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| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: April 2003 |
| Elton & Billy cancel Toronto show Saturday, April 26 2003 |
Billy Joel & Elton John have canceled their Toronto show due to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak.
Joel and John were due to perform on April 28, 2003 at the city's Air Canada Center, a venue that sold out in 20 minutes.
The SARS outbreak has also forced Styx, the Notwist, and Lisa Marie Presley to cancel Toronto appearances.
SARS has killed 16 people in the Toronto area, the only part of the world outside Asia where people have died from the highly contagious disease, for which there is no known cure. SARS, which has a mortality rate of about six percent, has killed over 265 people and infected about 4,600 in 25 nations.
| "Thank you Cleveland" Saturday, April 26 2003 |
Elton fan Scott Hollabaugh went to the Columbus show and thought you might like to know.
After Elton and Billy finished "Your Song," the Rocket Man smiled and greeted the Columbus crowd by saying, "Thank you Cleveland."
The crowd erupted in laughter upon realizing that Elton did not know where he was playing. Of course, the two had played a show in Cleveland just days earlier.
After Billy finished "Just the Way You Are," he corrected Elton, jokingly saying, "Thank you Columbus."
The show was great, but Elton's voice seemed a bit rough. Still, he seemed to be having a great time, decked out in a bright red and later a cool blue suit. He's amazing and I can't wait until the Detroit shows.Related News
Wednesday, April 23 2003 at 06:40:00
| Elton John and Billy Joel performed in Columbus on April 22, 2003 Wednesday, April 23 2003 |
Following is the complete set list of the Columbus show on April 22, 2003:
Elton John & Billy Joel
Elton John & band
Billy Joel & band
Elton John & Billy Joel
| More Elton John Remastered Saturday, April 19 2003 |
On May 5, 2003 Universal in the UK will be releasing more of Elton John's
albums in newly remastered 24 bit sound quality form.
The albums up for re-release are:
At this point in time, it is not clear yet whether these CDs will also contain bonus tracks as most previous releases in the remastered series. Furthermore, a release date for the US is not yet know.
Go to the Hercules Shop to pre-order these items.
| Art Meets Technology Saturday, April 19 2003 |
Philips Electronics has teamed up with award-winning photographer David LaChapelle to present Art Meets Technology, a unique photography show to benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation.
The event, which will take place in New York City on May 29-30, 2003, will feature a wide selection of LaChapelle's latest unique and provocative photographs and videos presented on Philips FlatTVs and Cineos television products.
A private opening-night party attended by LaChapelle and invited members of New York's media, art world, celebrities and influential members of the gay community, will have the opportunity to view the vivid, avant-garde images displayed on the latest Philips technology. LaChapelle images and more than $70,000 in Philips products will be available for purchase in a silent auction to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The show will take place at Tribute, the award-winning, visual director David Niles' brand new 44,000 square foot event space located in Lower Manhattan at 24 Broadway. Following the opening night party, the exhibit will open to the public on May 30, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit is free of charge, but donations will be accepted for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
"Philips believes that true innovation is the result of deep consumer insights driving cutting edge technology and dramatized by breathtaking designs," said Des Power, general manager televisions, Philip Consumer Electronics, North America. "David's photographs reflect the art of innovation. To show these remarkable images through Philips astounding picture quality, and raise money for such a worthy cause is a perfect match."
"On behalf of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we greatly appreciate Philips generosity and are happy to be partnering with both Philips and David LaChapelle on what is sure to be a visually amazing evening," said Elton John. "I am a great admirer of David's work and of the man himself, I completely adore him."
| Broadway Maybe Friday, April 18 2003 |
Bombs are dropping on Broadway, where a wartime blow to tourism has shows old and new in crisis (note the anemic attendance stats). Only "Hairspray" is showing true holding power.
TOP 15
(Source: The League of American Theaters and Producers, week of March 31 to April 6, 2003. Attendance percentage includes standing-room ticket sales. *Denotes "in Previews". Each show title is followed by the week's net receipts, attendance percentage, average ticket price, and performances to date)
01. The Lion King ($976,387 - 89.6% - $76 - 2,252)
02. Hairspray ($955,691 - 98.3% - $85 - 265)
03. The Producers ($903,487 - 79.4% - $83 - 815)
04. Mamma Mia ($798,691 - 79.3% - $84 - 607)
05. La Boheme ($602,992 - 60.8% - $73 - 132)
06. Gypsy ($602,473 - 81.2% - $73 - *7)
07. Les Miserables ($585,575 - 78.4% - $66 - 6,632)
08. Thoroughly Modern Millie ($577,259 - 74.9% - $61 - 400)
09. Movin' Out ($535,578 - 68.9% - $73 - 184)
10. Nine ($531,674 - 87.8% - $72 - *20)
11. Chicago ($529,448 - 94.7% - $65 - 2,660)
12. 42nd Street ($520,801 - 64.6% - $56 - 797)
13. Beauty And The Beast ($467,991 - 72.0% - $54 - 3,661)
14. The Phantom Of The Opera ($459,113 - 70.7% - $51 - 6,334)
15. Aida ($454,228 - 63.7% - $53 - 1,261)Related News
Friday, April 11 2003 at 16:37:16
Sunday, April 6 2003 at 03:35:31
| Elton John and Billy Joel performed in Chicago on April 12, 2003 Monday, April 14 2003 |
Fan report by Brendan.
I arrived at the Allstate Arena about a half of an hour early, and even then you could feel the excitement build. At 7:40 pm the lights went down and the overture from "Aida" hit, followed immedeatly by the theme from "The Natural".
"Yankeed Doodle" began and Billy joel entered wearing his customary solid black ensamble. Elton then entered wearing and blue suit with what appeared to be musical notes on the forearms. They did all three duets without a word.
Billy then left the stage and Elton took on a range of favorites. It is a shame, however, because the crowd was not at all enthusiastic about "The Wasteland" or "I Want Love" but their energy came back during "Rocket man" which was one of the highlights of the evening.
He fifnished with "Saturday Night's Alright", and "Crocodile Rock" and thanked us for being such a good audience.
Then something happened that really surprised me...there was a ten minute intermission. I thought they had stopped the intermissions (Billy later explained that there were technical problems they had to take care of). After the 10 minutes the lights went down and Billy opened with "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." He then sang "My kind of Town" The Frank Sinatra ode to Chicago. He went on with his show, until he found an Elvis impersonator in the crowd, and sand "All Shook up" in honor of him.
The duets towards the end of the show were by far the best. Someone had thrown a bra on the stage, and of course, Elton put it on, and asked Billy if he thought it fit. During "You Maybe Right" Elton was shining Billy's head with a tulip.
Billy then did a piano version of "Chicago (That toddeling Town)". And they ended with "Piano Man". I had seen a F2F tour before, but this one was much better. With Billy healthy, and Elton with a new album, do yourself a favor and get out to see this show! I'm going two more times on April 30, and May 8, and I can't wait!
Following is the complete set list of the Chicago show on April 12, 2003:
Elton John & Billy Joel
Elton John & band
Billy Joel & band
Elton John & Billy Joel Related News
Wednesday, April 2 2003 at 10:49:34
| Elton John on Broadway Friday, April 11 2003 |
Ever wondered about the success of Elton's musicals on Broadway? Here are some figures for the week of March 24-30, 2003.
"Aida" opened at the Palace Theatre on March 23, 2000 and has had 1,253 performances to date. The average ticket price is $53.37 with top tickets being sold for $90. The theatre has 1,695 seats resulting in a week capacity of 13,560 people. During the last week of March 2003, an audience of 9,658 showed up for "Aida", that's an attendance of 71.2%. The net receipts for that week were $515,427 out of a potential $955,275.
Check ticketmaster.com for "Aida" tickets.
"The Lion King" has been running at the New Amsterdam Theatre since November 13, 1997. There have been 2,274 performances to date. The theatre has 1,793 seats with a week capacity of 14,344. The week of March 24-30, 2003 the attendance has been 100%. With an average ticket price of $75.43 (top ticket price is $100 at weekends and $95 during the week) the show generated net receipts of $1,082,361 that week.
Check ticketmaster.com for "The Lion King" tickets.
| "Lunch Around The World" - the results Friday, April 11 2003 |
"Lunch Around The World" events hosted by Elton John fans this year raised a total of $11,110 so far for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
Nacy Case, who came up with the idea for "Lunch Around The World" last year reports that with that they came close to doubling what was made last year.
Congratulations from Hercules!Related News
Monday, March 31 2003 at 14:30:32
Thursday, March 27 2003 at 07:12:33
| Elton John and Billy Joel back on top of Billboard's Boxscore Charts Friday, April 11 2003 |
Elton John and Billy Joel continue to earn big. Their two sold out shows at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas March 28-29, 2003 produced gross sales of $4,462,200.
With that they top the Billboard Boxscore charts of top concert grosses reported the week ending April 19, 2003. No wonder, the 27,418 people in the audience were paying ticket prices up to $300.Related News
Friday, April 4 2003 at 05:48:32
| Another show cancellation Thursday, April 10 2003 |
The Elton John and Billy Joel "Face to Face" show that was scheduled for April 10, 2003 at the Allstate Arena, Illinois, has had cancelled due to Billy Joel being unwell.
According to organizers, the concert has been re-scheduled for May 8, 2003.Related News
Friday, April 4 2003 at 21:51:56
| Hearts live CD includes Elton cover Thursday, April 10 2003 |
A two-disc live document of the final show of Heart's 2002 Summer of Love tour, a hometown gig at Seattle's Paramount Theater, will be released as "Live in Seattle" in CD and SACD formats June 10, 2003 via Epic/Legacy.
The tour was the first after several years of inactivity for the veteran rock band, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. A DVD/VHS version of the show will be issued April 29, 2003 via Image Entertainment, and will be seen in June on PBS television outlets.
The album will features 19 tracks, including the early rock hits "Magic Man" and "Barracuda," and later pop smashes "These Dreams" and "Alone." The show also featured four new songs -- "Sister Wild Rose," "Heaven," "Two Faces of Eve," and "Break the Rock" -- and covers of Elton John's "Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters," the Sonics' "The Witch," and Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" and "Battle Of Evermore."
None of the covers has previously been released as performed by Heart, although "The Battle of Evermore" was the title track of a four-song Lovemongers covers EP released in 1993 via Capitol.
| Elton adds more dates to European Solo Tour 2003 Tuesday, April 8 2003 |
The latest addition are three solo shows in Italy in mid July 2003.
For the complete tour schedule of Elton's upcoming shows, see Elton John Tour News.
| UK Video Alert - The Biography Channel Monday, April 7 2003 |
British fans can at last see Elton John: One On One With David Frost, seen some months ago in the USA.
It will be shown on Saturday April 12, 2003 at 9:00 pm on The Biography Channel.
The Biography Channel can be found on Sky Digitial at Channel 563. Cable viewers should check their guides for the channel number.
It will be repeated on Sunday, April 13, 2003 at 11:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
If you keep watching after the programme you may see our UK Manager David Wright in their People on People slot, a time-filler between programmes.
David says "Some time ago The Biography Channel contacted me because they are relaunching the channel with a new identity and are filimg short items with people from Fan Clubs of various artists. They came to my house and filmed for a couple hours. What with the time it takes for editing, it's amazing how long it takes to produce 2 minutes of TV!"
| Toni Braxton to star in "Aida" on Broadway Sunday, April 6 2003 |
Grammy Award winner Toni Braxton will return to Broadway this summer.
Braxton, who made her Broadway debut as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast", will join another Disney hit, Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida". Beginning June 30, 2003 Braxton will star in the title role of the musical for a four-month engagement.
In a statement, Braxton said, "I am very excited to be coming back to Broadway as Aida. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been a fan of Elton John's music, and to be able to sing the wonderful score he wrote with Tim Rice will be a terrific challenge both as a singer and as an actress."
Elton John returned the compliment: "Toni Braxton has one of the best voices anywhere. It's a voice I've fallen in love with ever since her first album. I think she is going to be amazing as Aida."
The Palace Theatre is located at Broadway and 47th Street, and tickets are available by calling the Disney hotline, (212) 307-4747. A Dutch language production of Aida opened in Amsterdam in the fall of 2001, and a touring company is currently making its way across the country. On Broadway, Aida plays Tuesdays at 7 PM, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 3 PM.
| Elton a fan of David Sneddon Sunday, April 6 2003 |
Fame Academy winner David Sneddon showed off his live singing skills when he popped into radio station Clyde 1 on April 5, 2003.
Paisley-born singer songwriter David won BBC 1's Fame Academy talent search at the beginning of 2003 before going onto a smash hit No 1 in January with his self penned single Living The Lie.
During his interview with DJ George Bowie, David played his new single Don't Let Go, due out on April 21, 2003 and Without You from his new album Seven Years Ten Weeks, due out on April 28, 2003.
David also revealed that he recently got a call from Elton John asking him for a copy of his new album. He said: "I recorded in the studio with Elton John's band and they told him they thought I was talented. I couldn't believe it when Elton phoned me and asked for a copy."
| Elton John, Billy Joel St. Louis show rescheduled Saturday, April 5 2003 |
Elton John and Billy Joel's concert at the Savis Center St. Louis on April 4, 2003 has been called off because of illness, the concert's promoter said. It has been rescheduled for May 5, 2003.
The show's promoter, Clear Channel, said Elton John was sick but that they hoped to reschedule. Joe Litvag, vice president of Clear Channel, said it will be rescheduled for May 5, 2003.
"I believe Elton is sick," Litvag said. "Obviously, we're disappointed, but we're talking about people here, not machines. They get sick."
Litvag said the show had sold well. "We've sold over 19,000 tickets to this. We didn't see any price resistance to them. The tickets went very quickly."
Litvag said refunds will be availabe. "If people do want refunds, they can get them at the point of purchase," he said.
Some seat prices were as high as $207. Litvag said, "But it's Billy and Elton. Comparatively speaking to any of the big shows coming through town, it's getting up in that range. We don't like it, but the artist really dictates the ticket prices. They tell us how much they need to make, and based on that we come up with ticket prices. It's a high guarantee."
One industry insider suggested that Elton John and Billy Joel would be guaranteed at least $400,000 apiece to play here. Litvag declined to comment.Related News
Friday, April 4 2003 at 05:48:32
Wednesday, April 2 2003 at 10:49:34
Wednesday, March 26 2003 at 21:12:05
| Elton John and Billy Joel top Billboard's Boxscore Charts again Friday, April 4 2003 |
Billboard's top concert grosses reported for the week ending April 12, 2003 list Elton John and Billy Joel on top again.
Their show at RBC Center in Raleigh, NC on March 16, 2003 resulted in gross sales of $1,881,195. The sold out concert was attended by 18,505 people.Related News
Thursday, March 27 2003 at 08:09:32
| Elton John on German TV Thursday, April 3 2003 |
Elton John will be a guest at the new programme "Die 70er Show" (The Seventies Show) on German TV station RTL.
The show will broadcast on April 5, 2003, at 9.15 pm German time. Appearantly, this is not a live show as Elton is currently touring the US with Billy Joel (also see Elton John Tour News).
| Queen's role for Elton? Thursday, April 3 2003 |
A surprise candidate for the post of Master of the Queen’s Music, which fell vacant last month with the death of the Australian Malcolm Williamson.
During a radio interview Richard Rodney Bennett, the New York-based British composer, said: "It should be Elton John."
The interviewer brushed aside the suggestion about the flamboyant chanteur but Bennett, the winner of the Ralph Vaughan Williams award for composer of the year in two successive years, was having none of it. "No, I’m serious," he said. Few others will think he is.
| Upgrade for eltonjohn.com Thursday, April 3 2003 |
Diversified Media Holdings, Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent with Music Broadcasting International to establish a joint-venture company for the purpose of entering into contracts with various artists for the management and exploitation of their websites and licensed intellectual properties.
The first artist to be presented through the joint venture will be Elton John's website.
Music Broadcasting International ("MBC") is a 20-year-old London-based promotion-and-production company that has presented in concert some of the world's greatest artists including Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, The Three Tenors to name just a few in worldwide venues. Diversified Media Holdings, Inc ("DMH") provides Entertainment and Ethnic Programming via Broadband and the Internet Protocol technologies.
Sir Elton John performed over 120 concerts worldwide in 2002 entertaining an estimated 2 million people live. The Rocket Club was launched in 2000 and has over 12,000 members. The Rocket Club website will provide on-line concert booking, an on-line message board, exclusive merchandise, CD's, DVD's, signed artwork, an archive of never-before-seen photos, news stores and video clips, as well as limited-edition collectibles.
Pat Grotto, Chairman and CEO of DMH said, "We couldn't be more pleased to launch our new joint venture with Sir Elton whose worldwide stature and recognition is second to none."
The joint venture will develop exclusive fan based clubs, host webcasts, launch a digital radio station, and will provide interactive programming not only for Sir Elton John, but for other artists who will be announced shortly.
Statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the company's plans, beliefs and estimates as to projected market size are "forward-looking statements." Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including factors listed from time to time in the company's SEC filings, and actual results could differ materially from expected results. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward looking statements.
| Elton John and Billy Joel performed in Las Vegas on March 28, 2003 Wednesday, April 2 2003 |
Fan report by Candace Hole.
I had the great pleasure to attend the "Face To Face" concert in Las Vegas on March 28, 2003 and it was fabulous! It had been two years since I first saw Elton and Billy in concert together (and then I had ‘nosebleed seats’ behind Elton) so I treated myself to a Rocket ticket this time.
I had a great 8th row center seat next to some other Rocket members who had also come to the concert solo like me. The lady to my left came from Colorado, and we discovered that we had both been at the Dodger Stadium concert on October 25, 1975! The lady to my right came all the way from Japan just to go to the two concerts in Las Vegas and see Elton!
Elton was at the top of his game (as always) and it was great to see him in his colorful outfits again, first in fuschia with mirrored wrap sunglasses and then in bright blue. I was geting tired of seeing him in basic black like he wore the last two times I saw him. Even his encore outfit was a change from the usual track suit, with orange pants and a purple sweatshirt.
By the way, the new hair style looks great onstage! The band seemed to be enjoying themselves as well, with Davey handing out several guitar picks to those in the front row (I want one of those seats next time!). It appeared that security only let the first row come up to the stage so there was no hope for me to get any closer this time.
Elton's set was the same as in previous shows on this tour, as were the three opening songs Elton and Billy did together. 
Then it was Billy's turn to play, and he was sizzling! He looked very fit and played to the crowd, breaking into Viva Las Vegas during The River Of Dreams. He also did a couple of songs away from the piano at the microphone on center stage, dancing and really hamming it up. His band was really jamming too, with Crystal Taliefero providing stunning vocals on An Innocent Man and Mark Riveira playing a mean sax all night.
Billy even brought out a special guest that he introduced as his dentist from Long Island, Dr. Jerry. Billy said he talked him into letting him perform while he was "in the chair and under the gas", so Dr. Jerry came out in a tux and sang The Lady Is A Tramp. As he was leaving the stage he announced that Billy would be in his office on Monday morning doing root canals!
Of course the best part of the "Face To Face" show is when Billy and Elton play together. Not only do they sound great, but they horse around and seem to have a lot of fun with each other. Billy walked across both pianos during The Bitch Is Back, and Elton pretended to be a backup singer (along with Mark) and then came around to play Billy's piano with him during You May Be Right.
Although the concert lasted over three hours, as far as I was concerned it was over much too soon! I really wish they would come back to California so I can see them again soon!
Following is the complete set list of the Las Vegas show on March 28, 2003:
Elton John & Billy Joel
Elton John & band
Billy Joel & band
Elton John & Billy Joel Related News
Thursday, March 27 2003 at 08:09:32
Thursday, March 27 2003 at 07:23:12
| "The only thing I haven't done in life ..." Wednesday, April 2 2003 |
Elton John celebrated his 56th birthday on March 29, 2003 at LA's Hamburger Hamlet with boyfriend David Furnish and friends.
Salma Hayek and Ed Norton, Sheryl Crow, Mike Myers, Eric McCormack, Tom Ford, Melissa Etheridge, Ingrid Sischy and Ozzy, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne were amonth those celebrating.
When the cake arrived Elton looked at k.d. lang and said: "The only thing I haven't done in life is bedded you." We won't be holding our breath ...Related News
Wednesday, March 26 2003 at 16:14:47
Wednesday, March 26 2003 at 16:05:21
| Kate Winslet/Judi Dench team up for Cartoon made by Rocket Pictures Wednesday, April 2 2003 |
Kate Winslet and Dame Judi Dench have reportedly been lined up to provide the voices for a new animated feature Gnomeo and Juliet.
The reworking of the Shakespeare's classic tale is being made by Elton John's company Rocket Pictures in collaboration with Disney.
And Sir Elton is co-writing the score with the help of fellow knight of the realm Tim Rice.
Kate will take the role of Juliet, while Dame Judi will play her nurse. The pair last appeared together in the box office hit Iris.
| It's like acting in a movie ... Tuesday, April 1 2003 |
Former Elton John band member John Jorgenson has send Hercules this report about his current whereabouts and projects his is working on:
I thought you might be interested to know about something I did last week. I was hired by a major film company to recreate Blue Drag (1935) and Minor Swing (1937) for a movie called "Head in the Clouds". The director John Duigan wanted to use the original tracks, but as the scene takes place in Paris in December 1936 as present day, the producers felt the fidelity of the originals would sound out of place compared to the dialogue and soundtrack which have modern fidelity.
So the idea was to replicate the tracks as close as possible, but with slightly better fidelity and no 78 scratchiness. Originally, I was told to put together a budget to do it in Nashville, but then was told I had to do it in Canada for legal reasons. I could bring Andy MacKenzie to play rhythm as he was a UK citizen, but he was the only player I was allowed to bring.
It was daunting to think of working with unknown violinists and bassists, but in the end it worked out even though we had to do the parts one at a time due to studio constraints! It was fun and challenging too. I brought my '42 Selmer and an old RCA mike which we ran through a Groove Tubes Vipre mike preamp, and Andy brought his Selmer Classical for some of the rhythm parts. We also tried to copy the ambience of the original room sound with a complex reverb program.
The most fun part though was that the director wanted me to play Django [Reinhardt] in a scene on camera. They put us in wardrobe referenced by the 1938 London shot of the Quintet in white jackets, dyed my hair, eybrows and moustache, cut my hair like Django's in 1935-6 photos, and made up my hand to look burned and scarred.
The 3rd guitarist for the shoot was Francois Rousseau, and the fiddle and bass player were musicians chosen by casting for their look, although they were both good players too. The scene starts on the Quintet playing the last 30 seconds of Minor Swing, then pulls back to reveal a beautiful 30's club full of dancers, waiters, etc. When the song end there is applause, then we start Blue Drag as the two stars of the film (Penelope Cruz and Charlize Theron) dance seductively thoughout the rest of the song. It should be a really beautiful scene, and a pivotal one to the story too.
This was the most fun I have had in a long time, and it was great to get to meet Francois Rousseau and the group of Montreal devotees as well. To top off the five days spent in Montreal, we got to go see Bireli Lagrene at a great venue, the Spectrum, play an amazing set to a 1,500 plus audience of wildly appreciative fans. After the show Bireli was shocked to see how I looked (I was still in makeup and all from the shoot, which had ended just in time for us to run to the hotel and drop off our guitars and get a cab to the venue) and we had a good laugh about that. He was excited to hear about the film too, and as well as being the world's greatest guitarist remains the most gracious, kind person one could want to meet.
As the film is only just being shot now, it is hard to tell exactly when it will be out, but I imagine no earlier than December for sure.
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