Darlene Vogel, known for her role as Leslie “Spike” O’Malley in the iconic film “Back to the Future Part II,” has recounted a memorable evening spent in the company of music legend Sir Elton John. Speaking on the latest episode of “The Patrick LabyorSheaux” podcast, hosted by actor Patrick Labyorteaux, Vogel took listeners back to a night in 1989 when she and the pop superstar enjoyed a night out in Los Angeles.
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Reflecting on this vibrant experience, Vogel explained that a friend of hers had a connection to Elton John around the time her film was released. This connection ultimately led to an opportunity to see John perform at the famous Le Dome, a well-known hangout for celebrities in that era. “We went to see Elton John, and then he asked us where we should go next,” she reminisced.
Vogel suggested a trip to the China Club, a popular nightclub in Hollywood at the time. The actress recalled the thrill of hopping into John’s limousine, feeling like a part of another world. “I’m with Elton John, going to the China Club in Hollywood,” she said, recounting the excitement of that night.
Once they arrived at the China Club, the night took an electrifying turn as Elton John took to the stage. Vogel described the moment when John, known for his vibrant performances, outshone Michael Bolton during the latter’s set. “He gets up on stage, blows Michael Bolton off the stage, and starts performing, and I’m hanging out with him,” she noted, encapsulating the magic of the night.
Their time together was filled with camaraderie and laughter. Vogel shared that as the duo left the festivities, John playfully draped his arm around her. With a wink, he mentioned to her, “Got to keep up the image, darling.” She quipped back, “Use me,” demonstrating the easy rapport they shared, further humanising a man often regarded as an icon.
In a playful tone, Vogel highlighted that there was a distinct lack of the modern-day pressures of fame during their nighttime escapade. “There was no paparazzi, no iPhones at the time, and I was like, dang, I was hanging out with Elton John. I was his beard,” she recalled, laughter infusing her words.
Describing her experience with John, Vogel found him to be refreshingly approachable and kind. “He was so nice; I mean, I felt like I was just hanging out with a buddy,” she explained. The absence of pressure and expectation allowed her to enjoy the evening without the overwhelming recognition that comes with stardom.
Sir Elton John, now 78, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1970s. His journey regarding sexual identity began when he came out as bisexual in a 1976 issue of Rolling Stone. In a revealing moment in his 2019 memoir, “Me,” John described this stance as a means to avoid losing fans. Eventually, in 1992, he made headlines again as the first male pop star to openly declare his homosexuality, stating, “I’m quite comfortable being gay.”
Darlene Vogel’s nostalgic recollection shines a light on a moment that not only underscores the cultural landscape of the late 1980s but also gives a personal glimpse into the man behind the music. Their night on the town serves as a reminder of the more carefree days of celebrity encounters before the era of constant media attention and the ubiquity of smartphones.