Elton's cook won't spill all the beans (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Elton's cook won't spill all the beans

Elton in action Picture Ref: 78006-15A SWINDON dad knows all about what went on backstage at the Elton John show because he is the star's personal chef.

Royston Lyons, 45, of Drove Road, Walcot, cooks dinner for Elton John every night during his UK tour.

He was at the County Ground five days before the Elton concert on Sunday cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for Elton's crew who were setting up the stage.

And on the big night he made sure Elton's dressing room was stocked up with all his favourite snacks.

Unfortunately Royston, who has two daughters aged six and nine and has lived in Swindon for 14 years, can't reveal Elton's dietary secrets.

But he did give away a few clues.

Royston said: "Elton isn't a vegetarian, he's a bit of a meat eater.

"He does like his food but he won't eat a big meal before a concert.

"He likes good quality food with good fresh ingredients but he is not one of these people who will only eat organic food.

"I bought most of the ingredients for Elton from Swindon and from local producers.

"Obviously everything he eats is very balanced.

"I make sure there is the right balance of carbohydrates, energy and proteins in his food.

"That's pretty normal across the board for performers.

"They like to eat high energy food to give them the energy they need for their performance."

One of the most important things to get right before the performance is the star's rider a list of items, including food and drink that he or she wants in the dressing room.

Royston wouldn't reveal what Elton has on his list but described it as "pretty normal, not too extravagant."

Royston has been a chef for 20 years after starting his career in hotels and has been on tour with Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Whitney Houston and Joe Cocker to name but a few.

He says the nicest people he has worked for were Michael Hutchence's band INXS and Joe Cocker.

Once he has finished his stint on the Elton John tour Royston will be cooking for the rap artist Eminem on his UK and European tour then for Mariah Carey and Ronan Keating.

He said: "I've been doing this for 20 years and it's always a case of not divulging anything about that person.

"It's a great job and it's so interesting and varied.

"It's taken me across the world and I've met so many fascinating people."

Show ends with a parking shock

THE concert ended on a low note for some unlucky Elton fans.

Several people returned to Wickes car park off Ocotal Way to find that their cars had either been clamped or towed away.

Among them was single mum, Jenny Harrison, 48, of Withy Close, Wootton Bassett.

The concert had been a birthday treat paid for by best pal, Jane Carter.

Mrs Harrison, who had to borrow money to get her silver Vauxhall Vectra back, said: "There were signs warning people but on Saturdays when the football is on there are always additional signs.

"As there were none. We all thought it would be fine to park there.

"At least seven cars were towed away and around three cars had been clamped. The bill was £334.88."

Anne Purdie, spokeswoman for Wickes, said: "The store car park is owned by our landlord BAE Systems, who employ Premier Parking Services (PPS) to manage parking on their behalf. The signs in the car park state that it is managed by Premier Parking Services."

BAE Systems was unavailable for comment and PPS declined to comment.

Search for the facts

THE search is on to find out more about Elton John's time in Lyneham.

At Sunday night's concert Elton real name Reg Dwight revealed he lived at Lyneham as a child. His dad was an RAF trumpeter.

One man is now hoping to find out more.

Andy Humm, who runs the Lyneham Village website, was delighted when he heard the news.

"In the early 80s I heard that he came from the area but it was not actually until I read it today that I knew it was true," he said.

"It is brilliant. It shows good things do come out of Lyneham."

Andy is now putting the information on his website to appeal for more information and contacting people who lived at the base when Elton's father may have been there.

The RAF was unable to release any details about Elton's father's service.

Diana Milne