My kit was set up on the Dais that normally holds the Queen’s throne, which is used for special occasions!

This is a photo of the band for the Oscars ceremony, augmented by the two male backing singers! Left to right… Bruce & Billy Trudel, Guy Babylon, Davey Johnstone, Myself, Bob Birch.

Left to Right… Mark Cushing (our band coordinator, who has, sadly, departed this world), Davey Johnstone, and our production manager – The incredible Keith Bradley… a man who can juggle the entire Elton John stage set on his head!

The Elton John Band was the “house band” for the APLA (Aids Project Los Angeles) review in January 1995. The APLA is largely funded by private contributions and fund raising events, and provides medical and counselling facilities for sufferers of the disease in the LA area. This is a photo of the loan kit that I used for the show (I brought my own rack system over and hung the drums and cymbals from it). This was the first gig that John Jorgenson played with us, complete with broken shoulder (a result of a skiing accident). He managed this with the help of a specially cut-away guitar and a shoulder brace (See photo!)

Rehearsals involved learning over 3 hours of material with over 25 guest artistes, ranging from Julie Andrews to George Michael, with performances from Elton John, Ru Paul, Sheryl Crow, Don Henley, Tammy Wynette, Clint Black etc… This also featured a set of songs from the Rocky Horror Show, performed by Sarah Bernhardt and a troupe of dancers. The entire event was suitably camp!

Ray Cooper behind his gear during rehearsals for the APLA show in January 1995

Bob Birch in a rare moment of inactivity during the APLA rehearsals

Myself, Tony Doughty (Premier chaiman), and Doane Perry from Jethro Tull outside the Premier stand at the 1995 NAMM show in Anaheim, CA.