|
| Home | News | Tour | Charts | Board | Archive | Shop | Links | FAQ | Contact |
| Back to News Archive |
| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: March 2016 |
| Israeli promoter and Interior Ministry battle over Elton Thursday, March 31 2016 |
Famous producer Shuki Weiss alleged that Elton was required to sign a declaration of loyalty; the Interior Ministry called this a 'first-class lie' and are considering suing for defamation.
Shuki Weiss announced on March 27, 2016, "The Ministry of the Interior required that Elton John sign a declaration of loyalty as a condition of his receiving a work visa." The international promoter and producer was speaking at a panel in the anti-BDS conference held by Yedioth Ahronoth.
Weiss continued, "The requirement was officially presented to us two weeks ago. Of course, this absurd idea was dropped." He stated that Sir Elton, who will appear in Israel on May 26, 2016, refused, like other artists.
The Israeli producer also addressed the BDS movement's calls for a cultural boycott of Israel, sharing, "I can verify that many artists are not aware of the politics in the Middle East, and they're mostly influenced by BDS, which has been operating undisturbed for many years."
He accused the state of inaction, claiming that his requests to the state for assistance in combating BDS over the past decade were all answered too late, after performances by international artists had already been cancelled. Weiss said that, in his opinion, "The state does not place any importance on artists' visits because it's not an existential requirement." I heard lots of replies (from government officials) along the lines of 'Let 'em not come then; who needs them anyway?'"
Refuting Weiss's allegation that a declaration of loyalty be signed, the Interior Ministry's Population and Immigration Authority stated, "This is first-class lie intended to procure headlines for a promoter at the expense of a government ministry. No artist has ever been requested to sign such a declaration, and the idea of it is surreal and a figment of Weiss's imagination. We are considering filing a defamation suit."
Sources in the Tel Aviv office of the Authority, with which Weiss works regularly, revealed that the promoter has not contacted them in many months, and that no requests at all have been submitted on the subject of Elton John. Weiss responded to the Authority's statement, "The example was given as one of many examples that illustrate the lack of coordination and support from the government in hosting international cultural events in Israel."
| UPDATE: Elton sued by former bodyguard Tuesday, March 29 2016 |
Elton forced himself on a former security guard, grabbing the man's genitals on multiple occasions ... at least that's the claim in a lawsuit just filed against Elton.
Jeffrey Wenninger says three alleged incidents went down in 2014. In the suit, Wenninger says he and Elton were in a car together when Elton put his hands in Wenninger's pants. He says Elton attempted to grab his genitals and put his fingers between Wenninger's butt cheeks. According to the suit, Elton then told him to "Get your todger out" and "say hello to Uncle Elton."
Wenninger says he attempted to verbally and physically resist, but it never deterred the singer. Wenninger says another time, also in a car, Elton twisted his nipples and said ... "You gorgeous thing, you." Wenninger says there were several other incidents during his employment. He says he stopped working with Elton in September 2014.
He's suing for sexual harassment and battery. Meanwhile, Elton has hit out at Wenniger saying claims that he twisted his nipples and attempted to grab his genitals are 'baseless' and 'patently untrue.' Elton's record company Rocket Entertainment Group, issued a statement, where they strenuously denied the claims. Orin Snyder, a US attorney for the company: "This baseless lawsuit is brought by a disgruntled former security officer seeking to extract an undeserved payment. These claims are patently untrue and contradicted by numerous previous statements made by this plaintiff. We will not give into his latest abuse of the legal system."
| Meeting between Putin and Elton possible Tuesday, March 29 2016 |
A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Elton may take place if time can be found in the president's busy schedule during the musician's upcoming trip to Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
In September 2015, Elton thanked Putin "for reaching out and speaking via telephone" in a message on his Instagram account. The following day, two Russian pranksters confessed that they had telephoned the musician, posing as the Russian president.
After the prank call, the Russian leader called Elton and suggested a meeting, urging him not to be offended by the call. "Indeed, when they had a phone conversation a few months ago, they agreed to meet during Elton's visit to Moscow if their schedules coincide. That's why, once the timeframe of his [Elton's] stay [in Russia] is specified and if president's schedule permits it, such a meeting cannot be ruled out," Peskov said in answer to a question on the matter.
Elton is expected to give a concert in the Russian capital Moscow on May 30, 2016.Related News
Thursday, February 11 2016 at 20:57:42
Saturday, November 7 2015 at 15:14:51
Friday, September 25 2015 at 11:03:05
Thursday, September 17 2015 at 20:54:20
Thursday, September 17 2015 at 06:29:26
Wednesday, September 16 2015 at 18:24:34
Wednesday, September 16 2015 at 06:45:47
Tuesday, September 15 2015 at 09:21:25
Sunday, September 13 2015 at 20:04:40
Thursday, July 3 2014 at 07:56:04
Monday, January 20 2014 at 04:42:34
| Happy birthday, Elton! Friday, March 25 2016 |
Elton will turn 69 on March 25, 2016 while taking a short break from touring before returning to Las Vegas for more "The Million Dollar Piano" shows.
We are sure he will have a "wonderful crazy birthday" amongst his family and friends.
On behalf of the Hercules team and all the fans around the world, we would like to wish him all the best and a happy birthday!
| Elton John and band performed in Youngstown on March 22, 2016 Thursday, March 24 2016 |
Following is the complete set list of the Youngstown show on March 22, 2016.
| Elton and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are to team up Wednesday, March 23 2016 |
Elton and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are collaborating on new music. The unlikely team-up comes after the Chilis covered Elt’s hit Tiny Dancer back in 1998.
Elton has been branching out musically since the release of his last album in February 2016, working with British classical-influenced pop group Clean Bandit, as well as writing with Lady Gaga for her upcoming album. The Chili Peppers’ frontman Anthony Kiedis , 53, got the veteran singer on board when he was in LA.
A source said: “Anthony got in touch when he heard Elton was in town at the start of the year, and asked him to come down to the studio where they were recording. They were delighted when he said yes. The track they’ve done together is really great. The Chilis have always been huge fans of Elton – and it’s been five years since their last album, so they were really excited about coming back with a bang. Elton has been really up for working with different artists so it all coincided really well.”
There are reports Elton is also working with rapper Young Thug on a remake of "Rocket Man".Related News
Wednesday, March 9 2016 at 00:47:17
Sunday, December 6 2015 at 06:04:42
| Josh Homme talks Elton's 'glorious' Eagles of Death Metal cover Tuesday, March 22 2016 |
Elton John has released his cover of Eagles of Death Metal's "I Love You All the Time".
Where the original was a three-minute Gerry Rafferty-inspired boogie-rock tune, Elton transformed it into a powerful, dramatic, nearly five-minute piano ballad. It's part of the band's Play It Forward campaign to raise money for victims of the terrorist attack on their Paris show in November 2015.
"The Elton John cover is like ... wow," Josh Homme, who drums for the band and organized the campaign, tells Rolling Stone. "He tuned it into this, like, this glorious animal, this beast. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, is that our song?' I felt part of his version instead of him doing a version of ours."
Eagles of Death Metal launched their Play It Forward campaign in November 2015, a few weeks after the attack. They asked their peers and fans to record versions of the song and promised to donate their royalties to the Sweet Stuff Foundation, which would in turn give 99 percent of money raised to victim relief. The initial round of Play It Forward covers included versions of the song by Florence and the Machine, Imagine Dragons, Savages and others. A second go included renditions by Halestorm, Nada Surf and Chelsea Wolf. Elton's version arrives with versions by Beck with members of the Strokes, Faster Pussycat and others.
The band collected links to all the covers on their own Play It Forward website. From their, users can stream or purchase the tunes via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify or the unique Play It Forward store.
Homme says Elton's version of "I Love You All the Time" helped him realize something unique about the project. "The idea was, 'Take only what you need to make whatever you want,'" he says. "And so I think, in that way, the covers are an exhibition of peoples' talents, and their willingness to say, 'If I'm going to do this song, I need to make it mine, so I'm going to do this.' And that is a wonderful thing, taking ownership of it and going, 'Mine goes like this.'"
| Elton John and band performed in Charlottesville on March 19, 2016 Monday, March 21 2016 |
Following is the complete set list of the Charlottesville show on March 19, 2016.
| Elton John and band performed in Roanoke on March 18, 2016 Monday, March 21 2016 |
Following is the complete set list of the Roanoke show on March 18, 2016.
| Elton John and band performed in Columbus on March 16, 2016 Thursday, March 17 2016 |
Following is the complete set list of the Columbus show on March 16, 2016.
| Elton John and band performed in Mobile on March 15, 2016 Thursday, March 17 2016 |
Following is the complete set list of the Mobile show on March 15, 2016.
| Elton to sell company HQ amid business worries Tuesday, March 15 2016 |
The Sun reports exclusively that Elton is flogging offices to property developers in bid to stave off ‘cash-flow problems’.
According to the newspaper he plans to sell his company HQ to property developers amid concerns over the business empire he runs with husband David Furnish. They have had plans approved to turn their offices in Kensington, West London, into flats.
The change comes after a dip in the performance of their companies — in which David has taken a bigger role — and slow sales of Sir Elton’s album "Wonderful Crazy Night." A source said: “This does suggest they are planning to scale down and that they may have cash-flow problems.”
Elton and David run 30 companies and two charities at the Kensington HQ. Elton said recently of David: “My businesses have been badly run, he’s come in, pruned a few people, made it a leaner, meaner machine.”
| Elton's pride after Arsenal FA Cup win Tuesday, March 15 2016 |
Elton has hailed a “magnificent day for the supporters and the town” after Watford reached the FA Cup semi-finals following their 2-1 victory at Arsenal.
The former chairman famously shed tears when the Hornets got all the way to the final in 1984 against Everton and he believes they have a “great chance” to emulate that achievement.
In a post on his Instagram account, Elton said: “So proud of my team, the manager and the Pozzo family. A magnificent day for the supporters and the town. We have a great chance now to get to the final. I love my club! SOOO excited! @watfordfcofficial"
| Elton John and band performed in Chattanooga on March 12, 2016 Sunday, March 13 2016 |
Fan report by Tony.
On Saturday, March 12, 2016 I attended my 35th Elton John concert at UTC MacKenzie Arena in Chattanooga. Chattanooga has become a regular tour stop in 1999, 2010, 2013 and 2016. For some reason a nearby larger city Knoxville has waited for a return visit since 1997. Elton obviously enjoys Chattanooga and probably the short trip home to Atlanta after the show.
Before the show, Kim Bullard was walking around the stage area and occasionally signing autographs for the fans who knew who he was.
The show was totally sold out and began at 8:05 p.m. with the fog and familiar sound of “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”. I was in Section 205 in a five row section directly behind Elton and his piano. I have learned through the years these $37 seats are just as close as some $152 seats in the middle of the floor. Apparently, I was not the only smart fans in this section as the two ladies behind me spoke German and the U.K. fans in the front row tied their flag to the railing.
The first part of the show was spectacular as the long Goodbye Yellow Brick Road set was perfect to establish the upbeat mood. “All The Girls Love Alice” was well placed as part of it. “Levon” featured the usual long outro but had a different arrangement which made it interesting. After “Tiny Dancer”, the new songs started to appear. “Looking Up” was perfunctory but one of my two favorites “A Good Heart” was next and performed with passion as if a personal Elton favorite. A funny moment occurred during these two songs as one of the fans near the front of the stage held up a sign that said “We don’t go to the toilet during new songs”. Neither do I!
Some songs you could tell Elton was less interested in like “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” performed much too fast.
“Have Mercy On The Criminal” was a nice addition with some great Nigel drum work. “Burn Down The Mission” was good, too, for a change.
“Daniel” and “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” were welcome deletions for a couple of new songs. My other favorite “Guilty Pleasure” came next. Since I purposely avoided looking at the setlist from Estero before the show, I later found out this replaced “Wonderful Crazy Night”. I was happy for the change but surprised the title track was omitted.
After the band introductions, Elton went all upbeat the rest of the way. A great way to end the show. I stood from “I’m Still Standing” onwards. “Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock And Roll)” sounded better than previous tours and “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” had a nice long outro for a change.
A change from previous tours was Elton not signing autographs before the encore or giving a long goodbye. Instead it was straight into “Crocodile Rock” and that was it as the trip back to Atlanta was waiting and the show ended at 10:36 p.m. But, another great one and with the stress on more upbeat songs another one to remember.
Following is the complete set list of the Chattanooga show on March 12, 2016:
| Elton John and band performed in Estero on March 9, 2016 Thursday, March 10 2016 |
Following is the complete set list of the Estero show on March 9, 2016.
| Elton pays tribute to 'brilliant, delightful' George Martin Thursday, March 10 2016 |
Elton paid tribute to George Martin with a touching Instagram post on March 9, 2016 morning. The late record producer had helmed Elton's Grammy-winning re-recording of "Candle in the Wind" in 1997.
"So sad to hear about Sir George," he wrote. "It is the end of a wonderful era. I had the privilege to have known him as a friend and work with him as an artist. He was a delightful, brilliant man. We won't see his like again. My deepest condolences to the wonderful Judy and his family."
Elton and Martin collaborated a few times in the Nineties. The singer contributed two songs, "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Love Is Here to Stay," to the Martin-produced George Gershwin tribute compilation, "The Glory of Gershwin," in 1994. The next year, Martin arranged and conducted a strings and French horn accompaniment to Elton's "Made in England" track "Latitude."
Most famously, Martin produced Elton's tribute to Princess Diana, "Candle in the Wind 1997." The original version of the song, in 1973, honored Marilyn Monroe. The new recording stayed at the top of the Billboard chart for 14 weeks and has been certified 11 times platinum. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Ringo Starr announced Martin's death with a tweet March 8, 2016. "God bless George Martin," he wrote. "Peace and love … George will be missed." In another post, Starr wrote, "Thank you for all your love and kindness" accompanied by a photo of Martin with the Beatles.Related News
Wednesday, March 9 2016 at 12:57:36
| Elton’s photo collection to feature in Tate exhibition Thursday, March 10 2016 |
Images from Elton's vast collection of 20th-century photography are going on display at Britain's Tate Modern.
The gallery announced March 9, 2016 that the exhibition, "The Radical Eye," will feature more than 150 images by modernist masters of photography including Man Ray, Alexander Rodchenko, Andre Kertesz, Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange.
Tate Modern says Elton owns "one of the world's greatest private collections of photography" — some 7,000 images — and the show includes portraits of some of the century's great cultural figures, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Jean Cocteau. Elton said "each of these photographs serves as an inspiration for me in my life."
Tate says the exhibition, which opens November 10, 2016, is the start of a long-term relationship between Elton and the London gallery.
| Sir George Martin dies aged 90 Wednesday, March 9 2016 |
Sir George Martin, the record producer known as the 'Fifth Beatle', has died aged 90.
Sir George helped the Beatles achieve global success as the head of the Parlophone record label after hearing their demo tape in 1962. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, 75, announced the news on Twitter, writing: "God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed."
He captioned a picture of the Fab Four and Sir George with the phrase: "Thank you for all your love and kindness George peace and love." Sir George Martin's family have since released a statement thanking 'everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support'. Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon, tweeted: "R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words."
In a career spanning five decades, Sir George, who celebrated his 90th birthday in January, signed the Beatles and produced more than 700 records. Sir George, often called 'the Fifth Beatle', gave the Beatles their first recording contract and produced virtually all of their music.
In 1997, Martin rerecorded Elton’s “Candle in the Wind,” originally written by Elton and Bernie Taupin about Marilyn Monroe but retooled as a tribute to Princess Diana. The song became the second best-selling single in history, and Martin called it “probably my last single. It’s not a bad one to go out on.”
| Watch Elton live on YouTube Wednesday, March 9 2016 |
Elton and the band will be back on stage at the Germain Arena in Estero, FL on March 9, 2016.
You can watch the concert live on YouTube. The live stream will start at 8:00 pm EST/5:00 pm PST / 1:00 am GMT (on March 10, 2016).
| Young Thug allegedly has a collaboration with Elton in the works Wednesday, March 9 2016 |
Young Thug can now count Elton John as more than just a fan. The two might now consider each other collaborators, a well placed source has told The FADER.
Lyor Cohen, co-founder of Thug's label, 300 Entertainment, and the hero who got him up on that horse, recently arranged for the two iconoclasts to speak over FaceTime. Shortly thereafter, Elton sent through the instrumental for "Rocket Man" — his 1972 hit about an astronaut's struggle—and Thug went in.
"It's all the instrumental, the guitar, piano; and Thug is not rapping, he's singing," The FADER's source reports. "It's really ambient and amazing."
In December 2015 in an interview with Noisey, Elton declared himself a fan of Thug's music, style, and attitude. "I love that record," he said, without specifying which record exactly he loved. It has also beennoted that Elton has on occasion played a little Thugger during his Beats1 show, Rocket Hour.
A representative for 300 declined to comment.
| Elton fights for gender equality worldwide Monday, March 7 2016 |
Elton John and Jessie J are among more than 70 celebrities who have urged world leaders to tackle poverty by addressing gender inequality.
The pop stars joined U2 singer Bono, boxer Muhammad Ali and actress Charlize Theron in adding their voices to the call by the ONE Campaign ahead of International Women’s Day. In an open letter to government, the campaigners said “poverty is sexist” and some 155 countries have laws which discriminate against women.
The letter said: “Nowhere on earth do women have as many opportunities as men. Nowhere. While the debate around this truth rages everywhere, girls and women living in extreme poverty, those often hardest hit by the injustice of gender inequality, have been left out of the conversation. This must change. The fight for gender equity is global.”
The ONE Campaign is co-founded by Bono.
| Elton at Hillary Clinton fundraiser Thursday, March 3 2016 |
The stars aligned for Hillary Clinton in New York City on March 2, 2016 at a fundraising concert, where she celebrated her strong Super Tuesday performance with some of her famous friends and with her family, former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.
The campaign was able to secure supporters Katy Perry and Elton John, who performed to a sold-out crowd at Radio City Music Hall for the “I’m With Her" concert. Elton John did an 8-song set, garnering a standing ovation after each classic. The crowd sang along to “Tiny Dancer” and “Your Song." He dedicated his final song of the night, “Still Standing,” to Hillary Clinton, who was in the audience.
Following is the complete set list of Elton's solo set:
Katy Perry concluded the three-hour affair and made her own dedication to the Democratic presidential candidate as she sang “Unconditional." “I sing this next song for her because I do believe this woman shows unconditional love,” said Perry.
Singer-songwriter Andra Day sang her hit song “Rise Up” and dedicated Sam Cooke’s iconic “Change is Gonna Come” to Clinton. “This next song I want to dedicate to her and to her future,” said Day. Academy Award winners Jamie Foxx and Julianne Moore were some of the night’s presenters. Before introducing Chelsea Clinton, Moore told the crowd, “Hillary has always fought for us and now it’s our turn to fight for her.”
Chelsea Clinton also sang her mother’s praises and a hoarse President Bill Clinton, who has aggressively been campaigning for his wife, spoke fondly of meeting his wife 45 years ago this month. “I want you to stay with her. Nominate her! Thank you!” exclaimed the president as he was joined on stage by Hillary Clinton. Although her comments were brief, Clinton declared tonight “Super Wednesday,” and added "I’m running for president because I want to break down barriers."
The concert benefited the Hillary Victory Fund. There were 11 sponsors of this fundraiser who gave more than $100,000. The campaign is expected to raise millions of dollars and organizers said most attendees were first-time campaign donors. Tickets ranged from $125 to $2,700.
| Street Kids Wednesday, March 2 2016 |
Elton doesn't want his children to inherit the entirety of his substantial fortune.
Elton and David have revealed that their two boys, Zachary and Elijah, must stand on their own two feet as they get older. Despite Elton being worth an estimated £200 million, the couple are determined to teach their children the value of money.
Elton said: “Having children changed everything about my life. I’ve learned that the simplest things in life – like having a minute with them – are worth more than any painting, any photograph, any house or any hit record. Before we had the children we just had our lives, and would spend money because we didn’t have anything else to focus on. We have really toned things down because we have enough stuff. There is nothing else we need.”
Elton's decision will see him following in the footsteps of David and Victoria Beckham, who forced their teenage son Brooklyn to work in a coffee shop so he could learn the value of a hard-earned wage. The star went on to suggest that he would "ruin" the lives of his children if he allowed them to inherit every penny.
Elton said: “Of course I want to leave my boys in a very sound financial state. But it’s terrible to give kids a silver spoon. It ruins their life." He added: “Listen, the boys live the most incredible lives, they’re not normal kids, and I’m not pretending they are. But you have to have some semblance of normality, some respect for money, some respect for work.”
The couple, who are currently drafting out their wills, claim that Zachary and Elijah will only be left with enough money to cover the basics. “Anything beyond the basic, they have to go out and earn it themselves. If they want a Picasso, they have to go out and earn it. I think there’s real sensibility in that."
Meanwhile, Elton admitted this week that he won't be having any more kids with David because he has had a vasectomy.
| Elton's 2016 Oscars Party Tuesday, March 1 2016 |
"We love Elton. He's amazing. And his commitment to charity is incredible,” said Mariah Carey, as she made her way inside the 24th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar viewing party.
The legendary songstress wasn’t the only one eager to see the host in action. Sponsored by Bulgari, the viewing party has become the spot where the hottest stars in music, TV, and film gather under the roof of an enormous tent in West Hollywood Park, to not just view the 88th Academy Awards and support the cause but to also enjoy the epic musical performances.
Throughout the four-hour broadcast, guests like Sheryl Crow, Hilary Swank, and Lana Del Rey enjoyed a decadent five-course dinner by Chef Gordon Ramsay while toasting the day’s victories with a glass of Hatt et Söner champagne. “I love this party because we get a little wild in here,” said Dita von Teese in a red dress by Zac Posen, who was also her date for the night. “It's kind of the misfits that aren't at the Oscars [who are here]. We drink, we yell things at the screen, and it's fun!”
Once the more formal portion of the night was over, the lights were dimmed and the real party got started. As the host himself took the stage for a 10-song set, former Dancing with the Starspartners Kym Johnson and Carson Kressley boogied to “Looking Up” while new couple Ed Weeks and Bellamy Young shared a kiss (or two) to “Tiny Dancer.” By the time Elton got to “Rocket Man,” Dave Grohl had made it from the Oscars, where he performed the In Memoriam segment, to the party.
“This is a wonderful crazy night," gushed Elton as he closed the show with party favorite “Saturday Night’s Alright.” Let's just say the party was such a rousing success, the entire crowd was on its feet. And it wasn't just fun that was had: The event raised $6.2 million for the cause, up $400,000 from last year. Even after Elton and his husband David Furnish made their way to the Vanity Fair after-party, his guests lingered, making it one late, late night.
© 1997-2017 by HERCULES International. Hercules is not affiliated with Elton John`s management or the Elton John Aids Foundation. Please note that this site has been discontinued on March 31, 2017 and will not be updated anymore. |