his ownwords. Witty and lovely!
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Jose Benito Barragan GarridoReviewed in Spain on 23 May 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Blue jean baby LA lady....
Sir Elton John ha debido de rodearse de un excelente grupo de asesores literarios (also known as"ghostwriters") porque le ha salido un libro de memorias, ME, excelente. Muy ameno y tirando a divertido, las memorias están escritas en un English de lectura fácil y exento de complejidad. Amazon me ha enviado la versión USA/Tapa dura con impresión nítida y tamaño de letra idóneo. Encantado con la compra y el rápido envío.
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Paulo Sergio SakumotoReviewed in Brazil on 8 March 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Uma auto-biografia faz diferença.
Uma auto-biografia faz muita diferença. É fantástico saber em detalhes como tudo aconteceu. A parceria de sucesso com Bernie Taupin e a escalada rumo ao sucesso e todos os percalços.
Atrás do gênio musical, percebe-se um ser humano sensível, bem humorado, simpático, daqueles que podemos convidar pra tomar chá em casa sempre.
Uma dica legal é a cada citação de um canção ou álbum, colocar pra tocar durante a leitura. Faz todo sentido imaginar as letras e o contexto em que elas foram feitas e vividas.
Pra quem é fã, um livro muito interessante!
Ps: li o original em inglês, mas creio que a versão em português deva estar ok!