This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/10/2020
Click Here to read more about The Tom Fontaine Elton John Collection presented in this auction.
Please Note: A portion of the proceeds from sale of the Elton John lots, 229–281, will be donated to The Elton John Aids Foundation.
The offered pristine handbill promotes Elton John's February 1 and 2, 1974, concerts at the legendary Tokyo, Japan venue simply known as Budokan. Elton was touring the world in support of his smash hit double LP Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which had been released four months earlier. The album produced a string of hits including "Candle in the Wind", "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" plus live favorites "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" and "Harmony". It cemented Elton John as an absolute superstar.
An number of legendary live albums have been recorded at Budokan because it has good acoustics, is relatively large and Japanese audiences are known for being highly appreciative when appropriate but quiet during performances. The handbill features a nearly full page advertisement for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road on the reverse (would have cost you 3000 yen), but interestingly uses the promotional photo from Honky Chateau on the front. That may have been the only image the promoters were supplied at the time. A wonderful rare survivor from the moments of Elton John's ascension to legendary status. The handbill measures 7 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches and presents in stunning Near Mint to Mint condition.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.