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Elton's percussionist and background vocalist John Mahon is celebrating his birthday on January 23, 2014.

On behalf of the Hercules team and the Elton John fans all over the world, we would like to wish him a happy birthday!

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Elton John will now hold the record for the most concerts at the Qantas Credit Union Arena after a naming rights sponsorship will keep the doors open at the former Sydney Entertainment Centre for another two years.

Bulldozers were set to raze the 30-year-old venue at the end of 2013 until a last minute naming-rights deal was brokered between the venue's operators AEG Ogden and Qantas Credit Union. Originally slated for the wrecking ball at the end of 2013, new venue operators AEG Ogden have brokered the deal with the airline employee credit union to keep it rocking until December 31, 2015.

AEG Ogden, who also run Allphones Arena, took over the 30-year-old "Ent Cent" in December 2013. Chairman Harvey Lister said the naming rights deal was part of their business plan to keep the venue viable and not a drain on the public purse as the entertainment and convention precinct is rebuilt. The credit union, which has 90,000 members and almost $3 billion in assets, is on a drive for brand recognition in the banking market.

While the new name is a mouthful, Mr Lister said corporate titles for music and sporting venues is now standard worldwide. "If you look at the names of arenas around the world, there are a lot of long names," Mr Lister said. "The important issue is for people to recognise this financial institution put their hand up to help keep this building open." The reaction from promoters keen to continue to book acts into the old Ent Cent has been "overwhelmingly positive",

Already booked to play the arena this year are Celtic Woman, Dolly Parton, Queens Of The Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails, Bruno Mars, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Dave Matthews Band, Arctic Monkeys, Jason Derulo and Sydney Kings matches. Mr Lister said music fans could expect to see some artists play concerts at both the city venue and Allphones Arena at Sydney Olympic Park. "Some venues work better on certain nights of the week. Bruno Mars is playing both venues - as have Kylie and Pink," he said. "It can also depend on the style of music and where most of their fans live."

The venue is expected to stage farewell concerts by some of its biggest and favourite acts at the end of 2015. Besides Pink's phenomenal last two tours, the arena also hosted the emotional return of Kylie Minogue with the Showgirl Homecoming tour after undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

It is believed negotiations are already underway with Elton John and John Farnham who have enjoyed a friendly rivalry over the years who hold the record for the most concerts at the old Ent Cent. Mr Lister said he also wanted Sydney's music fans to nominate who they would want to see close the venue.

Top ten of top performers at Sydney Entertainment Center:

1. Elton John (56 shows)
   
2. John Farnham (40)
   
3. Billy Joel (28)
   
4. Pink (26)
   
5. Dire Straits (26)
   
6. Kylie Minogue (23)
   
7. Neil Diamond (23)
   
8. AC/DC (17)
   
9. INXS (17)
   
10. U2 (16)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said musician Elton John is "an extraordinary person" as he defended his country's stance on homosexuality ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, during an interview with BBC1's Andrew Marr Show.

Mr Putin said: "Read our law carefully - and pay attention to its name. It's called a 'ban on the propaganda of paedophilia and homosexuality'. There are countries, including in Europe, where they're debating the possibility of legalising paedophilia. Publicly discussing this, in parliament.

"They can do what they want, but the people of Russia have their own cultural code, their own traditions. It seems to me that the law we adopted doesn't harm anybody. What's more, homosexual people can't feel inferior here, because there is no professional, career or social discrimination against them.

"When they achieve great success, for example Elton John - he's an extraordinary person, a distinguished musician, and millions of our people sincerely love him, regardless of his sexual orientation."

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5 questions with percussionist, Canton native, John Mahon.

John Mahon, a 1973 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, has been a percussionist and backing vocalist in Elton John's touring band since 1997. One can only imagine where he's been and what he's seen. On February 1, 2014, he'll be onstage with Elton for a sold-out concert at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

Here, Mahon — who lives in the Los Angeles area when he's actually home shares some insider stories:

Q. You keep very busy onstage with Elton. What all do you do up there?

A. "Just look good! No, really.... The best way to describe what I do onstage is, I accentuate and color the music rhythmically. There are so many options with percussion like cymbals, congas, tambourines, electronics, etc. But one of the most important things I have to do is sing backing vocals. I sing on every song quite a lot. Recently, we rehearsed a new song with no percussion and I tried to strategically hide offstage hoping Elton would not need me on that song. I was hoping I could take a little break during the show and he says, 'Where's John? I want you to sing on this song.' The crew had a good laugh as they pointed me out! No escape — but I don't complain because Sir Elton never takes a break the entire show."

Q. Where are some of the places you played with Elton during 2013? Was there a favorite show?

A. "Last year was the usual crazy mix for us. We were in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay. Then we hit the eastern USA along with some stints in Las Vegas. There was Europe in the summer, Normandy, France, Ireland (which I love), Austria, Switzerland and always London. The end of the year was Moscow, Paris, Germany and Norway just to name a few places.

Of course, there is Madison Square Garden. Did you know that the floor is suspended and bounces up and down when the audience is dancing together? It's crazy, especially for a dude that lives in earthquake country! Elton and the band just played the 64th performance there. He has the most shows at MSG of any single artist."

Q. How do you keep things fresh for yourself after so many years of touring?

A. "I have the greatest job in the world. Set aside the countless hours I spend in airplanes, buses, vans (contrary to popular belief, we are not always in limousines) restaurants and hotel rooms. When I go onstage, I see nothing but absolute joy on the faces of the people in the audience. Not many people can say that their job makes people laugh, smile, cheer and cry with happiness for two and a half continuous hours. When I was maybe 18 years old, one of my oldest musician friends, saxophonist Paul Whitehurst of Canton, said to me, 'John, play every gig like it might be the last one you ever play.' I try to do that every night."

Q. Tell me something about Elton John that might surprise people.

A. "Elton has an incredible memory. He can remember any song, the artist, the date it was recorded and even band-member names. His memory is also dangerous, so you never tell him anything in passing because he does not forget. He is often described in introductions as a genius and I have actually seen that crazy brain of his in action. It's impressive — he is brilliant. Another thing is that Elton does not have a cellphone or computer. But now that he has children he is addicted to his iPad. He's constantly showing us their pictures or FaceTiming with them. It's how he stays in touch with his children when we are away so much of the time."

Q. I imagine you have lots of dining opportunities traveling internationally. Are you an adventurous eater?

A. "I was going to say no to that question, but when I started writing down foods I've eaten, it seems that maybe I am adventurous. I do like to try the regional foods. I recently had borscht in Russia, shepherd's pie in London, wiener schnitzel in Germany, kimchee in Seoul, dumplings in Hong Kong.

In Australia, I had Moreton Bay bugs, which are like little lobsters. I love Japanese food like sushi and seaweed salad. I'll try fish anywhere in the world. I've always survived being a little adventurous. I tried a street vendor in Bangkok last year that I thought would be the end of me, but it was the best $3 meal I ever had! I've had kangaroo. Is that weird?"

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The Flood Gallery has invited Canadian illustrator and print-maker Miles Tsang to create an homage to Elton John.

Titled "Roy Rogers" after the song from Elton's 1973 album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", Tsang’s unique and eye-catching artwork has taken us back to those days of hoppin’ and a boppin’ and a dreamin’.

Released at 2pm EST (9am GMT) on January 17, 2014, this poster will be available from www.TheFloodGallery.com and in the flagship store in London’s Greenwich Market open 7 days a week 10:00 - 18:00.

Each 18 x 24” poster will be signed and numbered by the artist and is a five-colour screenprint, limited to just 80 copies and costs just £25 (approx $38 US).

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On January 11, 2013 Elton and David became the proud parents of their second son born to a surrogate in California.

The boy, named Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John, is celebrating his first birthday on January 11, 2014.

Elijah's brother, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, turned three on December 25, 2013.

On behalf of the Hercules team and all the fans around the world, we would like to wish Zac all the best and a happy birthday!

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Engelbert Humperdinck may be just three years short of his 80th birthday, but he has just recorded an album of duets with some of the biggest names in world music.

The Leicester singer has finished recording the tracks after drawing up a "wish list" of artists he wanted to work with. Engelbert has teamed up with singers including Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Elton John, Willie Nelson, Lulu, Smokey Robinson and Gene Simmons, lead singer of US rock group Kiss.

The album, "Engelbert Calling" – recorded in London, Nashville and Los Angeles – is due to be released on March 17, 2014. Engelbert, who lives in Los Angeles and Great Glen, said: "My son and manager, Scott Dorsey, started putting this together more than two years ago because there are so may international artists who are constantly touring the world. It's taken time to get producers, singers and schedules in the same place. It's been a labour of love and I'm truly proud of how it's turned out."

Duets he has recorded include a cover of the Shirley Bassey classic Never Never Never with Olivia Newton-John, "Something About The Way You Look Tonight" with Elton John and To Make You Feel My Love with country music legend Willie Nelson. Elton said his new recording pal was "one of the sweetest and nicest people I have ever worked with. We had a great time singing together. He is 77 years old and still sounding as good as ever."

Engelbert said: "I am truly thrilled to be working with some of the greats of show business and am honoured Sir Elton has contributed to this album. I had an absolute blast recording and measuring tongue sizes with Gene Simmons. He won – just."

Engelbert is already planning a follow-up album of duets called Engelbert Redialled. He said he had six stars lined up and did not rule out the possibility of recording with Leicester's X Factor winner Sam Bailey.

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David Furnish opened up the home he shares with Elton John and their children in London’s Holland Park on January 6, 2014 to celebrate the latest edition of London Collections: Men.

Surrounded by an impressive collection of contemporary art including photos by David LaChapelle, spots and butterflies by Damien Hirst and a glittering and blush-inducing Liza Lou sculpture of a naked man wrapped around himself, David’s guests included Richard James and Patrick Grant, David Gandy and Robert Konjic, Eric Jennings, Pat McGrath and Elizabeth Saltzman.

Saltzman had come almost directly from the airport, after spending the holidays in the Caribbean, dressed in what she swore was the “in-flight” blanket. Gandy spent the festive period in a Scottish castle with his family. “The kids really loved it; they got lost in it. Hell, I got lost in it,” he told WWD. “It was kind of scary. They’d ask me to go to the loo with them and I’d pretend to be the brave uncle but, really, I was scared too.”

David had is own fears: for the art and rare objets in his home. “I had a very great/bad party experience here when I hosted a party for Donatella [Versace] many years ago,” he explained. “I said it could be a max of 80 people because it’s close to the art but 500 people were invited. It was the best party: Nicole Kidman walked in with Keith Urban; [Magician] David Blaine came in and started eating drinking glasses; Rod Stewart and Penny [Lancaster] were here; I got to introduce The Killers to the 'Natural Born Killers' as Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis were both here too.”

“But, unfortunately, at some point, someone jumped over the coffee table, knocked over and broke a Lynn Chadwick sculpture and I went nuclear. I said, ‘I don’t care if it’s the Queen of England, we're at 120 people now and no one else is coming in the house.'"

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A 17-xear-old Nottingham girl who appeared on stage alongside Elton John has reached the finals of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will come up against four other students in the keyboard category in the battle to reach the grand final. It comes just weeks after the talented teenager accompanied superstar Elton John on stage in a Los Angeles concert as he performed some of his new tracks.

She met him backstage before the gig, as he listened to her playing the piano. She said: "He was really nice and funny as well. Being on stage with him was amazing. His band were on as well. It was one of the best experiences. He played some new songs when I was on stage, which lasted around 30 minutes in all. I got to watch the rest of the gig, where he played some of his big hits."

Young Musician of the Year is to be broadcast on BBC 4 and BBC Radio 3. The category finals are pre-recorded and the main final will be shown live on May 18, 2014. Isata, who is in Year 13 at Trinity School, in Aspley, said: "I was so excited when I found out I had qualified. It's a great experience. I want to play the piano for a career so this is giving me a great start."

Isata entered the competition after being advised to do so by her music tutor. The regional competitors were whittled down to around 30 per category, with five from across the country being selected for the category finals. The category finals will take place from March 3 to 7, 2014 in the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. The winner of each of the five categories – keyboard, strings, woodwind, brass and percussion – will then take part in the semi-finals at the same venue on March 9, 2014. The top three will make it through to the grand final at Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

Isata added: "I'm looking forward to going to the finals. I hope I can get as far as I can." Isata has been playing the piano since she was six. Musical talent runs through the family, with her mother Kadie and father Stuart more than capable pianists. Her brothers Braimah and Sheku, 16 and 14, and sisters Konya and Jeneba, 13 and 11, also play the piano along with other instruments.

The five siblings travel to the Royal Academy of Music in London every Saturday, leaving home at 6.30am and returning at 8pm. Isata has been given a scholarship to study at the academy for four years from September after completing her A-levels in English, performance studies and music.

She added: "I just love music. I listen to it all the time, different kinds of music. But I like playing classical music on the piano. I play the piano when I get home from school every day and on Sundays and then go to London every week. It can be quite challenging at times, fitting it all in with my studies, but I am determined to be successful."

It was through the academy that Isata had the chance to play with Elton John. He backs the academy and asked staff for a pianist who could accompany him on stage. They chose Isata. Her mum Kadie, 47, said: "We are so proud of how she has done. She is very talented and hard-working and deserves to be successful."

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Radio 1 Breakfast DJ Grimshaw has the top spot, followed by The Avengers star Tom Hiddleston and Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

The top 10 is completed by rapper Tinie Tempah, X Factor host Dermot O'Leary, Arctic Monkeys' frontman Alex Turner, fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford and model David Gandy.

The poll was voted for by staff at GQ and a panel of experts from the worlds of fashion and celebrity, including Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, Sir Roger Moore and Donatella Versace.

It comes after the US edition of men's magazine Esquire named Pope Francis as its Best Dressed Man of 2013. The magazine admitted the decision was 'unconventional' but claimed his simple manner of dressing has 'signaled a new era (and for many, renewed hope) for the Catholic Church'.

TOP THIRTY: THE GQ BEST-DRESSED MEN LIST 2014

1. Nick Grimshaw
   
2. Tom Hiddleston
   
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
   
4. Idris Elba
   
5. Dan Stevens
   
6. Tinie Tempah (right)
   
7. Dermot O'Leary
   
8. Alex Turner
   
9. Charlie Casely-Hayford
   
10. David Gandy
    
11. Harry Styles
    
12. Luke Day
    
13. David Beckham
    
14. Douglas Booth
    
15. Theo Hutchcraft
    
16. David Furnish
    
17. Mark Ronson
    
18. Aaron Taylor-Johnson
    
19. Sir Elton John
    
20. Jude Law

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