Shropshire Star

Treasures of Elton John super-fan set to go under the hammer

A lifelong Elton John super-fan is parting with rare memorabilia including two carnations he gave her in a random act of kindness nearly 50 years ago.

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Deborah Williams today with some of her Elton John memorabilia.

Deborah Williams was sweet 16 in 1976 when she saw her musical hero perform three times in the space of a week "because ‘concert tickets were cheap then".

Deborah, now a 64-year-old semi-retired government consultant from Wolverhampton, said: “The music scene was amazing in the mid-70s.

"Venues were smaller, so you could get close to the stage and concert tickets were only around £2.50, so very, very affordable for teenagers.

“I discovered Elton John in my early teens. I just thought he was an unbelievably good musician. I started buying his records at 15 and saw him live for the first time at 16.

"In 1976, his Louder Than Concorde Tour was taking place. I managed to get tickets to see him perform at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre on May 3rd and 4th and then again at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on May 7.

“I was wearing my Louder Than Concorde T-shirt and remember all the musicians waving at the fans when they arrived at Wolverhampton Civic Hall - a great venue.

"During the concert Elton started throwing red carnations into the crowd. I caught one but someone snatched it out of my hand.

Pressed carnations given to Deborah by Elton John in 1976. Photo: Hansons Auctioneers