Superstar Elton pops into Brighton pub for talent-spotting

Sir Elton John at Mrs Fitzherberts for a gig by Irish rockers The Strypes Sir Elton John at Mrs Fitzherberts for a gig by Irish rockers The Strypes

A rock superstar stunned revellers at a tiny gig when he paid a surprise visit to watch an up-and-coming band.

Sir Elton John arrived at the 100-capacity Mrs Fitzherberts pub in Brighton on Sunday afternoon (December 16) for a gig by Irish rockers The Strypes.

Onlookers gaped as the Rocket Man relaxed in the venue’s small bar area with his security guards before catching the group’s set upstairs.

Bar manager Jennifer Roberts said staff had been “in a state of disbelief” when the superstar suddenly swept in with his entourage.

She said: “It was completely surreal. Everyone was very starstruck. We didn’t even know he was coming.

“He came in with his people and ordered a drink, very low key, very relaxed. It was strange to see a face you know so well in our pub. We tried just to leave him alone really so he could have a good time.”

Hot tip

The legendary rocker had come to see The Strypes, a hotly-tipped young four-piece who recently signed up with his management company.

The band, from Cavan in Ireland, also recently signed a record deal with Mercury Records which released an Elton John remix album earlier this year.

In years gone by the Your Song singer was known as a notorious hellraiser, but on Sunday those days appeared long gone as he sat quietly with a drink.

Bar manager Jennifer Roberts said: “He looked very dapper but he didn’t say much.

“It was all quite understated really. People kept on coming in downstairs and being told Elton John was in the building, but no one believed it.”

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Comments(12)

billy goat-gruff says...
5:12pm Tue 18 Dec 12

I was there! They're an amazing band for 16-year olds, playing songs popularised by the Yardbirds and other 60s beat/blues bands… They played support at the Hope the night before...

Roundbill says...
7:05pm Tue 18 Dec 12

The headline "teenage pop group stalked by ageing singer" doesn't have quite the same positive spin, does it?

Ballroom Blitz says...
7:39pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Great players, without a doubt. The guitarist is exceptional.
The singer is slightly dodgy though. Bit difficult to create a lived in bluesers voice, when your voice has only just broken!

Ballroom Blitz says...
7:40pm Tue 18 Dec 12

By the way, why does Elton John need dark glasses in a very dark pub? Idiot.

IShouldoftriedharder says...
4:50am Wed 19 Dec 12

Mitctrix, it may have not been deliberate, but your sentence is one of the most beautiful, concise, poetic , and contemporary phrases I have ever read. I have already quoted you on multiple websites. Not to worry, I have referenced you in all replications. Lol indeed.

Number Six says...
9:42am Wed 19 Dec 12

Wouldn't the Queens Head have been more appropriate?

winged says...
12:57pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Number Six- So just because Elton is gay and visiting Brighton, he should drink in a gay venue? Are you suggesting you would be uncomfortable of you saw him in a "straight" pub?
I'm sure he has a lot more going on in his life and other interests other than being gay.
How very dissapointing of you. Actually on second thought, nothing surprises me from some readers of The Argus.

Number Six says...
1:13pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Oh dear winged. Been at the pompous pills today, have we? It was meant as a harmless whimsy and since I've heard Elton refer to himself as an "Old Queen" I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have taken offence. Then again he doesn't need to when there are people ready to take offence on his behalf

Rev Enge says...
7:24pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Did he Pop into each member of the band?

mictrix says...
9:13pm Wed 19 Dec 12

probably popped in for a bit of dick lol

gusset snatcher says...
9:16pm Wed 19 Dec 12

I wonder if he'd have lavished the same attention on them if they were females.... as Harold H Corbett used to say to Wilfred Bramble........ 'you dirrrrrtee ol' man'

imnotpc says...
8:37pm Sun 6 Jan 13

what a dirty old bas***d lol should know better at his age hahahaha filthy perv

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