Scattershot

Life, Music, Elton, and Me

By: Bernie Taupin

Narrated by: John Lee, Bernie Taupin

Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

An evocative, clear-eyed, and revealing memoir by Bernie Taupin, the lyrical master and long-time collaborator of Elton John

“I loved writing, I loved chronicling life and every moment I was cogent, sober, or blitzed, I was forever feeding off my surroundings, making copious notes as ammunition for future compositions. . . . The thing is good, bad, or indifferent I never stopped writing, it was as addictive as any drug.”

This is the memoir music fans have been waiting for. Half of one of the greatest creative partnerships in popular music, Bernie Taupin is the man who wrote the lyrics for Elton John, who conceived the ideas that spawned countless hits, and sold millions and millions of records. Together, they were a duo, a unit, an immovable object. Their extraordinary, half-century-and-counting creative relationship has been chronicled in biopics (like 2019's Rocketman) and even John's own autobiography, Me. But Taupin, a famously private person, has kept his own account of their adventures close to his chest, until now.

Written with honesty and candor, Scattershot allows the listener to witness events unfolding from Taupin's singular perspective, sometimes front and center, sometimes from the edge, yet always described vibrantly, with an infectious energy that only a vivid songwriter's prose could offer. From his childhood in the East Midlands of England whose imagination was sparked and forever informed by the distinctly American mythopoetics of country music and cowboy culture, to the glittering, star-studded fishbowl of ’70s and ’80s Beverly Hills, Scattershot is simultaneously a Tom Jones­-like picaresque journey across a landscape of unforgettable characters, as well as a striking, first-hand account of a creative era like no other and one man’s experience at the core of it.

An exciting, multi-decade whirlwind told in a non-linear yet grounded narrative, Scattershot whizzes around the world as we ride shotgun with Bernie on his extraordinary life. We visit Los Angeles with him and Elton on the cusp of global fame. We spend time with him in Australia almost in residency at an infamous rock 'n' roll hotel in an endless blizzard of drugs. And we spend late, late night hours with John Lennon, with Bob Marley, and hanging with Frank Sinatra. And beyond the world of popular music, we witness memorable encounters with writers like Graham Greene, painters like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, and scores of notable misfits, miscreants, eccentrics, and geniuses, known and unknown. Even if they're not famous in their own right, they are stars on the page, and we discover how they inspired the indelible lyrics to songs such as “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Bennie and The Jets,” and so many more.

Unique and utterly compelling, Scattershot will transport the listener across the decades and around the globe, along the way meeting some of the greatest creative minds of the 20th century, and into the vivid imaginings of one of music's most legendary lyricists.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Bernie Taupin (P)2023 Hachette Books

A way with words!

I had to slow the pace of his speech down to much slower, so I could catch every interestingly, phrased sentence, he was saying.
He has quite a way with words, just like his lyrics. Fun stories told in a fun way. And.. all with a British accent!
A fun listen!

A Kaleidoscopic life!

Every turn in this book was an adventure to behold. I truly enjoyed hearing how so many of these experiences molded Bernie into who he is today! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

To Know Your Hero or Not

I enjoyed the read. John Lee is the absolute best narrator ever! His narration always feels like I am home by the fireplace with a comfortable friend. This time he told the story of a famous rock and roll legend. A persona I have admired for decades, but not actually known. The man who wrote the lyrics to songs in the background of my life. It's been said that one should never meet one's hero. I am not sure what I was expecting but knowing the truth as written by Bernie left me a bit sad. It is certainly a fascinating story. I appreciate his candid approach. The story does give hope for love and happiness after a life of excess and trials. It's about becoming a better man.
As for the actual writing, may I suggest a dictionary? Bernie's expert level of word-smithing is above my pay grade. I enjoyed the "secrets" revealed in the book. Also, his lively and candid description of his life and interaction with Elton and others. I congratulate him on his early acceptance and inclusive attitude. And to that end, I am glad I "met my hero."

Loved Bernie’s story

Always seemed like the man behind the curtain. So happy to hear his own story. Loved it!

A Wonderful Story

The author appears very honest in telling his story. An enjoyable read that I will revisit.

Down to earth

Bernie had some good experiences. Enjoyed getting to know him. Bernie and Elton made a good team.

I love Bernie, not a fan of this reader

First of all, I adore Bernie Taupin. He's one of my idols and has been since 1975. I like how he intertwines events in his life in this narrative. There is not enough about him out there, as he was overshadowed by the front man, Elton John. So I'm always yearning to hear and learn more about BT. The voice and word choice in this memoir are excellent and a true testament to Bernie's intellect and sense of humor. I enjoyed the chapter about how "blurred," (my word) sexuality was back in the day. That is a theme in one of my novels. I would have loved to hear more about his personal relationship with Elton and his friends/wives. But I get this is a memoir, a slice of his life. He has other bios out there. I purchased the hard copy to read after struggling with the voice of the narrator, so that's unfortunate but of course just my opinion. Great book!

Good bedtime listening?

The book was a pleasant enough long listen, mostly about the fun Bernie had with other celebrities. I would have liked to hear more about his songwriting. I lost track of his love life and dozed off in places. In the words of Randy Jackson, it was just alright for me.

a total surprise

narrator is great for mysteries but inappropriate for biography,, otherwise it's a wonderful experience and a real eye opener.

Wonderful memoir…butttttt…

A wonderful memoir. But be forewarned…it reads like a 16 hour poem. This for me got somewhat monotonous. But Carry on a lot of good stuff is revealed in these pages. The other thing is ain’t a whole lot in here about Sir Elton and their songs. I was surprised by this because I wanted more of the backstory of the hits. Otherwise Well Done!