Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future) by Elton John

Album: Rock Of The Westies (1975)

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Songfacts®:

Three years after "Rocket Man," Elton John released this song, which tells the story of a "pilot of the future." The lyric, written as usual by Bernie Taupin, was inspired by Dan Dare, the comic strip character who first appeared in the British Eagle in 1950.
Guitarist Davey Johnstone used a talkbox on this track. Although the device had already been around a few years when Rock Of The Westies was released, it did not really catch on until the release of Frampton Comes Alive two years later. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2
Recorded at Caribou Ranch studios in Colorado, the album title is a play on the phrase "west of the Rockies," referring to its location.
Personnel on this track are:

Davey Johnstone - guitar
Caleb Quaye - electric guitar
Kenny Passarelli - bass
James Newton Howard - clavinet
Roger Pope - drums

Elton's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" duet partner Kiki Dee sang backup along with Quaye, Johnstone, Passarelli and Ann Orson.

Comments: 3

Frank Heckert from Wiesbaden, GermanyAs far as I know, Ann Orson is an alias for Elton himself („Carte Blanche“ was Bernie).
Michael from Jersey ShoreWith all due respect to both Davey Johnston (yes, I have vivid recall of back to back shows of him with Elton John in the summer of '76 shows at MSG) and the outstanding contribution of Peter Frampton's monumental LIVE recording from Winterland, "Frampton comes alive", I feel two phenomonial musician/guitarists are often overlooked in the "talk-box" discussion. So please try include both legendary singer and songwriters, Joe Walsh (on his extremely influencial, "Rocky Mountain Way") and unsung producer/writer/guitarist and "why isn't he in the Rock 'N Roll hall of fame" SHAME ON ALL, Rick Derringer (Teen Age Love Affair) when mentioning breaking the respective mold of "Talk box" for those who appreciate originators and pure talent in Rock and Roll. Thank you!
Paul from Rothesay, Nb, CanadaWe all know that Elton gave us a ton of hit singles during the 70's, but there are so many great album cuts that come to mind as well..."Love Lies Bleeding", "Ticking", "Have Mercy on the Criminal"...the list goes on and on. "Dan Dare" is just another great under-rated Elton classic!

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