The concert was everything we thought it would be. Elton John was as flamboyant as ever, wearing his signature wild costumes as he emphatically hammered away on his legendary piano. We were high up in the nosebleeds - as they were called - but we brought along and shared a pair of binoculars. It made no difference to us. The binoculars were powerful enough for us to see those famous gapped teeth.
Paolo was ecstatic before and after the concert. It was the last outing we would ever share together. Several years later Paolo was driving along a road when he mysteriously decided to pull over. Right then and there his life ended. Just like that, without warning. A doctor noticed him as he lay motionless in the car. The kind man tried to revive him but was unsuccessful. Paolo was 25 years old.
Not so long ago I brought some CDs with me to my car. I usually just grab the first CD that comes into my hands to insert in the CD player. The first song that came on that day was "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" I had not heard the song in quite some time. Prior to this, I had listened to it a million times but that day it had a special meaning. I immediately thought of Paolo. The irony of the words was not lost on me. No one could save him that day. The angels had different plans for him.
I never had a chance to return the 45. In fact, I still have one of his books. I plan to keep them. The title may be Sad Songs, but something tells me he is in a happy place.
For Paolo Calabro
Article comments
1 - Jon Q.
This story is a Sad Song, he makes it sound like eight track tapes were invented in 1986 and EJ was just releasing Captain Fantastic. I was out of high school for three years already in in 1986 and EJ was not flamboyant anymore and 45's were not the flavor, what a loser.
2 - alessandro nicolo
Huh? Wow. I've seen distasteful comments in my day but this one takes the cake. We were KIDS, were just getting onthe CD craze. 45s were still being sold. And to us he was still flamboyant. Unreal. The point John Q, was that someone I hung out with and died loved Elton John - sorry you missed the human side of the story. Says much about you. Did I say unreal? If you were in front of me....
3 - denice
alessandro,
i hope you don't mind, but i posted this blog in the alt.fan.elton-john newsgroup... i'm sure they'll appreciate both the joy and the sadness you've expressed... it's both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story at the same time.
also, to correct the previous poster, elton could still be described as flamboyant in 1986... that was the year he recorded the "live in australia" cd and video, and he was wearing some wild costumes for that concert... and some would say he's STILL more flamboyant than most performers out there.
4 - alessandro nicolo
Denice, thanks. No problem and further thanks for the clarification. I have no idea where he was coming from - eight track tapes? Sad Songs, I believe, was realesed in 1983 when 45s were still being sold.
5 - Stoned In The Twilight
Nice story, Alessandro.
6 - alessandro nicolo
Thanks. This may be a nice story but that's one cool name! 'Stoned in the Twilight'....
7 - elton1111
Thanks alessandro. I came across this story posted on the crazywater elton john fan site. I am sorry about Paolo. I'm also sorry about Jon and his ignorance. Elton was quite flamboyant in 1986, with huge wigs going every which way and glasses in the shape of various tetrahedrons. That was his most flamboyant tour ever, maybe next to 1973. anyway, I hope you enjoy Captain and the Kid, and hold on to your memories.
8 - alessandro nicolo
Hey there, thanks. Yeah, he managed to push my buttons. I remember distinctly looking into my binoculars and watching him go wild on that piano.
9 - Lord Choc Ice
For Jon Q, if you don't know what you're talking about, maybe you shouldn't be talking. 1986 was was one of the most flamboyant times for Elton in his whole career, not only were the costumes over the top, but it was a time that Elton was wearing crazy colored wigs, something he had not done in any other time of his career. I'm sure there are many other places that you can get your 2 cents in so next time do it somewhere else. Thanks.
Lord Choc Ice
10 - Evan
i like Elton John Elton is the best i saw him in concert and who is this Paolo
11 - Evan
Elton John deosent come on here