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Got to work for a legendary LP player last week!

Amp360

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Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
852
Last week I was lucky enough to do some work for Elton John for two shows. This was my second time working for him, which made it easier but no less thrilling. Anyways, I wanted to make a thread about Davey Johnstone because (IMHO) he's been an amazing guitar player for decades as well as a super high profile LP player and doesn't seem to ever get much press in the guitar playing community.

What a great band all around and such killer arrangements and playing. I generally don't post pictures of people online aside from maybe once in a while on my fb page but he had a really cool Les Paul for this tour. Basically a white LP with yellow bricks painted on it with yellow brick inlays. Over the years he's had some really cool ones like Captain Fantastic, but I'm sure there's a pic of this one out there somewhere.

Also, his board was about 90% Boss and small. I use all Boss and a Klon and always have people telling me about how there are so many better pedals out there. Nothing fancy about his rig at all.

Anyways, I was wondering if there were any fans here?

296122358_10227519911212320_3646358559570072165_n.jpg
 
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somebodyelseuk

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Joined
Jun 10, 2020
Messages
454
Yeah, why not?
My Mum's a big EJ fan, so I heard a lot of his albums at home growing up. I think, either this year or next it's the 50th anniversary of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album - an all time classic IMO. I'm not a fan of the circus that EJ generates around himself, but between him and Bernie Taupin, they've penned some great songs, put together a great, long serving band, with stellar musicians in it.
 

J T

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Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
10,501
Cool!
Elton John is doing his farewell tour so I guess it really will be the end of the yellow brick road.

Yeah I saw him with Elton John back in the 70's at MSG. Suff like that wont happen again.
 

jrgtr42

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Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
2,308
There's a lot of these sideman guys that are really underrated - sneaky good players. Davy is certainly one of them, Paul Crook from MEatloaf's band.
The guitar players for Billy Joel are pretty good too...
I can certainly keep going.
 

Redhod

Active member
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
540
50 years he's been with Elton! Like, since he was 19 or something. That's amazing. I saw Elton do the LA Forum in the '70s and he really knew how to fill that arena. It had only been a few years since bands had figured out how to play the big halls. Elton turned that arena into his private theater. Tremendous show. And I recall how Davey Johnstone had a big part of the sound. He was playing a goldtop LP that night.
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Last week I was lucky enough to do some work for Elton John for two shows. This was my second time working for him, which made it easier but no less thrilling. Anyways, I wanted to make a thread about Davey Johnstone because (IMHO) he's been an amazing guitar player for decades as well as a super high profile LP player and doesn't seem to ever get much press in the guitar playing community.

What a great band all around and such killer arrangements and playing. I generally don't post pictures of people online aside from maybe once in a while on my fb page but he had a really cool Les Paul for this tour. Basically a white LP with yellow bricks painted on it with yellow brick inlays. Over the years he's had some really cool ones like Captain Fantastic, but I'm sure there's a pic of this one out there somewhere.

Also, his board was about 90% Boss and small. I use all Boss and a Klon and always have people telling me about how there are so many better pedals out there. Nothing fancy about his rig at all.

Anyways, I was wondering if there were any fans here?

296122358_10227519911212320_3646358559570072165_n.jpg
I have always liked his guitar playing and killer tone . I have sworn by BOSS pedals save for a Cry Baby and a Phase 90 since 1994 . BOSS are very reliable and take a beating and still keep ticking .
 

Varitone

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Joined
Sep 16, 2022
Messages
29
That's cool!! I'm a big EJ fan going back to my childhood. I especially love the full "classic" lineup with Davey, Dee, Nigel and Ray. I saw Elton (and Davey, of course) in 1976 when I was just 7 years old, and again in the big free Central Park concert in 1980 (sadly, that was without Davey). I have always though Davey was one of the great guitar and banjo (and whatever else) players who's music got me to love the guitar. DJ's a big part of why Elton's early-mid '70s albums are so great.
 
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corpse

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Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
Are there any Davey interviews- or insight to his sound from back in the day? This prompted me to spend some time with Goobye Yellow Brick Road. What a record!
 

jb_abides

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Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
5,274
He doesn't get deep into signal chain and rig rundown here, but his overall choice of approaching stringed instrumentation. Coming from acoustic into electric, etc. Also lists 2010 era rig.

What's he using here, in 1974? Marshall cabs, but amp...? I am sure he had his pick of custom builders once he started with Elton.


Elsewhere, there's reportage it was fuzz and delay direct to desk in studio.
 
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ch willie

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Jun 7, 2007
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1,114
Elton’s always used great musicians. Dee Murray was a fantastic, melodic and rhythmic bassist, one who played so beautifully for the song. Nigel Olson on drums. Ray Cooper percussion. I’m so lucky to have seen that classic lineup twice. Davey is indeed a monster player. Thanks for the op; great to see others recognizing such a fantastic and under-sung player.
 

Amp360

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
852
Elton’s always used great musicians. Dee Murray was a fantastic, melodic and rhythmic bassist, one who played so beautifully for the song. Nigel Olson on drums. Ray Cooper percussion. I’m so lucky to have seen that classic lineup twice. Davey is indeed a monster player. Thanks for the op; great to see others recognizing such a fantastic and under-sung player.
Nigel Olsen was there that night but I didn't get to speak to him. He played great, though!
 
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