The opening chords of Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – particularly “Funeral for a Friend” and “Love Lies Bleeding” – often evoke a peculiar image, far removed from rockstar glamour. For me, they’re forever intertwined with the less-than-glamorous reality of being a dustman, or garbage collector, during the summer of 1974.
This wasn’t due to any inherent unpleasantness in the music itself; quite the opposite. It was because those iconic tracks became the soundtrack to my days working for the Egham District Council. In a time before convenient wheelie bins, our job involved a daily workout. We’d navigate to the back of houses, wrestle with heavy iron dustbins, haul them to the truck, empty their contents, and return them to their original spots. Hard labor, undoubtedly, but my route had an unexpected perk: the prestigious Wentworth estate, and within it, the residence of Elton John himself.
Emptying Elton John’s dustbin became the weekly highlight. We would approach his grand entrance, press the intercom, and announce ourselves, “Dustmen!” with as much gravitas as we could muster. The automatic gates would then majestically open, allowing us to traverse the impressive driveway, some 50 yards long, to his bin storage area. We never encountered Elton himself, or anyone else for that matter, but the sheer novelty of it was thrilling.
Years later, the concept of celebrity trash became a bizarre form of pop culture, culminating in coffee-table books showcasing the discarded items of the famous. However, my fascination with Elton’s refuse was more personal. My girlfriend at the time, a devoted Elton John enthusiast, had introduced me to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Eager to impress her – despite my decidedly un-rockstar profession – I would occasionally “borrow” items from his bins, presenting them as quirky gifts. Why this romantic strategy failed remains a humorous mystery.
Regardless of my questionable romantic tactics, “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” became my gateway into the world of Elton John. This musical tour-de-force from what many consider his magnum opus album is truly captivating. The theatrical introduction of “Funeral for a Friend,” with its swirling wind effects, haunting chimes, and almost cinematic synthesizer sounds, instantly sends chills down your spine. Elton himself envisioned this instrumental piece as the kind of music he’d want at his own funeral – a grand, almost classical composition showcasing his piano prowess and the band’s musical depth.
Then, seamlessly, Davey Johnstone’s electrifying guitar riffs erupt, transitioning into the hard-rocking energy of “Love Lies Bleeding.” This dynamic shift from somber reflection to powerful rock anthem is a masterstroke. Experiencing this musical journey live is an unforgettable spectacle, consistently proving to be a highlight of any Elton John concert, and worth every penny of the ticket price.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, the bins are calling. It seems even rock and roll anecdotes can’t escape the mundane realities of garbage day.
