Elton John will publish ‘no-holds-barred’ autobiography in 2019

Elton John may soon be trading his piano keyboard for a computer keyboard with news that the legendary recording artist is writing his autobiography for publication in 2019.

Publisher Henry Holt & Co., a division of Macmillan, has acquired the rights to John’s autobiography, according to a statement released Thursday morning.

“Elton John is an extraordinary pop culture figure whose celebrity transcends his music,” said Stephen Rubin, president and publisher at Holt. “Sure we know the lyrics to all his signature songs, but we love him just as much for his charity work, for his wide circle of friends, including royalty, for his supremely unforgettable outrageousness and sense of style and humor, and for his irresistible likability. To publish this fabulous story in his own singular voice is thrilling.”

While John himself claims that he has little use for nostalgia, he does admit that his career, spanning six decades, and life have both have their fair share of ups and downs.

“I’m often accused of only looking forward to my next gig or creative project. It’s come as quite a surprise how cathartic I am finding the process of writing my memoirs,” John said in the released statement. “As I look back, I realize what a crazy life I have had the extreme privilege of living.

“I have grown up in a period of extraordinary change in our world — and have had the joyful honor of rubbing shoulders and working with so many of the people at the heart of these changes. My life has been one helluva rollercoaster ride and it’s still lumbering on.”

The memoir, co-written with writer and music critic for the Guardian Alex Petridis, is said to be a “no-holds-barred” examination of the singer-songwriter’s life, a bold statement for a man who is one of the most successful musical artists of all time, has spearheaded several successful charitable causes, but has also faced recent charges of sexual harassment by a former security guard.

Time will tell just how much of an open book John is. In the meantime, the Rocket Man continues his stint at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace through the end of October, with a return appearance in Las Vegas for four nights at the end of 2016.

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libby.hill@latimes.com

Twitter: @midwestspitfire

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