Elton John, who recently described organized religion as "hateful" and worthy of being banned, was slated to whoop it up at the famed Morningside Heights cathedral on March 24, 2007 in celebration of his 60th birthday.

Church officials apparently turned the other cheek to Elton's disparaging comments, but some worshipers were still a little miffed. "It's inappropriate that everyone will be drunk and flamboyant in the cathedral," said one peeved churchgoer.

Surveying the florists, sound technicians and decorators feverishly preparing the church, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, he complained, "I can't even find a pew to sit in."

The bacchanal for 300 guests included $18,000 worth of exotic flowers, 1,000 bottles of champagne and a large dessert mound of sticky toffee pudding - Elton's favorite.

The stars which came out to sparkle for Elton's big night included Bette Midler, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Donatella Versace, Michael Stipe, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Caine, Richard Gere, Barbara Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Kid Rock, Liv Tyler, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rod Stewart.

Diane Sawyer and Emma Thompson showed up giggling arm and arm, and newlywed Elizabeth Hurley even cut short her honeymoon with hubby Arun Nayar to join the fracas.

Tasteful white flowers filled the church. And in keeping with the religious atmosphere, tables were adorned with silver drinking chalices. The altar was set up as a stage for the performers, which included the trendy rock group Scissor Sisters, Sting and Paul McCartney.

And despite several mentions in both the U.S. and British press, organizers insist it came as a total shock to Elton. "It's a surprise," said Interview magazine editor Ingrid Sischy, who planned the party with publisher Sara Brandt and David Furnish.

Also see the 'NYC Blog' on www.sixty-years-on.com.

Related News