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| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: January 2008 |
| £1m Henry charity party Saturday, January 26 2008 |
Soccer idol Thierry Henry is teaming up with Sir Elton John for a charity bash aimed at raising £1million for Cystic Fibrosis.
The ex-Arsenal ace is hosting “The Liv” dinner at London’s Dorchester Hotel on January 31, 2008 – with Elton as the star performer. Guests include David and Victoria Beckham, Matt Lucas and Sir Alan Sugar.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening, debilitating disease that seriously affects the lungs and digestive system. The average life expectancy of a CF sufferer is just 31 years. There is currently no cure. Each week, five babies in the UK are born with Cystic Fibrosis and each week, three young people lose their lives to the disease.
Barcelona star Thierry said: “It affects thousands of families.” Donations can be made at www.give2liv.com.
| Elton John ticket sales briefly shut down TicketsWest Saturday, January 26 2008 |
TicketsWest outlets experienced "the most traffic ever" when Elton John tickets went on sale on January 25, 2008 at 10 a.m., according to TicketsWest regional manager Clark Moss.
The volume took the server down briefly, but it only took a minute or two to bring it back on line. As of 11:15 a.m., more than half the tickets had been sold. Elton will appear April 12, 2008 in Pullman's Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
Reserved seat tickets run $97, $67 and $47 (plus fees), with a six-ticket limit per person. Tickets are available through TicketsWest outlets, www.ticketswest.com or by phone at +1 (509) 325-SEAT or +1 (800) 325-SEAT
Tickets also can be purchased at the concert site, the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum box office.
| The legend of Caribou Friday, January 25 2008 |
The Caribou Ranch studios in Nederland opens its gates for the first time in decades.
A rainbow hovers over the barn that was converted into a studio at Caribou Ranch. After a 1985 fire closed the recording studio, some people thought Caribou Ranch shut down. But it remained a working cattle operation where owner Jim Guercio raised his family, kept a low profile and concentrated on other business interests.
Now, some of those businesses are being managed by his children and Guercio is moving back into music with the upcoming reissue of a Dennis Wilson album, Pacific Ocean Blue. The time seemed right to end his silence and reopen the gates to the ranch near Nederland that once hosted artists ranging from Joe Walsh to Elton John, Stephen Stills to Michael Jackson, and produced records that sold in excess of 100 million copies combined.
So on a recent wintry day Guercio, Kenny Passarelli (bassist for Elton and Joe Walsh, among others) and longtime ranch manager John Carsello sat near a crackling blaze in the lodge to recall three decades of music history. Rocky pop music writer Mark Brown spoke with several other musicians, including Walsh and Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco), about their memories to fill in this recollection.
In the following are some excerpts of those conversations:
Guercio: Elton would write a whole album in one week and cut it in one week. No distractions, you're set up. That was the whole concept. It bothered me to be pushing the clock, so I never allowed clocks here.
Passarelli: We made those first records and people were listening. Elton John came to Caribou for the Caribou sound - a sound that was like no other sound in the world.
John Carsello: I was showing the band and everybody the control room and you know what Elton said? He goes, 'Is this where (Rick Derringer's) All American Boy was done?' I said yes. He said, 'That's the sound I want.'
Elton John and his band drove down to the Red Barn in Boulder for burgers one day. At the time he was the richest rock star in music history.
Carsello: He said, 'I'm going to go in there and freak them out.' He's got his apple glasses on with the diamond studs. And all the people are freaking out. We were in the parking lot, watching through the window. He came out with two sacks of hamburgers and hot dogs.
Passarelli: In 1975 we took a helicopter to see the Rolling Stones at CSU. Jimmy arranged a helicopter. It was unbelievable.
Elton John joined the Stones onstage for what was supposed to be a song or two.
Guercio: Elton wouldn't get off the stage. (The Stones' road manager said) 'Jimmy, get him off the stage!' (I respond) 'It's Elton John! It's a great piano player.' 'Mick wants him off the stage!'
Carsello: They threw us all out. The road manager came backstage and said, 'Everybody from Elton John's band and the Caribou Ranch, you have to leave!' But we used their limos to go back up here. We pulled through McDonald's on the way back, a limo entourage through McDonald's.
Passarelli: That piano in the other room - Elton wrote the entire Rock of the Westies album in nine days. He sat with the lyric pages at that piano.
| Deluxe Edition of early Elton John albums Friday, January 25 2008 |
Universal Records will release deluxe editions of "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" in the UK February 18, 2008 or March 3, 2008 respectively.
In addition to the original album tracks, the two disc releases will also contain the following bonus material:
"Elton John"
"Tumbleweed Connection"
| Elton John and band performed in Tenerife on January 24, 2008 Friday, January 25 2008 |
Fan report by Julio Vila from Spain.
A magic night under the bright moon. It is the title of the concert that Elton John gave on January 24, 2008 in Tenerife. With his British punctuality, as usual, Elton jumped on the stage at 9 pm.
Elton arrived with his dark jacket, with musical notes of various colors and shiny, and his violet glasses, starting to play the first chords of "Funeral For A Friend". During the whole night he was of very good humor, and he played for nearly three hours!
Unlike previous concerts in 2008, he didn't perform "Circle Of Life", but sang "The Bridge" instead in stating that he loves this song. One of the highlights was when sang "Crocodile Rock", starting with an "Urrrghhhh!" sound.
Elton was constantly joking, created a new style for "Philadelphia Freedom" and surprised with "The Bridge", which was highly applauded by the audience.
The front row was a unique experience, Elton made all the fans vibrate. Elton, Spain love´s you, come back soon!
Following is the complete set list of the Tenerife show on January 24, 2008:
Watch a video from the construction of the stage and Elton singing "Your Song".
| Gift with specs appeal for Holocaust artwork Friday, January 25 2008 |
Elton John and rock legend Bono have donated their glasses to a poignant Liverpool artwork remembering the Holocaust.
The superstars are the latest well-wishers to give a donation to the RESPECTacles exhibition which runs at Liverpool town hall until January 26, 2008.
More than 100,000 pairs of glasses cover the floor in the hall’s ballroom in a reminder of the images of piles of personal belongings taken from Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Liverpool will host National Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, 2008.
Meanwhile others who suffered at the hands of the Nazis are also being remembered. A pink triangle wreath will be laid in St John’s Gardens tomorrow at 3pm by representatives of Liverpool’s gay community to mark the 65,000 gay men persecuted or killed.
| Elton's 16th Annual Oscar Party Friday, January 25 2008 |
The 16th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will be held February 24, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center and will be co-sponsored by Chopard and VH1.
The event will begin at 4PM with a cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner and viewing of the 80th Annual Academy Awards, an exciting auction and a very special soon-to-be-announced musical performer invited by Sir Elton John.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation gala is the most highly visible and successful fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Last year this annual gala event made history when it raised a record-breaking $4.3 million and over the past 15 years the event has generated over $15 Million for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Event organizers hope to top last year's success in an effort to further increase EJAF's investments in its grant-making initiatives which support prevention education programs, harm reduction, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs.
"With the loyal support of the Hollywood community the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party has raised significant attention and funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past 15 years," says EJAF Director Scott Campbell. "This year we hope to set the bar even higher and let the world know that we are as committed as ever to fighting this devastating disease."
The gala is guaranteed to bring out some of the biggest and hottest names from the entertainment community. This year's event co-chairs include Victoria and David Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Stone, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Donatella Versace and John Waters among others. Past guests have included Hollywood luminaries, Oscar winners and music stars such as Nicolas Cage, Jon Bon Jovi, Denzel Washington, Sheryl Crow, Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Benicio Del Toro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sting, Sir Ian McKellen, Sharon Stone, Rod Stewart, Kevin Spacey, John Waters, Sissy Spacek and Halle Berry.Related News
Wednesday, January 23 2008 at 15:58:33
| Elton John sues Bob Halley Thursday, January 24 2008 |
Elton John is suing his longtime personal assistant and business manager Bob Halley.
He issued a High Court writ against Halley earlier this week for reasons as yet unknown. Halley has been one of Elton's longest serving aides - working for the star for over 30 years - and previously worked as the singer's personal assistant and chauffeur before landing the role of business manager. A source said: “It is a real shock.”
But this is not the first time Elton has taken an aide to court - in 2000 he filed a multi-million pound High Court battle against ex-manager John Reid, after claiming the employee had mishandled his business affairs.
| Chef Wayne’s Crumble catering dishes for Elton's Oscars Night Wednesday, January 23 2008 |
When it comes to creating mouth-watering cuisine for Oscar parties, nobody does it better than Chef Wayne Elias of Mark's Restaurant and Crumble Catering.
As the official caterer for the Elton John AIDS Foundation gala for three years running, it's been his responsibility to please the palettes of Hollywood's A-list celebrities including Kiefer Sutherland, Elizabeth Taylor, Sir Ben Kingsley, Kate Blanchett, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ozzy Osbourne, Lindsay Lohan, Helen Mirren, Nicolette Sheridan, Sean Combs, Pamela Anderson, Mischa Barton, Paris Hilton, Kelsey Grammar, John Legend, Teri Hatcher, Kid Rock and Kate Winslet.
Chef Wayne and his Crumble team will provide a wide range of delicious culinary delights as the exclusive caterer for Elton John's annual soiree. From its humble beginnings in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation gala has distributed over $60 million in grants worldwide.
A party a year in the making, Chef Wayne works hand-in-hand with his business partner of over twenty-five years, Chris Diamond. Plus it takes an army of over 150 servers, bartenders and kitchen staff to make the evening a night of seamless perfection.
With the world's spotlight upon them, Chef Wayne and Diamond rise to the challenge with earnest delight. Diamond commented: "The night is like nothing else and a labor of love for us."
Crumble currently also provides the food services for the NBC Studios Commissary in Burbank, serving up over one-thousand daily meals for the network's workforce in addition to on-set catering for "The Tonight Show," "Ellen," "Access Hollywood" and more. Over the years, Crumble has catered hundreds of A-list events, including the World Premieres of "Harry Potter," "Happy Feet" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
To Chef Wayne, every meal he serves is equally important, remarking, "Our goal is to not only satisfy our clients, but also create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for everyone involved!"
| Happy Birthday, John! Wednesday, January 23 2008 |
Elton's percussionist and background vocalist John Mahon is celebrating his birthday on January 23, 2008.
On behalf of the Hercules team and the Elton John fans all over the world, we would like to wish him a happy birthday!
| Elton John and band performed in Johannesburg on January 19, 2008 Tuesday, January 22 2008 |
Fan report and photos by Pierre Raiche.
Important Fact: Elton John was only supposed to play one night in Johannesburg, seeing how much people wanted to see him, they had a second night where they set up chairs on the floor. The day the tickets went on sale, I was at the door and bought two tickets, the best ones I could possibly find. The man there asked me if I wanted to be on the left side or the right side of the stage. I thought to myself “What a silly question?” Elton’s piano is always on the left side of the stage facing the audience. So I bought two tickets, left side, 13th row!
I still cannot believe that I had the chance to see two Elton John concerts. But yes, it’s true. My first impression of the second concert is that the sound was much better than the previous night. Elton’s voice was much clearer and the piano as well. For some reasons, the set list was the exact same one as the night before but the show finished about 30 minutes earlier. For the second show, we bought tickets to be sitting on the floor. The first night was only standing but for the second night, they installed chairs so that people can sit. We were on the left side of the stage in the 13th row, seat 12 and 13. We had a giant screen right in front of us and Elton on our right.
Elton was wearing a Vegas outfit and was wearing different glasses than the night before. As I wrote earlier, the songs were the same but for some reasons, the people, the atmosphere and even the sound was better. Elton’s voice was very powerful and made us get up of our seats many times.
The show started a few minutes before 8:00 PM and "Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" was there again. It was magical!
It then went on with "The Bitch is Back". I couldn’t stay sitting, I danced and screamed “Bitch” as loud as I could. I had in mind Tina Turner singing the song with Elton in 1999 during the Divas live show in New York.
Then, Elton welcomed us and told us that the next three song would be from three old albums that he recorded many years ago. He went on with "Madman Across the Water", "Tiny Dancer", that he dedicated to all the ladies in the house, and finally "Levon". "Levon" was done differently than the night before. A little bit more jazzy I would say, just like the concert at the Madison Square Garden for his 60th Birthday. And finally, my favorite song of all time, "Believe". The CD version is wonderful, the live version is 10 times better!
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was next with "Take me to the Pilot". He all made us laugh towards the end of the song when he stood up and pretended to direct the melody of the song with his two hand by making big moves in the air.
And "Rocket Man" ... then followed by "Honky Cat" which was very powerful with the band. For the past decade, Elton usually sings that song only with the piano. It was a pleasure to hear it again with the band. He then went on with "I Guess That’s Why They Call it The Blues" and finally "Candle in the Wind". Elton dedicated the next song to a certain Luke in the audience and sang "Circle of Life" to him. Being in Africa, people seemed to really enjoy that song since the Lion King takes place in Africa.
Before the show started, we talked to a security guard on the left side of the stage who explained us that towards the end of the show, usually the last 6 songs, Elton allows people to come next to the stage and dance. Since I knew the set list by heart, I knew that the 6th song before the end was "Bennie and the Jets". We sat through the entire concert and when the first notes of the song stared we rushed to the stage. I realized that we were the only ones so we waited on the side of the stage. The following song was "Philadelphia Freedom" and two guys from backstage appeared from nowhere telling people of the first few rows to come up to the stage. As soon as I saw them telling the crowd, I ran to the stage and got right in front of Elton. The man was about one meter from us. As soon as we got there, we showed him a banner that we made him earlier that day and he immediately read it while he was playing piano. The banner was basically a gigantic crocodile for Crocodile Rock saying “We love U”. It was a nice feeling to see him looking at us so close.
During "I’m Still Standing", Elton pointed at us and smiled. I also got a picture of Davey Johnstone smiling for my camera during his solo for "Saturday Night's Alright". There is only one way of seeing Elton John live which is 1st row. Now I know!
Elton went backstage for few seconds to give a chance to the band members to change and he came back on his piano finishing the show with "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and "Your Song". Before leaving the stage, Elton looked at us and said 'Thank you' with his lips. Big smiles were on our faces. Next to us, there was a little girl, I would say 7 or 8 years old. Her father sat her on top of the gate and she was admired Elton with her big eyes through the last few songs. I doubted she really knew who was on stage, but I think her father was smart to initiate her to real great music.
This was definitely the best concert of my life. I have seen many performers on stage but Elton is the top. To think that he is 60 years old, I got tired of dancing on six songs and I was not even on stage! I don’t think it really gets better than this.
Sir Elton John, you are wonderful and you made me feel like I can do anything I want in life. Thank you! I will certainly see you in concert again somewhere else in the world!
>> Click here for photos from this show.
Following is the complete set list of the Johannesburg show on January 19, 2008:
| Elton John and band performed in Johannesburg on January 18, 2008 Tuesday, January 22 2008 |
Fan report and photos by Pierre Raiche.
Wow! That’s the word I have in mind at the moment. I just walked out of the 1st concert in Johannesburg and I must say, it was fantastic. For the past 10 years, I have always wanted to see Elton John live. At many occasions, I was in the same city where Elton was playing but for some reasons, I couldn’t not go to the concert. I missed the show in London in 2004, the one in Montreal in 2001…and so on.
I knew for sure that I would be in Johannesburg in January 2008 so I have decided to please myself and buy tickets for both nights he would play there. It was worth every penny!
Let’s go back to the concert! The event was at the Coca Cola dome, which is the biggest inside venue for such events. The doors opened at 5:30 PM and we were the first people to get in. We were actually the car #4 to enter the parking lot.
We had time to drink a little, buy the program and find our seats. It was a packed house. We were seating on the left side of the stage and we could see the entire band perfectly, a bit far though. I knew I would be far the first night so I made sure to buy excellent seats for the second night.
At 8:06 PM, the lights went out and blue lights came from the ceiling. The first notes of "Funeral for a Friend/Love lies Bleeding" started. We both had tears in our eyes. It had been a dream for me to see this legend play live and he was right in front of me.
He then went on with "The Bitch is Back". Which reminds me that they were sealing caps with “The Bitch is Back” written on top. Before the song even starts, Elton was standing on his piano looking at us. The songs started and he nailed it, well, as usual!
The following song was one of my favorites, "Madman Across The Water". If someone would have told me one year ago that Elton would play that song again in concert, I would not have believed it. Thanks to the birthday set list in New York for that. Elton and the entire band played every single note of that song like the original version. It was amazing.
Then "Tiny Dancer", and one of my favorites, "Believe". The songs started and it just hit me like a wall, it was phenomenal. It was definitely the best song of the show. The following songs were "Take me to the Pilot", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Daniel". When "Daniel" started, the place went wild. It was nice to see.
Elton was wearing a blue outfit with a print of himself on the back in a crocodile’s month which I thought was so nice. The concert went on and he played all his hits one after another. Being a huge fan, I know the piano routines and the little things that he does before or after each song, but he was still able to impress me by doing new things that I have never heard before. The intros for "Levon" and "Take me to the Pilot" were totally different than the ones I knew.
"Rocket Man" was wonderful. I am not a big fan of that song but I must say that the jam the band did towards the end of the song is breathtaking. I can still hear Elton saying out loud R.O.C.K.E and T!
"Someone Saved My Life Tonight", "Candle in the Wind" and "Circle of Life". Before playing "Circle of Life", he told the audience that for the past four years, he and David had been coming to South Africa to experience the Kruger Park and the wild life that there is. He confessed that the song reminds him of it and that Africa is the best place to play it. I hadn’t hear that song live in years, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the show with the two giant screens showing some parts of the movie.
Through the entire concert, we were dancing and having fun, I thought that the people were not very participating but I was, which was the important thing. When "I’m Still Standing" started, I couldn’t stay sitting. I stood up and danced the night away. Elton definitely rocked the place with "Crocodile Rock" and "Saturday Night's Alright". I had so much fun! During "Saturday Night's Alright", I phoned my father and left the phone for the entire song, he didn’t want to hang up, Elton sounded so good!
The entire band disappeared backstage with Elton and eventually came back two minutes later for the encore. Elton thanked us for being so great and mostly thanked the people in the front standing up through the entire concert. He then sang "Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and he finished with an honest version of "Your Song". At one point before the encore, he turned around putting his two hands behind his ears pretending he could not hear the screams. It didn’t take 10 seconds that the place was going crazy!
The concert was great, the sound was great, Elton had fun and played with the audience a lot. I cried at the first note of "Funeral for a Friend" and at the beginning of "Believe". I am warning people, if you are going to see Elton live, it is very addicting and you will want more. That’s why I also went to the second concert the following night.
>> Click here for photos from this show.
Following is the complete set list of the Johannesburg show on January 18, 2008:
| Elton John rides to rescue for Lesotho doctors Monday, January 21 2008 |
Elton John has donated 120 motorbikes to help doctors and nurses do their rounds in the mountainous southern African kingdom of Lesotho.
Elton, accompanied by his partner David Furnish, took time out on January 19, 2008 from his tour of South Africa to visit Lesotho for the handover ceremony just outside the capital Maseru. The donation forms part of the Riders for Health Programme funded by the Elton John Aids foundation.
"We want to improve the transport system by bringing health care to millions of people living in the most rural areas and thus making a difference in their lives," said Elton in comments reported by local media.
The five-year programme is being run in partnership with the Lesotho government which will help maintain the bikes and instruct local health staff in riding them. Health ministry spokesman Tumisang Mokoai said the programme was designed to deliver primary health care services to communities in the remote areas.
"The nurses and doctors will have transport to follow up patients in the villages to support community health workers. The motorcycles will be distributed to all health centres in Lesotho," he said.
Lesotho is one of Africa's poorest countries and worst affected by the AIDS pandemic, with some 23 percent of the population between the ages of 15 and 49 HIV positive.
| Elton and David give a helping hand in Africa for the EJAF Saturday, January 19 2008 |
Currently on tour in South Africa, Sir Elton John holds a child while visiting the mothers2mothers HIV/Aids project in Capetown, with husband David Furnish.
The scheme, funded by the Elton John Aids Foundation, helps prevent mothers passing the disease to their children.
Founded in 2001, the charity has grown from a single support group in Cape Town to a multinational organisation in four years.
Sir Elton's tour kicked off earlier this week, with concerts in Capetown, Durban and Johannesburg scheduled.
| Hercules - 20th Anniversary Friday, January 18 2008 |
In 2008 we are celebrating our 20th anniversary, and we do so with pride as 20 years are a long time for a fan club to survive, even more so “under same management”.
So we would like to celebrate this achievement in 2008, and we would like to celebrate with you - the fans of Elton John and supporters of our fan club.
As one of the highlights, we plan to be hosting a big fan convention to celebrate the 20th anniversary in 2008. As of today, the extact date and location for this event have not yet been confirmed, but it is very likely that the convention will take place in Germany during the second half of 2008 (most likely Munich in November 2008).
For more information about this event and other things related to the 20th Anniversary of Hercules, please see the special website twenty.eltonfan.net.
| Giustra, Clinton host fete Friday, January 18 2008 |
Vancouver mining mogul Frank Giustra and former U.S. president Bill Clinton are asking Bay Street to dig deep for a chance to attend a charity event in Toronto featuring musician Elton John, comedian Robin Williams and actor John Travolta.
A table at the party, which is also expected to feature performances by Mr. Williams, singer Shakira and Canadian rock legend Burton Cummings, won't be cheap. Prices range between $25,000 and $300,000, according to several sources in the mining and financial community who received the invitations. The most expensive tables are already sold out.
Proceeds raised at the March 1, 2008 event will go to the Clinton-Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative, the charitable endeavour launched by the two men last summer to help communities in developing countries affected by the mining industry.
Mr. Giustra, the son of a Sudbury miner, made his fortune brokering deals in the resource sector, has pledged $100-million (U.S.) to the initiative as well as half of his future income.
This year's party will coincide with the start of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference, an annual event that brings much of the world's mining industry to Toronto.
| Clamour for Elton John tickets Friday, January 18 2008 |
Producer of the upcoming Sir Elton John concert slated for this month in Abu Dhabi, said it is inundated with international demands as well on tickets to attend the performance of the icon and legendary musician.
‘We are receiving requests from Lebanon, London, Jordan, Bahrain, France and Qatar for tickets to attend the concert. This huge rush on the event has forced us to increase the number of tickets from 13,500 to 15,000,’ said Rania Kimaz, managing partner for Event Solutions, the concert organiser.
On January 22, 2008, Elton John will enthrall fans with a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the Emirates Palace. Playing for the first time in his career in Abu Dhabi, he is anticipated to fascinate the audience with renditions of his all-time favourite hits.
Tickets went on sale from December 14, 2007 and are available in three categories priced at Dh 295, Dh 595 and Dh 950.
| Elton John and band performed in Capetown on January 13, 2008 Monday, January 14 2008 |
Fan report by Marian Joy Friedman-Kaplan.
I flew in from the States early Saturday morning for tonight's concert began just a few minutes early and kicked off with "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding". This was Elton's first show for the new year and what a way to begin 2008.
He acknowledged more then once how inspirational South Africa is from safari in Krueger National Park to Capetown itself. Set in the newlands cricket ground in Capetown, South Africa, it was one of the if not the most beautiful settings I ever attended for a concert or any show for that matter.
In general, Capetown is one of the most beautiful places I ever visited. The weather did not disappoint the concert was a complete delight. The people as well as the attendants were above average friendly. Even the police were outstanding!
I was dropped off at the concert by my tour guide to find out I could not bring my camera in that had two full days worth of photos. Not even if I gave them the battery. I had no where to put the camera. Luckily, the metro police safe guarded my camera for the duration of the show. Sure enough, when I met them after the show, they were waiting there with the camera in hand. I even left my passport in the backseat of the taxi. Sure enough, the cab driver rushed to my hotel to find me and return my passport. Capetown is a really wonderul place to visit.
Back to the show, Elton wore a black suit wtih a sequinced skull on the back and red/pinkish flowers down the sleeves, on the back etc. He looked dapper as usual and slimmed down quite a bit as well. I think his shades were pink/rose colored. He was in a good mood and so was the band. Nigel was in a playful mood and had fun with the camera man. Everyone seemed happy.
I think my favorite songs this time around were "Sad Songs" and "Circle of Life". Not usually my favorites but this time they were. Capetown is the farthest I ever traveled to see a performer and it was worth every second. Elton John is a miracle to be experienced. Seeing him with his audiences is priceless. I can't think of a person out there who has such universal appearl. I would highly recommend trying an EJ show outside your back
yard. You wont regret the experience.
Following is the complete set list of the Capetown show on January 13, 2008:
| Elton John parties on Thursday, January 10 2008 |
In light of the canceled Golden Globes ceremony and more importantly, free-bar-filled after-parties, Hollywood is wondering: will Oscar's fetes be next?
Even if the Academy Awards suffer the Globes' sad writers' strike induced fate, Elton John and partner David Furnish plan to party on. PageSix.com reports that Elton's annual Oscar party and charity event for his Aids Foundation sponsored by Chophard and VH1 will go ahead whether the awards are passed out or not.
A close source revealed, "This is the question on everyone's lips, will our event go ahead? And I can tell you that a party of sorts will still occur regardless of the strike." And a spokesperson for the Pacific Design Center's special events department confirms the good news: Genevieve Morrill said, "Yes the event is still booked, we are in full force and ready to go regardless of the strike. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year!"
| Music teacher is the One and Only Elton Tuesday, January 8 2008 |
Music teacher Ed Hintze from Weymouth has won his way through to the next round of a prime-time TV show on BBC1.
Mr Hintze, 34, was picked as Sir Elton John on the BBC's "One and Only" show on January 5, 2008. Now he will compete against top tribute acts for a chance to sing in Las Vegas in the world's longest-running tribute show, Legends In Concert.
Mr Hintze will compete against Diana Ross, Robbie Williams, Dusty Springfield, Madonna, Rod Stewart and Frank Sinatra - also known as Anthony Adams from Poole.Related News
Friday, January 4 2008 at 19:06:28
| The One And Only Friday, January 4 2008 |
The One And Only, hosted by Graham Norton is an exciting new Saturday night entertainment show which will showcase the best tribute acts.
The best tribute act as voted by the public will win a three-month performing contract in Las Vegas with the famous 'Legends in Concert.'
In this first audition show (January 5, 2008 @ 7.20-8.25pm on BBC ONE) fifteen male performers will battle it out to make it to the next stage. They will be performing as Robbie Williams, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie...and more.
Superfans will pick their top five and then viewers will choose one more to go through.
| Elton praises David for love and support Friday, January 4 2008 |
Elton John has credited his husband David Furnish for teaching him to be more open and sharing in their relationship.
The singer and filmmaker Furnish entered into a civil partnership in December 2005 after a nine-year romance, and 60-year-old Elton insists their happiness as a couple is largely down to his partner's willingness to help him work through his personal issues.
He says, "This year will be 12 years with David, and it's the happiest relationship I've ever had. He's brought so much to my life, it's a 50-50 relationship. Before, I took hostages, you know, they were 90-10, 'you're coming with me', 'you'll get a Versace shirt and a Cartier watch and you're coming with me', and at the end of six months, they hated my guts and quite rightly so.
"It's been one of the great journeys of being sober and clean, you have to be confrontational. I hate confrontation, I always used to hate it and being in a relationship is all about communication and he's very good at that with me." Elton struggled with drug and alcohol addiction early on in his career, and has been clean for several years after a stint in rehab in 1990.
| Elton heads for gay rights row over UAE gig Wednesday, January 2 2008 |
Elton John's Abu Dhabi gig on January 22, 2008 looks likely to place him at loggerheads with the gay rights lobby.
He is due to perform at an open-air concert at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel. It's a surprising move considering the United Arab Emirates' appalling human rights record on gays. Homosexuality is illegal and hormone injections are administered to "cure" gays and turn them straight. Just two years ago, Sir Elton wrote an article for The Observer calling on the Government to do more for gay rights around the world.
At the time he wrote: "I want our government, which has presided over many positive changes for gay people here in Britain, to ensure that ending violations of gay people's fundamental human rights around the world becomes an explicit issue in its diplomatic relations with other countries."
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