Few musicians achieve the global stardom of Elton John. With a career spanning decades, he has captivated audiences with his electrifying performances and timeless hits. But even legends have their off days, and for Elton John, one such day unfolded on the grand stage of Eurovision.
A Star on the Rise
In 1969, Elton John was on the cusp of superstardom. His first singles, “I’ve Been Loving You” and “Lady Samantha,” had just been released, hinting at the musical genius that was about to take the world by storm. Alongside his songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, Elton John was eager to make his mark.
Eurovision, the annual international songwriting competition, presented the perfect opportunity.
The Song Contest of 1969
The UK’s representative for the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest was the phenomenal Lulu, known for her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. The song she would perform, however, was still undecided.
Among the songwriters vying for this prestigious honor were Elton John and Bernie Taupin. They submitted a ballad titled “I Can’t Go On Living Without You.” Although credited to both, Elton John later revealed in his memoir Me that he penned the lyrics himself.
Five other songs were also in contention, each hoping to become Lulu’s ticket to Eurovision glory. The competition was fierce.
The Selection Process
To make the final decision, each song was performed by Lulu on her television show, Lulu. The public then voted for their favorite.
Week after week, the tension mounted as the nation tuned in, eager to hear the potential Eurovision entries.
The Verdict: Not a Winning Formula
Finally, the night of the final arrived. The votes were tallied, and the winning song was announced – but it wasn’t “I Can’t Go On Living Without You.”
In a surprising turn of events, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s ballad languished in last place, garnering a mere 5,087 votes. The winning song, “Boom Bang-a-Bang,” secured a staggering 56,476 votes, leaving the rest of the competition in the dust.
“Boom Bang-a-Bang” Takes Eurovision
Lulu went on to win Eurovision with “Boom Bang-a-Bang,” sharing the title with three other countries: Spain, the Netherlands, and France.
A Blessing in Disguise?
While a Eurovision victory eluded Elton John, it’s hard to imagine his career taking a different path. His talent was undeniable, and within a year, he released his debut album, Empty Sky, followed by a string of critically acclaimed albums that solidified his status as a musical icon.
Perhaps “I Can’t Go On Living Without You,” despite its Eurovision failure, served as a stepping stone, a valuable learning experience on the road to a remarkable career.
The Songs Live On
Interestingly, “I Can’t Go On Living Without You” was later recorded by Cilla Black, Sandie Shaw, and Polly Brown, proving its appeal despite its Eurovision ranking. In 2020, the demo of the song was unearthed and released, giving fans a glimpse into this early chapter of Elton John’s career.
The other songs from the 1969 UK Eurovision selection process didn’t fade into obscurity either. “Come September,” co-written by Mark London, became part of Lulu’s Album released later that year. It even transcended language barriers with Katri Helena recording a Finnish version and Jarkko & Laura releasing their rendition.
And then there was “Are You Ready For Love.” Recorded by Gloria Hunniford and Agnetha Fältskog of ABBA, the song found new life and a wider audience.
The story of Elton John’s Eurovision endeavor highlights that even amidst setbacks, brilliance can emerge. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the enduring power of a good song.
