The Handwritten Setlist Elton John Kept In His Wallet For 30 Years

April 2, 2025

For thirty years, there was a little piece of paper that kept hope alive in Elton John’s wallet. It was a handwritten setlist from a concert he performed long ago, in 1973. That night, the crowd at the Los Angeles Forum roared with excitement as he poured his heart into every song, but it wasn’t just the adrenaline of the performance that made that setlist special. It contained the blueprint of a moment that changed his life forever, an affirmation of the power of music and the resolve of a young man chasing his dreams.

The concert was one of the most important nights in his career, filled with electric energy and magic. Fans shouted his name, and he felt the connection with them pulse through his veins as he played hits like “Rocket Man” and “Bennie and the Jets.” Yet, after the show, instead of celebrating his success, he faced an unexpected wave of self-doubt and loneliness. The pressures of fame began weighing heavily on him; he was worried he might never replicate that magical night again. In a moment of frustration, he jotted down that setlist and tucked it into his wallet, hoping it would remind him of who he truly was when the doubts assaulted him.

Years passed, and the music industry changed, but that little slip of paper endured. Through all the highs and lows, the triumphs and failures, it remained a constant reminder of his passion for music. It was a silent companion during his struggles with addiction and mental health, always reassuring him that he had the talent to inspire millions. It was as though the words on that page whispered encouragement to him during lonely nights or tough days when the spotlight felt too heavy to bear. Instead of crumpling under pressure, he found strength in that list, using it to reconnect with the reasons he fell in love with music in the first place.

Then came the moment when he decided to share this story with the world. After years of keeping that setlist close to his heart, he finally pulled it out during a documentary interview. As he spoke about the struggles and successes, he held the faded paper up for everyone to see. “This is what made me who I am today,” he said, a smile beaming across his face. In that moment, he transformed a symbol of doubt into one of resilience, showcasing not only his journey but also the importance of holding on to one’s dreams, no matter how far away they may seem.

That little piece of paper didn’t just remind Elton of a concert; it became a testament to perseverance. It was a reminder that everyone faces challenges, and it’s okay to falter sometimes. What mattered was the ability to rise again, to find joy in music, and to inspire others with your story. By sharing his struggles, he encouraged countless fans to chase their ambitions, reminding them that it’s never too late to believe in themselves.

In the end, the handwritten setlist wasn’t just a relic from the past; it was a beacon of hope that guided Elton through the stormy seas of fame and personal battles. It taught him—and the world—that passion and resilience could light the darkest paths, turning doubt into inspiration. And as he looked back at that old piece of paper, he smiled, knowing that it was a part of a story that was far from over, a beautiful melody still waiting to be played.