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Elton John has demanded a helipad for a flamboyant entry for a New Year's eve performance at 02 Arena in London.

Elton, who is also hosting the event on December 31, 2008, is making sure he and his partner David Furnish arrive in style at the venue from their country estate, reports contactmusic.com.

He is also pulling out the stops for his guest performers Will Young and Alexandra Burke who will sail up the Thames in private boats laden with champers and white roses.

Elton's gig will be telecast live in the US and shown live at New York's Time Square.

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Kelly Osbourne has spoken of her affection for Elton John and his husband David Furnish.

The TV presenter says the couple have always been there for her and the rest of the Osbourne family - Sharon, Ozzy and Jack. "Through everything – when mum had cancer and dad had his accident – they’re the only ones that hung around to make sure we were all right," she says.

"They’re true family friends. I don’t think there’s anything I could do to repay them for what they’ve done for us." Kelly, 24, says she never gets star struck around the singing legend as she's always been surrounded by famous faces.

"It really isn’t weird to me," she tells Celebs On Sunday. "He’s Uncle Elton. I guess growing up surrounded by people in the music industry made me judge people as I find them. Everyone is the same really."

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It could be Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and hello Elton John Avenue if Harrow Council has its way.

Mandrake hears that the pop star's fans on the council are already pushing ahead with a scheme to name a road after the musician in response to a call from a government thinktank for councils to celebrate local heroes.

"I saw Sir Elton in Las Vegas earlier this year and thought he was wonderful," says Susan Hill, the council's deputy leader. "He is a real showman. He came from humble beginnings and it shows that if you have talent and drive you can become as famous as him."

The issue will be decided early in the New Year at a meeting of the full council, but it is likely the councillors will first consult Sir Elton about utilising his stage name in this way. Certainly Sir Elton John Road might have more of a buzz about it than Pinner Hill Road where he lived until the age of 11.

The New Local Government Network thinktank is pressing local councils to come up with more inspiring names for roads. London Fire Brigade has, however, issued guidelines saying it prefers streets to have only one name because otherwise their men can get confused when racing to fires. Thus there is a Major Close in Brixton named after Sir John Major, which is, poignantly, a cul-de-sac.

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Elton John has joined the roster for U.S. TV's "New Year's Eve with Carson Daly" program, NBC announced on December 22, 2008. Elton's performance of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" at his "Elton John's New Year's Eve Party" show at the 02 arena in London will air via satellite on the "Carson Daly" special.

"I can't wait to spend New Year's Eve with my biggest fans in America and the United Kingdom. This will be a fantastic night. I can't think of a better way to see in 2009," Elton said in a statement.

Also part of the musical lineup for Daly's program are Katy Perry, Ludacris, The Ting Tings and T.I., the network said.

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Copyright 2008 by walter.fr.

Right-click on the pictures in order to save them in 800x600 resolution.

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Fan report by Dave Metcalfe.

Just got back from seeing the Red Piano show. I had made it well known that I thought this whole concept was old hat and boring. Watching Elton do 90 minutes of pure greatest hits in time to a back drop of pop art images and some rather dubious looking infltatables was not going to get my pulse racing.

As it turns out I was both correct in my feeings and totally wrong in the space of 105 minutes. The show started out with "Bennie and the Jets" which frankly I have always disliked. Tonight was no exception. This was followed in rapid succession by "Philadelphia Freedom", "Believe", "Daniel" (excellent as it is one of my all time favourite songs) and "Rocket Man".

No idea how long "Rocket Man" was in reality but it seemed like a week as ever to my ears. This was followed by a bland version of "I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues". By now my attention was beginning to wander to thoughts of which exit to use etc rather than what song was coming next.

So far the visuals on the giant screen had either had nothing specific to do with the song or had totally distracted you from it. Not good either way. Next though came "Someone Saved My My Life Tonight". Now I know this is my favourite Elton song but frankly it was great. However what made it even more so was that for the first time tonight the visuals added something to the song by being in total sympathy.

This was followed by "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". The show was on a roll. This kept going with "Tiny Dancer" and a lovely "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me".

"Candle In The Wind" worked well because it just the expected collage of images of Marilyn to back it without any kind of attempt at a clever twist. "Pinball Wizard" took us into the heart of Vegas with casinos and strip joints to the fore. This led nicely into "The Bitch Is Back" which saw 5 30 foot high Pamela Anderson's pole dancing on the video screens. It was like watching Baywatch on acid!

The gig then went into end mode with "I'm Still Standing" and a stage invasion of about 100 people for "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)". Then the final song as ever was Your Song. I really feel that the show needed to end on another up song rather than a ballad but hey who am I to dictate to Sir Elton.

All in all a very surprising night. The first six songs were my worst fears realised and the last eleven surpassed my wildest expectations for this format. I'm very glad I saw it but I never need to or want to see it again.

I cannot wait to see him on ITV on New Years Eve duetting with Will Young and, god forbid Alexandra Hallelujah crucifier. Especially given his anti X Factor comments at the O2 earlier in the week and his anti O2 Arena comments tonight in Manchester.

Let's face it he has yet to realise that what he says onstage echoes around the web in a few seconds and usually ends up making him look like a hypocrite.

Following is the complete set list of the Manchester show on December 20, 2008:

• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues
  
• Someone Saved My My Life Tonight
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Your Song

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In a positive sign for the 2009 touring season, sales for the upcoming Billy Joel/Elton John co-headlining tour are "through the roof," according to Wilson Howard, president, Live Nation Music Southeast, who calls the tour "a smash."

The configuration for the upcoming tour, which begins March 2, 2009 in Jacksonville, FL, is 360 degrees, significantly boosting capacity in the arenas. Tickets range from $49.50-$175.

In addition to Jacksonville, the tour will play Tampa (March 5), Charlotte (7), Cincinnati (10), Atlanta (14), Tulsa, Okla. (17), Houston (19), San Antonio (21), Phoenix 26, and Anaheim (28, 30).

Live Nation is promoting most of the shows on the tour, and AEG Live will promote in Anaheim, which has almost sold out the second show.

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Guy Babylon, keyboard player in the Elton John band, is celebrating his 52nd birthday on December 20, 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!

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Fan report by Julio, Jose & Rosa from Spain.

My friends and I arrived one day before the show at Liverpool City, UK, the home of The Beatles. We took this opportunity to visit places like the famous and mythical local performance club of "The Cavern".

Once inside the "Echo Arena" we realized that is a great venue for concerts. The merchandising of "The Red Piano" is great and very diverse (tour book, Tt-shirts, scarfs, and a lot more). After listening to Jamie Lidell, Elton jumped on stage with "Bennie And The Jets" and the audience began to shake, with his beautiful suit of "Treasure Hunter". "Candle In The Wind" in my opinion is one of the best videos of "The Red Piano" show, next to the video for "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".

It's time for "Saturday Night's Alright" with many troubles, but I managed to climb the stage, face to face with Elton, I can only say "wow". A beautiful night in a mythical city, and with the perfect company, thanks to my friends Jose and Rosa,from Barcelona for supporting me during this show!

Following is the complete set list of the Liverpool show on December 17, 2008:

• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues
  
• Someone Saved My My Life Tonight
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Your Song

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Fan report by Simon Gambling.

There was another great "Red Piano" performance in Birmingham on December 16, 2008. I won’t go into too many details on the songs as we all know the routine of this sort of concert now.

As soon as "Bennie And The Jets" began I could tell the sound quality was ten times better than the first night he played here (the first concert of the "Red Piano" tour). It was a real improvement and Elton, wearing his Treasure Hunter jacket, has never looked or sounded better – certainly no signs of bronchitis!

He told us all he was “going to have a lot fun, I’m in a great mood then dived into "Philadelphia Freedom". Everything seemed so much more relaxed tonight compared to the last time he was here, inflatables on stage went up and down like clockwork, the lighting was even better and there was a lot more “production” in the screen to the left and right of the stage.

"Rocket Man" was outstanding, Davey was much more prominent on guitar and the neon light at the bottom of the big screen flashed throughout, giving the song drama and impact.

There seemed to be many more people allowed on stage during "Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)" – I noticed Elton got slightly lost towards the end of it but it didn’t really show.

"I’m Still Standing" was great as well – he sang this in the style of his solo shows which made the contrast between his voice and the band sound fantastic.

At the end of the night Elton finished by saying “I’ll see you all again sometime, I’m not quite sure where I’ll be next year…but I’ll be around somewhere” then went into "Your Song".

Following is the complete set list of the Birmingham show on December 16, 2008:

• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues
  
• Someone Saved My My Life Tonight
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
  
• Your Song

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Elton John is looking to whip up a little something special for his upcoming "Face 2 Face" tour with fellow '70s piano man Billy Joel to make it more than just a greatest-hits outing.

Returning to the concert trail in March 2009 for the first time in six years, Elton and Billy want to inject some new music into the mix. "We're thinking about recording three songs together," Elton told Pop & Hiss on December 16, 2008.

"Definitely not our own songs, or oldies, but we're interested in getting some people to write new songs for us. I've got Raphael Saadiq and Nile Rodgers working on something, so we're booking some time to go into the studio and record."

On their previous joint road trips in 1995, 2001-2002 and 2003, the "Face 2 Face" tour turned into one of the top 10 grossing tours of those years. The 2009 tour is scheduled to open March 2, 2009 in Jacksonville, FL. See Elton John Tour News for more dates.

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On February 16, 2009, Diana Krall will be joined by a stellar lineup of artists including Elton John, James Taylor and her husband Elvis Costello at the invitation-only, black-tie charity event at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Breakfast at Tiffany's -- along with a $53,000 Wisteria diamond necklace, donated by Tiffany's -- is just one of the spectacular items that will be on auction when Diana Krall and her family host their annual fundraiser for blood cancer patients in B.C.

Krall and her family have been deeply committed to funding new research and to supporting the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation since her mother, Adella Krall, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1996. "It was her vision to help patients when she was still in the hospital," said Krall in an interview with The Vancouver Sun. I sat on her bed and said, 'Mom, when you get better and if I get successful I will help you do something for others.'"

When her mother passed away in 2002, Krall was already successful -- very successful -- and with that success she has became even more committed to the promise she made her mother. Although the event has grown to near-legendary proportions (last year Elton John and his partner David Furnish spontaneously offered a week at their estate in Windsor, England for auction), Krall likes to keep the evening small and intimate.

"This event is about people I love and respect. I like the feel of it, and I want to go around to every table, talk to every person there." The six charity benefits Krall has already thrown have raised nearly $4 million. "We're really proud to have the help of so many generous people who give their time, talent and expertise to this event, which is really about giving people hope," Krall-Wigmore said.

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Elton John is going to make sure 2008 goes out with a bang, with a star-studded cast.

Special guest Will Young will perform a duet at the party at the O2 arena on New Year's Eve 2008.

And the huge buzz will be around X Factor winner Alexandra Burke who will play the biggest gig of her career so far.

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Elton commented on X Factor and alike during his show at the O2 Arena in London on December 13, 2008.

In Sheffield two weeks previously, Chris Martin, of Coldplay, apologised to his audience for forcing them out when they could have stayed in for The X Factor. For a moment, it seemed as though Elton John might relay similar humility to his audience. Instead, he let it be known that he would rather have his “c**k bitten off by an alsatian” than watch The X Factor. “And”, he added, “my balls too.”

Looks like Alexandra Burke, winner of this year's X Factor, will have a lot of fun when she will perform at Elton's New Year's Eve show later this months.

Following is the complete set list of the London show on December 13, 2008:

• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues
  
• Someone Saved My My Life Tonight
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
  
• Your Song

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Alexandra Burke wept tears of on December 13, 2008 as she was voted X Factor winner, beating JLS in the final.

The win means the 20-year-old has landed a £1m record contract and a shot at this year's Christmas number 1. Clutching a copy of her new single Hallelujah, she said: "This is for everyone who voted for me. This is for you. I love you."

Burke, from north London, was firm 8/13 favourite with the bookies to win the ITV1 show. After performing Hallelujah, the newly-crowned winner said: "Thank you for making my dreams come true everyone. I have everything to thank you for. In my bones, thank you. I'm the happiest girl. I love you so much."

Judge Simon Cowell said: "I'm rarely speechless but I am now. Alex, God bless you. You deserved it. Cheryl, very proud of you kid. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for everyone who's watched it, written about it and voted, thank you very much indeed."

Burke was told she would perform with Elton John at the O2 Arena on New Year's Eve.

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Elton John and David Furnish have decided to cut back on Christmas gifts this year.

The couple, who wed in a civil ceremony three years ago, don't want to waste money buying pointless presents for each other. ‘We have cut it down to a one gift rule," they told OK!.

‘We live such a blessed life. Narrowing it down to one item makes it more special."

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A high court judge ruled on December 12, 2008 that Elton's sense of humour failure over a satirical piece by a Guardian columnist was a tantrum too far.

In a groundbreaking libel decision, the judge said that "irony" and "teasing" do not amount to defamation. The ruling offers protection to writers of satirical articles clearly not meant to be taken seriously and was welcomed last night by media lawyers and journalists.

The Guardian was awarded costs and Elton, who brought the action, was refused leave to appeal by Mr Justice Tugendhat. Elton's legal team indicated that he might now seek leave to appeal.

Elton brought the action following the publication in Guardian Weekend magazine, in July 2008, of a spoof diary written by Marina Hyde. "A peek at the diary of Sir Elton John" recorded his fictional thoughts about his annual White Tie and Tiara ball, which raises millions of pounds for the Elton John Aids Foundation.

"Naturally, everyone could afford just to hand over the money if they gave that much of a toss about Aids research - as could the sponsors," Hyde wrote, in the persona of the singer. "But we like to give guests a preposterously lavish evening because they're the kind of people who wouldn't turn up for anything less." Photos of the ball had been published by arrangement in OK! magazine under the heading: "The stars dazzle in Chopard as they join Sir Elton John and David Furnish for their annual extravaganza."

Elton, represented by solicitors Carter Ruck and, in court, by William McCormick, claimed that the article suggested that his commitment to the charity is so insincere that he hosts the ball knowing that only a small proportion of the money raised will go to the charity, and that he uses the event "as an occasion for meeting celebrities and/or self-promotion".

It was also suggested that Hyde acted maliciously, as she was aware that the sponsors covered the costs of the ball and all the money raised - between £6.6m and £10m - went to the charity. In Hyde's "diary" she suggested that "once we've subtracted all these costs, the leftovers go to my foundation. I call this care-o-nomics." The Guardian, represented in court by Gavin Millar QC, denied Elton's claims and argued that the article had to be taken in context. It was also argued that no reasonable reader would have believed that the words were meant to be taken at face value. The judge agreed.

"The transparently false attribution is irony," said Tugendhat, in a 17-page judgment. "Irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of that expressed by the words used ... The attribution is literally false but no reasonable reader could be misled by it." The judge added: "Irony is not always a form of sarcasm or ridicule."

For the Guardian, Millar submitted that the words used were "obviously a form of teasing" and the judge accepted this. "The words complained of ... could not be understood by a reasonable reader of the Guardian Weekend section as containing the serious allegation [that only a small proportion of the money raised went to charity]. "If that was the allegation being made, a reasonable reader would expect so serious an allegation to be made without humour, and explicitly, in a part of the newspaper devoted to news."

The judge suggested that "if the Guardian were to expose a fraud of the kind that is alleged ... then such a reasonable reader could be sure that the exposure would be written without any attempt at humour". He added: "It is common ground that the meaning of words, in law as in life, depends upon their context."

It was common ground, said the judgment, that the average reader would realise it was a satire. McCormick, for Elton, accepted that readers would have recognised it as "an attempt at humour". Any reader would have to be "exceptionally suspicious or naive" to believe that the suggestions in the "diary" were factual. After leave to appeal was turned down, McCormick indicated that his client might now seek such leave from the court of appeal.

The decision was welcomed by media law experts. "It is encouraging to have a judicial decision that recognises that a spoof should not be taken literally," said Robin Shaw, of the law firm Davenport Lyons, which represents Private Eye. "It's significant," said media law expert Mark Stephens of the ruling. "What Tugendhat has done is move us closer to the US system where you can't get damages for satire and humour, except in the most exceptional cases."

The Guardian's editor, Alan Rusbridger, also welcomed the decision. "We're sorry that Elton John lost his sense of humour over this article," he said. "The judge - and, we suspect all readers - saw the article for what it was: a piece of mild satire. Newspapers have published satire since the 17th century in this country. The judgment is an important recognition of the right to poke the occasional bit of fun."

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Sir Elton John shouted NHS workers in the UK tickets to his gig this week. He has given out a thousand free tickets to University Hospital Birmingham Trust to say thank you to staff for their contribution to society.

Elton, who plays the city's NIA on December 16, 2008, gave the tickets, which normally cost £100, to the Trust which then sold them to doctors, nurses, and other medical staff for £10.

Andy Comber, spokesman for University Hospital Birmingham Trust, said it had raised over £10,000 for its charity. He added: "Elton John will have some of the most dedicated fans cheering him when he turns up on stage now because of this. He is a big giver to charity and wanted to find a way to say thank you to people who support others over Christmas. It certainly is good gift to the hospital at Christmas so our staff can go out and enjoy themselves after a year of helping people. It also means we will have an extra £10,000 to help us provide the best care to our patients."

A total of 1,050 tickets were given out - 300 going to Walsall Manor Hospital and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trusts and 450 going to University Hospital Birmingham Trust. Vanya Rogers from Sandwell and West said: "Staff are overwhelmed by the generosity of Sir Elton John in giving us such a wonderful early Christmas present. They are desperately excited at the prospect of attending his Red Piano tour date in Birmingham's NIA next Tuesday, making it a night to remember for all."

Anna Sykes from Walsall Manor Hospital said staff had been eager to get their hands on the tickets. She said: "The staff can't wait to go and see him, everyone wanted one. We have got a lot of Elton John fans at the manor, it seems."

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Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Baz Luhrmann graced the red carpet in London's Leicester Square for the premiere of their 1930s epic "Australia" on December 10, 2008.

Even Elton John braved the freezing temperatures to put in a rare appearance in support of his showbiz pals.

Nicole Kidman looked stunning in a glitzy sequined frock, but it wasn't long before she opted to cover up in a long black coat. She shook hands with her adoring crowd and looked elated when asked about the new addition to her family Sunday Rose. "It's so funny everyone knows the name of my baby," she said. "I love that."

Nicole also raved about her hunky co-star, saying: "Hugh is pretty much the prototype of a great man. He's the warmest, lovliest guy and it's good to be able to say that about a great friend of mine."

Hugh gushed just as much about his colleagues, saying: "When we shot the film it was like being part of a family. We were together for almost a year. We lived in tents and there was one room with a pool table and a bar."

Director Baz confessed he was nervous having Elton in the audience. He also joked about Hugh beating George Clooney to the Sexiest Man Alive accolade in this year's People magazine poll. Baz said: "Hugh Jackman sexy? What! He's so pleased with himself he can send that up."

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Fan report by Julio from Spain.

This has been a very special concert because I was at Elton John's concert in Paris without having gone to Paris! All thanks to CINESA who has been in charge of broadcasting the concert to some European cinemas.

The broadcast also included the performance of support act Jamie Lidell, and then Elton jumped on stage on time. Wearing beautiful purple glasses he started strongly with "Bennie And The Jets". Later in the show Elton changed his suit for the beautifull "Treasure Hunter" suit and he finished the show with the "Cocrodile" suit and blue glasses.

The feeling to "attend" the concert in the cinema was strange, but the image and sound quality were excellent and allowed to see the concert well.

Elton had a few voice problems at the beginning, but he was improving during the concert, his voice was very good and he sang some beautiful interpretations of "Candle In The Wind" and "Your Song".

A great concert, witnessed in the cinema, a new experience and interesting one, but nothing compared to seeing a Elton John show live!

Following is the complete set list of the Paris show on December 09, 2008:

• Bennie and the Jets
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Believe
  
• Daniel
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues
  
• Someone Saved My My Life Tonight
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• Candle In The Wind
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
  
• Your Song

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Big-name celebrities are trying to warm the hearts of homeless people freezing on the streets in Canada's sub-zero winter, offering special cold-busting coats.

The "15 Below" jackets have a waterproof and wind-resistant shell, and pockets in the sleeves, body and hood to hold crushed newspaper -- a significant insulator when the weather really drops.

Jackets signed by supermodel Heidi Klum and rock icon Sir Elton John are on auction until December 15, 2008 on Ebay.ca, said Lisa Sanders, a spokesperson for TAXI, a North American advertising agency that created the coats.

Other celebrities who signed "15 Below" jackets for earlier auctions include Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, actor Sir Michael Caine, and comedian Jon Stewart, said Sanders.

The auction proceeds, plus enough jackets to warm the backs of 3,000 homeless people, are being donated to the Salvation Army charity, Sanders added. Everyone involved in the process, except the overseas manufacturers, donated their time and material to the project.

Since November 22, 2008 the Salvation Army has been handing out the coats to needy folks in soup kitchens and shelters in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. "The jacket will keep somebody alive," said Salvation Army spokesman Jonathan Michel, who recently helped to hand out 500 coats at a soup kitchen in the western Canadian city of Vancouver. "It's brilliant, really, you can stuff it with newspapers, which is a good insulator," he added.

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Elton John has performed at the Barvikha Luxury Village outside of Moscow on December 7, 2008.

Elton, David and co-president of Chopard, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele posed before Elton John's concert (see picture on the right). Elton performed in a new concert hall at an event presented by Chopard company. Chopard is a luxury watch, jewelry, and accessories company founded in 1860.

Chpoard also unveiled the latest Elton John Watch Collection during the event. The watches from the collection bear the signature of Elton. To commemorate Chopard’s 10 years of support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, has designed the new watch collection in collaboration with Elton John.

The latest Elton John chronograph has large diameter, imposing stature, precious stones and rose gold case. The classic model reflects the artist’s extravagant personality as well as his generosity.

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We would like to wish you, your family and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season and all the best for a successful New Year.

The year 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of our fan club. We are proud that we made it that far and we hope to be around for a few more years, maybe even another twenty.

With Elton's 60th birthday last year and the 20th anniversary of the fan club in 2008, let's see what we will be celebrating in the year 2009. Elton and Billy will be back on the road "Face to Face" - and that tour is even planned to continue in 2010. A new album seems to be in the making, with a release date sometime in the second half of 2009.

For us it is time again to thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the ending year. And we would like to wish you, your family and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season and all the best for a successful New Year.

Your Hercules Team!

P.S. For those of you that will be celebrating New Year's Eve with Elton John in London, have a great time! And make sure to send us your reports and pictures - thanks in advance.

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Ben Stiller has replied to a few questions in regard of a possible collaboration with Elton on a musical in an interview in December 2008.

Is Elton John really writing a musical for you about a guy who has Aids?
Yes and no. A friend of mine has been working on the script for a long time. It’s about a Broadway theatre director and Elton is writing the music for it. It’s really funny. It’s been fun to have an excuse to call up Elton John and talk about stuff. Surreal.

Have you met him before?
A few times. I’m a huge Elton John fan. His music has meant a lot to me through the years so to have conversations with him about something we’re working on and pretending that’s normal is always fun. I’m very starstruck around him because I think he’s such a genius.

Was he what you expected?
He’s a really nice, warm, self-effacing guy. But often people who have got to that level of talent and success are incredibly cool and humble.

Are you cool and humble?
I haven’t got to that level of talent and success yet. But when I’m talking to Elton, I realise the creative process is what it’s all about for him. You’ve got to love doing what you do and not get caught up in the results of it, as hard as it is to stay away from that. You have to do it for the joy of doing it and not worry about box office success. You’ve got to do it because you want to.

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Elton's New Year's Eve party - with special guests - at The O2 arena in London will be aired live on ITV1, hosted by Kate Thornton - reports eltonjohn.com.

ITV1 viewers will be able to see Elton perform the Red Piano. Elton says: "I can't wait to get to spend New Year's Eve with 17,000 of my biggest fans and millions of ITV viewers at home. I can't think of a better way to see in 2009!"

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The 13-episode season of Spectacle, the talk/performance series kicks off December 3, 2008 with the British pop-rock superstar Sir Elton John.

Elvis and Elton explore Elton John's love and passion for many of the musicians who've had an impact on his life and career - from Leon Russell to Laura Nyro - with some candid and hilarious anecdotes along the way.

Elton sheds light on his 40 year working relationship with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and the show also includes an amusing exchange about Elvis and Elton's real and stage names. Plus, Elton at the piano spontaneously demonstrating styles and influences; Elvis covering a couple of Elton John classics; special musical guests Allen Toussaint and James Burton joining Pete Thomas and Davey Faragher of Elvis Costello's band The Imposters; and Elton and Elvis's first ever televised performance together.

Elton John meets Martha and the Vandellas - Check out this snippet when Elton John talks about meeting Martha and the Vandellas, and realizing how influential artists at the time were grossly underpaid.

For more highlights from episode 1, go to http://www.sundancechannel.com/spectacle.

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On “Joseph, Better You Than Me,” the third Christmas song the Killers have recorded for, they are joined by Elton John and Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys.

You can see the world premiere of the video clip at video.msn.com. Please wait until the ad finishes to play this video.

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On December 1, 2008, in recognition of World AIDS Day, actress and Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) supporter Penelope Cruz opened the Unbreakable Kiss Mistletoe Installation, sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever, in New York City's Madison Square Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

For every couple who kisses under the mistletoe now through December 4, 2008, A Diamond is Forever will donate $5 to EJAF in honor of World AIDS Day. In addition, one person each day will be selected to win a piece of jewelry from A Diamond Is Forever.

The purpose of this "Kiss-In" is to raise money for EJAF's grant-making initiatives in support of HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in communities across the Americas and the Caribbean. The Unbreakable Kiss Mistletoe Installation will be open December 1-4, 2008 daily from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

"All of us at EJAF are deeply grateful to our dear friend Penelope Cruz for representing the Foundation at this important World AIDS Day observance and to A Diamond is Forever for choosing to support EJAF through this lovely and unique event," said Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John.

Across the globe, over 33 million men, women, and children are living with HIV/AIDS, and every year 3 million more become infected. Over 56,000 of those infections occur right here in the United States, 34% in young people age 13-29. "Until we have a cure and a preventive vaccine, teaching people how to prevent HIV infection is one of the most important things we can do right now to bring an end to this terrible epidemic. That has been EJAF's mission from day one," Sir Elton added.

So, bring a loved one to Madison Square Park during this four-day event and share a kiss to support EJAF's urgent work and to commemorate the 20th observance of World AIDS Day. For more information please visit www.adiamondisforever.com.

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In case you haven't noticed, we have started to put first tour dates of Elton John & Billy Joel on the Elton John Tour News page.

Simply look for the symbol. It looks like the tour will kick off in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 2, 2009 - in case no earlier dates will be added.

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Elton fans in Spain, France, Italy and other European countries can watch "The Red Piano" in movie theatres. There will be a live broadcast of the Paris show on December 9, 2008 in select theatres.

Following is a list of Spanish cities that will cover the event. Please check www.cinesa.es and/or www.servicaixa.es for more information and tickets.

Barcelona - Madrid - Mallorca - Oviedo - Santander - Santiago de Compostela - Sevilla - Valencia - Vizcaya - Zaragoza.

As for France click here to see the listings.

In Italy the event appears to be organized by Warner Village. Some of the movie theatres are listed in the following:

Warner Village Le Piramidi, Torri di Quartesolo, Vicenza • Warner Village Il Vulcano Buono, di Nola Napoli • Warner Village La Grande Mela, Lugagnano di Sona, Verona • Warner Village Cinemas Casamassima, Bari • Warner Village Parco de’ Medici, Roma • Warner Village Porto Allegro, Montesilvano, Pescara • Warner Village Corciano, Perugia • Warner Village Valecenter Marcon, Venezia • Warner Village Cinemas Le Fornaci, Beinasco, Torino • Warner Village Le Vele, Quarticciu, Cagliari • Warner Village Torribianche, Vimercate, Milano • Warner Village Il Magnifico, Firenze • Warner Village Barilla Center, Parma • Warner Village Moderno, Roma • Warner Village Etnapolis, Catania • Warner Village Due Mari, Lamezia Terme

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The "Red Piano" show Hartwall Areena, Helsinki, Finland, on December 1, 2009 has been cancelled due to illness.

Elton is suffering from bronchitis and laryngitis, and is therefore unable to perform. He was suffering from bronchitis during the concert in Copenhagen and his condition has not improved since then.

According to eltonjohn.com there is no room for a new concert date for Helsinki due to Elton's extremely tight touring schedule, and so the cost of tickets will be refunded.

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Elton John is reportedly considering teaming up with the Grammy award-winning Best Producer of 2008, Mark Ronson, for his next album.

Elton, whose new album is said to appear on the Universal/Republic label, may just outdo other young artists such as India Arie, and Jack Johnson after the alleged collaboration.

He would apparently credit Ronson's success list that already includes Amy Winehouse's award-winning debut album, along with Lily Allen.

However, for Ronson, it may be assumed that dealing Elton may be a smooth sailing as against the alleged tensions he has had with troubled pop star Amy. The three-time Grammy Award-winner was said to have been mad at the 'Back to Black' hit maker for losing out on the chance to send their Bond theme tune for 'Quantum of Solace', owing to the singer's alleged erratic behaviour.

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For the launch of "Eltonography - a life in pictures" a campaign has been created for EM Books with some fabulous Elton prizes.

Check out www.eltonography.co.uk to win an Elton John, limited edition silver gelatin print of your choice, signed by Terry O’Neill. Size: 16”x20” - worth £1,500 - and other prizes. Good luck!

And don't forget to also visit David Bodoh's excellent original Eltonography - the online illustrated Elton John discography!

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