Elton John, Beach Boys, Eagles Wembley Stadium June 1975 
Line-up (pretty great actually): Elton John, The Beach Boys, Eagles, Joe Walsh, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Stackridge, DJ and compere Johnnie Walker. This was a big gig for Elton John. He had just changed his band, with only Davey Johnstone remained from the previous line-up, and was about to release a new album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. I went down to London with a couple of mates and we stayed at a friend’s flat in Acton. We spent a couple of days in the capital before the concert and went to see Ducks Deluxe at the Marquee club, which was pretty good fun, except one of our party took ill and we spent half the night in hospital. The Wembley concert had an amazing line-up with Stackridge opening the day, Mutter Slater on his usual top form. Next up were Rufus who featured Chaka Khan, and delivered some funky soul rhythms. The rest of the bill featured Joe Walsh (Rocky Mountain Way was a big crowd favourite) and then the Eagles who performed all their hits and were joined by Jackson Brown on piano for Take it Easy. But the day belonged to one band: the Beach Boys who transformed the London stadium into sunny California and had us singing along to endless hit after hit. They went down a storm and Elton had a lot to live up to. 
This was one day when Elton made the wrong call. He decided to devote the majority of the set to playing the new Captain Fantastic album in its entirety. Now remember the album had only just been released and most of the crowd won’t have known any of the track. This didn’t go down well with the crowd, who were up for a greatest hit set, particularly after the Fun Fun Fun of the Beach Boys. People started to leave the stadium in their droves, including us. We made our way back to Acton where a couple of the flatmates were having a domestic. We decided to avoid that and set off on our 250 mile drive home, getting back in the early hours of the next morning. Setlist: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding; Rocket Man; Candle in the Wind; The Bitch Is Back; Dixie Lily; Philadelphia Freedom; Chameleon; Bennie and the Jets; Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds; I Saw Her Standing There; Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy; Tower of Babel; Bitter Fingers; Tell Me When the Whistle Blows; Someone Saved My Life Tonight; (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket; Better Off Dead; Writing; We All Fall in Love Sometimes; Curtains; Pinball Wizard; Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting
24 Jun
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Allan Orrick on June 24, 2013 at 8:51 am
Also walked out of Elton’s performance after the storming Beach Boys performance. Bumped into Roy Wood (who had appeared on the Beach Boys 15 Big Ones and had Carl performing on Forever) on the way out.
Posted by Jim Barr on August 10, 2013 at 11:11 am
I was there too and you are spot on!
Posted by megane on May 31, 2015 at 5:07 am
Elton did leave us listening and watching rather than partaking- but what about his entry on stage – wow ! we stayed till the end as did not want to miss a thing. Still got the program with a piece missing where the bloke in front of me sitting on the ground in the front few rows took it for his ‘Fag’ he was making.
Posted by vintagerock on May 31, 2015 at 8:07 am
Many thanks for your memories Megane Happy days Peter
Posted by E M S on August 16, 2013 at 6:45 am
Yes, that about sums it up but what a day! I can now say (not sure to whom, though) that I was there. I’m having a bit of a Beach Boys and Eagles summer in the car too…
Posted by steve on August 20, 2013 at 12:41 pm
I was also there it was not as bad as all that yes perhaps Reggie got it wrong but in retrospect a great album and it needed to be heard. The year before was better who can forget The Band, Jonie Mitchell, CSN&Y with half the Beatles on stage with the towards the end. And blimey I was only 20
Posted by Pete on April 20, 2018 at 6:48 pm
I was 17 when I went with my girlfriend. Good day and good line up, but the following Monday’s Daily Mail summed it up: Beach Boys 3 – 1 Elton John.
Captain Fantastic is a good album, but there aren’t too many tracks on it which are suitable for a live airing.
Posted by Andrewson on September 3, 2013 at 9:52 pm
I went as a 13 year old. I think your summing up is perfect. On YouTube they have a recording of the gig and it has (which I remembr) Elton apologissing for the price of the record. I really like Captain Fantastic, but it wasn’t well known enough then. I remembr the crowd leaving and saying the BB had blown poor Elton of the stage…
Posted by Tim Douglas on September 14, 2013 at 11:29 am
I remember it well, and also left with the droves after about 20 minutes of Elton’s set. He just missed the plot completely, didn’t he?
Posted by vintagerock on September 14, 2013 at 11:53 am
Yep it was either a brave or crazy move at the time
Probably a bit of both!
I also think in hindsight we could have all shown Elton a little more respect and faith and stuck it out
After all the album is pretty good. The problem was the material was just that bit too new Peter
Posted by Ian Hunter on October 16, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Was there also, Beach Boys blew the roof off. Sunny Southern California Saga in Wembley all afternoon. Beach Boys Touring Band were really kicking then after much critical pressure. 5 years to the exact day later they headined Knebworth which was almost as good. Stuck it out for Elton and glad I did because, in retrospect, the Brown Shirt Cowboy turned out to be his finest album.
Posted by Debby Danielson Cotta on February 3, 2014 at 6:27 am
Yup you nailed it, the Beach Boys stole the show, we saw the whole show and after how hot the Beach Boys were that day, Elton just didnt shine as bright as he hoped. But I loved the whole dam concert, remember it like it was yesterday. remember Paul mcCartney and Linda were in the audience watching the concert with their boys.
Posted by vintagerock on February 3, 2014 at 7:36 am
Many thanks Debby best wishes Peter
Posted by Stuart Lawrence on July 16, 2017 at 3:41 am
Ringo was there too, in the Royal Box all on their feet singing along to the BB’s hits. I seem to remember Joe Walsh coming on and playing with the Eagles for the first time too but I may be wrong. Like so many, Maddy & I left once Elton came on. She was a bit pissed off but I needed to get back to the Ford Anglia!
Posted by janeson on June 8, 2014 at 7:24 am
Completely agree Ian, I definitely have a special place in my heart for the Brown Dirt Cowboy – and I was there on this occasion too. I thought Elton was brave to completely re-set the tone with his new material. Also agree with Bob about the sound of Someone Saved My Life Tonight echoing ’round the stadium – I can still feel that one in every cell in my body! I stayed til the end, and I was glad I did. My recollection is that Elton truly owned that stage, and whatever crowd was left – for about a solid half hour at the end of the night, as he delivered the hits everybody’d been waiting for. Loved Kenny Passarelli on bass for Elton that night too – thought the whole event was stellar – I remember it all with great fondness.
Posted by vintagerock on June 8, 2014 at 8:09 am
Many thanks Best wishes Peter
Posted by vintagerock on October 17, 2013 at 6:14 am
Hi Ian Many thanks I agree that the Beach Boys stole the show that day. I wasn’t at the 1980 Knebworth gig, which I regret. I did see the Beach Boys at Lincoln Festival in 72, where they also played a great set and had everyone singing along.
Posted by Paul Jackson on August 12, 2017 at 5:46 pm
I was also at Lincoln in ’72…The Great Western Festival? Had forgotten about Beach Boys…the rain was the dominant feature! As it was for the Grateful Dead at Bickershaw the same year….and Reading, ’71! But luckily the sun shone warm & bright at IoW in 1970 and Weeley….was it ’72?
Posted by Sean Mahony on November 12, 2013 at 5:46 pm
I was there on the day and what sunshine.I thought Joe Walsh was superb as were the Eagles.The Beach boys really blew me away. I think Elton finished a great set with the ultimate Saturday nights all right……Thank you Wembley for a wonderfull day and if my days are coming to a end it will always be one of my greatest memories.
Posted by Stan Hollings on November 19, 2013 at 7:37 pm
The Beach Boys really brought the sunshine that day and they did blow Elton off the stage, but it was a brilliant day. One to remember.
Posted by Keith on August 23, 2014 at 12:06 pm
I was staying with some Aussie friends and I agree that Beach Boys were at their best and Elton couldn’t quite live up to their performance. I remember BB having 4 encores and they had to replay some of their earlier sets because they had run out of songs. What a day, definitely my best concert experience (at the age of 18).
Posted by vintagerock on August 23, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Many thanks Keith Happy days Peter
Posted by steve forbes on December 12, 2013 at 1:25 pm
I was there and waited out Eltons new tracks and was treated to a raft of hits…. Fantastic, still a huge crowd left till the end. Didn’t Santana make an appearance ??? Or am I victim of some cruel time endused mixup…
Posted by vintagerock on December 12, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Many thanks Steve….fraid I don’t recall Santana being there….Peter
Posted by Tim Hughes on May 29, 2014 at 11:03 am
My memory is similar. Didn’t Joe Walsh ‘officially’ join the eagles that day. He climbed out of coffin as I recall
Posted by vintagerock on May 29, 2014 at 12:41 pm
The coffin sounds great! Don’t remember that! Cheers Peter
Posted by Bob Lloyd on April 3, 2015 at 9:24 am
I remember it clearly ……they announced ..a package for The Eagles and Joe Walsh jumped out of a flight case not a coffin. I stayed until the end and Someone Saved My Live and Curtains sounded superb.
Posted by vintagerock on April 3, 2015 at 9:44 am
Many thanks Bob Best wishes Peter
Posted by Stuart Lawrence on July 26, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Thanks, Bob. I’m glad it wasn’t just me then!
Posted by Bob Miller on May 29, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Sorry – I was there and the sound of Someone Saved My Life Tonight echoing round the stadium still sends shivers down my spine when I think about it now! Yes – Elton had to work hard to follow the Beach Boys, but IMHO he absolutely nailed it – the ones that left early missed the very best of the day. The Eagles were brilliant, as was Joe Walsh, and the Beach Boys were epic.- I’m still trying to forget Chaka Khan and Rufus! Thanks for the memories – even if we disagree on how good Elton was – and I still think you’re wrong!
Posted by vintagerock on May 30, 2014 at 7:34 am
Thanks Bob The crowd should have given Elton more of a chance. The issue for me wasn’t how he played, but the fact that much of the material was new and unfamiliar. Cheers Peter
Posted by Keith on August 23, 2014 at 12:12 pm
I hadn’t heard any of Elton’s new album and I still think the BB stole the show. But I agree the “Someone saved my life tonight” was the highlight of the day. It actually had a lasting impression on me and did in fact change my life. Long story, but I related to it so strongly that I emigrated to Australia very soon after and have never looked back!
Posted by vintagerock on August 23, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Amazing story Keith Many thanks Peter
Posted by Charline on April 2, 2020 at 7:57 pm
I was there for the whole thing and by the END of Elton’s set, everyone was on their feet yelling for encores and (even for us Americans) going “The Beach Boys were here???”.
Posted by Siobhain on June 1, 2014 at 10:53 am
What a fantastic day! Elton,Beach Boys,Eagles etc. Sure I saw Edwin Starr perform “War’ that day,am I wrong?. Going to see Eagles next week Dublin O2. Can’t wait!
Posted by vintagerock on June 1, 2014 at 3:05 pm
Hi thanks Siobhain I don’t think Edwin Starr was on the bill that day; think your memory may be playing tricks. Enjoy Eagles in Dublin! Cheers Peter
Posted by Jools on June 14, 2014 at 8:21 pm
I was there. I just remember a fantastic day, thought everyone was great, especially The Beach Boys , joe Walsh, The Eagles and Elton John!!!! But I was young and easy to please. I still have my ticket ,the programme and brilliant memories….
Posted by vintagerock on June 15, 2014 at 7:41 am
Many thanks A great day Jools Best wishes Peter
Posted by pamvivukPam Vivian on June 26, 2014 at 9:39 pm
I agree with the comments above. I sat down while the Beach Boys were on thinking I would rather stand for Elton John. What a mistake! Still I was there, and for the CSNY, and Joni MItchell gig the year before!!
Posted by Tanju on June 30, 2014 at 8:32 pm
İt was the first concert i went to and enjoyed it soooo much.Good old days
Posted by vintagerock on July 1, 2014 at 6:57 am
Many thanks Best wishes Peter
Posted by jim marshall on July 3, 2014 at 3:53 am
seem to remember headlines,elton outsurfed,the beachboys were great and stole the show,agree that we should of given elton some slack with his new album but he triumphed with hit after hit after capt.fant,so glad i stayed
Posted by vintagerock on July 6, 2014 at 7:21 am
Many thanks Jim Best wishes Peter
Posted by robertmalcolmonfood on July 5, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Capt Fantastic had been out for a month before – some of us knew all the lyrics and were irritating teenagers singing along to all this ‘new’ stuff.
Posted by vintagerock on July 6, 2014 at 7:20 am
Many thanks Robert I really should have listened to the album before I went to the concert Best wishes Peter
Posted by Gillian Chopin on August 14, 2014 at 12:03 am
That was the best concert – we left before Elton started playing – in hindsight I wish I hadn’t!!! Can’t remember what we paid for our seats – we weren’t on the field – we had seats in the stands – the stage was to our left – we had a really fantastic view. I will always remember the crowd drowning out the Beach Boys in their exuberance. Fabulous memories.
Posted by vintagerock on August 14, 2014 at 6:24 am
Happy days Many thanks Gillian Best wishes Peter
Posted by fredric on August 17, 2014 at 5:15 pm
thanks for memorializing the concert…i drove from italy for the show… and i can emphatically say you missed out by leaving early,,,, elton was “fantastic” !…i left completely fulfilled by his perforrmance
Posted by vintagerock on August 17, 2014 at 5:28 pm
Thanks Fredric Happy days Peter
Posted by Tony Kenny on August 29, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Yeah most got that gig nailed. The Beach Boys were awesome,if I recall the first couple of numbers suffered from a bad mix but really came alive with Sail on Sailor. Jackson Browne and Joe Walsh live with the Eagles, then hearing later that the great Bernie Leadon had quit. History. What great summer day, locked in my and my wife’s memories, still together after all these years. 3.50 ticket, magic
Posted by vintagerock on August 29, 2014 at 6:49 pm
Happy days Tony cheers Peter
Posted by andrew verrier on September 11, 2014 at 4:02 am
I WAS THERE, HAD GREAT SEATS, 140,000 WENT OFF WHEN THE BEACH BOYS STARTED
Posted by John on September 25, 2014 at 3:01 am
I was there too, traveled overnight by bus from the north. Sat on the field but also walked around a lot, including along the royal box where they collect the FA Cup. Stayed for the whole concert as I knew the Captain Fantastic album having bought it a few weeks earlier. Most vivid visual memory is the red Indian headdress worn by Chaka Khan. Most vivid musical memory is the sound of the Eagles on the huge speakers.
Posted by vintagerock on September 25, 2014 at 6:09 am
Great memories John many thanks Peter
Posted by Tony Kenny on September 25, 2014 at 7:23 pm
Chaka’s head dress was some thing else but my enduring memory is the Beachboys set.
The Eagles were musically super, but stagecraft rubbish. I told my wife “we may have stayed and listened on the HiFi.
Memorable gig though.
Tony
Posted by vintagerock on September 25, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Many thanks Tony Cheers Peter
Posted by fourhealth on September 25, 2014 at 8:33 pm
Everyone raved about the Beach Boys’ set, which was good, but I think people got carried away because the weather was sunny and seemed made for the surfer sound. I could not get into it as much because Brian Wilson was absent that day, and he was the songwriter and voice of the band.
Posted by vintagerock on September 25, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Happy Days Cheers Peter
Posted by Jo on October 8, 2014 at 12:24 pm
I was reminiscing about this the other day and found your blog. Great to get some gaps filled in! I was 18 and went to the previous CSN one as well. Both were amazing days. Re fourhealth – Brian was there – they shuffled on to the stage to wave but he didn’t play
Posted by vintagerock on October 8, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Great memories. I hadn’t remembered that Brian was there, thanks very much Cheers Peter
Posted by Mark Webb on October 19, 2014 at 9:11 pm
yep, I was there, with my mates from Chichester, Brian and Peter Nash, very hot day and recall a lot of people left after Elton had done the Yellow Brick Road Album in full and when he started to play Captain Fantastic. The Beach Boys were very good,
Cheers,
Mark
Posted by vintagerock on October 20, 2014 at 5:02 am
Thanks Mark Best wishes Peter
Posted by Spycoops on October 20, 2014 at 12:52 pm
It was three captain fantastic album he played job full, not yellow brick road.
Posted by Peter on December 2, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Went to see Jackson Browne in London recently and reminisced about this gig! Was my first year at university in London and this was exam time! It was a great concert. I was sat in the stands above the half-way line and during the BB set the floor of the stadium looked like a carpet being shaken. Really difficult for Elton to follow, I left early but it was a long day. But this concert remains firmly etched in my memory as one of the greats…..
Posted by vintagerock on December 2, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Many thanks Peter Happy days Peter
Posted by Richard Hackman on December 23, 2014 at 11:39 am
So glad to have found this blog.
What a fantastic summer that was for this particular boy from Watford. I remember queuing up to get my copy of Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy on the first day of its release – having already received my tickets for this unforgettable concert. I was 14, and by the time that glorious hot midsummer day came round, I’d already practically worn the record out through listening to it so much. I was a massive fan, and for me it was some of his best material yet. So when Elton announced he was going to play the album in its entirety, I couldn’t have been happier!
I can understand why casual fans would have been a bit frustrated by this, but those who stayed would have been treated to a fantastic performance with plenty of hits to follow – culminating in a rousing rendition of Saturday Night’s alright for Fighting.
All acts were superb that day – and yes, I’ll never forget that amazing set by the Beach Boys. As the sun started to dip in the sky, they treated us to a superb performance of hit after hit, and produced the ultimate feel good experience on that balmy mid summer’s evening.
I feel truly privileged to have been there and witnessed one of the greatest rock concerts ever. What a line up – what a day! I’m off up to the loft to dust down my programme now.
Posted by vintagerock on December 23, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Hi Richard Many thanks Happy days best wishes Peter
Posted by linda on January 1, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Thanks for sharing your memories of that superb concert. We were so lucky to have experienced so much fantastic music on that sunny day. I was in the dusty area with my friends and remember how wonderful I felt at the end of the day. Yes, the BB’s were great and we all had a sing-a -long time together but Elton was quite superb. Being big fans my friends and I had been playing his new album since the release and were amazed at people leaving! It was their loss and our good luck as we could move further forward and had a brilliant place! Happy days indeed 🙂
Posted by elainecanham on January 27, 2015 at 5:21 pm
I was there too! Amazing day. Still got my ticket. Still remember my mates queuing up at the royal box to get the Beatles’ autographs (minus John Lennon) and they all got up to jam with Joe Walsh. Bloody brilliant.
Posted by kim on March 7, 2015 at 7:47 am
this was my first ever concert !!! I was hooked from then on .. missed a lot of the Eagles in the queue for the ladies until a group of us took over an empty gents and sent the men elsewhere.. Wembly stadium in those days didn’t cater for women!!!! Elton was and always has been my hero however agree with previous comments Beach Boys blew him out of the water on this day…still had a memorable day and have kept my ticket and programme also met a few famous people in the crowd… happy days
Posted by vintagerock on March 8, 2015 at 10:27 am
Happy days indeed Kim Cheers Peter
Posted by Jeanette Kerr on March 13, 2015 at 7:35 am
I remember that day also. I’m also an Elton John fan from way back and knew every word of the songs off Captain Fantastic album so loved singing along with him! I was right in front by the stage and couldn’t have a happier memory.
Posted by vintagerock on March 13, 2015 at 9:47 am
Many thanks Jeanette Cheers Peter
Posted by colin ANNETT on March 28, 2015 at 7:34 am
i was there that day a massive beach boy fan at 17 was looking forward to elton but left after half a hour disappointed no way he could follow eagles and beach boys they were brilliant elton never made that mistake again
Posted by vintagerock on March 28, 2015 at 8:09 am
Many thanks Colin Best wishes Peter
Posted by Andy on March 30, 2015 at 8:32 pm
This was one of the biggest concerts I ever went to at the old Wembley stadium, and that includes quite a number of Rolling Stones ones. I was 24 at the time and as other people have mentioned, it was a glorious day. I was on the stadium floor with friends and about 100 yards away from the stage. Couldn’t hear for days afterwards due to the ringing in the ears and couldn’t speak much either as my voice was so hoarse from the singing! I still enjoy and play all the music from those late 60’s and 70’s bands and artists. Sadly, this talent seems to be missing today. Very few bands can play instruments. Memories indeed. Thanks for bringing them back!
Posted by vintagerock on March 30, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Many thanks Peter
Posted by Bob Miller on July 28, 2015 at 12:42 am
I was at Wembley 4th July 1990 to see the Stones, the night that England played Germany in the world cup. Lots of people were listening to the match and every time England scored a massive cheer went up, much to the confusion of the performers, and particularly Keith Richards (who was possibly/probably on another planet)! One brave soul was even wearing a Germany strip! England lost, but the Stones did a fantastic concert, and as I don’t really follow football it was all good in the end 🙂
Posted by vintagerock on July 28, 2015 at 6:03 am
Thanks Bob Happy days Peter
Posted by Keith on May 26, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Almost 40 years ago and it still seems like yesterday! What a brilliant day. I was 18 had just finished my A levels and had just started a summer job as a conductor on Bournemouth buses but made it clear when I started that I had to have that day off! The weather was glorious and the Beach Boys were just fantastic catching the mood of the crowd. Elton was an anti-climax but the one song I do remember was Someone saved my life tonight and every time I hear it It brings back memories of that wonderful day and muggy night.
Posted by vintagerock on May 27, 2015 at 5:35 am
Many thanks Keith Best wishes Peter
Posted by Davy Graham on June 2, 2015 at 8:20 pm
I was at this plus the CSNY concerts. Travelled down from Glasgow stayed at my aunts inAbbeywood.
I went to see the Eagles and Beach Boys. Eagles were great but blown away by the BB. I remember it was a lovely sunny day and they made you think you were in California.
Unfortunately for me we had taken a cousin from London who wanted to see Elton.
As I remember it thousands walked out when EJ said he was going to do whole Captain Fantastic.
Even though I thought he was rotten it is a day I will never forget. I still have the programme and ticket.
I am watching the BB at Knebworth as I type.
Thanks for reviving memories of one great day so long ago.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2015 at 8:34 pm
Thanks Davy happy days Peter
PS Wish I went to the Beach Boys at Knebworth; I missed that one and still regret it. But such is life 🙂
Posted by Jeremy Jones on June 7, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Elton Bombed, met the Eagles, but after all day drinking, Beach boys did make Wembley Southern California….
Posted by John Weston on June 21, 2015 at 7:29 pm
40 years ago today!, what an amazing day! Ten of us went in a mini bus from Bookham in Surrey.
Beach Boys were without doubt the highlight of the day. We were right at the front on a hot mid summers day. Elton was good but better when I saw him many years later.
After we all ended up in the Esso Motel at the end of Wembley Way, where we met Paul and Linda McCartney, Ringo and Nielson, had a sing song with them all outside before they left in their Limo! Fantastic memories!
Posted by vintagerock on June 22, 2015 at 6:22 am
Thanks John Great memories Peter
Posted by Tim Harvatt on June 22, 2015 at 9:27 am
Just listened to Johnnie Walkers’ Radio 2 Sunday show and him explaining why he failed to make it onto the stage to introduce Elton – brilliant story. Worth a listen to on iPlayer. We travelled up from west Wales and spend all day on the centre spot of the pitch and kept bumping into other Welsh surfers (there weren’t many of us about in those days). Left during Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting. Funnily enough the BB’s weren’t really ‘cool’ at that time but got it just right. Just met up with an old school friend after 40 years who was there too apparently! One of the best ever
Posted by vintagerock on June 22, 2015 at 10:46 am
Happy days Tim Best wishes Peter
Posted by Anthony on July 27, 2015 at 9:19 am
The best gig I ever went to. We got in for nothing, climbing over the fence the night before and ‘hiding’ in the toilets – except that the toilets were totally ‘full’ with other people hiding there! I believe the organisers sold 80,000 tickets, but reckoned there was an audience of 120,000!
All the stewards seemed to be mates we knew from the free festival scene, so those of us without tickets were steered down to the area in front of the stage. The music was great, I just remember everybody standing up and singing along with the Beach Boys, 120 thousand people singing along to ‘Sloop John’…..
Eagles and Joe Walsh ended up jamming together from what I can remember and played a great set, and I seem to remember that there were some of Steely Dan there as well, but maybe I’m wrong.
Yes, after the Beach Boys there was little that Elton could do, I remember him coming on and saying: “What an amazing set. After that all I can do is play music for you to go home to.” And proceeded to play a brilliant set, he turned me into a fan with that announcement and the music he played.
I remember it took us a couple of hours to get out of the car park…. but it was all worth it.
Posted by vintagerock on July 27, 2015 at 11:31 am
Happy days Anthony Best wishes Peter
Posted by John Cooper on July 27, 2015 at 9:01 pm
What Elton John actually said before his set was:
“Thank you very much, Wembley. We have a new album out called Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. I’m sorry it’s three pound twenty-five, but I’ll you about that later. We’re gonna do the whole of the album, and usually it bores everyone to tears if you play things people don’t know, but we’re gonna take the chance anyway. This is the whole of the Captain Fantastic album, here we go. One two three…”
To hear the audio only go to:
Posted by vintagerock on July 27, 2015 at 9:06 pm
Thanks John Best wishes Peter
Posted by Carolyn Peters on August 27, 2015 at 11:41 pm
It was a great concert! I stayed to the end; everyone was singing along to “Saturday Night’s…” The Beach Boys are still one of my favorite bands. The toilets were all messed up….water all over….more people there than the stadium could handle! It was a beautiful day, and I’ll always have great memories of this concert—one amazing line up of musicians!
Posted by vintagerock on August 28, 2015 at 7:12 am
Many thanks Carolyn Best wishes Peter
Posted by Beverly Mah on August 29, 2015 at 5:41 am
I was at Wembley and fondly remember the BB. Elton was good but an anti-climax to BB that day due to the exuberance and sunshine. Now I am back home in Calgary, Canada after having just watched the BB again tonight. They are just as good as they were then – but the day and setting made it magic! How lucky are we to have lived in those times!
Posted by vintagerock on August 29, 2015 at 7:30 am
Magic is indeed the word Beverly Happy days Peter
Posted by Beverly Mah on August 29, 2015 at 5:43 am
Forgot about the Eagles but remember Joe Walsh and Rocky Mountain High 🙂 Again, wonderful times and memories. They are still playing and touring!
Posted by Denise Crocker on August 30, 2015 at 10:38 am
I was treated to tickets for my 16th birthday and was totally wowed by my first concert experience. Loved the BBs and the Eagles. EJ was very loud I remember and I didn’t know the album but he did play hits at the end . I can still remember Saturday reverberating around the stadium at the end, it kept going and noone wanted it to finish. Great day
Posted by vintagerock on August 30, 2015 at 10:39 am
Hi Denise sounds like a great birthday treat Happy days Peter
Posted by David on September 16, 2015 at 11:57 am
The whole gig was fantastic – lots of memories (probably warped by time) remain with me. Chaka was so sexy as she belted out those great Rufus songs, the eagles were great and for many the Beach Boys were the highlight, so perfect for a hot summer’s day.
But I do disagree with those about Elton “losing the plot” by playing through the whole of “Captain Fantastic”. We’d heard the album before the gig and it remains perhaps the masterpiece within his vast catalogue.
Travelling 120 miles to the gigs and leaving just because EJ offered new music to a vast army of fans was never an option for us. Without creating new music, most artists lose their muse & fan base anyway!
EJ & band played a superb set, with a good few hits well-received after the CF set – and I think that the Beach Boys coming back onstage to sing harmony vocals to “Don’t let The Sun Go Down On Me” just a the sun was sinking down behind Wembley Stadium is one of my all-time great gig moments. I’m sure that others who were there would endorse this!
In fact, EJ split the band AFTER Captain Fantastic, because they all agreed they wouldn’t top it. Elton later became unfashionable for many years but although perhaps he’ll never hit those heights again, he’s made some fine music in the intervening 40 years!
Fans will already know that the new “Deluxe” reissue of Capt. Fantastic includes a second C of this very gig – essential!
Posted by vintagerock on September 16, 2015 at 1:40 pm
Many thanks indeed David Happy days Peter
Posted by Bob Miller on November 15, 2015 at 7:38 pm
Thank you – I was there (see above) but didn’t know about the ‘Delux’ CD – that’s a Christmas pressy sorted for the missus! Now I’m just looking for the 24th December 1974 Hammersmith Odeon Old Grey Whistle Test concert. We were on the balcony and I remember the floor bouncing during ‘Saturday Night’ – happy days!
Posted by vintagerock on November 15, 2015 at 9:56 pm
Happy days indeed Bob Best wishes Peter
Posted by Paul Evans on November 15, 2015 at 5:49 pm
A scorcher of a day – I didn’t think to take suncream and got well & truly burned! I well remember what looked like thousands walking out after Les Garcons de la Plage; after enduring the hell that was getting out of Wembley I wished I’d joined them. But for me the highlight of the day was The Eagles – it was obvious they were going to be massive stars.
Posted by vintagerock on November 15, 2015 at 5:52 pm
Happy days Paul Best wishes Peter
Posted by Ted Yeoman on December 5, 2015 at 4:53 pm
I rode my old Triumph 350 from Canterbury to Brighton to but tickets for me and my girl friend to go to this Gig … Well worth the sore bum!
Like many others we were at the tube station before Elton had finished CF the Beach Boys had killed his chance to shine.
40 years later while Johnnie Walker was reliving the day The girlfriend and I got married.
Surfs Up !
Posted by vintagerock on December 5, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Happy days Ted and many congratulations Cheers Peter
Posted by Peter Dixon on January 3, 2016 at 2:20 pm
Three of us travelled down from Manchester and absolutely loved the whole day. I had bought Captain Fantastic the day it was released so was well into it. I totally agree though that the Beach Boys stole the show. We sat next to the Royal Box and boy some of music’s big guns were in there. Paul McCartney actually got quite a lot of stick from fans who were clearly blaming him for the Beatles break up. Ringo Starr and George Harrison were their also but sat well away from Paul. Magnificent day and all for £3.50 if my memory serves me well!!!!
Posted by vintagerock on January 3, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Happy days Cheers Peter
Posted by Graham N Leadbitter on January 19, 2016 at 12:39 pm
So, for a young lad, fresh down from Aberdeen, who stayed in London for 15 years, this gig was a groundbreaker…..Had seen Stackridge in Aberdeen a few months earlier, complete with confetti cannon, the day was just amazing….Hot, Hot, Hot, not a cloud in the sky….went for a ‘comfort break’, came back into the stadium to hear ‘Take it easy’ rolling around the stadium……a memory which will remain for me forever…The whole gig was a blinder…Beach Boys, Joe walsh, Sir Elton…the sexy Chaka…..and all for £3;50….wow….
Posted by Alex on January 19, 2016 at 12:42 pm
A group of great friends including my ex and I had a fantastic time. We were completely blown away by The Eagles and The Beach Boys. The Elton set did not compare.
So sad to hear news of Glenn Frey passing. Thanks for the memories of that great day.
Posted by Mandy on January 19, 2016 at 9:40 pm
It was my first ever Wembley gig and the whole day was amazing. So glad I got opportunity to see The Eagles and The Beach Boys – I saw Elton John several times after. Totally agree that EJ made wrong call, but we stuck it out through the new stuff and were well rewarded for doing so, although stadium was pretty empty by then.
Was supposed to meet up with a friend – fat chance!! However, noticed a girl with two male friends a couple of rows in front of us. When I went to work on Monday, was introduced to a new member of staff – the girl from Wembley!!!
I’m sure The Beach Boys did a number dedicated to London; have I imagined this? If not, does anyone know what it was?
Posted by John Cooper on January 20, 2016 at 7:25 pm
Here is the Beach Boys set-list from the concert:
Beach Boys present:
Mike Love
Al Jardine
Dennis Wilson
Carl Wilson
Backup band included: James William Guercio
Therefore: no Brian Wilson
SET-LIST
1. Wouldn´t It Be Nice
2. I Can Hear Music
3. Do It Again
4. Help Me, Rhonda
5. In My Room
6. Sail On Sailor
7. The Trader
8. Surf´s Up
9. California Saga/ California
10. Surfer Girl
11. Heroes & Villains
12. Little Deuce Coupe
13. Catch A Wave
14. Don´t Worry Baby
15. Darlin´
16. Sloop John B
17. California Girls
18. I Get Around
19. Good Vibrations
20. You Are So Beautiful
21. Surfin´ USA
22. Barbara Ann
23. Fun, Fun, Fun
Posted by vintagerock on January 20, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Many thanks indeed John Cheers Peter
Posted by barbara lines on January 27, 2016 at 1:20 pm
wow – just reading all the comments about the concert. I’ve still got a little badge with ‘Elton John 1975’ but unfortunately not kept the ticket stub or programme. I remember the Beach Boys bringing Wembley into California mode in the lovely sunshine and although we had seats I made my way onto the pitch to get closer to them. I also remember the chaps in the seats in front of us had a crate of Southern Comfort…..can’t do that these days eh! When I subsequently went to future concerts at Wembley (David Bowie, Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson (2 concerts), Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Simply Red and more) I used to take the inside out of a box of wine and put it into a cushion cover… cheeky eh!! The old Wembley Stadium holds fond memories for me… am now 71 but still love going to concerts. I actually saw The Beatles twice in concert at The Fairfield Halls Croydon in the 60’s… the first time they were on with Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas, Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, The Big Three and Freddie & The Dreamers. The second time they were on their own but I couldn’t hear a blooming thing because of all the screaming as they had become so popular in 3 months!
Thanks for the memories of The Eagles…. RIP Glen Fry. Get the DVD ‘The History of The Eagles’……. fantastic double DVD.
From Barbie Lines in Wet and Windy Worthing, West Sussex.
Posted by Neil McEwan on January 27, 2016 at 3:50 pm
So pleased I found this page as this day has been locked away in my memory banks ever since which had been revived after the sad news of Glenn Frey’s passing. I would’ve been 18 at the time, working in London and flat sharing in Bayswater and went with a party of friends from work, school and the flat. Can’t believe it cost £3.50 – but I was probably earning only around £1,000pa back then (almost as great vfm as having Roxy Music and Supertramp play our school summer dance in Jul75 for 50p). Despite this being during the period of ‘the Troubles’ it did seem such a simpler and happy time and the following year we had the heatwave and drought. Agree that The Eagles and BB’s stole the show. (I was back at Wembley in the September for the World Speedway Final which was huge at the time.)
Promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KldSglCoYaU
Playlists here: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/eagles/1975/wembley-stadium-london-england-2bc0c48a.html
Posted by Neil McEwan on January 27, 2016 at 5:47 pm
(Roxy/Supertramp for 50p was July ’72 not ’75 sorry)
Posted by Hilary Hunter on February 4, 2016 at 11:19 pm
yes I remember that concert, the beginning was excellent with Joe , The Eagles, The Beach Boys and then after waiting awhile Candles in the wind started and we left……like a hell of a lot of people.
Posted by Tom Rice on May 31, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Courtesy of my then girlfriend (who also got me hooked on Springsteen with ‘Born to Run’) this was my first and only Wembley concert, so not difficult to remember and agree with comments that The Beach Boys stole the show – the 23 number set list, kindly provided by John Cooper, says it all. The Eagles and Joe Walsh weren’t half bad either.
For mid-summer, it was a fittingly hot day and when the time arrived for Elton, our lust for musical entertainment had been so well sated, and Elton’s Crew were spending such an inordinate amount of time sorting out big plants and other complex stage preparations, that huge numbers left before he appeared. Nevertheless, as the posts confirmed, a memorably enjoyable day.
On Sunday I’m off for my 2nd Wembley concert, and looking forward to Springsteen’s ‘River’ set.
Posted by philip schnooter on June 4, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Was there and Elton was great! didnt even think about leaving, he was magic with such a stage prescence. Just think all those wonderful songs that people missed by walking out. I was down the front lapping it all up.
Posted by ralph george on July 6, 2016 at 8:45 pm
i was there that day, my first taste of sunburn on my back,sat very near the front on the grass, we also left after about 20 min of elton john, tho i do recall jeff skunk baxter playing guitar in eltons band, joe walsh coming on in a packing case as the eagles special guest just before he joined them, happy days
Posted by Roger reed on December 10, 2016 at 6:06 pm
I was there with my friend Jeremy Duggan. I hated captain fantastic when it came out but it became one of my favourites of all time. Recently, as a fifty something dad on a cruise ship there was a question in a quiz about it. I sure nailed that one! Some respect from my kids at last. Incidentally a friend of mine went to shoreditch college in englefield green in the mid 70’s and a band booked for an event at the college didn’t show. A couple of students walked up to eltons house who lived locally and he came a played a set on the bar piano. How’s that for an authentic rocker!
Jeremy if you read this get in touch.
Posted by vintagerock on December 11, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Happy days Roger!
Cheers, Peter
Posted by Clinton on January 22, 2017 at 12:14 am
My first concert at the age of 16. The poster has hung in my office for the last 20 + years and I’ve been a Brian Wilson freak ever since that hot summers day back in 75.
Posted by Peter Baxter on February 21, 2017 at 1:06 pm
This was my first ever concert, I went with a couple of Canadian friends from RAF Medmenham. Since lost contact with them but what a day out. I seem to remember we were down on the pitch and it was a sunny/hot day.
Posted by Liz Armstrong (Dilks) on March 5, 2017 at 4:57 pm
My Dad had a small transport company in those days so I bought 45 tickets and provided the coach return and ticket for a fiver! You couldn’t do that now. I sold to mates and friends and we had the most memorable day. My love for concerts and Johnnie Walker has never dimmed and even in 2017 people are jealous at the mention of that line up. Fab memory, here’s to all those folks from Desborough and surrounding parts of Northamptonshire who joined us.
Posted by Sam Tennent on March 20, 2017 at 1:12 pm
Came down from Scotland on the bus – 17 years old – first time in London. Was a huge Eagles fan but left a huge Beach Boys fan! Still am to this day. Had to leave during Elton’s set to catch the bus back home.
Posted by Tracy Ansell on June 21, 2017 at 9:36 pm
What a great concert Rufus and Chaka Khan brilliant! The Eagles and Joe Walsh and the Beach Boys how lucky I was to be there with my friend Jenny.
Elton John put on such a show on what was a long hot summers day that I will never forget, I still have my program 💛
Posted by Mark H Heggen on July 25, 2017 at 4:48 pm
How strange that the Capt. Fantastic album could debut in the No. 1 spot, and yet a stadium of eager fans wouldn’t bother to hear a brand new Elton album in its entireity. I sure as hell would have been eating it all up! I guess I don’t understand people sometimes.
Posted by Stuart Lawrence on July 26, 2017 at 5:03 pm
Many of us weren’t there to see Elton John . . .
Posted by David Mortimer on July 26, 2017 at 7:07 pm
I totally agree with you,Mark. Maybe, as committed Elton fans, we weren’t casual day trippers. It was a long, hot day, though. We’d already bought & heard the “Capt. Fantastic” LP and loved every minute of Elton’s set, even after such a fantastic day of music with Chaka & Rufus, the Eagles and the fabulous Beach Boys.
It remains a brilliant album, certainly one of his best. Oh for a Tardis to get back there again!
Posted by Stuart Lawrence on July 27, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Casual day trippers? How double dare you! 😉 Like many others, we went to see the Beach Boys, Eagles and Joe Walsh. Elton just happened to be on the same bill. Never have been a fan . . . never will be. Still, glad you enjoyed him.
Posted by David Mortimer on July 27, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Please re-read my post, Stuart – I didn’t accuse anyone of being a casual day tripper – I just said that we weren’t! Many folks may have left early because of their travel arrangements, as with any big on-day event, not simply because EJ turned them off.
BTW – I don’t know how many people you can actually speak for, 40+ years after the event, who confirmed that they weren’t there to see Elton John, either! I really missed your survey 🙂
I went there for a great day of music – having grown up listening to the Beach Boys via my older brother’s records, already had records by Rufus and the Eagles (& the James Gang) as well as by Elton, so with him being top of the bill doing his hits after the Capt. Fantastic set, it was a magnificent day all round.
Still enjoying concerts and saw Chaka Khan give a magnificent performance at the Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival recently. The gal has still got it!
Posted by Stuart Lawrence on July 29, 2017 at 3:48 am
My comments were meant to be tongue-in-cheek, David. I guess I’m not so “au fait” with smileys as some . . . 😉 We’d never intended to stay and see Elton, not being fans, and left soon after the Beach Boys. I just remember being surprised to see so many others doing the same. Glad to hear you’re still into the music. I enjoy(ed) Rufus too and still play their first album occasionally.
Posted by Carol Turner on August 13, 2017 at 9:35 pm
I went to this and still have the program I remember seeing the eagles and them playing hotel California
Fantastic
Posted by Clinton Young on June 30, 2018 at 4:27 pm
Hi Carol,
I think you mean One of These Nights, Hotel California was still to be released. I was there too and will never forget how the Beach Boys took charge of Wembley and everyone in it.
Posted by Carol Addison on October 27, 2017 at 1:20 pm
I was there too. I especially went with my friend to see the Beach Boys who were great and Stackridge who were great too. Remember thinking why is Elton playing this album? Seeing Chaka Khan this evening at the O2 at a Chic concert. Haven’t seen her sing live since 1975. Good times.
Posted by Jean Robinson on November 17, 2017 at 9:55 pm
I was there, age 17 and loved Beachboys but was cross they over-ran so Elton was late. I was a massive fan and thought he was amazing. We had to leave before the encores to catch our train back to Yorkshire. I saw him again a couple of years later in Manchester and that concert was interrupted by a bomb hoax.
Posted by Lyn on July 21, 2018 at 9:04 am
And i still remember it well.100’s of 1,000’s voices singing Good Vibrations in the midsummer sun.
Posted by Len Blake on September 4, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Great concert.I remember Joe walsh playing a few songs then saying u Guys r too polite.He then played Rocky Mountain Way and Get Back.
The Eagles were Great ,the Beach Boys were Brilliant.Dennis Wilson sang your so Beautiful.
Elton started his set late then played new album.
This had worked with Yellow Brick Road.
However once he started playing his hits he was Great.
Alot of people had left at this stage.
Still a Great Memory.
Posted by John on October 4, 2018 at 6:56 am
I was there and still have my ticket. Walked around the inside of the stadium before the concert and saw John Reid (Elton’s mgr+ at the time) watching the stadium fill up from one of the entrances – too shy to talk to him. I’d spent the previous week listening to Captain Fantastic from a tape of Roger Scott radio show, so knew all the tunes , most of the audience hadn’t heard them so first part of Elton’s set dragged, but by the time he got to Saturday Night everyone around me was dancing on the wooden benches until they collapsed then they’d move forward a row….still one of the best concerts I’ve every been to and now the special re-release of Captain Fantastic has the whole Wembley version too (it sounds worse on record than I remember..)
Posted by Denis Petropoulos on June 22, 2019 at 10:06 am
Was there with my sister and two friends close up front so didnt see the departing fans. Sister being avid EJ fan had queued for the Capt Fantastic album day of release and we listened to it over 20 times before the gig so knew all the songs (and yes it was expensive!). Joe Walsh had joined Eagles on stage emerging from a giant treasure chest, and has been with Eagles ever since. As for the BB, well they didnt steal the show for us only stirred our voices for the boy from Pinner, just down the road!
Posted by Bob Miller on June 22, 2019 at 5:59 pm
Almost exactly 44 years later and me and the missus saw Farewell Yellow Brick Road at Cardiff City Stadium – not sure many young bands could have rocked 2hrs40mins like Elton did. Nigel Olsson was on drums, and Ray Cooper on percussion, Davey Johnstone had produced it but had hurt his back so wasn’t on. Apart from Tiny Dancer (and all the others) my absolute highlight was hearing “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” blasting out across Cardiff like it did across Wembley all those years ago – brought tears all over again – thank you to Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy!
Posted by Sue Macgregor on June 6, 2020 at 10:09 pm
I was there too, I have a ‘memory’ that Albert Lee played with the Eagles as well as Joe Walsh…. anyone know if this is true or that I have made this up?
Posted by Jay Fox on September 13, 2019 at 5:06 pm
We stayed to the end. Your description is 100% accurate to that point. Elton John’s set was such a huge anticlimax, however it picked up at the end. I can’t remember what the penultimate song was but he wrapped (maybe the encore?) with Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, which was just amazing. We were all back up, standing on our seats shouting singing and waving our arms to the music. An unforgettable experience. My first ever concert, aged 15. Nothing has topped it since.
Posted by John Brown on June 30, 2020 at 3:37 am
Still shiver when I recall the opening minute of Funeral for a friend. Absolutely amazing!
Posted by vintagerock on June 30, 2020 at 11:52 am
Happy days John. Great to have our memories cheers Peter
Posted by Gill Dimbleby on August 26, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Still can’t believe the price of the ticket.! Fantastic Concert will remember it for as long as my memory will allow me. Still got the tickets and programme, plus write up in the newspaper…….Elton John – 2 Beach Boys – 5.
Posted by vintagerock on August 26, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Hi Gill, those were the days my friend, when tickets were much cheaper, for we were young and sure to have our way. (Mary Hopkin’s 1968) Happy days Peter
Posted by John Airey on October 8, 2020 at 8:24 pm
I also went to this concert with a friend. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up when Elton played funeral for a friend which whistled around the stadium. Can’t believe it was 45 years ago! John Airey.
Posted by vintagerock on October 9, 2020 at 9:53 am
Hi John
Where did the time go? Happy days cheers Peter
Posted by Michael Lawson on October 10, 2020 at 10:54 am
Went with a group of friends from Chorley, we rented a coach. Aged 16
Incredible, made my way to the very front just left of the stage with a friend.Helped the guy next to us ,who had stripped naked, get over the fence and he streaked up and onto the centre stage. Security acted like the keystone cops chasing him. The crowd went wild. This was just before Elton arrived on stage.
What a day, what memories. Although a super keen Elton fan in those days I conceed that the Beech Boys caught the mood and set everyone afire on that gloriously memorable day in our lives.
Credit to an upcoming Tracy Chapman too.
Thanks for bringing the memories back.
Posted by vintagerock on October 10, 2020 at 11:21 am
Hi Michael thanks for your memories. Are you sure Tracy Chapman was on? I don’t recall that. Happy days. Where did the years go? Cheers Peter
Posted by dcmuso on October 10, 2020 at 11:38 am
No, Tracy Chapman was not on that bill. Her big Wembley moment came in 1988, much later, when she was part of Amnesty International’s Human Rights Now! concert with Broooce, Peter Gabriel and Yossou N’Dour. Also a monumental gig!
Posted by vintagerock on October 10, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Many thanks. I wasn’t at that gig; but sounds great! Cheers Peter
Posted by J. Alderdice on October 15, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Interesting to find someone else who was there! Yes, The Beach Boys stole the show. I (and many others) left when Elton started to play his new lp. I always remember walking out behind Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart.
Posted by vintagerock on October 15, 2020 at 8:37 pm
Many thanks. A great gig and a great day. Happy days cheers Peter
Posted by Bob Miller on October 16, 2020 at 12:29 am
Many left when EJ started his set – you missed an epic! I will never forget Someone Saved My Life Tonight blasting out across Wembley – it still raises the hairs on the back of my neck just at the thought of it. And after Captain Fantastic a classic Elton set, finishing with Saturday Night’s… Seen EJ many times (the last was in Cardiff 2019) – Wembley was one of the most memorable…
Posted by vintagerock on October 16, 2020 at 9:45 am
Thanks Bob. Happy days cheers Peter
Posted by Keith on October 16, 2020 at 10:06 am
I’m certainly glad I stayed for EJ! Someone Saved My Life Tonight actaully did save my life.
Posted by vintagerock on October 16, 2020 at 2:52 pm
Hi Keith
Happy memories of a great day cheers Peter
Posted by Paul Jackson on January 18, 2022 at 6:01 pm
I was there too….Elton’s set left me feeling as cold as the concrete Wembley Stadium steps we sat on for many hours! Otherwise, it was a great occasion and a real
privilege to witness The Eagles in person, in company of JB all-too briefly. They were very much of the moment in mid-70’s…whereas The Beach Boys’ music was firmly rooted in the 60’s and felt like a whole generation ago. With a number of additional musicians on-stage they felt more like a tribute band, whereas The Eagles were the real deal. My concert program recently fetched a very good price on eBay in support of a cancer charity, much to my delight. You can’t take any of it with you, folks!
Posted by vintagerock on January 19, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Thanks Paul for sharing your memories of the day. It was a great day
Happy days Peter
Posted by dcmuso on January 19, 2022 at 2:49 pm
That’s a rather odd story, as it was a boiling hot midsummer’s day and we didn’t sit on any cold concrete steps – we were up on our feet for much of the music and all the bands/artists on the bill were fantastic, from Chaka & Rufus through to to EJ’s superb presentation of the Captain Fantastic album and so many of his hits aftetrwards. Certainly one of the best of several Wembley Stadium music events we went to back in the day, and actually one of my great concert memories of my life. Takes all sorts! .
Posted by vintagerock on January 19, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Many thanks. It seems to me that concert experiences are very personal. Everyone sees something different in the day and has a different experience. The very fact we are still talking about this day proves it still looms large in our memories. Through this blog I am trying to relive my own Happy Days. Cheers Peter
Posted by Bill on March 4, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Great to read this. I went to see the Beach Boys and many of my friends for Elton John. They came away raving about the Beach Boys!
Posted by vintagerock on March 6, 2022 at 10:26 am
Yes the Beach Boys were great that day Bill. Happy days Peter
Posted by Richard on June 6, 2022 at 10:16 am
Brilliant day. Good call, both The Eagles & especially The Beach Boys were fantastic. Sun going down over the stadium, signing Beach Boys hits with thousands of others, just fantastic. We left when Elton started with Funeral for a Friend like lots of other people.
Posted by vintagerock on June 6, 2022 at 2:28 pm
In hindsight it is sad that so many people left during Elton’s performance. The guy was actually putting on a good show. I guess the earlier acts such as the Beach Boys were so stunning that Elton’s new album became a bit of a letdown. Many thanks for sharing your memories Richard. Happy days Peter
Posted by Robin on August 23, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Spot on. I was working all day and arrived at the end of the Beach Boys set. We left part way through Elton’s set, but we are due to go and see him later this year.
Posted by vintagerock on August 24, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Hi Robin he remains an all-time great! Enjoy. Happy days Peter
Posted by Sue Mac on August 24, 2022 at 2:09 pm
So great to read so many like-minded comments as it it was yesterday & not all those years ago!
I too loved the Beach Boys and the Eagles and found Elton disappointing in comparison….. but I would go & see Elton now! xx
Posted by vintagerock on August 24, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Agreed Sue! He’s a legend. I 1st saw him in 1972 and have seen him about 20 times since! Happy days Peter
Posted by James Davis on September 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Here in Seychelles my Seychelloise wife is watching a band play on the telly saying they are really good. These are seventies hits I say. Riffs on the guitar are great. Who are they? A quick Google and: the Eagles I say. She remembers them too. I was them at Wembley I say, with the Beach Boys. Was with a really attractive girl with long blonde har. Then I wonder if I’m imagining it. Then I found this page. Thanks you guys. Was a beautiful sunny day. Beach boys stole the show. Eagles were good, but don’t remember Elton John. Maybe we left early. We only went to see the beach boys anyway.
Posted by vintagerock on September 11, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Thanks for sharing James. Yes it was a wonderful day. Happy days. Good vibrations Cheers Peter
Posted by Jax MacLachlan on December 26, 2022 at 12:20 am
I was there – yes! Beach boys were fantastic!!
Posted by vintagerock on December 26, 2022 at 1:26 pm
I agree Jax a great band on a great day. You can’t beat them hits. Happy days Peter
Posted by Jackie on January 8, 2023 at 4:51 pm
I was there too with my best friend, aged 18. As a huge EJ fan I had bought Captain Fantastic a couple of weeks before and for some unknown reason had taken the song words along to the concert with me, I was v popular that day, 😂. The day also introduced me to the Eagles
Posted by vintagerock on January 8, 2023 at 6:03 pm
Good thinking Jackie! A great day. Happy days Peter
Posted by jayne connors on January 25, 2023 at 9:51 pm
Omg can’t believe it’s been this long. What a day. Got tickets as cousin Sally worked for Warner Bros. We sat on the pitch next to John Wayne’s daughter and she showed us photos of her and her dad.
David Cassidy appeared in the vip seats. Wish I’d kept my programme.
Posted by vintagerock on January 26, 2023 at 9:41 am
Thanks for sharing Jayne. Great memories. Happy days Peter
Posted by David Jowett on February 18, 2023 at 3:41 pm
Just listening to The Beach Boys Sail on Sailor 1972 Box Set which has prompted me to find sites like this one.
I lived between Leeds and Wakefield in 1975 and was still at school in the sixth form. My Saturday job paid £3 but I was about to get a better one at Boots that paid £5. Someone at school organised a trip to Wembley by minibus including a driver for only £2 a head, so that was a 24 hr trip to a great gig for only £5.50 – just over a day’s pay!
Most of the 12 in the party were there for Stackridge (sixth form favourites) and the Beach Boys though the organiser was a huge Elton fan. We later teased him about a set that dragged at times after the triumphant Beach Boys singalong where we all liked the old and new stuff equally.
We were sitting right at the back of the stadium so we could see all the famous people in the Royal box. We could also see the dust rising around the edge of the pitch area as a steady stream of people left during the Captain Fantastic section.
On the drive down, the minibus driver had boasted of missing the London traffic by cutting through housing estates. On the way out of Wembley he drove into a cul-de-sac whereupon our organiser said ‘Is this the estate route then’?! What can you expect for £2 (we were actually grateful as it made the trip feasible).
What a fantastic day. A few years ago, Johnnie Walker read out a shorter version of my story on his Sunday afternoon show.
Posted by vintagerock on February 18, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Hi David many thanks for sharing your lovely memories. It must have been great to have a shout out by Johnny Walker! A great day with some marvellous performances which we will all treasure for ever. The memories mean more and more to me as the years go on. Happy days Peter
Posted by Gary on March 18, 2023 at 9:33 pm
Just watching Chaka on bbc and once again reminded of this fantastic day. Went from Chelmsford with a group of school friends, before we hit the road to uni. Stackridge had the deck chairs out on stage, got everbody in the fun frame of mind and remain a favourite band. The Eagles were just sensational and introduced me to a their amazing catalogue of songs. The Beach Boys were fun, fun fun and everybody had a great time. Elton I did enjoy and included most of his big hits after a slow start. We were on the pitch and remember we could easily move about as it wasn’t cramed like they do these days. Weather was great and we had a fantastic day.
Posted by vintagerock on March 19, 2023 at 4:14 pm
Yes Gary I think we were so lucky to see Chaka Khan in her early days. A fantastic day. You are not the same Gary who was with me, are you? It is Peter Smith happy days
Posted by Gary Jones on March 19, 2023 at 4:38 pm
Sadly I think it must be a different Gary. There was probably a few of them..
At least we can both say we was there.
Posted by vintagerock on March 19, 2023 at 4:47 pm
🙂 Happy days Peter
Posted by I’m going on the town now looking for easy money – Eclectic Blue on May 31, 2023 at 9:39 am
[…] have been to three stadium gigs in my entire life. The first was at Wembley Stadium in 1975 where Elton John was blown off stage by the Beach Boys, not least because he played his brand new […]
Posted by Nick Michael on June 10, 2023 at 9:52 pm
I was at that concert and that £3.50 is around £25 in 2023.
A friend of mine just paid £100 for a bog standard seat for Coldplay……..something went badly wrong somewhere
Posted by vintagerock on June 11, 2023 at 9:29 am
I agree Nick concert ticket prices have just become ridiculous Peter
Posted by Jerry Davies on June 18, 2023 at 5:51 pm
Does anyone know if there is a recording of the concert one can buy?? Just heard a BB track on sounds of the 70s…………………..I was there aged 19 and wearing a red SECURITY T-shirt. The father of a friend of my sister Jo’s was on the Wembley board and managed to get us “jobs” as security………meant I could get right up the front by the stage. Best concert I ever went to…………………..
Posted by vintagerock on June 18, 2023 at 6:02 pm
Hi Jerry sounds like a great job to have! Happy days Peter
Posted by dcmuso on June 19, 2023 at 11:50 am
Yes, Jerry – the 40th anniversary 2-CD reissue of Captain Fantastic(2015) has the entire Wembley 1975 concert on its second disc! Essential purchase; those who have decried his Wembley performance might have to think again. I was there too, can’t remember what I was wearing and had to pay my way too! Just seen Elton John at the NIA in Birmingham, his last-ever arena concert in England on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Still fantastic, hope that 2023 show comes out on audio / video too!
Posted by vintagerock on June 19, 2023 at 11:54 am
Thank you so much for sharing. I was not aware that a recording existed! I must get a copy happy days Peter
Posted by Bernard on June 22, 2023 at 10:02 am
Hello everybody,
I was there too, with a friend of mine and my cousin who had just landed from California a couple of days before. It was quite an adventure as we traveled from Paris (where I lived at the time) by bus during the night before the festival. We took the bus back to Paris right after the concert and arrived completely exhausted but with stars in the eyes. I remember we got confused and disappointed when Elton began his show with Captain Fantastic we didn’t know. Fortunately we had not the possibility to go away and stayed until he played what we had come for. I was 19 at the time, and it is one of my best souvenirs. Just learnt about the 40th anniversary album: I’m going to get it right now. Does anyone know if there is a video of the event? Great to share this with you all. Bernard
Posted by vintagerock on June 22, 2023 at 11:14 am
Thanks for sharing Bernard. It sounds like you had a great time. A great day Peter
Posted by Dave Weston on June 28, 2023 at 2:36 am
Absolutely awesome concert was there with guys from Tabbards rugby club as security in the section in front of the mosh pit right next to the stage, so not getting crushed…it certainly brings back memories….
Posted by vintagerock on June 28, 2023 at 11:41 am
A great day Dave happy days Peter
Posted by Beverley Nicolaides on June 28, 2023 at 7:21 pm
I was there! Yay!
Posted by bev nicolaides on June 28, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Elton session at Glastonbury made me think about the time I saw him, my daughter though it was very cool and it was! 😄
Posted by vintagerock on June 29, 2023 at 11:38 am
Yes Bev Elton is still cool. Happy days Peter
Posted by anthony ridings on June 29, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Myself and a friend was there that day cannot remember to much of the concert but I do remember Elton John’s full remission of in my opinion the best album he has done in captain fantastic and the brown dirt cowboy and I can remember a lot of people leaving after the beach boys
Posted by vintagerock on June 30, 2023 at 10:14 am
Many thanks for sharing Anthony. A great concert. Happy days Peter
Posted by dcmuso on June 30, 2023 at 10:29 am
Well, that was their loss! The Captain Fantastic album was just on release then, and many of us already loved it, so we really enjoyed being there at the live debut of perhaps his greatest album. For other bands & artists, that seems to be a proud historic boast, though for Elton it somehow became the myth of disappointment for many. We’d baked in the hot sun all day with everyone else, but stayed the course and had enough energy to dance along with Elton’s big hits section that closed such a great day. Glad you’ve come to appreciate the CF album with hindsight. We just saw Elton finish his arena concert tour at the NIA on June 11th, just before he became fashionable again (for a week or so) through his headline show at Glastonbury. The NIA show was even better than that! Thank you, Rocket Man!
Posted by vintagerock on June 30, 2023 at 10:49 am
Thanks for sharing. A great career from a great artist. Happy days Peter
Posted by Robyn on June 30, 2023 at 3:10 pm
A group of us came up from Swansea University, exams were over and we were enjoying that great summer on the Gower beaches. The Eagles and Joe Walsh were big attractions and “One Of These Nights” is the song that always reminds me of Wembley ’75 (did we leave early? – no chance!). Elton John at Glastonbury really brought it all back- still headlining after all these years!
Posted by vintagerock on June 30, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Hi Robyn a fantastic day with a great star that still shines bright. Is it really the end of the Yellow Brick Road? I hope not. Happy days Peter
Posted by CD on June 30, 2023 at 3:17 pm
Happy to be told I’m making it up, but I remember fish and chips was 50p and curry and rice 75p all day in the stadium.
Posted by vintagerock on June 30, 2023 at 3:20 pm
I remember getting free rice in the Hare Krishna tent at Reading in the early 1970s. Thank you Hare Krishna. Happy days Peter
Posted by Stephen Davies on July 13, 2023 at 8:36 pm
I had Ringos Linda McCartney and Jimmy McCullochs autograph in the programme backstage
Posted by vintagerock on July 14, 2023 at 2:12 pm
That’s magic Stephen. Happy days Peter
Posted by Gill McAllister on August 5, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Hi my other half was 16 when he went, he still loves his memories of it.I got the programme off him .The Beach boys were his favourite of the day & Rufus.
Does anyone have any videos of the day it would make his day.
Posted by vintagerock on August 5, 2023 at 6:33 pm
Hi Gill the Beach Boys were just wonderful that day. Happy days Peter
Posted by Barry on August 12, 2023 at 6:28 pm
Remember being there such a great day Elton was on last stadium can’t believe I was there so cool 😎
Posted by vintagerock on August 12, 2023 at 7:13 pm
Hi Barry yes it was a great day. Happy days Peter
Posted by philip on February 8, 2024 at 12:19 pm
I was there. I was 21. Biggest birthday party I ever had.
Does anyone else remember the pitch invasion?
A few people jumped over the barrier along one side so all the police rushed over and by the time they turned around the entire pitch area was full.
I believe the organiser allowed more people in to fill the arena again.
Posted by vintagerock on February 8, 2024 at 1:36 pm
Many thanks for sharing Philip. In those days there were often more people in the stadium or venue that you would expect. Stricter health and safety regulations now prevent this. Happy days Peter
Posted by Wil Evans on March 26, 2024 at 7:08 am
I was at this fantastic event up in the stands, There with my future wife and her girlfriend. All of us from Australia and living in Birkbeck Road Acton at the time. Can’t express how great it was to see three of my favourite all time groups/singers. Loved each performance but Eltons Captain Fantastic is still one of my treasured albums. Beach Boys and the Eagles wow. Will never forget being at Wembley on that day, such memories and I still have the concert programme I purchased on the day!
Posted by vintagerock on March 26, 2024 at 12:07 pm
Thanks for sharing Will. Yes it was an incredible line –up with some great performances. Happy days Peter
Posted by Peter Mullaney on April 6, 2024 at 1:16 pm
I was there it was my 22nd birthday. What a fantastic day that was. I knew all the words to Eltons Captain Fantastic.
Me and six mates had one of the best days ever. 3 out of this world bands how could it not be great.
Never to be forgot time.
Posted by vintagerock on April 6, 2024 at 1:32 pm
Thanks for sharing Peter. Yes it was a fantastic day that we will all remember for ever. Happy days Peter