Elton John Skyline Pigeon 1990

[RockElton]

RIP



[crackernumber2]

its so good that this gave elton the reason to stop drinking and taking massive amounts of drugs. He would have been dead i 5 years if he did not clean up

[smarika44]

not all people in IN are like that im from IN and he opened a lot of peoples eyes in IN and around the world ! He reallyt helped me understand it not long after my grandfather died of AIDS!

[bettescorpio]

Poor Elton... he's had to play at too many funerals, Ryan, Princess Di...

[BMX90]

@bettescorpio That's true. But you know? In spite of all the gloominess, we musicians take it as a great privilege to be able to share our gift of music in times like these with the people that need them the most. Elton is an amazingly great artist with a super size heart to do these things!!

[californiagurl66]

:,-( Goodbye Ryan. I Love you. I was never able to let go. God bless you and your familly.

[pep103]

This kid really knew what it was to suffer from discrimination and to live with aids through no fault of his own.I'm sure he's having a good time now.No more suffering either.God bless you !!!

[RodStewartfan1]

When Ryan died Elton cleaned up his drug addiction. Ryan saved Elton. Ryan was a brave kid that fought till the very end. I'm sure hes in haven with Michael Jackson and his dog Barney playing together free of pain and the media. R.I.P Ryan,Michael and Barney.

[bestkeptsecretout]

This Is My Tribute To Ryan White "They're Apart Of The Human Race" Video/Song Which Features Ryan's Picture Included In The Video! R.I.P. I Love You Ryan You Were My Hero!

[Purpleicious6666]

I just love Elton John.

R.I.P Ryan White December 6, 1971 - April 8, 1990

You will not be forgotten

[Michaelphelps0808]

I Loved this song by Elton John and everytime i listen to this song on my ipod i always think of Ryan..

[iTzxSkillv2]

is dat ryan white who had aids we watched a video about him in health class is he dead and how did he die??

[weirdguy75]

@iTzxSkillv2 Ryan, who was a hemopheliac, had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion. He died in 1990 of a respiratory infection.

[alternapproach]

In addition to all that this performance means to the remembrance of Ryan White, it's also powerful as a statement of a man at the end of his rope. Viewing this performance, in addition to the circumstances surrounding it, served as the impetus for Elton John to kick drugs and become, therefore, reborn.

[johnny10301968]

This shows that AIDS is'nt the so-called gay - cancer and Ryan White showed that.

[mikeaurand]

the orginigal, not crap like Crisel10

[JaeDizzley1995]

Ryan White was so damn young when he died. It's just a sad moment for his family, Michael Jackson, and Elton John because he had lived such a very young life to die like this. Ryan we will never forget you you were a good friend to Michael and Elton John and also your family R.I.P.

December 6, 1971 - April 8, 1990 (aged 18)

[AaronPhenix]

RIP Ryan. All this nice.

[carlinj832000]

yeah and all the celebrities came around? yeah that town of indiana must feel like shit now.

[carlinj832000]

you know id like to pay a visit to kokomoa, indiana yeah i really do; pay they're lives hell like they did his; saying something like he;s dead now how does that make them feel! a couple ignorant rednecks!

[Bodebodango]

Its Kokomo Indiana!

[Potter457]

R.I.P. Ryan White. You made life better for everyone with HIV and AIDS (Not that I'm infected). Why couldn't Tre recombinase be discovered in the 1970's? Ryan was WAY too young to pass away. :( May his mother and sister live rich, full, and happy lives.

[vintageldy]

beutiful song . R.I.P Ryan White.

[rgmatos2]

Gays killed Ryan White!

[waslookat1me]

no they didnt do your research on HIV and AIDS plus stright people can give blood but if a gay person goes to give blood they cant the law and most people are backward

[Zhan1960]

God's blessings and much love to Ryan's mum.

Have always thought of her through the years.  Peace.

[carlinj832000]

that poor woman; she's a mother who lost a child; to aids.

[Zhan1960]

Lovely song, isn't it?

Bless you, Elton, for performing this jewel for a lovely kid who is now in Heaven.

Kindness reigns.

[kassiotis80]

HIV is the worst death I have ever witnessed, i i wish it upon no one, rip ryan and rip mj we love u both

[thesherife]

Cancer is a very painful death too,i lost my grandparents because of that eavel disease.I hope no one have to suffer because of Cancer or Aids,everybody have to die,but the worst is the suffering.

[1caninelover]

@thesherife I have cared for people with cancer and Aids, I've never had anyone blame the person with cancer or exhibit some fear they'll 'catch' it by touching them. They are not treated the same.

[carlinj832000]

well you know we live in a society these days where we can treatment.

[1caninelover]

@kassiotis80 Neither would I. most of my friends who acquired it in the 1980s have died, last friend was nearly comatose, went in his room on my way home from work (he died in the hospital in which I worked) gave him a kiss & told him I loved him. I knew he wouldn't live out that day (he didn't) Grateful my brother never acquired HIV.

[Noelijackson]

R.I.P Michael and ryan T^T i love ! U___U

[swooshjas]

i only live a town away from his site, i remember the original and it was breathtaking, and then we were taking small pumpkins to it and it was compleatly distroyed, it broke my heart, i am so glad someone took the time to replace it

[saugagirl83]

That's so sad...how can anybody be heartless enough to do something like that?! I know that AIDS was'nt understood very well at the time but to do something like that to somebody's grave (especially when it's a KID'S grave) is disgusting! I'm glad it was replaced too. I've seen a video of Ryan's grave and it's beautiful. I wish I'd had the chance to meet Ryan, he seemed like such a nice person.

[connor6787]

R.I.P ryan white

peace and love to all

[jadedbutterfly27]

Ryan was such an inspirational person...always gonna feel such a loss with his absence. May his sweet soul rest in peace.

[nosmur]

ryan--never forgotten

[linainverse5]

rest in peace ryan white

now you and micheal can be reunited together

as well as farrah fawcett

and aaliyah too

[lovamylee]

i've always held ryan as a hero in my heart from when i was a young kid watching his struggle unfold across the media 2 now years after his tragic death. Elton has such a moving tribute.

[steph9072]

As a fellow Hooiser I recall how horrible Ryan and his family were treated. How great it was the Michael Jackson & Elton John befriended him. I would like to think that Ryan and Michael are together again. RIP You were such a brave young man.

[mobi0501]

I believe that Donahue, also befriended Ryan as well. I wonder how bad the people who treated Ryan like crap felt after he died.

[swooshjas]

they felt so bad that f=after he was buried and his gravestone was erected, they distroyed it, i dont think it was ever replaced back to its former glory, even in death, he was not left in peace

[Stingray4]

His Grave stone looks very good now. Seen it in May.

[sweetheart2109]

His headstone looks really good. I seen it. It has a lot of quotes from Elton John to the governer and Michael Jackson. It beautiful. I cried. R.I.P. Ryan White

[tnchaptnchap]

I have to say with the different versions I have listen too, that this one is the best. A song like this makes more of a impact with just a voice and piano, not all the drums and etc.

[mysticalwind72]

Elton is one of the kindest caring beings ever to have existed. Ever notice he is there in the world at everything tragic trying to raise money or just give respect.

I lost my nephew my adopted son I can relate in some ways. However my hephew never saw it coming for that I am grateful. Ryan had to endure so much. In the end Ryan was a Hero.

[RobearBuddy]

Thank you Ryan and John. Without you both I would have died of Aids by now.

[coolioceejay]

Live as long as you can sir don't let aids kill you trust me a cure will come

[1caninelover]

@RobearBuddy Hope you're still doing o.k.

[davidroot8]

very moving i have a tear in my eye, just back from seeing him in Glasgow, and he performed this song, i love it. im going to learn it on the guitar. thank you elton really made my year

[georgielund07]

For Elton this was an important turning point to a sober and harmonious life. So you could perhaps say that the boy didn`t die in vain. But it´s always, of course, so sad when a child dies. It is never fair....

[Mrsrandom122]

What an amazing boy :] That must of been hard for him. Well the good thing is that he's not in pain anymore :] bravest boy ever

[iloveorangerange]

i like this guy he fought and he spoke out about aid i respect him for that we miss you i wish that he was stilll alive

[princev11]

elton johns still alive hes 62 today 43 here

ryan white died at 19 here

[JayDrummerBoy]

@princev11 18.

[TinnyandOdd]

He would have been 37 nowadays. Today marks the 19th anniversary of his death. Unbelievable. R.I.P Ryan.

[joah45]

i wish ryan was alive today he was a good kid

[joah45]

i cant believe hes gone

[mbolpantoja]

so falta ser um crente.ribeiro

[orlandobabe]

I wish the town of Kokomo came around and paid their respect to Ryan and even apologized for their ignorants. If not then I am just glad that Ryan won the hearts of America.

[PanteraBoy989]

Poor guy.Never had a chance he was doomed from birth.Anyone who thinks they got it rough try to imagine being born with AIDS!Ryan White would probably would have given anything to live a healthy normal life like most of us do on a daily basis.But he never got that chance.Certainly puts things in to perspective!

[coyclown]

Actually he was a hemophiliac and had contracted it through a blood transfusion. So it wasnt from birth, but you do have some very good points indeed.

[Crazy4Games3]

just to clarify, he got AIDS from a blood transfusion

[chocowomanpowerwork]

I 'd have to agree with coyclown. I can name you someone born with HIV-Jake Glaser, son of actor-director Paul Glaser whose first wife got infected from a blood transfusion. I watched an interview with Jake Glaser recently and you 'd be pleased to know that he 's surviving well even though he has the virus, thanks to one copy of the CCR5 gene he inherited from his dad,he 's a wonderful positive young man and I 'm glad he 's so healthy and happy.

[MemoriesDreamer]

Ryan White will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Ryan. Thank you for teaching us the lesson of life.

[nozomiwhitewolf]

He's the best at playing moving songs during funerals. (Like Princess Di's) I wonder how many times her has performed at a funeral.

[RealTime88]

At least 2: This one and Diana. I'm sure it's more.

[dotmacis]

@nozomiwhitewolf Elton has performed at too many funerals of people who have gone too soon ... :o(

[mizofan]

A beautiful song and very moving here. Elton's the greatest ballad composer- Candle in the Wind, Daniel, Your Song, Sorry seems to be.., Don't let the Sun.., Someone Saved my Life Tonight, Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Tiny Dancer, Sacrifice, They Call it the Blues, Nikita, I Want Love, The Bridge, High Flying Bird, Blues Never Fade Away, The One, Original Sin, Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Levon, Blue Eyes, Empty Garden, One more Arrow, The Last Song, Indian Sunset, American Triangle..

[RealTime88]

Good question: He was overweight, he was doing cocaine and booze whenever he wasn't performing. He looked like a 75 year old man. I'm glad he got clean and sober and has almost 20 years sober. I remember he went into a hospital and said he was a cocaine, alcohol, and food addict. That was new for men to be addicted in 1990. But he has his life together and I'm happy he does. Does that answer your question?

[RealTime88]

Such a beautiful song. I cry when I see this tape. People in this world need to wake up and realize AIDS is a human disease and we need to educate people about it and stop this disease before it kills more people. I'm glad Elton has a AIDS program that helps people with this disease and educating others about it. He's a good man and I'm sure after he saw this tape he got his own ass together and cleaned up his life. He looked like a 75 year old man!!! Ryan White was a brave young man.

[orlandobabe]

What kills me more is that the town that harrassed him and tormented him didn't apologized to the white family. Ignorance and fear my ass! Ryan was just a child, an innocent child who had AIDS and the town and the school treated him like he was trouble for them. God bless you Ryan baby.

[Stingray4]

Ryan. I wished to make it to See your story and your memories in the Indianapolis Childrens Museum this last labor day. But was unable to make it. I will try for next summer.

[snoopyboxers]

all these years later and its still hard to see this without tearing up. God bless you Ryan, you wont be forgotten.

[christoffff]

Right at the start of the song, someone says 'grape'. wtf is that about?

[16Lizards]

Wow - just found this. I have it on VHS recorded from TV along with many other White related videos including the news account leading up to and after his death plus scrapbooks with hundreds of articles. Remember it like it was yesterday and it seems like a lifetime ago.

[christoffff]

You made a scrapbook about him? wtf dude.

[Stingray4]

I'd love a copy of it.

[16Lizards]

What would you like a copy of? I mentioned several things in the posting. I'd sell the entire expansive collection for $1200. Includes several videotapes, his HS yearbooks (unsigned), actual photos and scores of newspaper/magazine clippings from Indy & elsewhere plus letters from the family others. I spend many many hours of time building this 18 years ago. $1200 is alot but if you have a keen interest in this subject, I would bet you won't find another collection of this type offered for sale.

[16Lizards]

I would probably sell copies of the tapes for $20 each. The scrapbook would be very cumbersome to make an entire copy of, but I guess I could do it for $250 complete. Very labor intensive.

[kcg5000]

Let me say to almost all of you that this is by far the most heartfelt video with a good amount of poignant posts that I have ever seen on youtube.

A friend of my familys (an ER nurse), when we were living in san francisco during the late 70's, told my father about a new virus that gay men were getting called AIDS. she told him in 20 years it would be heard to go a day without hearing AIDS at some point.

[Nateness01]

The song itself is good, but the quality is sketchy. I love playing this on the piano, it's one of the most understated songs that he has.

[jnoble12]

The only good thing to come of this was Elton deciding after that very day to get off the drugs and drinking before he died himself. Ryan inspired him to get clean

[linbrown3]

i hope she's ok dealing with ryan's death RIP

[utubefan112]

actually my l.a. met ryan's MOTHER not teacher sorry but it still sad

[utubefan112]

my l.a. teacher met Ryan's teacher

*sob* im reading the ryan white book rite now

[Cortex20006]

So am I! I have his book too! I read it everyday what about you utubefan112?

RIP Ryan White!

[utubefan112]

Well I've already finished the book. It was really sad. But I don't have his book :/ Although it's been a year, I still remember it. It's nice to have someone really care about him too. :)

[Cortex20006]

I really do care about Ryan White, Becuase his was Michel Jackson's friend

R.I.P Ryan White

[utubefan112]

That's good :) It's really nice of all those celebrity stars to spend time to hang out with Ryan White. I'm sure he really enjoyed it.

[Stingray4]

So very True. And now Ryan & Michael has reunited. Rest in Peace Michael & Ryan

[Cortex20006]

Ageed on that

Michel and Ryan may them rest in Peace

[flippz78]

love your comment but change the name its acctually Michael

[Cortex20006]

Oh i'm sorry

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson and Ryan White

There got it

[flippz78]

I Love the comment thanks for putting it on.

[anishinaabe]

So sad.

[seasmoke70]

Beautiful...I love this song. RIP Ryan.

[BrandonTeena4life]

I can't even imagine the pain Ryan's mother went threw.When a lot of parents were watching their child graduate from high school, she was burying hers.

Ryan will always be remembered.

[giox725]

Lucky Bastard! I wish elton john would play at my funeral... Wait.. He's be dead by then!

[vidomarsf]

Don´t you be so sure. If you keep on writing silly things, someone may decide that you should not live long. XD

[dorland3]

I am absolutely amazed by the quality of elton's voice in this performance. By 1990, his voice had already lost the quality and higher range it had in the 70's. Yet, as others have commented, for this performance, he seems to have been able to recapture his old brilliance. Perhaps the magnitude of the moment? Shows what we are capable of when we really put our mind to something...

[ivoryman996]

I completely agree

[TheRealFox0270]

It is a great performance but the video is not very clear.

[straightshots]

no shit

[WhisperLady023]

He sounds the same as in the 70's, the studio recorded song. It's so amazing!

[RealTime88]

Well Elton had surgery on his throat in 1987 so his voice is not as high as it used to be. The surgery was from all that cocaine and booze he did. I look at this clip and I mentioned he looked like a 75 year old. He was very overweight and doing only harm to himself. But I'm glad after he saw this, he got clean and rightfully so his music got better. Sir Elton John is an icon. His music always makes me happy. I have about 15-20 songs of his on my iPOD. They are all fantastic!!!

[GKFC]

"The surgery was from all that cocaine and booze he did."

Well kind of. It wasn't directly the cocaine and booze that did the damage, but the fact that he started thrashing his voice (because he was so out of it onstage) and developed nodules on his cords.

[RealTime88]

It just seems like if you are so high and you drink yourself to death your voice changes if you are a singer.

[duke123eltom123]

I like his voice more now these dayes it suits his age I think

[RealTime88]

So do I. He sounds stronger and better than ever.

[JJ2555]

was this the last time he played skyline pigeon?

[elton1111]

Well, I know he played it during his solo tour of 1999. It's available on a wonderful Madison Square Garden recording, available from his website, although not commercially released.

[WhisperLady023]

This sounds SO beautyful... Ryan was great.

[Stingray4]

This song is one of Elton Johns best songs. I myself believe that he supported Elton. Cause of the speculation of Aids and Gays. But I support Sir Eltn no matter what. And like Elton says. Ryans Candle burne out 18 yrs ago. But the legend never will.

[erick1302]

elton john is perfect songs.....

sir elton john beautiful song

[WhisperLady023]

Agree :) He sounds like the young 70's here

[JJ2555]

i wonder if elton still keeps intouch with ryans mother ?

[TinnyandOdd]

I read in an interview in 2000 with Ryan's mother that Elton no longer talks on the phone or visits with the family, but he does send a very decorative Christmas card every year. That was 9 years ago so I don't know if things have changed.

[orbison]

@TinnyandOdd He did get involved and appeared at a 20th anniversary celebration about Ryan White's death. Type "Ryan white saved my life"

[bobdole9696]

this just shows the injustice in the United States (I'm an American, too). "and justice for all"...what a bunch of bull. so thank you Sir Elton, for being there for someone who needed it the most.

[thelurker25]

The injustice that Ryan went through was just a small example of the other thousands who were dealing with a disease no one knew about at the time. This was a wake up call - People had to wake up to reality - understand that AIDS is not a joke and that AIDS is real and must be dealt with accordingly.

[thelurker25]

In addition:

You can't blame everyone in america or abroad for their ignorance regarding AIDS. It's been said before, but the reason why people admire Ryan was not only he was fighting for his life, but he really didn't hate others who tried to be ignorant to him. This is why Ryan's spirit is precious and must live on.

[orlandobabe]

All your talk about people being ignorant, it is hard for me to love let alone care about people who are ignorant. Ryan was an innocent boy and all those people in his hometown would do is harass him, isolate him, vandalizes his home and worst threaten to kill him. Bastards! I am sorry to say that but Ryan was an innocent boy and God bless him and his family.

[thelurker25]

shut up, troll

[Deborah983]

This is the moment I loved Elton John. His support of the family, and this little boy with an illness so very few understood. He helped bring awareness at a time when everyone was so afraid of anyone with AIDS. His support helped Ryan and his family cope. And helped the rest of us realize how much just a little compassion can help.

[daytonscott]

If I remember, this moment is when Elton John decided to stop using drungs and became an AIDs Activist.

This song is so beautiful. Thank you for posting it.

[thelurker25]

actually, he didn't immediately go to rehab after this. He did a few more show appearances, an unplugged, Trumph Taj Mahal concerts, and then Knebworth in June 30, 1990. He didn't go to rehab until July 29, 1990. However, this was a turning point to make a decision to clean up his life.

But you are right - Ryan was a champion to us as humans who fight for a cause - we must not forget him.

[wieczoris]

Really moving, anybody can notice that Elton was really affected by Ryan's death during his performance.

[hesquivel1985]

ryan white was a touching person ive'd only read about him but his message was clear to me

[shan45]

I bet there wasn't a dry eye in the house....

[godwhyisthistaken]

touching...

[plyg]

ryan white rip he taught us that people with aids don,t have to hide.

[shan45]

Also having been looking for this ages....

Thanks a bunch... Do you have more rare footage of Elton in any decades..

[72miche19]

Beautiful!

[mauririal]

esta cancion es en el funeral de ryan white un niño hemofilico infectado con el virus de hiv que se acerco a elton y este le brindo toda su amistad y cariño a partir de la muerte de ryan elton cambio su vida de excesos no consumio mas cocaina y dejo el alcohol xq al verse en este video se sintio como muerto en vida gordo con el pelo blanco y los ojos vacias palabras textuales de elton

[chazzwozer]

Been looking for this for ages. Thanx. What other Elton videos do you have?