One of Elton's drummers on ICE ON FIRE, Charlie Morgan, really helped a later song like "Simple Life" from THE ONE evolve magnificently live on the tours between 1992 and 1998. It became a big-time show highlight.
Too Low For Zero is Elton’s best album of the 80s from a commercial standpoint. It does have a reunion with Taupin and the songs are solid. The Fox from 1981 is more artistically satisfying and more like 70s Elton. Ice On Fire, while much better than Breaking Hearts, sounds superb because of Gus Dudgeon’s production. It’s a digital recording too, maybe his first? Unfortunately Leather Jackets from the following year is his all time low.
Ice On Fire is terrible and not fit to be mentioned in the same sentence as Breaking Hearts, his most solid eighties album song for song! It’s one of his two worst eighties albums along with Leather Jackets, both which sound *terrible* which is crazy since in the seventies Dudgeon’s production was unimpeachable. One of the worst sounding albums ever!
But John, you’d be hard pressed to hear a Nigel performance in concert , where he puts that fill in don’t let the sun…which is why I always liked ejs other drummers , Roger, Charlie, sugarfoot…all were way better in concert, and only Charlie played the important parts of don’t let the sun , in concert performances. Nigel did great in the studio, but in concert , not so much. In fact where has Nigel ever shined again as a definitive drummer, after the album captain fantastic, I would say he hasn’t, with all due respect he seemed average after that as a drummer. Captain fantastic however, had some great drumming.
I agree, Charlie is great, band hasn’t been the same since he left…Nigel had some great moments in the studio…but live , especially after 73 not so great . I don’t think rock of the westies or blue moves would have been as good if he were still in the band…and yes we never heard simple life again after Charlie left. Or even the one if I’m not mistaken, outside of a solo performance. Both had definitive drums with Charlie. Fans don’t give Charlie enough credit, Nigel however is always nice to hear when he is singing
Maybe the most false statement on the Internet?! Nigel kicked ass live, maybe the tightest most solid live rock drummer ever? He was *fantastic* post-1973, especially on the 1974 and 1984 tours. Much better fit for Elton than Charlie Morgan. Also played on great studio songs, which Morgan never did. Who cares that they dropped Simple Life since his tenure?! It’s from one of Elton’s two worst albums (along with The Big Picture) and never needs to be heard again!
I love ICE ON FIRE. There are many gems in it, more than people think.
Fantastic channel. Please keep this awesome work.
One of Elton's drummers on ICE ON FIRE, Charlie Morgan, really helped a later song like "Simple Life" from THE ONE evolve magnificently live on the tours between 1992 and 1998. It became a big-time show highlight.
Dave mattics of course was a part of fairport convention in there later Years an Richard Thompon if Im not mistaken!
Too Low For Zero is Elton’s best album of the 80s from a commercial standpoint. It does have a reunion with Taupin and the songs are solid. The Fox from 1981 is more artistically satisfying and more like 70s Elton.
Ice On Fire, while much better than Breaking Hearts, sounds superb because of Gus Dudgeon’s production. It’s a digital recording too, maybe his first?
Unfortunately Leather Jackets from the following year is his all time low.
Ice On Fire is terrible and not fit to be mentioned in the same sentence as Breaking Hearts, his most solid eighties album song for song! It’s one of his two worst eighties albums along with Leather Jackets, both which sound *terrible* which is crazy since in the seventies Dudgeon’s production was unimpeachable. One of the worst sounding albums ever!
Nobody else can top Nigel olsson ... Never
Alvin Taylor
I like your postage stamp shirt.
I also like the interviews about Elton John.
drummers are not supposed to talk? 🤐
But John, you’d be hard pressed to hear a Nigel performance in concert , where he puts that fill in don’t let the sun…which is why I always liked ejs other drummers , Roger, Charlie, sugarfoot…all were way better in concert, and only Charlie played the important parts of don’t let the sun , in concert performances. Nigel did great in the studio, but in concert , not so much. In fact where has Nigel ever shined again as a definitive drummer, after the album captain fantastic, I would say he hasn’t, with all due respect he seemed average after that as a drummer. Captain fantastic however, had some great drumming.
I agree, Charlie is great, band hasn’t been the same since he left…Nigel had some great moments in the studio…but live , especially after 73 not so great . I don’t think rock of the westies or blue moves would have been as good if he were still in the band…and yes we never heard simple life again after Charlie left. Or even the one if I’m not mistaken, outside of a solo performance. Both had definitive drums with Charlie. Fans don’t give Charlie enough credit, Nigel however is always nice to hear when he is singing
Maybe the most false statement on the Internet?! Nigel kicked ass live, maybe the tightest most solid live rock drummer ever? He was *fantastic* post-1973, especially on the 1974 and 1984 tours. Much better fit for Elton than Charlie Morgan. Also played on great studio songs, which Morgan never did. Who cares that they dropped Simple Life since his tenure?! It’s from one of Elton’s two worst albums (along with The Big Picture) and never needs to be heard again!