Elton John on the Early Web: A Tribute to Classic Fan Sites of the Early 2000s

This page is dedicated to classic Elton John fan websites from the early years of the internet, especially the late 1990s and early 2000s. At that time, fans created simple yet passionate websites using basic HTML, static pages, guestbooks, and colorful layouts. These sites were often hosted on platforms like GeoCities, Angelfire, and Tripod, and they played a crucial role in connecting fans around the world.

In English, these older websites are commonly referred to as “early fan sites,” “vintage websites,” “classic fan pages,” or “old-school websites.” They represent an important era of digital culture, long before social media and modern content management systems. Despite their technical limitations, these sites were rich in dedication, featuring discographies, lyrics, photo galleries, tour information, and personal tributes to Elton John’s music and legacy.

This blog page celebrates that nostalgic web aesthetic and preserves references to those early Elton John fan sites. It is not about modern design or advanced technology, but about honoring the creativity, enthusiasm, and community spirit of fans who helped shape online music fandom at the beginning of the century.

By revisiting and documenting these early websites, we keep alive a piece of internet history and recognize how Elton John’s influence extended not only through music, but also through the earliest forms of online fan expression.

Hashtags:
#EltonJohn #EltonJohnFans #VintageWebsites #EarlyInternet #ClassicFanSites #OldSchoolWeb #InternetHistory #MusicFandom #Early2000sWeb

Keywords:
Elton John fan sites, early 2000s websites, vintage fan pages, classic Elton John websites, old internet design, early web fandom, music fan websites, retro internet culture

A Hidden Gem for Elton John Fans: Exploring the Legacy of http://www.andreakugler.de/EJ/

In the digital age of streaming and social media, where information moves fast and fan content often disappears as quickly as it appears, some websites stand as timeless archives—passion projects that preserve music history with care and dedication. One such example is http://www.andreakugler.de/EJ/, a longstanding fan-made website devoted entirely to the legendary career of Elton John.

Launched in the late 1990s or early 2000s, this vintage-style website is a treasure trove of information for serious Elton John collectors, historians, and longtime admirers. Maintained by German fan Andrea Kugler, the site reflects an era when fans built detailed online archives out of pure love for the artist, long before platforms like YouTube, Spotify, or Instagram dominated the music experience.

The site is not flashy or modern in design, but its strength lies in its content. Divided into well-organized sections, it provides:

Extensive concert documentation, including rare setlists, dates, and photos from European shows—many of which are hard to find anywhere else.

An impressive catalog of CD singles, complete with scans of covers, tracklists, and variations across countries and editions.

Trade lists and bootlegs, showing the depth of the collector culture that flourished in Elton John’s global fan community.

Personal photos and memorabilia, adding an intimate and authentic layer to the archive.

Among the highlights is the 1999 concert in Dresden, featuring rare photographs and a complete breakdown of the performance. For collectors, the CD single section is a goldmine, listing forgotten releases and unique combinations of songs, such as medleys and live B-sides.

In many ways, http://www.andreakugler.de/EJ/ stands as a historical document. It's a reminder of how fans preserved and shared music culture in the early web era—before algorithms, when building a website was an act of passion and personal devotion.

Despite its old-school design and simple HTML structure, the site still functions reliably and remains a valuable reference for those interested in Elton John’s live history and recorded legacy. For new fans, it offers a chance to explore beyond the hits. For longtime followers, it brings a sense of nostalgia and respect for an artist whose impact spans decades.

While newer platforms offer instant access to music and media, websites like http://www.andreakugler.de/EJ/ are increasingly rare. They deserve recognition not only for their content but for the dedication behind them. In the case of Elton John, whose musical journey has touched millions, archives like this help keep his legacy alive—one scanned CD cover and setlist at a time.

Archived Photos (1997–2001)

I’m sharing a link recovered from the Internet Archive that features rare photos of Elton John from 1997 to 2001. Originally hosted on a Geocities page, the material includes images from tours, backstage moments, and live performances.

Below are the links by year:

Main page:
http://web.archive.org/web/20090723080504/http://geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/3899/index.html

Available years:
1997 —
http://web.archive.org/web/20090723080504/http://geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/3899/1997.html
1998 —
http://web.archive.org/web/20090723080504/http://geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/3899/1998.html
1999 —
http://web.archive.org/web/20090723080504/http://geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/3899/1999.html
2000 —
http://web.archive.org/web/20090804075915/http://geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/3899/2000.html
2001 —
http://web.archive.org/web/20090723080504/http://geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/3899/2001.html

The Prehistoric Internet: Classic Sites and the Preservation of Elton John Content

Back in the late '90s and early 2000s, before social media took over, the internet was a wild and personal space. People created websites using free platforms like Tripod, Angelfire, and Geocities. For Elton John fans, these were golden digital territories—places to share lyrics, reviews, rare recordings, demo tapes, bootlegs, and personal stories.

While many of those early websites have disappeared, some of the platforms that hosted them are surprisingly still active. For example, you can still visit:

Angelfire (https://www.angelfire.com)

https://www.angelfire.com/in2/Elton/Sayname.html

https://www.angelfire.com/in2/Elton/

https://www.angelfire.com/in2/Elton/Paris.html

Blogger (https://www.blogger.com)

LiveJournal (https://www.livejournal.com)

https://www.livejournal.com

https://www.livejournal.com/blogs/en/elton%20john/de/

Amazingly, some pages about Elton John are still hosted there, including bootleg discographies, concert reviews, translated lyrics, magazine scans, and fan club memories.

But sadly, many iconic platforms are now extinct. Among the fallen are:

Geocities – Shut down in 2009 by Yahoo

FortuneCity – Closed in 2012

Xoom – Repurposed into a financial service

Homestead – Absorbed by Intuit

Webs – Shut down in 2023

Zoomshare, T35, Freeservers, Hypermart, Web1000, Coolfreepages, Virtualave, and many others — all vanished

These were once thriving digital neighborhoods for Elton fans. Some hosted archives of unreleased songs like “Snow Queen”, “Watching the Planes Go By”, “The Man Who Never Died”, or demo versions of forgotten gems.

Thankfully, parts of that lost content were rescued through digital archiving projects. Two of the most important are:

Oocities.org (a mirror of old Geocities pages) – https://www.oocities.org

https://www.oocities.org/br/eltonjohnonline3/

https://www.oocities.org/hollywood/boulevard/1847/ejD.htm

https://www.oocities.org/tommy3069/shania_news_tdg090407.html

https://www.oocities.org/danielfjall/ejohn.htm

Geocities.br (Brazilian archive on Neocities) – https://arca.neocities.org/geocitiesbr

Inside these archives, you can still find traces of Elton John’s early internet legacy—scanned photos, translated lyrics, reviews of rare shows, and fan club newsletters that haven’t been republished anywhere else.

Soon, I’ll be sharing links to specific Elton-related materials still preserved in these corners of the web. These digital time capsules remind us how devoted the fan community was—and still is—to documenting every part of Elton John’s artistic journey.

If you once had or followed a fan site back in the day, drop a comment below. Some parts of the old internet may be gone… but just like Elton, they’re still standing in spirit.

Elton John in 1998: A Journey Through Fans’ Memories in the Web Archive

The year 1998 was an intense and memorable period in Elton John’s career, with dozens of performances worldwide during The Big Picture Tour, as well as involvement in theatrical projects such as the musical Elaborate Lives – The Legend of Aida. Thanks to the dedication of passionate fans and attentive collectors, many accounts of these shows were recorded in articles, reviews, and personal comments published online — and fortunately preserved by the website web.archive.org.

What is the Web Archive?
Web.archive.org, also known as the Wayback Machine, is a project of the Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library dedicated to preserving the memory of the web. It allows access to old versions of websites that often no longer exist. This is essential for researchers, fans, and historians as it rescues pages, articles, photos, and content that would otherwise be permanently lost. Access is free and secure, making it an invaluable cultural tool.

A Tour Documented by Fans
Between January and December 1998, Elton performed dozens of concerts across the United States, Europe, and Canada. Most of the accounts gathered here come from archives of the website whizzo.ca, which compiled fan-written reviews originally published in the 22nd Row community. These articles were saved by the Web Archive and today represent a true treasure for admirers of his career.

The Cultural Importance of These Records
The recovery of these articles shows how vital fans’ collective memory is for documenting the careers of artists like Elton John. Each review, no matter how simple it seems, carries details that official records often overlook: the audience’s emotions, backstage curiosities, unique moments on stage. Thanks to web.archive.org, this content remains alive and accessible.

For fans, researchers, or anyone curious about music history, visiting the Web Archive is a way to travel back in time, reliving emotions and discovering forgotten stories — all safely, without ads or data tracking.

Jan 23 1998
US CONCERT - Nashville Arena, Nashville TN
Jerry Bailey wrote this review of the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20081230233652/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980123_jb.html

Feb 20 1998
US CONCERT - The Forum, Los Angeles CA
Geoff Shackelford wrote a review covering both Los Angeles shows.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980220_gs.html

Jun 27 1998
SWEDEN CONCERT - Face To Face - Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg - Elton John & Billy Joel
Billy Joel did not appear
Here is a review from Christian Olausson
http://web.archive.org/web/20081230232819/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980627_co.html

Aug 7 1998
US CONCERT - Frank Erwin Center, Austin TX
First show of the fourth North American leg of The Big Picture Tour.
Review by Brian Martinez.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980807_bm.html

Aug 11 1998
US CONCERT - Delta Center, Salt Lake City UT

Michael Walker prepared this review of the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980811_mw.html

Kevin Burnett wrote this review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980811_kb.html

Aug 13 1998
US CONCERT - Arco Arena, Sacramento CA
Kristy Wieheshared this review with the 22nd Row.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980813_k.html

Aug 15 1998VIP Pass
US CONCERT - Oakland Arena, Oakland CA
Here is a review by Christine Safieddine.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980815_cs.html

And Kristy Wiehe wrote this review of the show and the Acoustic Guitar Festival performances of John Jorgenson and Davey Johnstone.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980815_kw.html

Aug 21 1998
US CONCERT - Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, CA
Walter Kwasnik travelled 3000Km to see this show and write this review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980821_wk.html

Some comments on this show are included in Geoff's August 22 1998 review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980822_gs.html

Aug 22 1998
US CONCERT - Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, CA
A review of the show from Gladys.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980822_g.html

A review from Geoff, including comments on the August 21 1998 show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980822_gs.html

The Los Angeles Times reported on Jim Carrey's guest appearance:

The crowd went nuts as the two broke into a soaring rendition of Rocket Man, with Carrey matching Elton note for note.
Carrey, never known for his subtle way with a gag, soon had the audience in stitches as he sat down beside Elton at the piano for an ivory-tickling duet. But instead of using his hands, the comedian decided to bang out a tune with his head.
When Carrey finally took his leave, Elton said, "Whoo, boy — I won't forget that one."

Aug 24 1998
US CONCERT - Fiddler's Green Amphitheater, Denver CO
A review of the show from Louisa.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980824_klf.html

Aug 28 1998
US CONCERT - New World Theatre, Tinley Park (Chicago) IL

Scott Lovegren wrote this review of the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980828_sl.html

And here is a review from Dee. Sox666 wrote this review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980828_df.html

A review was also sent in by Ann.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980828_a.html

22nd Row den mother Jim McKay read all the Chicago newspapers the next day, and prepared this summary (snipping out the song titles as he went):

Sat., Aug. 29 - The Daily Herald (Page 2, Section 1) by Mark Guarino
Kudos: "The songs that held up with more dignity were his epic ballads like... which John performed alone, they had less fireworks to hide behind."
Kudos: "Less hyper than the old days, John was more like a generous teddy bear stopping the show frequently to shake hands, sign autographs and receive gifts."
Nasty!: "...his ultra-slick band of tanned and cheesy L.A. types who gave everything they did a high commerical sheen." Ouch!!!
Sun., Aug. 30 - Sunday Sun-Times (Page 39 Section A) by Laura Emerick
Headline: "Elton John celebrates life, keeps on rocking"
Kudos: "From the first chords of ... that opened his concert, ... it was clear that the evening... would celebrate the human spirit."
Kudos: "As he rockets across the 88s, John proves why he's one of the best rock pianists around."
Kudos: "His voice, now rasy and a bit frayed, remains as soulful as ever. Though he sings in lower keys these days, he captures the poignance of ballads such as... (and) not many pop vocalists could glide as gracefully through the tricky intervals of..."
Kudos: "Though ballads now are his forte, most fans prefer to see him rock out, and he didn't disppoint."
Huh?: "On his first tour in three years..."
Oh how stupid: (Commenting that the weekend of the performance conincided with the first anniversary of Diana's death:) "Would his concerts turn into a procession of dirge-like songs? Would he shed a furtive tear? After all, sad songs say so much."
Closing Kudos: "Good gracious, Elton's still got it."
Sun. Aug. 30 - Chicago Tribune (Page 6, Section 4) by Greg Kot (Tribune Rock Critic and Critic for Rolling Stone)
Headline: "Knight's Move: These days, Sir Elton John downplays flash, focuses on music."
Kudos: "The pianist had a fine band, as usual, anchored by longtime guitarist Davey Johnstone and an agile, aggressively melodic bassist in Bob Birch."
Kudos: "...his piano chops were up to par, and his right hand drummed the keys on rockers such as..."
Your call: "They're both drippy tunes, but John sank into their marshmallow emotion with such sincerity he made them difficult to deny."
Your call again on the closer: "Sir Elton, after all, has discovered the secret to aging gracefully in rock 'n' roll, and it is this: If you never have any "edge" to begin with, you can never lose it."

Aug 31 1998
CANADA CONCERT - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto ON

Steve Thomas wrote this review of the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980831_st.html

Sep 5 1998
US CONCERT - Nissan Pavillion, Bristow VA
Rescheduled from May 2 1998. Erik sent this review of the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980905_ei.html

MooreMus had this to say.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980905_mm.html

Sep 6 1998
US CONCERT - Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia MD
MooreMus was at a second show in two nights, and here is the review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980906_mm.html

Sep 9 1998
US CONCERT - Polaris Amphitheater, Columbus OH
Jeff sent this report.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980909_jg.html

Jason Frank wrote this concert review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980909_jf.html

Barbara Taylor worte this detailed review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980909_bt.html

Sep 11 1998
US CONCERT - The Kohl Center, Madison WI
Ann wrote this review of the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980911_ann.html

Kevin Schwartz sent this review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980911_ks.html

Marisa Meisters also wrote a review.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980911_mm.html

Sep 12 1998
US CONCERT - Gund Arena, Cleveland OH
A concert review from Cheryl.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980912_c.html

Jacob Huebert writes about the thrill of getting a ticket upgarde.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980912_jh.html

17 to Nov 8 1998 Elaborate Lives - The Legend Of Aida playbill (Atlanta)
US THEATRE - Elaborate Lives: The Legend Of Aida, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta GA
Act One
Every Story Is A Love Story
Our Nation Holds Sway
The Past Is Another Land
Another Pyramid
How I Know You
My Strongest Suit
Night Of Nights
Enchantment Passing Through
The Dance Of The Robe
Elaborate Lives
Our Nation Holds Sway
Act Two
A Step Too Far
Easy As Life
Like Father Like Son
The Gods Love Nubia
How I Know You
Written In The Stars
I Know The Truth
Night Of Nights
The Judgement
I Know The Truth
The Messenger
Every Story Is A Love Story
Elaborate Lives crew hat
World Premiere of Walt Disney Theatrical Productions' musical. Music by Elton John; Lyrics by Tim Rice; Book by Linda Woolverton. Directed by Robert Jess Roth.

Adaptation of Verdi's opera Aida by Elton John and Tim Rice for Disney.

As with The Lion King, a demo recording by Elton John was made. A 1998 opening is aimed for. The show is to be directed by Robert Jess Roth and choreographed by Matt West. The work consists of about 20 songs. A workshop for the production took place on December 16 1996.

Early plans are for three albums to be released: Concept Album (Atlanta Cast); Original Broadway Cast and an Elton John version.

Previews are from Sep 17, with opening night on Oct 7.

Lisa Macdonald kept the 22nd Row well informed about the musical with her many fine articles about the show.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19980917_lmaida.html

Dec 4 1998
SWEDEN CONCERT - The Globe, Stockholm
Here is a review
http://web.archive.org/web/20090503073306/http://www.whizzo.ca/elton/articles/19981204_co.html

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