In 1977 Elton John broke off his successful song-writing partnership with Bernie Taupin and announced his retirement. However, five years on Elton and Bernie began collaborating again, producing the album 'Too Love For Zero' and the hit single 'I'm Still Standing'. But, it seems, only just.

Revelations of the star's destructive lifestyle appeared almost daily. Whether food, drink or drugs, Elton John was king of the binge. Then in 1990, after attending 2000 meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Over-Eaters Anonymous, Elton managed to clean up his act.

So squeakily so, he became a national treasure - the Thora Hird of the music industry. In 1997 the peoples pop star was asked to play at Princess Diana's funeral, achieving a global audience of over two billion in the process. The reworked 'Candle In The Wind' subsequently became the biggest selling single ever.

A year later, Elton was knighted for his contribution to music, and his contributions to AIDS charities - most notably the Elton John AIDS Foundation (www.ejaf.org). In 2000, after receiving the Vito Russo Award for helping to combat homophobia, Elton said: "I've had tolerance for my sexuality because it's never been an issue. But I'm in a privileged position, an 'artist' in 'showbiz'. I doubt it's so easy for people in Grimsby or Scunthorpe to come out. There'll always be bigotry because that's what people teach us as kids."

For all the positive things he's done for the gay community, his decision to perform with Eminem at the Grammys this year has mystified many. He's refused to comment on why he agreed to appear with a white rapper who's made a career out of abusing fags, women and minority groups in his lyrics. You can read about the controversy in our Outback news archive. When it comes to Elton the Yellow Brick Road has always had more than a few twists and turns.