1.   Hi, Robert, Thank you for offering to do an interview with you. At the beginning, can you tell me how long you Eltonite? And how did it begin?

Hi Pete,

You welcome Pete; it’s always a pleasure to share with fellow eltonites… I’ve been an eltonite for a long time now. Growing up I always knew Elton as the man who sang “Candle in the wind” or “Can you feel the love tonight” but I didn’t really know his music. That was until I was about 14 years old and I saw his greatest hits advertised on TV. I never listened to music before but I knew this was the music that interested me and it was songs like “I’m still standing” and “Crocodile rock” that I went crazy about. I would wait up till 3h00 am during the school holidays to call our local radio dj and request that he play my favorite Elton songs, then I would record it from the radio onto tape. You know after a while the radio dj would get very agitated with me as I would request Elton John songs every evening…lol. I remember the first time I bought my own Elton John cd, it was Victim Of Love and it was in very bad condition as I bought it at a second hand shop. And even though the cd was badly scratched and skipped on every second song I was absolutely ecstatic about it. I thought it was the coolest music I’ve ever heard in my life. I still have this cd to this day and even though I can buy a new cd, I wouldn’t do that as it has a lot of sentimental value to me.

2.   I understand. Man wants to keep the memories of first love. Also, I still have my first Elton CD. I understand completely. I read that your hometown is Cape Town. In South Africa? This is a very interesting place for me. Want you to say something about it? Our fan club is very interested in Africa.

Yes, I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and have been living here my entire life. I like to think of my country as a very beautiful place and South Africans a very friendly people of many different cultures, colours and religions. Sure sometimes you hear bad things but I think these negative things you will find everywhere in the world. It doesn’t take to long from where I live to go down to the sea side or even to the mountains to go hiking. Earlier this year I took a train trip to Durban and it was the first time I had left my city. It was eye opening to see the beauty South Africa has to offer, from the barren Karoo Veld (open plains) to the lush green valleys to the sunny sandy white beaches. However I would also like to say that I would love to travel the world someday and get to see other places, there is so much to see, hear and experience out there.

3.   Oh it sounds so good that I would  to your country immediately went, if I could. And may I ask what job you doing now? I am a nurse-caregiver. For example. And I was always interested how job have the other Elton fans.  J

I’m working in the exports dept. of a retailing store. It is a food retailer similar to Wal Mart in America. We export goods (mostly foods) out of South Africa to our stores throughout Africa. It is my job to call suppliers to make sure they deliver their stock on time to our warehouses…

4.   Very nice job. What is your favorite song by Elton John? And Why?

It is hard to say what my favourite Elton John song as there are so many. Like a said before, as teenager my favourites were “I’m still standing” and “Crocodile rock” because these songs were wild and upbeat. But now the top of list are ballads like “You gotta love someone” and “I guess that’s why they call it the blues”. I like the slower songs these days.

5.   Me too. J How many concerts of EJ you visited?

Well Elton has only done two tours of South Africa and I’ve been to both. I really wish he would come here more often. The first time was in 13 Jan 08 and it was on my 20^th Birthday, needless to say it was the best birthday present I ever got. And the second I got to go on Elton’s 63^rd birthday on 25 March 10 and sing happy birthday to him from the crowd. It was just him and Ray Cooper in concert at Kirstenbosch gardens here in Cape Town and was amazing. This was the first time I heard “You never to old to hold somebody”.

6.   Oh, very nice. And who from Ejband do you like most?

I would have to say my all time favourite band member has to be Davey Johnstone. He is so cool the way he plays that electric guitar. And he even gave me a thumb up when I got up on my chair to wave at him during a concert.

7.   WOW. Yes he´s very cool. I admire him so much. How Elton John's music affected your life?

Elton’s music has had a big impact on life as I see he’s music as a culture. A way to express myself. People often find it hard to understand how I can like his music so much because I’m so young and he was most popular in the 70’s and 80’s. But I always say Elton’s music knows no time. No matter how old you are or what decade you living in, there is an Elton John song out there that’s going to appeal to you.

Oh, I agree with. I know for example, 5 years old Eltonites. How do you like the new Elton´s keyboardist?

I’m not that familiar with the new keyboardist so I cannot really comment. But what I can say is he has big shoes to fill. I think fans will measure him up to Guy and you cannot blame them. Guy was a magnificent keyboardist. The new fellow has a lot to prove.

8.   Yes. What is your favorite album from Elton John?

“Peachtree road” is my favourite album. I like the southern feel it has to it. It’s a cd I listen to on a Sunday because it’s very relaxing. “Porch swing in tupelo” is my favourite song from this album. But I must admit that “Captain and the Kid” is ready to take “Peachtree road” off the top of my list J

9.   This I feel the same way. Want something else to say to other Eltonites?

It is really comforting to know there are people out there that feel as passionate about Elton John’s music as I do. Not many of my friends understand but I know you guys and gals get The Big Picture…

Kindest regards Robert Lakay

Thank you so much for your cooperation. Robert. It was very fantastic interview. Take care a have a nice time.