Elton John - Interview with Mike Douglas in Central Park during November of 1977

[@peaceloveharmony7213]

Okay guys, 6:36 was freaking adorable! Thanks for posting this interview. I feel damn fortunate to have seen Elton John 11 times in my life. Every concert has been excellent, of course. ✌🏼🎼🎶🎤

[@lisalentile177]

such a handsome witty and brilliant man

[@padprinter7312]

That's correct Lisa that's my sweetie my Man Elton loving him listening to him and loving and 47 years he is still as great as he ever was still a great piano player singer and still hot he's a hottie he's a babe that's my Man Elton that's my Man Elton I'm still standing

[@magorzatapiotrowska9739]

@@padprinter7312 mine to I Love him deeply his such gentle soul,fragile, warm sexy voice his Beauty eyes and eyeslashes. Love

[@claresherman2278]

A Z Idiot.

[@OURBOURFLYNN]

Yes. Mystery what happend to Mike Douglas.

[@captstanleyjhowardformeren9538]

Aloha Lisa. I'm reading SIR ELTON JOHN BOOK 📚. Don't forget to Get a COPY. I'll have Him sign it next time I fly to London. Tally Ho. Capt Stan

[@joearnold5836]

The more I watch of Elton the more I love him and damn are those shades pimpin'.

[@janjohn9885]

Amazing interview! Elton is showing here that he is not just an amazing musician/singer/composer but how that great mind of his works!

[@cpmcguire]

I think this is probably the most interesting era of Elton’s career. (1977-82)

[@embrianne2286]

well probably the worst for him with his depression and use of drugs

[@johnsain]

I like 1969-1975....

[@elistrauf]

Elton John is such a talented & beautiful man

[@lisalentile177]

he gives interesting interviews most artist give boring ones

[@padprinter7312]

You're so cannot Gleason that's my man my Elton I'm still

[@GaynorPaynter01]

Amazing musician, amazing career. He has seen so much.

[@cimarronhopper4605]

You Elton Jon lol what a sense of humor I saw him last October when he came to my city he was the bomb

[@ndines6237]

Thank you for posting this great interview! Mike Douglas was to America what Parky was to England. Love this!

[@anderson088]

At 9:52 he talks about recording with Thom Bell which we all know was a great EP of soul songs like "Are you ready for Love" which was a great period in Elton's career IMHO. How cool is that little tidbit being captured during Mike's interview👍

[@preesi1403]

Mike LOVED Elton. just look how happy Mike was

[@debbiemartin2026]

Tavern on the green. Such an amazing place in the 1970s and 80s. Right in the heart of Central Park being a New Yorker, it was always a unique and classy place to go to. I remember going there in the early 80s for a road runners dinner featuring the big marathon runners at the time. Also went to weddings there and had dinner there. Such a landmark.

[@debbiemartin2026]

Elton Johns album was the first I purchased as a young teen of 13. Walked two miles to the record department of a department store. 2.99 on tuesdays.. I heard your song on the radio and had to have more Such an amazing g candid interview of a man who became imo the greatest entertainer of all time. I used to come home from school and watch Mike Douglas This was a time when hosts actually allowed guests to talk and it was about the guest not the host. So you had developed thoughts . Those days are sadly gone. At least through YT kids now can know what a real interview is like. Saw Elton once in concert. Lights went out and so did the electricity. He played the entire concert solo on his piano In the dark. Maybe they came back in at some point. Don’t remember lol

[@lynnturman8157]

For about five years In the early to mid 70s, Elton John was the biggest rock star in the world. This interview occured at the end of that amazing run. A couple of factors procipitated this: Announcing he was bisexual hurt his public image. Plus his musical output came to a screeching halt at this time due to his being exhausted. He would still, of course, continue his career and have many more hits but he would never again equal what he achieved in the 70s both in terms of musical output and popularity.

[@readynow12345]

There are very few people I like that put out albums where I like most of the songs on the album him being one in the 70's as well as some of the 80's.

[@simonwood5587]

He got greedy and fired his original band early 76 and replaced with faceless studio musicians. saved himself a few $'s short time and quality of product rapidly declined. Rock of the westies dreadful and from then on never reached same heights even when he went cap in hand later on and rehired the original band.

[@robertkushner156]

He was, and is, always the most popular with ME! (smile) I Love this man!! Both the man and the music!!

[@dskywalker3397]

That’s how I remember it. That interview was big news. Rolling Stone magazine was THE magazine. I think Elton wanted to kill off that part of his career where he was viewed as a god and could do no wrong. I remember how everyone fawned over him so. He could make a so-so song and it would race up the charts, regardless. Island Girl, Philadelphia Freedom, some others, they’re not that great. Still, they were number ones and his music was everywhere. Daniel, Honky Cat, Rocket Man: these songs were played tirelessly. And others. It seemed Daniel was played every 10 seconds as if radio stations were concerned that maybe the track might disappear. He should’ve had his own Sirius channel. He had to know and I think he did. I think he wanted to be rid of that type of idolization. He’s a very bright person, obviously. He knew. It’s what he wanted.

[@susang1747]

The way I understand it - he got rid of the original band because he was looking to make music that had more of a rock edge to it. Announcing he was bisexual only hurt sales in the Bible belt of America. More liberal states like California and New York and the other surrounding states could give a damn whether he was gay, straight, bi sexual. It’s about his music not his personal choice in sexual partners. I mean seriously? And most stars or musicians who are known have a certain period in their life where they are hot shit and then, it’s over. What goes up must come down right? I’m just sorry I was way way too young to see him perform during the early 70s, just to see that gorgeous man and to listen to his voice and I heard all of his stage shows were amazing I would give anything to see him perform and meet him!

[@cinnaplid]

He's an intelligent man; lots of very bright people talk fast. I don't think he's high on anything here -- except life.

[@jordan6988]

He started using coke in 74 and quickly became addicted. Hes a shy guy and has admitted on a interview he hid behind the glasses and the coke would help him talk to people. Dont be fucking blind. Hes spun

[@Sassyglbeauty]

Jordan it’s so funny how drugs effect people differently. The first time I did cocaine, it freaked me out because I was expecting to have a burst of energy and it made me really quiet. Idk. It was really weird.

[@jordan6988]

@@Sassyglbeauty ya the first time i did it i was like this is it? Just made me wanna talk and not tired at all obviously lol also play the piano Eltons my insperation I strive to play just like him and i did coke again and i was drunk and holy shit it was some good shit. Stayed out for like 2 days doing it partying it was insane. Played the piano while spun out and drunk. Talking for hours, being so kind and loving hahahahaha such deep conversations too but the feeling of playing his songs and being in front of those people while being gone was a feeling i cant explain.... it felt so amazing I can 100% see why Elton was addicted could you imagine that feeling but playing front of 50k people? Or 400k people during his 1980 concert in New York. Glad he lived through that and got clean its fun for sure lol I like my weed tho. I dont mess with blow anymore lol:)

[@johnsain]

He said "indoctrinated" into the hall of fame....instead of 'inducted'...lol....Even Elton would laugh at that now.

[@debbiemartin2026]

@@johnsain Yes I noticed that but even though Mike said that word twice Elton repeated it and said it as well. Mike said it first twice and perhaps Elton repeated it because he thought that was the correct way of saying lol

[@DiDiKrach]

I loved Mike Douglas❣️

[@padprinter7312]

I love that too Elton

[@debbiemartin2026]

Yes he was like a gentle father figure to me. I would watch him when I got home from school I think it was 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Him and Merv Griffin and Dick Cavett were the best

[@zyxquark]

Mike douglas was the oprah of the sixties and seventies. He seemed like an awfully nice guy and had a really good show. I think his kindness is how he got people like john lennon and Elton to come on.

[@maryjupitermusic]

I just thought how funny it would be to count how many times he pushes his glasses up.....

[@MJ-oi5wb]

or says um. LOL

[@anderson088]

New drinking games invented! Anytime he says um or pushes up his shades..

[@captstanleyjhowardformeren9538]

Elton my friend you are so young and sometimes pompous. I love it! Yes life is spontaneous, BLOKE! Don't forget that I was in London for Christmas 2004! The Queen wasn't in but YOU WERE! Harrod's is fabulous during the Christmas Season. Luv Capt Stanley J Howard IRS Enrolled Agent or just call me Auauheu! Hugs to David and your beautiful children ❣️

[@chrisdrummond8893]

Being alone is better than living with someone who resents you

[@wesleyAlan9179]

And when you resent yourself? What happens?

[@captstanleyjhowardformeren9538]

Aloha. Your post is RIGHT 😊 ON! I've been alone Going on 8 YEARS. AUWE. Mahalo Chris. Your smart!! Capt Stan

[@louvregroove]

It's an induction, not an indoctrination, Mike.

[@Buz-Lunch-Punx]

2:48 I noticed that too and was going to leave a comment, but then I saw yours Thanks for taking care of business

[@Yahowah777]

Greatest Hits in 77. Crazy lol. Such a long career.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

That was his greatest hits vol ll .

[@debbiemartin2026]

The crazy thing is that every one of his songs were written in less than an hour. Watch the documentary that his partner produced if you haven’t seen it already it’s on KZbin. That was shocking. To get Bernie’s lyrics and to sit on the piano and write a song in less than an hour. The guy is brilliant

[@PokéLivv]

Love him

[@culpritcanine6059]

Queen of the Silver Queen but really loves his fans and is very in awe of them! Great musician!

[@patriciagrandjean8205]

It’s so odd, but I vaguely remember the songwriters panel Mike D. mentions here, the one with Bernie Taupin. I was in college then and used to watch this show when home on breaks with my parents, just before dinner. I don’t remember any details about that particular panel, other than Bernie impressed me as the coolest person on it.

[@debbiemartin2026]

I remember it and it seems like yesterday Marvin Hamlisch was at the top of his game at the time. My mother loved Broadway shows and living close to Manhattan she would go on Wednesdays to get discount tickets much of the shows at the time had his music

[@barbaracaroll]

Had 2 greatest hits albums by age 30 impressive

[@romelovesdan]

Absolute crime that these video channels moved away from Archival broadcasts of historical material.

[@farrington7971]

Mike Douglas should have his hair in The Hall Of Fame lol

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Haha,yes!

[@gabrielolivares6412]

I WANT THOSE DIDDLYDARN GLASSES!!!

[@padprinter7312]

I want that big lead on Elton diddly darn Elton

[@standingelton6375]

I want Elton!

[@johnsain]

Saw him at MSG in '78.....He said this was his final show that night....

[@chenlung1]

You mean '76?

[@johnsain]

​@@chenlung1 YES!....1976...I was about to turn 17, and paid $10 for a seat which was almost the last row on the top deck...but I could see everything.....also saw him in 1980 in Central Park NYC, he mentioned his friend John Lennon, "Across the Street"....and within about 6 months John was killed........then in 2004 in Shanghai, China! (First time in China - although I think I saw him on the 3rd day)....A Chinese friend's boss knew a government official who was given free tickets and didn't want them (never heard of Elton)...so sold them to my friend for a low price, these were special tickets with no price on them,...and we sat in a special Chinese Government Official Section close to the front of the stage, but boxed off from the crowds...Wow!....Elton came out in a Chinese garment of some kind that was given to him by a government official....Free DVD's were given out and I still have it (Chinese characters on it)....and I took a poster advertisement off of a tall light pole, still have that!.....Saw Elton 3 times in 3 different Decades....He, Bowie, and Paul McCartney are my all time favorites!

[@habyss]

DIdn't he release this interview as 11-7-77?

[@3075bridget]

“You Elton John?” If it were me, I would have known instantly. And probably fainted.

[@anderson088]

15:18

[@matekozma1039]

21:13 If Elton was being interviewed on the 7th of November, then I don't understand what is he talking about. Elton had already announced he was retiring from performing on the 3rd of November, when he played in Wembley Arena.

[@paul-egz4264]

Tavern on the green used to have the most amazing prime rib and giant fried shrimp at a balmy $100 and this was back in the early 90s

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Yep

[@debbiemartin2026]

Loved the place. The garden room with the floral carpeting. Daytime weddings there. The most elegant place at the time. And le cirque.

[@anderson088]

12:22

[@Bowie99]

"I won't tolerate bad manners" :-O

[@starprincess66]

"The only opening act for Liberace ever commissioned to work on a Disney film." This guy is hilarious.

[@user-gn3bw5tx9u]

his voice changed so much

[@padprinter7312]

Doll do you wake d u h everybody's voice changes as they get older I am sorry I have to use the microphone because my fingers are too pudgy to use the keypad so some of my words get out of contacts please pardon me for it okay I'm still standing and I loved my Elton

[@Redandy1960]

Great video but shame about the sound quality

[@calebproductions5970]

This was the last interview before " the new elton John" dubbed by"people magazine" took over

[@harpiblackrose9702]

madonna , cher ,elton john, barbara streisand legends still standing

[@debbiemartin2026]

Went to a Streisand concert 6 years ago. Wanted to see her live my entire life. 400.00 a ticket…not even a great seat All she did is push her politics in between songs A complete turnoff. IMO a narcissist saw Cher 15 years ago. She was my idol in 71. Had my hair like her dressed like her Great performer but she did lip sinking. I was close enough to see it. Very disappointing Used madonnas first album for my aerobics classes. Could care less to ever see her live lol.

[@readynow12345]

HE IS TALKING A MILE A MINUTE WITHOUT PAUSE LOL..

[@deadfafi]

@@SleepMeditationandAffirmations talking much doesn't necessarily mean having a major ego (even if Elton himself admits he does). I think it usually comes from a desperate need for love. Sometimes you're shy and insicure but fight against it and put out all you have and there comes the word flow.. And in Elton's case you should add the fact that he's very intelligent and witty so his mind is probably full of thoughts he wants to express

[@Hi-vf9wx]

@@SleepMeditationandAffirmations This is the worst conclusion I've ever seen

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Who cares dumbass,maybe he should talk slower for the dumbasses in the world.

[@Stephensorrentino]

He’s always been that way.

[@standingelton6375]

@@Hi-vf9wx Who asked you?

[@danjohn6186]

They both say "indoctrinated" into the hall of fame :-)

[@tulumize]

looks like he is in a cricket outfit on the the best of LP and he is talking about sports n be the first non sports person to have his name up at madison his music i fantast , guest he is captin fantastic !!!!

[@jdenino6022]

I grew up in NYC and in 1974/75 when I was in HS there were all kinds of rumors about EJ being gay, there were also a lot of rumors about David Bowie and Rod Stewart. I don't know if it hurt his record sales at the time, I don't think it did hurt sales in NYC. He was very big around that time you would hear his music played on the radio constantly in NYC. However my friends and I were getting into more hard rock music such as the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin as well as Pink Floyd. I think songs such as Crocodile Rock weren't seen as serious music, it was fluffy and pop (even though I liked those songs a lot) then he came out with Island Girl and Don't Go Breaking My Heart and I thought he's selling out (both were #1 hits played on the radio). I was a kid...what did I know....good interview.

[@starprincess66]

"I get far more waves from taxi drivers now."

[@pablowignall]

Why does the interviewer and Elton keep saying "Indoctrination" when they surely mean "Inducted"

[@thedangerwich5476]

Gum existed back then?

[@KelleyM462]

Lumumba why wouldn’t it

[@padprinter7312]

What a hideous question to ask

[@handebarlas6248]

Are you 3 or what???????

[@barbaracaroll]

Should have kept the westies/ blue moves band together a bit longer

[@starprincess66]

"This is also around the time Warren Beatty announced his... celibacy."

[@pablowignall]

So, Elton, you never got ripped off? Funny how thing's changed years later with you and John Reid??

[@davidsonnow]

What happened with John Reed?

[@breakfastatmilliways]

@Lisa Elissa Not that Rocketman wasn't phenomenal (I've seen it like six times already), but it really shouldn't be pushed as a good place to go for the facts. It's pretty blatant about being a fantasy and a lot of details were incorrect. Not to say that Reid isn't a scumbag, but he and Elton remained close as friends and business associates until the late 90s, and when they finally got into their legal altercations, it was all about the money. There's definitely bad blood there, but the film also just needed a villain. It should all be taken with a grain of salt.

[@knockedoutloaded279]

Wish John would have turned up at his central park concert in 1980. They were planning to make an album together called...Elton John Lennon. They both signed to Geffen in 1980. Watford went all the way up!

[@joeengland3655]

neone know how old he was there

[@reginaldk6522]

He was 30 years old here.

[@davidbrunson8887]

30

[@DanielCano97]

“Lemme ‘Sssplain”

[@AnssiRai]

He said he quit wearing glasses in 1976. He started to wear them again in 1985. So, why glasses here?

[@karmafrog1]

They might be non-prescription sunglasses. His eyes don't appear to be smaller as they would with prescription glasses. I don't think he started having his picture taken without glasses as a general practice until '78.

[@debbiemartin2026]

I think they are outside the restaurant . I see the entrance door .Maybe the glare?

[@3dsmaxrocks699]

This was when Covid first hit New York and Mike Douglas fell ill.

[@garethm3242]

12.22 - SQUIRREL!!!

[@komergrowl7963]

he is in "John Lennon attire here". From the hat, the glasses, right down to the gum chewing. Not knocking him, but it's so obvious.

[@frankjuster8726]

they should say " inducted" not " indoctrinated " .

[@19Jetta]

"Do you think that, in the future, there would be anything such as a US World Series in soccer?" fast forward and US women RULE...yeah, that domination happened, just not maybe how Mike had envisioned it...

[@hd-gaming7506]

what

[@thedangerwich5476]

My Gaydar must be broken, he doesn't give off any vibes.

[@randiaddams7030]

thats the point lol , , also gaydar isnt real lol gay people are people?

[@ballineunuch663]

That's weird because aside from the flamboyant glasses and outfits, Elton always gave off a subtle masculine vibe with his speaking voice and mannerisms. In fact, I think Jagger, Bowie, and Mercury were much more feminine than Elton in terms of their physicality.

[@MJ-oi5wb]

@@ballineunuch663 what's the POINT? LOL

[@standingelton6375]

Mind your own business!

[@MJ-oi5wb]

what was the homophobic comment about being the only opening act who opened for Liberace and worked for Disney? Wow

[@craigcollins7906]

He was so much better in this period of his life. Why did he become a queen?

[@claresherman2278]

Ah yes, he was much better when he was a drunk and a junkie!🙄

[@enta2]

@@claresherman2278 yes he was much better when he was a "drunk and a junkie" lol

[@claresherman2278]

@@enta2 Of course- he was so much better when he was asking his office to turn the wind off for him!

[@enta2]

@@claresherman2278 self-criticism and self-humor is a characteristic of great people. you cannot use the information you have from Elton against him and call him a junkie. What are we seeing Now? He walks around with the wig, is dressed like the Russian oligarch, makes the music in the Eurovision style, and supports the untalented wannabe musicians.

[@3075bridget]

@@enta2 It’s sad seeing him in his mid 70s now. He’s led a physically and emotionally hard life, and I suspect has a lot of physical pain issues because of it.

[@clararaimundi551]

Ok so he was OCD, and had "shyness" (anxiety) quirky, amazing memory and musically gifted... 🤔 sounds like ASD to me

[@Buz-Lunch-Punx]

I wonder if Elton knew at this point that he was going to become a full blown homosexual?

[@lmjones7716]

Become? Like a person's sexuality isn't something that you're born with.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

John Smith...he knew all his life. He knew from the time he was old enough to know. You dont just "find out" or "make your mind up" one day...damn,so ignorant! I'm not gay,and I know these things!!!