Bernie Taupin has a memoir out now titled Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me. Despite dropping his name in the title, Taupin’s book isn’t really about Elton John.
Taupin told the Associated Press, “What people don’t realize is that we were joined at the hip at the beginning. It was sort of me and him against the world. But I think once that we gained a modicum of success, it was natural that we would sort of separate and find our own lives.”
Of course, that’s not to say the book is completely devoid of Sir Elton. As John’s lyricist, Taupin does delve into the stories and inspirations behind some of the pianist’s biggest hits. He even touches on a pass John made at him very early in their writing partnership. Taupin says he delicately declined the offer, but it led to him and John being friends for over 50 years.
As with other memoirs, Taupin’s does feature some fun gossip and other scandalous stories. AP notes Taupin recalls punching John Belushi in the face, what it was like to hang out with Andy Warhol and his not-so-pleasant memories of Hugh Hefner.
In other words: If you wanted to know the story behind the man who wrote the lyrics to Elton John’s classic songs, you’re going to want to pick up a copy.
Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me is available via HachetteBookGroup.com.
