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| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: October 2009 |
| "Red Piano" show in Dublin also postponed Thursday, October 29 2009 |
Elton John's concert at the O2, Dublin on October 30, 2009 has been postponed.
Following four cancelled shows since October 23, 2009, Elton's symptoms have not improved significantly enough for Doctors to allow him to perform.
A spokesman for Elton John said that "He is bitterly disappointed not to playing Dublin, he had picked Dublin to close the Red Piano worldwide, because of the great warmth of the people and the great concerts he had in the city over many years, he is hoping to reschedule the dates in the very near future".
Aiken Promotions are in talks to try and re-schedule the O2, Dublin concert for a suitable and available date in December 2009.
Ticket holders are asked to retain their tickets. Further announcements regarding the replacement dates will be made later.Related News
Tuesday, October 27 2009 at 18:53:20
Monday, October 26 2009 at 18:57:17
Saturday, October 24 2009 at 14:12:57
Friday, October 23 2009 at 21:03:27
| Elton John announces details for annual AIDS benefit Tuesday, October 27 2009 |
Former President Bill Clinton will be among the honorees at the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit event, entitled "An Enduring Vision," according to a press release.
The November 16, 2009 benefit - which will be held at New York City's Cipriani Wall Street - will feature special musical guest Donna Summer. In a statement, Elton said, "Donna Summer's energy, voice and spirit are going to electrify our guests and I can't wait to share the stage with her. Donna has been a tremendous supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation for many years, and I am so excited that she has agreed to perform for our 'An Enduring Vision' event."
As part of the eighth annual EJAF event, the foundation will present Enduring Vision awards to four honorees that have supported its mission to fund innovative HIV prevention programs, its efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and the direct care and support services it provides to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
In addition to President Clinton, this year's honorees include philanthropists Lily Safra and Evelyn and Leonard Lauder, and actress and AIDS activist Sharon Stone.
The gala dinner will be hosted by CNN's Emmy Award-winning journalist Anderson Cooper and sponsored by American Airlines.
| Elton cancels 4th show in a row Tuesday, October 27 2009 |
Elton John's concert at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on October 28, 2009 has also been postponed.
According to eltonjohn.com, Elton's symptoms have not improved significantly enough for Doctors to allow him to perform in Liverpool.
Concert promoters, Marshall Arts, are in talks with the venue to try and re-schedule the Echo Arena concert for a suitable and available date in December 2009. At the same time, Marshall Arts continue to try to include re-scheduling the Sheffield, Newcastle and London shows which had been cancelled earlier.
Tickets holders are asked to retain their tickets. Further announcements regarding the replacement dates will be made later this week.Related News
Monday, October 26 2009 at 18:57:17
Saturday, October 24 2009 at 14:12:57
Friday, October 23 2009 at 21:03:27
| Details about ticketing for Elton's Watford concert 2010 Tuesday, October 27 2009 |
Watford season ticket holders will be able to purchase more than 20 tickets for next summer’s Elton John concert at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets have released details of ticketing arrangements for next summer’s event, which is to raise money for player transfers. The club has relaxed their rules after the 2005 concert and anyone wanting to attend will be able to purchase up to 20 tickets when they go on sale on Monday, November 9, 2009.
But season ticket holders who want to buy more than 20 can do so by filling out a group form from today, which will then be processed when the ticket office opens on the first day of sale.
Season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets from 8am on November 9, 2009 but only via the club’s website. The following day will again be season ticket holders only but this time supporters will be able to secure their place by phone and online from 9am.
On November 11, 2009, the ‘remainder of the WFC database’ will be able to purchase their tickets online only and then the following day by phone and online, with the ticket office opening at 9am once more. The club says non-season tickets holders who haven’t booked online before need to know their unique Fan ID number, as found on their Fan card or previous match tickets, before activating their account and suggest doing this before trying to purchase tickets for the event.
Tickets will then go on general sale on November 13, 2009 but will again be online only, before being available by phone on November 16, 2009. Seats on the pitch directly in front of the stage and tickets for the Upper Rous will be £100, the rest of the pitch seating will be £75 and the Lower Rous, Vicarage Road and Rookery End will be £55.
For full details on the ticketing information see the Watford website. If you wish to group book more than 20 tickets, then visit www.playingforplayers.co.uk.Related News
Friday, October 23 2009 at 10:16:53
| Elton cancels Wembley concert Monday, October 26 2009 |
Elton John has cancelled his concert at Wembley Arena on October 27, 2009, the third gig he has been forced to shelve after contracting flu.
Promoters said it is "hoped he will make a speedy recovery". A concert in Liverpool on October 28, 2009 is still scheduled to go ahead. Elton scrapped the gig in Sheffield (October 23, 2009) and in Newcastle (October 24, 200) after he was told to rest by doctors.
Promoters are trying to reschedule the Wembley concert for a date in December. They will also try to reschedule the dates at Sheffield Arena and Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena.
A spokesman for the singer-songwriter has said he is "terribly disappointed" at not being able to perform.Related News
Saturday, October 24 2009 at 14:12:57
Friday, October 23 2009 at 21:03:27
| Happy Birthday, David! Sunday, October 25 2009 |
Elton's partner, David Furnish, is turning 47 on October 25, 2009.
On behalf of the visitors of eltonfan.net, we would like to wish David all the best and a wonderful birthday!
| Opera star who won the admiration of Elton John Saturday, October 24 2009 |
Elton John will be expecting great things of classical tenor Allan Clayton when he comes to the Opera House in Belfast this week to sing the role of Ferrando in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte.
For Allan from Solihull is the pop superstar's protege and received one of Sir Elton's scholarships from the Royal Academy of Music. “He likes to keep in touch and I have met him a few times,” says Allan.
In fact Elton and the opera singer missed one another a few weeks ago, because Allan had taken time off to visit his girlfriend, mezzo soprano Caryl Hughes, when she was touring in the Outer Hebrides with Scottish Opera. “I was told originally that I was being offered a scholarship anonymously by a former student of the Academy,” explains Allan. “Then six months later I learned that it had been given to me by Sir Elton who had indeed studied at the Royal Academy in his younger days.
“We do meet up from time to time when he inquires about my career, and it turns out we are both football enthusiasts. He has been involved with Watford and I am a Liverpool fan.”
In fact back in 2005 Allan joined up with Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra to sing at the 2005 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester United. “I love opera,” Allan continued. “But after meeting Sir Elton I would love to sing pop and rock now and again. One day I may try it.”
Allan, whose father was in the RAF, was a chorister at Worcester Cathedral and is a graduate of Cambridge University, where he studied social anthropology. He is aware that 11 years ago Elton played an open air concert at Stormont and has been in Belfast several times to perform. “I've been in Belfast on previous occasions too,” adds Clayton who is will be appearing with Opera North on October 28 and 30, 2009, as part of the festival.
| Elton also cancels Newcastle show Saturday, October 24 2009 |
Elton John has cancelled a second concert at short notice after doctors advised he was too ill to perform.
He has called off the show at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on October 24, 2009 as he continues to recover from the flu. It follows the cancellation of his gig at Sheffield Arena on October 23, 2009 which, it was hoped, would allow him to recuperate.
"Elton is bitterly disappointed at missing tonight's Red Piano concert in Newcastle... one of his favourite areas to perform,", a spokesperson said. "The crowds are always great music fans and not being able to this special show for Newcastle is upsetting," the spokesman added.
Elton's next scheduled show is at London's Wembley Arena on October 27, 2009, followed by Liverpool's Echo Arena on October 28, 2009.
Ticket holders for both the Sheffield and Newcastle show have been told to retain their tickets, and a further announcement will be made on October 26, 2009. Related News
Friday, October 23 2009 at 21:03:27
| Sheffield show cancelled Friday, October 23 2009 |
Elton John has been forced to pull out of a major UK show after being taken ill with flu.
He had been due to play at Sheffield Arena as part of his Red Piano tour on October 23, 2009, but was advised to rest to recover from the bug. But promoters said he will return on October 24, 2009 to play in Newcastle at the Metro Radio Arena and later planned shows.
Doctors visited Elton, confirmed he had flu and advised him to rest. A spokesman for Elton said: "Elton is terribly disappointed that he is unable to perform tonight's Red Piano show for the people of Sheffield. He has always enjoyed a tremendous reaction from the audiences every time he has performed at the Arena."
Promoter Marshall Arts said ticket holders for Sheffield should retain tickets and an announcement about the concert will be made on October 26, 2009.
| Watford FC reveals date for Elton John 2010 Vicarage Road concert Friday, October 23 2009 |
Sir Elton John will stage a concert at Vicarage Road on May 29, 2010, the Watford Observer can reveal.
Watford Football Club has also confirmed that it will honour the superstar’s wishes by spending all proceeds on player transfers.
In March 2009 Elton stated he hoped to hold a concert next summer to raise money for the club and today it will announce that his only UK concert in 2010 will take place in Watford. Elton raised more than £1m for the club by holding a similar concert in 2005 and Watford FC’s chairman Jimmy Russo hopes next summer’s event will raise around £600,000.
Mr Russo said: “He is one of the best entertainers in the world and we are lucky that he is local and he can deliver like nobody else can - he is that good. He is a world superstar. The last concert was a great event. It was probably one of the best nights I have ever been to for any show, anywhere in the world.”
However, despite the club’s financial position, Russo stated “we have to honour what he is asking for”. Watford FC will pay for all the costs of holding the concert on May 29, 2010 and Jones admitted that due to it being a one-off event, there are a number of “singular costs” which will reduce the profits.
It is unclear exactly how much it will cost to hold the concert but Russo claims he would be “happy with a profit of £600,000 to £700,000. There will be three ticket price bands of £55, £75 and £100, the same as Sir Elton’s current UK tour.
Around 9,000 fans will be seated on the pitch next summer and Jones hopes the “reasonable pricing” will help sell out the expected 23,000 capacity. Watford will announce full details next week but tickets go on sale on November 9, 2009.
The Hornets struggled to cope with the initial demand for tickets in 2005 but Jones claimed the club had learnt from previous mistakes and confirmed the operation will be kept in house to try and keep costs down. Jones concluded: “There is no way you can put an event like this on and not have problems, our job is to minimise them. So we ask for supporters’ understanding and patience.”
Also see Elton John Tour News.
| "The Red Piano" in Barcelona on October 20, 2009 Friday, October 23 2009 |
Fan report and photos by Anna Montras.
On October 20, 2009 the long wait was finally over and Elton was back in my hometown: Barcelona. The last time he played here his only companion on stage was his black piano, six years later he was back to rock Barcelona with the spectacular Red Piano show. After seeing this show a few times, and after the wonderful shows with Ray Cooper, I was afraid I would be disappointed by yet another Red Piano show. However, if Captain Fantastic is coming to your town, you know it’s gonna be a special one, and so it was!
Two days after the show I still have the biggest smile on my face, the show felt kind of different from other Red Piano shows. To begin with, everyone on the floor area of the arena was standing, creating the perfect party atmosphere that such a fun show deserves. It was clear from the minute Elton took the stage that we were in for a great evening, and as soon as he finished "Bennie and the Jets", before he had even said hello, the 18,000-strong crowd was chorusing his name in unison, setting the mood for the whole evening, to which he reacted with a “yeah”, knowing that he already had the audience in his pocket!
The set list was no surprise, of course, but I thought some of the songs sounded really good, I love how he's singing "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" lately, for instance, and the solo in "Bennie" was just great. He’s also been playing some little fresh piano parts in songs like "Pinball Wizard" or "Saturday Night’s Alright".
Some weeks ago, my friends and I tried to think of a gift for Elton that we could hand to him at the show. Knowing his passion for football, the choice was obvious, so we bought him a FC Barcelona T-shirt with his name on it, and handed it to him (actually we had to throw it to the stage) after "Rocket Man". Elton picked it from the floor, held it up and showed both sides to the audience, and then walked across the stage waving it, after which he received another great ovation from the crowd. After that, he even dedicated the next song, "I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues", to Barcelona player Lionel Messi.
All in all, an amazing evening, I must say I had the time of my life singing along and dancing the whole evening, it was an extra special one: Elton in my hometown and a chance to reunite with some wonderful friends that I don’t see enough.
A big thank you to Elton and the boys in the band for an amazing evening!
Following is the complete set list of the Red Piano show in Barcelona on October 20, 2009:
| "The Red Piano" in Antwerp on October 13, 2009 Wednesday, October 21 2009 |
Fan report by Filip Arijs.
Three years ago Elton mentioned at the end of his show that the "Red Piano" show was really something different and that we should visit Vegas to see it. For the most of us that was quiet impossible. And now we didn’t had to go to Las Vegas, Elton brought the show to us! Thank you Elton.
When Elton John talked between two songs he sounded a bit hoarse but that was completely gone while he sung. There are only few singers with such a powerful voice. After he played "Rocket Man" a fan handed him some flowers and Elton was so kind letting her onto the stage to embrace her thankful!
Like all the fans and the people who knew him, I was shocked when I read that Guy Babylon died so young. During the concert I was thinking of Guy all the time. Elton dedicated "I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues" to him. We will not forget how special Guy was to the Elton band. Elton created a beautiful end on "I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues".
The Belgian crowd was very pleased to hear "Nikita" (Elton's only number one hit in Belgium apart from "Candle In The Wind"). And it was a very special beautiful solo version too.
Two songs later he dedicated "Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me" to Stephen Gately from Boyzone. Again someone who died too young. After a very strong version of "Candle In The Wind" the show exploded with a range of four uptempo hits, everybody was in the mood to party!
Elton John concluded a very special entertaining show with another solo version of "Your Song". The only song you can hear a thousand times and it’s never boring.
Elton said he would be back for another show! Let’s hope it’s with Ray Cooper!
Following is the complete set list of the Red Piano show in Antwerp on October 13, 2009:
| Lily Allen kidnaps Elton John lookalike in her wacky new video Tuesday, October 20 2009 |
She had an infamous four-letter rant at Elton John on stage at an awards ceremony - but it seems as if Lily Allen really has gone too far this time, writes the Daily Mail.
The singer kidnaps the Rocket Man in her latest video and holds him captive, but happily for Elton, and the authorities, it's just a lookalike. For her forthcoming single "Who’d Have Known", the singer portrays a well-dressed woman who poses as a limo driver in order to kidnap him.
The video continues in this bizarre vein with Lily imprisoning Elton in her home, tying him up and forcing him to make a telephone call in which he declares his love for her. ‘Elton’ finally makes a hasty escape after wriggling free from his bindings as Lily snoozes in front of the TV.
Lily and Elton last crossed swords at the last year's GQ Men Of The Year Awards, at which they were joint hosts. The pair were handing out awards as Lily gulped down glass after glass of champagne. Decked out in a Dolce and Gabbana ballgown, the 24-year-old swore repeatedly as she announced winners – to teetotal Elton’s apparent disgust.
When Lily came to announce '...and now the most important part of the night', Elton chipped in 'What? Are you going to have another drink?' She fired back: 'F*** off Elton. I am 40 years younger than you and have my whole life ahead of me!' The shocked audience fell silent and a clearly rattled Elton replied 'I could still snort you under the table'. To which the dishevelled singer replied: 'F*** off. I don't know what you are talking about.' Elton was later seen having stern words with his co-host in the wings between awards.
Lily posted a Facebook status update claiming she was ‘dying inside’, but later played down the incident. She said: 'Elton and I exchanged jokes and there were no hard feelings at all, in fact neither of us gave it a second thought.'Related News
Tuesday, September 9 2008 at 16:24:36
Saturday, September 6 2008 at 18:56:03
Wednesday, September 3 2008 at 08:12:45
Saturday, June 7 2008 at 07:51:05
| Elton John talks about his Liverpool auntie and Wirral drummer Sunday, October 18 2009 |
Jade Wright from the Liverpool Echo talks to Elton about his mammoth Red Piano tour.
We knew that Sir Elton John loved Liverpool. We knew he had a Scouse Auntie – he dedicated his Summer Pops show to her. But the news his drummer, Nigel Olsson, is from the Wirral came as a surprise. Even to him.
“Turns out he was born in Wallasey, so I guess he supports Tranmere,” laughs Sir Elton. “Or Everton. He’s still playing better than ever, and singing better than ever,” says Elton. “It’s one of the best bands you will ever hear. I couldn’t survive without those people and my sanity wouldn’t have survived without them either. We’ve been through an incredible ride together. You live an insane kind of life, you have an insane schedule, you’re on the road, you have to have your own little family with you.”
The Red Piano tour has been around the world since we saw it in Liverpool last year. At first it was for 75 shows over three years in Las Vegas but it was extended. Elton finally closed his six year Las Vegas run in April 2009, and plans to take it for one last trip around the world before finally drawing it to a close in October 2009.
It’s become an iconic stage performance in Sir Elton’s career, although he always swore he’d never play Las Vegas. “Usually the thing with Las Vegas is, it’s where musicians go to die,” he laughs. “It’s like when you’re at the end of your career you go and play Vegas. I like to take a risk, so I wanted to do a show that no-one had seen before, there had never been a real rock and roll show in Vegas since Elvis Presley.”
And that red piano? “I was fed up with playing a black piano,” he says, simply. “I thought let’s have something different – let’s have a red piano and that will set the tone of the show. So we started with the red piano and the idea kind of spiralled from there. It was a chance to be reflective about my career, in a fun way. I gave David LaChapelle (Red Piano tour designer) a set list of songs – he picked the ones he thought he could do the best films of, ones that tell a story, and visually I just let him go ahead and do what he wanted to do.
“Some of the images I’d forgotten completely about and you sit there going, oh my God, did I actually wear that? Did I do that? I’ve always dressed up to get on stage. I think there’s that part. I just couldn’t go on stage with what I was wearing from the street. There’s part of that British kind of pantomime, whatever it is, heritage thing that we have in England. Performers like Mick Jagger and David Bowie and Rod Stewart and Freddie Mercury, we come from that and we all embrace that.
“I changed so much – the looks, the costumes, everything. I’m not as flamboyant as I used to be but this show does give me the chance to revisit my past. I’m now wearing the glasses that I sell in my own gift shop. I’ve had a long career, there’s going to be a lot of changes but, until you see them put in a montage like that, you don’t realise what you’ve actually done. So it’s a nice chance, without being cheesy, to look back at my career and say yeah, this is what I’d done up to now.”
The set showcases Elton’s songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. “I’ve been writing with Bernie Taupin for 38 years,” he explains. “It seems like five minutes ago since we were kids and the way we actually write songs together hasn’t changed at all. He writes the lyrics and then I go away and I write the melody and we’re never in the same room at the same time – that’s never changed. There are a lot of enquiries about what does this song mean, what does that song mean?
“Daniel had more enquiries than any other song that we ever wrote and it’s because, when Bernie wrote the song, in long hand, I looked at the paper and I thought this is too long. And I hadn’t ever read the lyric but I just crossed the last verse out and the last verse explained the whole song.”
The centrepiece of the show is Elton’s homage to Marilyn Monroe – Candle In The Wind. “It’s exactly like the photographs and the footage of Marilyn,” he explains. “It’s nice to be able to do that one on my own because it’s such a sad song and a very emotional song and, of course, it’s tied in with what I did with Princess Diana as well. I didn’t want to do it with a band, I wanted to do it just me and her and that way the song works. Because the song has been done so many times – this way, I think, it really gets the meaning of the song, which is closing the door at the end and she says goodbye.”
As well as the hits, Elton also peppers the show with anecdotes. “I talk to the audience a great deal more. There’s so much going on on stage, you have to bring the focus back to yourself. It allows you to have conversations and tell the audience about the songs and how they were written and be funny. I’m the most famous poof in the world, and I love it and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wouldn’t want to live my life hiding, running away, having something I was ashamed of. I didn’t ask to be this way but it just came out like that and that’s the case and all these people say, you can change from being gay to, to being straight. Bull****.”
And with a smile, he adds: “I’m very happy with who I am.”
| "The Red Piano" in Rotterdam on October 17, 2009 Sunday, October 18 2009 |
Fan report by Pascal Verburg.
The last time I saw Elton was in 2002 at the same venue. I had to wait 7 years to see him again. Before the show my girlfriend and I went for some shopping in Rotterdam. Back with the subway to Ahoy Arena, you had to walk through a shopping mall and in front of the Ahoy Arena, in the mall I heard an old Elton song. We stopped to listen to it and a few seconds later I recognised ‘The Western Fort Gateway’. Not a song you hear on the radio often so the sound had to come from another place.
We followed the sound which came from an Irish pub were that day only Elton music was played. We decided to eat something over there, it was the perfect atmosphere to get in the mood. Elton's first two albums were played so the atmosphere was like if we were 40 years back in time.
After dinner we went across the street to Ahoy and we were seated in row 12, near the aile which was ending to Elton's piano. After each song Elton thanked the audience with bows and waves. He was in a really great mood.
Elton dedicated "Daniel" to Daniel Pearl again. "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" was dedicated to Stephen Gately and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" to Dutch potographer Ruud van Empel. Starting with "Pinball Wizard" security let us to the stage so finally the audience started rocking. Before that I felt I was the only was who was standing each song. Especially during "Rocket Man" I was going nuts. I was the best version I ever heard and I was screaming all the time.
During "Saturday Night" I was one of the few lucky people to get on the stage and I rocked and sang along with Elton. That was a very special moment for me.
When Elton came back to play "Your Song" he thanked the audience and shaked some hands of fans. When he came to me I gave him a baby-suit and a marker to sign it. My wife is pregnant, so I said to Elton, will you please sign it for my little daughter. He just shaked my hand and said "No sorry man" and walked to his piano and played "Your Song". I guess, while singing his last song, he saw me and my wife with her big belly and changed his mind, because after the last note of the song he walked straight to me to sign the baby suit and he left the stage immediatly after that. I was very lucky to be the only one in the audience to get an autograph.
After the show I think 20 people asked me if I had a good time, I guess everybody saw I was one of the most enthousiastic people in the crowd that night. I had a really good time, an evening to remember and I felt great. Elton really is the best.
Following is the complete set list of the Red Piano show in Rotterdam on October 17, 2009:
| "The Red Piano" in Zurich on October 16, 2009 Sunday, October 18 2009 |
Fan report and photos by Patrick Andrey.
After the Eton John and Ray Cooper series of concerts (I was in Paris), I did not expect this "Red Piano" concert with so much impatience as I should. Honestly, these kinds of concerts are more addressed to the mainstream public rather than to the die-hard fans. Astonishingly, I've loved this Zurich concert much more than expected.
As the support act, Teddy Thomson had the hard task to heat the crowd, which was not easy in Zurich. Then, a video tribute to Guy Babylon was projected to the big screens.
During the concert, Elton was in a quite good mood, joking with his band. He dedicated "Daniel" to the reporter Daniel Pearl, and launched a spade to the "so-called" Daily Mail journalists, calling them "scum bags"! Certainly, a reference to their recent disrespectful article about him.
Kim Bullard , the new keyboard player, has done a good job replacing Guy Babylon. However, I found the "harmonica" solo from "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" a bit off.
After “I’m Still Standing”, I had the chance to jump on stage for "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)", what a thrill! Elton thanked the Zurich audience for its support before “Your Song”, saying that it is always great to play in this city. It was really nice to him, as the first ranks remained sitting during almost all the evening.
Anyway, I think Elton genuinely enjoyed this evening, and so did I. Thank you, Sir!
Following is the complete set list of the Red Piano show in Zurich on October 16, 2009:
| David pays tribute to Gately Sunday, October 18 2009 |
The world is a much less brighter place without Boyzone star Stephen Gately, his friend David Furnish said.
David (pictured on the right with Kelly Hoppen), who introduced Gately to his now grief stricken partner Andrew Cowles, said the singer had been full of energy and positivity.
David, who attended the funeral on behalf of his partner Sir Elton John, said Mr Cowles had been in bits since the singer's sudden death.
The funeral took place at St Laurence O'Toole Church on October 17, 2009 in Dublin, Ireland. The Irish singer was found dead at his holiday home in Palma, Majorca on October 10, 2009. A post-mortem has found the singer suffered a pulmonary oedema. Related News
Monday, October 12 2009 at 07:24:02
| Robert Key, EJAF UK Director, has passed away Friday, October 16 2009 |
Robert Key, one of the co-Founders of the Elton John Aids Foundation and its Director for 15 years, has passed away on October 15, 2009 having struggled against myelofibrosis for several years.
"Robert’s vision and commitment to the fight against AIDS inspired me to establish the Foundation and that commitment never faltered. He led EJAF to become the largest HIV/AIDS funder in the UK, while recognising the magnitude of the international epidemic and securing funds and services that helped save hundreds of thousands of lives across four continents", Elton wrote on ejaf.com.
I have personally known Robert since the fan club was founded as "Rocket Fan" back in May 1988. In those early days Robert has greatly supported us from his role within John Reid Enterprises. Later on it was him who inspired us to activities such as "Rocket Fans against AIDS" for which he has donated very unique and rare items for auctions etc.
In his new role as Director of the EJAF UK he continued his support of the fan club but he was also a great help for me in regard of Red Ribbon Germany, which I have founded in 1993.
On hehalf of the fan club and the visitors of eltonfan.net I like to convey our deepest and sincere sympathy to Robert's family. Robert, you will be deeply missed.
Stephan Heimbecher
| Elton leads tributes to singer Monday, October 12 2009 |
Elton John has led tributes to Stephen Gately, saying he was the "kindest, gentlest soul".
The 33-year-old Boyzone singer died on October 10, 2009 while on holiday in Majorca. Elton said: "David and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul. We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."
A spokesman for former Boyzone member Ronan Keating said the star was "totally devastated" and was on his way back from the United States at the moment. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern paid tribute to Gately, who he knew, on the BBC's Andrew Marr show. He said: "The Gatelys are in my own constituency. I know the family, I know Stephen.
"Ronan Keating is a very good friend of my daughter's, my family. He (Gately) was with us the other night with his boyfriend Andy, he came to my book launch." Mr Ahern, whose daughter Georgina is married to Nicky Byrne of boyband Westlife, continued: "It's just such a tragedy."
Gately "tragically died" on October 10, 2009 while visiting the island of Mallorca, the band said in a brief statement. The cause of death was not immediately clear. Gerald Kean, a Gately family friend in Ireland, said he the singer died of natural causes, without identifying them.
"There's no foul play involved, and it's not suicide. It's just a tragic accident is what we've been told, and we're happy that that is correct information," Kean said. "There is nothing untoward. It's not drugs, we don't believe. It's not suicide. It's not murder. It's not a fight. That's what we've been told."
Kean said an autopsy was expected to be conducted on October 13, 2009.
| Brighton And Hove AIDS Memorial Sunday, October 11 2009 |
David Furnish unveilled The Brighton And Hove AIDS Memorial on October 9, 2009 in Brighton, England.
| The ultimate souvenir of the "Red Piano" tour Friday, October 9 2009 |
Exclusive limited edition instant live CDs of selected dates on the Elton John Red Piano tour will be available again from Concert Live.
Still as relevant as ever, Elton John’s unforgettable Red Piano Show debuted in Las Vegas in 2004, where it had an unprecedented 5 year run, with over 248 performances and playing to over a million fans. The show now hits the road for a European tour showcasing many of Elton’s classic hits from his 30 year career.
Featuring many of his classic hits, each 3CD live recording is presented in exclusive packaging with bespoke artwork and including a double CD from the performance and an innovative 3rd ‘encore disc’. This means fans collecting at-concert will be able to download the end of the concert as soon as they get home, and get their hands on the live CD the moment the show finishes!
Pre-order your CD now and don’t miss out on these incredible collectable live CDs of this musical legends tour. Concert Live will be recording the following shows:
13th October 2009 Sportpaleis, Antwerp
15th October 2009 ISS Dome, Duesseldorf
17th October 2009 Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam
20th October 2009 Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona
23rd October 2009 The Arena, Sheffield
24th October 2009 Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
27th October 2009 Wembley Arena, London
28th October 2009 Echo Arena, Liverpool
| "The Red Piano" in Moscow on October 7, 2009 Friday, October 9 2009 |
Following is the complete set list of the Red Piano show in Moscow on October 7, 2009:
| Kim Bullard to "replace" Guy Babylon Wednesday, October 7 2009 |
On October 7, 2009, Elton and the band are back on the road in Europe with more "Red Piano" shows.
Kim Bullard will join the band as keyboard player, following the sudden death of Guy Babylon in September 2009.
| Sir Elton can have Lev ... if I can come too Tuesday, October 6 2009 |
Ukrainian former drug addict Sergey, 31, brazenly suggested Elton might pay for him and 15-month-old Lev to live in Britain.
He told The Sun: "I'm not against the idea of Elton becoming a guardian. I would be willing to meet Elton and talk about it. I don't mind my boy going to Britain to be with Elton - as long as I can go too, so I can take care of him."
The Sun revealed on October 5, 2009 that Sergey and Lev's mother Marina live separately in squalid flats in a grim Ukrainian industrial town. Both are HIV positive. Marina, 25, is an alcoholic who had both her sons taken from her - and Sergey served eight years for strangling a 14-year-old girl.
Even if the singer could legally adopt Lev, his parents insist they would never allow it. Skint and jobless shoemaker Sergey said: "No matter how much money he offers, I wouldn't agree to an adoption. I'm Lev's father." Then, seeing the chance to cash in, he went on: "I know Elton is a rich man. Maybe he could help Marina and me and the boys get a flat so we could be a family again. That would be ideal. And if Elton could buy me a shoe shop, that would be great."
Sergey spoke as he and his mother Yulia, 55, made an emotional reunion trip from their home in Mariupol to the Makeyevka orphanage, where Lev and Artyom are in care. As the boys ran into her arms, Yulia could not hold back her tears. She said: "Lev hugged me tight. It was heartbreaking. I wanted to scoop the boys up and take them home. I brought Lev a toy keyboard because he is so musical. I want to teach him some of Elton's songs."
She went on: "When we arrived, Artyom said, 'Hello, Granny' and kissed me. I took Lev in my arms and the tears welled in my eyes. These boys are like my own children." Yulia handed out presents and sweets to her grandsons, adding: "It was terrible when we waved goodbye. Lev didn't know what was happening but Artyom was screaming and holding my dress, saying, 'Granny, please take me home, please'. The staff took them away and I heard them crying." Yulia also made it clear the impoverished family are willing to do a deal.
She added: "I don't want Elton to adopt the children. But it would be OK if he was the boys' guardian. Lev is so sweet, he took Elton's heart away. He could give them a good life. But he must look after the boys' parents too and keep them together as a family. Elton could be godfather."
Tattooed Sergey, like Marina, is confident their sons will be returned to them.
He insisted: "I don't think my criminal record is an obstacle." And Yulia does not seem to see her son as a murderer. She said: "Sergey was just 19. He went for a walk with a pretty girl. She accidentally stood on his foot and he grabbed her by the neck and threw her in a lake. He ran away and she died."
The home where Lev and Artyom live specialises in children from families affected by HIV. Director Viktor Goncharov, 55, said: "It's best for the boys if they go to their family. "But Sergey needs to get a job and sort himself out. Then a court will decide."Related News
Monday, October 5 2009 at 12:17:02
Monday, October 5 2009 at 12:11:19
| Elton John & Ray Cooper performed in Paris on October 2, 2009 Monday, October 5 2009 |
Fan report by Marcel Zürcher. Photos by Peter Bucek.
After the great Grenoble gig we were in the best mood to see Elton & Ray for their last 2009 show in Paris. The Great Amphitheatre inside the Palais de Congres looked like a big cinema arena. Just before Elton played one chord, we realised, that there was again – as it was in Konstanz in July 2008 – an audience, which was absolutely amazing and ready for the show.
Elton was even more relaxed as he was in Grenoble – and so he sang with a clear voice and played stronger. After the most songs there were standing ovations by the fans. After "Funeral For A Friend/Tonight" they didn’t find an end. Elton took 2-3 times to start with "Better Off Dead" – but we motivated him and Ray to stand up again. In fact, as the seven concerts were a big success, Elton announced many more European dates with Ray for 2010.
The improvisations during "Levon", "Take Me To The Pilot", "Honky Cat", "Crazy Water" and "Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)" made it clear: Elton & Ray were definitively in a good cooperation again.
We were surprised, that Elton came with normal glasses to the stage after "Crazy Water". He began to sign hundreds of autographs on the left. During the session followed the next surprise: He took his glass case and gave his sunglasses, which he wore during the show before, to a young boy in the audience. Wooah, what a noise at this moment came from the whole arena – Incredible!
During "Saturday Night’s Alright" Elton animated the fans with 'clap your hands' – the whole arena did it – and brought Elton a big smile on his face … everyone wanted that CD-Box at the end – ConcertLive had a lot to do!
These intimate shows with all those surprises gave us – as long-time-fans – the smell of being part of the very first Elton concert. How refreshing that was! And which entertainer is performing during 3 full hours without a break and completely live today?
Merci, Elton and Ray, merci beaucoup!
Following is the complete set list of the Paris show on October 2,2009:
Elton solo
Elton with Ray Cooper
| Elton John visits Africa to find boy to adopt Monday, October 5 2009 |
Banned from adopting a 14-month-old boy by the government in Ukraine, Elton John has extended his search for a child. David Furnish tells Mandrake that the couple have considered adopting a boy in Africa.
"We were in Africa for the Aids Foundation and met a boy, and immediately thought about adopting him," the film producer disclosed at the launch of Stephen Calloway's book Gosling: Classic Design for Contemporary Interiors, at the Ritz. Unlike Madonna, who adopted David Banda, a Malawian boy still in touch with his father, David said they decided not to proceed.
"When we found out he had a maternal grandmother, and brother and sister, we realised it wouldn't be the right thing to take him away from the family he had there," he told the Telegraph. The pair have decided that they will not challenge the government in Kiev after one of its ministers said Elton was too old, at 62, to adopt and that it did not allow homosexuals to do so.
"We would love to adopt Lev, but that does not seem possible under Ukrainian rules," sighed David. He made clear that Elton would continue his Aids charity work in the former Soviet republic, which has one of the fastest-rising HIV infection rates in Europe.
Madonna was widely criticised for adopting David Banda in 2006 after it was disclosed that his father, Yohane, was alive and had placed the child in an orphanage because at the time he had been unable to cope with the baby. She adopted a second Malawian child in June 2009 when a supreme court allowed Mercy James, a three-year-old girl, to join her family despite objections from a man who claimed to be her father. James Kambewa said he was heartbroken that his girl had been taken away.
"My Mercy is gone," he said. "Madonna has used her money and power but my blood lives in Mercy for ever and ever."
Elton, who is worth an estimated £175 million, has at least 10 godchildren, including the son of John Lennon, Sean, and the son of Elizabeth Hurley, Damian. Related News
Monday, October 5 2009 at 12:11:19
| Ukrainian mother in plea to Elton John over adoption plan Monday, October 5 2009 |
The mother of a 15-month-old Ukrainian boy that Elton John wanted to adopt has pleaded with the star to drop his plans, according to a report on October 5, 2009.
The mother, known only as Marina, told the Sun newspaper that she wanted to get her life back on track so that she could retrieve her son from the Ukrainian orphanage where he now lives. "I love him so much and desperately want him back so I can hold him," she told the tabloid in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine.
The woman, an impoverished alcoholic who is HIV positive, had both of her children taken away from her by social workers, according to the newspaper. "I know Elton fell in love with my Lev. I saw him holding him and kissing him on TV and in the newspapers. I understand Elton's feelings. Lev is a very funny and cheerful boy. It's impossible not to love him," she said.
"But I'm going to overcome my problems. I so much want my babies back," she added.Related News
Friday, September 18 2009 at 07:35:26
Thursday, September 17 2009 at 08:32:14
Monday, September 14 2009 at 19:21:33
Monday, September 14 2009 at 19:08:49
Monday, September 14 2009 at 13:20:52
Saturday, September 12 2009 at 22:19:35
Thursday, September 10 2009 at 08:54:23
| Elton John & Ray Cooper performed in Tolouse on September 30, 2009 Friday, October 2 2009 |
Fan report and photos by Julio, Jose & Rosa.
I was amazed to see the Zenith of Tolouse lit at night ... could not believe he was there, on a tour of Elton John & Ray Cooper, always very appealing for any Elton fan, and that was practically impossible to imagine!
The Zenith was completely sold out, Elton jumped on stage just after 8:00 pm, with his dark suit with the letters "KISS" in purple. It began with an intense version of "The One", I love "The One" to start solo shows!
The versions of "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Weight Of The World" were just incredible! And Ray Cooper appeared for "Funeral For A Friend", with its percussive blows, with the same look that we remembered from that mythical concert in Rio 1995 ... Ray Cooper was back!
"Come Down In Time" and "Indian Sunset" were wonderful, recalling such albums of the 70s, an incredible show. I hope that 2010 would continue these shows with Ray Cooper, because Elton & Ray are in great shape!
Following is the complete set list of the Tolouse show on September 30,2009:
Elton solo
Elton with Ray Cooper
| The Babylon Family Fund Thursday, October 1 2009 |
We have been informed that a charity fund has been set up in Guy's name. Anyone wanting to donate can do so.
Donations can be sent directly to:
The Babylon Family Fund
c/o First California Bank
32111 Agoura Rd.
Westlake Village, CA 91361
+1 (818) 879-2600
Distribution has yet to be determined.Related News
Friday, September 11 2009 at 20:11:51
Friday, September 4 2009 at 09:18:49
Thursday, September 3 2009 at 10:07:21
| Elton John & Ray Cooper performed in Milan on September 29, 2009 Thursday, October 1 2009 |
Fan report by Jacopo Rocchi.
What a night! Three days after this show and I'm still realizing what a show I've seen, what songs I've listened to. After the band show in Verona in July 2009 and the solo concert in Naples in early September 2009, this was the event I was looking forward to, beacuse Elton gives always his best with Ray Cooper. And when I read the set list he was playing in the previous shows with Ray at the Albert Hall and in France I was so excited, because I love Elton's recent albums, expecially "Songs From The West Coast", and Elton played four songs from this album, including "Original Sin", defintely one of my favourites!
Elton took the stage at 9.00 pm with no Aida introduction, so the lights went out and he appeared on the stage with the black dress he wears on this tour, and he started with "The One": Simply beautiful and Elton's voice was perfect and powerful from the first note to the last one.
Elton greeted the audience, saying he was happy to be back in Italy for this show in which he will play some old songs, some newer songs, some very very old songs, and he said: "I hope you enjoy the selection of songs". Yes Elton, we liked the set list so much! After the songs from "Elton John", Elton played one of the highlights: "Emperor's New Clothes", what a beautiful rendition of this song!
Before playing "Weight Of The World" (another excellent song) Elton said this song was about how he feels at the moment, and he played this song with such expressivity that he communicated his feelings to all of us. Elton was having so much fun with us, that he said "Oh I love it here" and he improvised Tony Dallara's "Come prima", an italian very old song for italian audience!
"Original Sin", "American Triangle" and "Skyline Pigeon" were other perfect songs from Elton's set, definitely the best Elton solo set since many years. And then during a brilliant version of "Funeral For a Friend" Ray entered with his powerful percussion. I knew Ray, I watched many videos, but being there, listening to his percussion, watching his way of playing was awsome. Ray was so energic that sometimes he captured the audience sight over him.
The set was simply beautiful: There are no words to describe the masterpieces these two men performed for us. In "Funeral For A Friend" and "Indian Sunset" Elton and Ray reached the top: These songs were a pure expression of art. After the sweet "Blessed" everyboy rushed the stage and we were in front of Elton and Ray singing during the rock finale: "Honky Cat" with Ray's duck call was so funny, and "Crazy Water" was one of my favourites from the entire show. I love this sopng, but the rendition I heard last night left me with no words.
Elton signed many autographs, more than he usually does in Italy and I had my Red Piano tourbook signed by Elton! With "Saturday Night" Elton and Ray said goodbye to us.
This was a night I will never forget. I heard the songs I really love. Elton and Ray were in a great mood, Elton really loves Italy and this years he came three times. Elton we love you, come back soon in Italy!
Following is the complete set list of the Milan show on September 29, 2009:
Elton solo
Elton with Ray Cooper
| CNN Heroes: Meet the Blue Ribbon Panel Thursday, October 1 2009 |
A Blue Ribbon Panel of distinguished leaders and humanitarians -- including Gen. Colin Powell, Whoopi Goldberg and Sir Elton John -- has selected 2009's Top 10 CNN Heroes, who will be announced October 1, 2009.
Beginning at 1 p.m. ET and continuing each hour through 10 p.m. ET, CNN's Anderson Cooper will reveal the name of one Top 10 Hero on the global networks of CNN, including CNN.com Live.
Also on October 1, 2009, an hour-long Anderson Cooper 360° special will air at 11 p.m. ET profiling all of the Top 10 CNN Heroes and their causes. At that time, public voting to select the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year will open at CNN.com/Heroes.
CNN will announce the 2009 "CNN Hero of the Year" and honor the Top 10 CNN Heroes in a star-studded gala celebration, "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" on Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009, from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
| Empire Of The Sun's Nick Littlemore writing with Elton John Thursday, October 1 2009 |
Empire Of The Sun's Nick Littlemore has revealed that he has been writing songs with Elton John during his five-month absence from the band.
Earlier in September 2009 Empire Of The Sun mainman Luke Steele admitted that he hadn't seen bandmate Littlemore for five months. Now Littlemore has revealed that he has been off globetrotting, working on the new album with his band Pnau.
"We're making a studio album with Elton John co-writing on some tracks for the next Pnau album," he told NME.COM. "We met Elton in Australia and his manager has now become our manager."
Explaining why he hadn't been in touch with Steele he said: "I've been working with Cirque du Soleil in Montreal and writing and recording the next Pnau album in London, Atlanta and New York with [Pnau bandmate] Peter Mayes. "I was recording in Atlanta and swimming with my phone in my pocket," he said about not giving Steele a call all this time. "I've never managed to replace it."Related News
Thursday, February 26 2009 at 01:34:09
Thursday, July 31 2008 at 08:48:43
Thursday, December 13 2007 at 21:05:58
| David Furnish will unveil the Brighton and Hove’s Aids memorial Thursday, October 1 2009 |
David Furnish will unveil the new AIDS memorial. The stunning sculpture has been designed by talented local artist Romany Mark Bruce.
This landmark modern sculpture, in bronze, will be four metres high and depicts two soaring figures, and reflects the shape of the Aids ribbon. The memorial is to remember those who have dies and those whose lives have been affected by HIV and Aids. It is a community project, funded solely by private donations and aims to raise awareness of HIV.
The event will take place on October 9, 2009, 2.30 pm at New Steine, Kemptown, Brighton BN2. Everyone is invited to attend.
| Taupin signed Elton John goods in online auction Thursday, October 1 2009 |
An online eBay auction is being launched on October 8, 2009 on behalf of a county hospice - giving you the chance to grab momentos of one of Market Rasen's most famous schoolboys.
Bernie Taupin was schooled at the town's secondary modern school in the 60s and went on to become Elton John's songwriting partner. His autobiography about his childhood and youth in and around Market Rasen up to the point when he leaves to make his fortune in London, his photo and DVDs and CDs are all autographed and come with a letter of endorsement from Bernie.
The items have been acquired from Bernie and Elton John by the Butterfly Hospice at Boston for auction. They are going on eBay in five lots at between 1 and 2pm on October 8, 2009 and will be open for bidding over 10 days.
Not only is Bernie Elton John's songwriting partner and responsible for writing the lyrics of such massive hits as "Benni and the Jets" - the autobiography tells about his Lincolnshire girlfriend called Benni - "Candle in the Wind", "Yellow Brick Road, etc but he also writes music on his own and wrote the score for the film Brokeback Mountain.
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