Rocketman

Rocketman

My name is Elton Hercules John… and I’m an alcoholic. And a cocaine addict. And a sex addict. …

My name is Elton Hercules John… and I’m an alcoholic. And a cocaine addict. And a sex addict. And a bulimic. I’m also a shopaholic who has problems with weed… prescription drugs… and anger management.

Maybe we should get him some lessons. Love to. Get him out from under my feet. Any dinner left? Or …

Maybe we should get him some lessons. Love to. Get him out from under my feet. Any dinner left? Or have you fed it all to that boy? My dad was passionate about… family and music. He’d talk for hours about jazz. He was always hugging me. I was very lucky. I was actually a very happy child. Dad is it true you play piano? I’m saving to get lessons. If you want to sit in here you’ll have to be quiet. I’m listening to my music. I like this one Dad. Never ever touch my collection without asking. When are you going to hug me? Don’t be soft. What are you still doing up? Learning. Turn off the light. Go to sleep. You think he’s got that kind of talent? Of course he has. But you’d know that if you took the slightest bit of interest in me or this family. Stop looking at that. You’re not a girl.

You tied me down with that kid years ago and now I’ve finally got a reason to leave and be rid of …

You tied me down with that kid years ago and now I’ve finally got a reason to leave and be rid of you and this bloody house! He didn’t even give me a hug goodbye. He’s no good at showing affection. Never has been. - I wish I was someone else. - Oh don’t be silly. Well how do you think I felt? I was a kid. Heartbroken. People don’t care though do they? Bloody hell. Have you got a fag? Hi Mum. I knew you’d be back. You’ll have to pay rent. I’m not made of money. Right. I will not have a mess in this house. I can’t do everything. I can’t cook and clean and wash. Rely upon me to do everything. It’s not fair.

I love you man. I do but… not in that way. It’s always important to rely on the kindness of stra…

I love you man. I do but… not in that way. It’s always important to rely on the kindness of strangers. John Reid. Elton. I know it all seems a bit overwhelming at first but something makes me think you’ll get used to it. In fact I predict you could be the best-selling artist in America if you desire. So you like the song then? Not quite as much as the singer. You don’t realize what happened at the Troubadour tonight do you? Look I’m in music management and let me tell you there are moments in a rock star’s life that define who he is and how people perceive him as he ascends into the heavens. You lit the blue touch paper. Now we can all see youshooting light and color and… magic into the night sky. Where there was darkness there is now you. You can do anything you want. You can be anyone you want. And it’s gonna be a wild ride. will I see you when I get back? Now don’t worry about me. Go and enjoy your moment. - That’s what’s important. - Come to London with me. I can’t but uh… But next time I’m there I’ll look you up. Promise. I’ve been hearing your songs everywhere. Makes it very hard to stop thinking about you.### Love

Sexuality

This is a crucial time Elton. You and I are gonna have to be more careful ‘cause the papers have be…

This is a crucial time Elton. You and I are gonna have to be more careful ‘cause the papers have been sniffing around. We can’t give them anything to speculate on. I’m thinking of getting someone in as your girlfriend. - Doesn’t that seem a bit excessive? - No no no no no. This is your career and our business at stake. If our sleeping arrangements get out… - all of this is gone. - Right. And you’re gonna have to talk to your parents. Make sure they know what to say. Those are the first doors reporters knock on. - Hello Reg. - Hello Dad.

Father

I thought maybe once I’m back from touring you and I could get together if you like. I could get y…

I thought maybe once I’m back from touring you and I could get together if you like. I could get you some tickets to my next concert. Not really my thing. Oh no. Would you make it out to Arthur? He’s one of the blokes from work. Yeah he’s a big fan. - Is he? - Mm-hmm. - - When I grow up Dad… - Get inside.

What are you doing without your shoes on? You’re gonna be a draftsman. Back inside.

Mother

Are you gonna be scared of her your whole life? Tell them I’m indisposed breaking my mother’s heart!…

Are you gonna be scared of her your whole life? Tell them I’m indisposed breaking my mother’s heart! - Mum it’s me. - I know who you are. Well I’ve got something to tell you. Reggie we’re gonna miss the bit of the show with you on. Look shut up Mum! I’m not on telly yet am I? I’m talking to you. I… Me and John we… Well the thing is… I’m… a homosexual. A poofter. A fairy. A queen. Well say something. Oh for God’s sake I know that. Known for years. - You don’t mind? - Frankly I don’t care. But I’d rather you keep that sort of thing to yourself. I just hope you realize you’re choosing a life of being alone forever. You’ll never be loved properly. Right. Got to go. She said I’ll never be loved. Don’t ever put me in this position again. You’re onstage in minutes so get over yourself and do the show. We’re running a business here you fucking idiot. Don’t ever put your hands on me. Real love’s hard to come by. So you find a way to cope without it.

Ego

You know just be yourself Reg? Why the fuck would I want that Bernie? People don’t pay to see Regina…

You know just be yourself Reg? Why the fuck would I want that Bernie? People don’t pay to see Reginald Dwight. They pay to see Elton John! - For my next trick I’m gonna fucking kill myself. For as long as I can remember I’ve hated myself. Believed I’d never be loved. Shows progress to take responsibility for your actions. Yeah but I started acting like a cunt in . I just forgot to stop. I do feel ashamed. Spent so long feeling resentful forthings that just don’t matter. Maybe I should’ve tried to be more ordinary.

Rock ‘n’ roll is getting you out of your bed in the morning. Arranging gigs in different countries. …

Rock ‘n’ roll is getting you out of your bed in the morning. Arranging gigs in different countries. Rock ‘n’ roll’s actually employment contracts insurance copyright indemnity renegotiating your previously insane contracts and wiping your arse. You know all you do Elton is play the piano. But for me rock ‘n’ roll is an 80 million-dollar-a-year industry. - I want to be by myself not with some asshole who doesn’t give a shit about me and takes the piss day after day!

Reggie

I just hope you realize you’re choosing a life

of being alone forever.

You’ll never be loved properly.

When are you going to hug me?

Don’t be soft. What do you really want?

I’m going home… for a while.

What do you want? I’m busy. Did being married make you happy? Not really. I’m gay.

Mother

It is a lovely place. You should see it. - Minorca eh? - Mmm. What do you want to go there for? - …

It is a lovely place. You should see it. - Minorca eh? - Mmm. What do you want to go there for? - Because you’re driving me away. - Mmm. Every time we open a paper there’s something about you and the booze or the drugs and… you’re breaking your poor mum’s heart. Tell you what I’ll write you a check. Hmm? So she can go buy a new one. Typical that you’d say something like that about me when I’ve given up so much for you. What have you given up for me? Your father… for a start. You really are a heartless monster. You know I don’t live my life in black and white. And I do not want your fucked-up frigid ideas about anything. You know I am so sick of running away from who I am. There’s nothing wrong with success. Or pleasure. In fact why am I apologizing for it? Mum I have fucked everything that moves. And I’ve taken every drug known to man. All of them. Do you know what? I enjoyed every last minute of it. Ever since you first dangled your fat little legs in front of a piano you’ve been lucky. You’ve never worked hard for a bloody thing in your life. It all just comes to you. You don’t do anything. And I’m the one who suffers. I should never have had children. Do you know how disappointing it is to be your mother?

Friendship, Bernie

You left when it suited you. Now you come back to lecture me? ‘Cause the thing is the first time we…

You left when it suited you. Now you come back to lecture me? ‘Cause the thing is the first time we actually got anywhere you left didn’t you? Some girl was more important to you than me and all those legends who were welcoming us in. You left me at the most important time Bernie. When did you give up? If you don’t care about yourself how do you expect anyone else to? Whenever I needed you most… - you weren’t there. - It’s not weak to ask for help. I have worked my balls off to get us out of the shit. Day in day out for years. And now it’s me that can’t walk down the streets. It’s me who doesn’t have a life. ‘Cause I don’t get to sit around with my feet on a desk chewing on the end of a fucking pencil. “Write the lyrics Bernie. I’ll take care of everything else.” That wasa test! You should’ve known.

Therapy

Mum I know it was never easy. And I hope you can forgive me. Because I’ve realized that’s what we ne…

Mum I know it was never easy. And I hope you can forgive me. Because I’ve realized that’s what we need to do now. Forgive each other. My problem was I believed you loved me. And you’re incapable of it. I gave everything to keep something that I never even had in the first place. I always thought you was an introverted extrovert. - A what? - He’s shy. He’s alwaysbeen shy. It’s all his father’s fault. Don’t blame me. He’d have been strange regardless. Actually I think I’m okay with “strange.” God. Not him. Both of you. Stop. I’m not going to allow you to talk to me like this anymore. It’s about time you said that. Bernie. I never told you how much I need you. No no no I love you man. Always have always will. You write songs that millions of people love. And that’s what’s important. You just need to remember who you are… and be okay with it. He doesn’t know who he is. Yes I do. I’m Elton Hercules John. I thought you were Reggie Dwight. I haven’t been Reggie Dwight for years. When are you going to hug me?

Therapy

I’m scared Bernie. What if I’m not as good… without the drink and the drugs? You know that’s not t…

I’m scared Bernie. What if I’m not as good… without the drink and the drugs? You know that’s not true. You’re not scared you’re not good without it you’re scared to feel again. You might be able to lie to yourself but you can’t lie to me. I should be going. Don’t go. Not yet. This is the part you gotta do on your own. These… need music. Thank you Bernie. You’re my brother.