These are my favorite kind of releases because not everyone had the chance to catch these TV appearances originally. Thankfully somebody taped them and these are nice 1st generation dubs too.
The first Tomorrow Show appearance featured here is MUCH better performance-wise and otherwise than the second. Elton appears here just after his Central Park concert in front of over 400,000 people and the conversation sort of revolves around this event, the emotions and Elton just starting the current Fall '80 tour. Elton is in great humor and he is sharp. Very entertaining.
The second appearance is very different. Elton looks pretty together and snazzy but life had changed. In between the appearances, this one in May of '81, John Lennon had been shot and killed. We all know where we were and how we felt. We all know the close relationship the two of them had, and this is a more somber and personal interview that takes place. Elton is also previewing songs from his upcoming "The Fox" LP and they are absolutely horrendous. The vocals are live but the band play to backing tracks and it is really embarrassing. (check out the sax guy during "Just Like Belgium"!) Even though they decide to let the band play live for the final "Breaking Down Barriers", the song is abysmal.
Also provided to us as bonus features are Elton's appearances on the Rosie O'Donnell Show...not sure of the date here but it is late 90's anyway. Plus his Conan O'Brian appearance witch is nice.
As with Cat's Meow offerings it is a no-frills affair but typically good value. This is no different plus, the source video that was utilized is excellent.
