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| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: July 2003 |
| Rock star cars take centre stage at Mount Stuart Thursday, July 31 2003 |
Cars once owned by rock stars and royalty will take pride of place at this year's Mount Stuart Motorsport Classic (September 19-21, 2003).
Forming a glittering display in front of Mount Stuart, the collection of five classic cars will be the centrepiece of the Arnold Clark Concours d'Elegance in association with Classic & Sports Car.
Among the famous cars on show is a stunning 1964 Bentley S3 Mulliner Convertible, which previously belonged to Elton John; a gorgeous Pininfarina-designed 1948 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS drophead that was once the property of guitar legend Eric Clapton; a magnificently restored 1948 Bentley Coupe Sedanca Mk VI, formerly owned by Prince Rainier of Monaco; a 1958 Jaguar XK 150 Roadster; and the oldest of the group - an historic Ford Model T Coupe from 1924.
These majestic motor cars are being brought to the Isle of Bute for the Motorsport Classic by Arnold Clark, Scotland's largest privately-held company and the UK's leading independent car dealership. Like so many of the mouth-watering cars featured on Bute, Arnold Clark boasts a fantastic pedigree dating back over many decades, a fact borne out by the company's superb collection of vintage and classic vehicles.
"We are delighted to be in association with the Mount Stuart Motorsport Classic," remarked company founder and current Chairman, Arnold Clark. "I have always had close relations with the Western Isles and Bute has been a favourite sailing destination of mine for many years."
| Elton supports Catherine Britt Thursday, July 31 2003 |
Australia newest country star Catherine Britt has found a great supporter in Elton John.
Sir Elton has been telling the world about her. "Elton John became Catherine's most vocal fan after he heard her CD while on tour in Sydney" her manager Stephen White says.
"He ordered 30 copies and sent them all around the world. He was not only talking Catherine's talents up in his interviews but he also called her and invited her to his last Sydney performance which was televised nationally and in which he praised Catherine's talents yet again to an audience of millions".
Having Elton as your publicist has made some important people take note. Joe Galante, Head of RCA Group of labels in Nashville and Tony Brown, Head of Universal South are now aware of Catherine Britt The domino effect lead to a trip to the US, a meeting with Dolly Parton and the promise from Dolly that she will write a song for Catherine's next album.
But that's not the most exciting thing to happen to Catherine. The really, really cool thing she is looking forward to is touring the US in her own tour bus in February 2004. Unfortunately, Sir Elt won't be available to drive the bus. He is expected back in Australia around that time.
| Elton programme becomes an instant collector's item Tuesday, July 29 2003 |
Whilst Elton's concert was the first at the brand new KC Stadium in Hull, the programme to celebrate the event has become an instant collectors item.
Produced as a 'one-off', the programme sports a metallic 'mirrored' cover with the faintest reproduction of the artiste's signature. Whilst the interior is designed in such a way that each page spread is a work of art on it's own. The spread that has been catching everyone's eye is the mosaic that makes a picture of Sir Elton to the eye but on closer inspection is made up of all of Elton's Album covers - truly unique!
Fans eagerly snapped up copies on the night [Part I: PDF download - 1.0 MB] leaving the concert promoter with only a thousand or so remaining from the limited edition six thousand produced.
There is also a programme [Part II: PDF download - 1.8 MB] available which is a photographic memory of the night. Photographers stationed around the stadium have captured the spirit and the atmosphere of the evening with some really fantastic images from the start of the evening through to the end.
Copies of this are now available for purchase on the kcstadium.co.uk/elton website along with the remaining copies of the event programme. Part II will be distributed in one weeks' time.
Designed by local Hull company, Strawberry, the programme has received praise for many directions including comments received from some Elton's fans who travelled from the USA:
"I have collected practically every EJ concert programe of the last 30 years, and from a design and presentation standpoint, the Hull programme easily ranks as one of the the best ever!", said long-time Elton John fan James Turrano, who also contributed to Part I and II of the collectors item.
Alan McCormick from "Wrap it up", who exclusively sells Elton John memorabillia around the world also commented "The Hull programmes were among the best he's ever seen, and will be very popular with fans and collectors - especially given the unique Two Part format."
| A Step Too Far Tuesday, July 29 2003 |
We sometimes criticize Elton's doings on this website, and very often people criticize us for doing that, even if we publish fair comments, not severe criticism!
The same way we deal out this kind of critisism, we usually can also handle and accept your feedback triggered by our reviews.
However, every once in a while people go a step to far: Just recently, someone on the alt.fan.elton-john newsgroup called me "a supersized Nazi freak"! I don't think it is really necessary to let things escalate in such a manner.
Let me remind everybody that the Elton John news on www.eltonfan.net are published as a free service to the Elton John community. We always do our best to bring you accurate information, but as we receive our news input from various sources, it is not always possible to check all the facts - especially if we still try to publish the news as fast as possible.
So it is possible that sometimes tiny mistakes or unusual wordings slip through when we upload a news item to www.eltonfan.net. But if that happens, there is no need to freak out and call us all sorts of things. Instead, the human way to handle that kind of mishap would be to simply e-mail me and tell me about the goof-up ... and I would correct it immediately.
As for criticizing Elton, this for sure is a fan forum, but that doesn't mean that we have to give our blessing to everything Elton is doing. I think it is often beneficial being criticized, and it shows at the same time that the one dealing out the criticism is still maintaining a brain of its own.
It's okay to adore Elton, but one should not apotheosize him. I am sure Elton thinks the same way about this.
Take care,
Stephan (webmaster)
| When summer burned the earth again Monday, July 28 2003 |
This quote from "Curtains" seems to be most appropriate for those fans in Europe these days - and probably for many other parts of the world as well. Summer is here, and it's hot.
But Elton is taking a break so you can expect things to cool down a little bit over the next five weeks or so.
So if the website appears to have gone to sleep mode, it's because there is nothing to report on, or because the webmaster went for a refreshing bath in one of the lakes all around Munich.
If you are heading for a summer vacation, we wish you all the best, lots of sun, lots of fun and some time to relax from the daily routines.
And don't forget: Whereever you can find an Internet connection, eltonfan.net is just a few clicks away.
Have a great summer! And for those of you in the southern hemisphere ... don't worry, just six more months to go.
Take care,
Stephan (webmaster)
| Elton John in Surround Sound SACD Saturday, July 26 2003 |
Universal Music has announced that Surround Sound SACDs by Elton John, Sting and Rush will headline their Fall 2003 Pop, Rock and Jazz SACD releases.
The new listing of Universal Music SACDs was provided to key music dealers earlier this week as they prepare their orders for the Fall and Christmas selling season.
Highlighting the list is a 5.1 Surround Sound Hybrid SACD of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John. The work on this Surround Sound SACD is apparently pretty far along as we are already hearing some very positive comments on the sonics of the hi rez mix of this classic album.
Unless listed as a "Non-Hybrid SACD", all of the SACDs will be Hybrid discs with both an SACD and CD Audio layer for compatibility with CD Audio only players.
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" on SACD is scheduled for released on October 7, 2003.
| Elton John performed in Montauban on July 23, 2003 Saturday, July 26 2003 |
Fan report and photos by Walter Weiler.
I have been at the amazing solo concert on the July 13, 2003 in Nimes, and was looking forward to this event in the much smaller city of Montauban. On the way down, I was not really sure, if the concert would take place, because the sky was quite dark, and sometimes it started to rain.
After a few hours drive I arrived early enough (6.00 pm) to find a parking for my car, and could enter the area “JARDIN DES PLANTES” where the concert should start at 9.00 pm. The park was not that huge and after 3 minutes walk, I passed the entrance to the “SAPIAC STADIUM” – not very big, but rather intimate.
After entering the area (without big security checks), the stage was on the left side and seats (about 60 rows) have been on the right side, in a flat, gated area – outside the gate, people had the possibility to listen to the event, in standing position.
There were about 3,000 fans waiting for the start of the concert – as well having some snacks and drinks – everything was looking like a big party in the garden. The same area has been used for a daily jazz festival which lasted a few weeks already. The weather got better during the waiting time, and there was no risk any longer that the event would stop. 
9.00 pm: Elton arrived on the scene, and the crowd gave him a very warm welcome – much warmer, than in the huge stadium of Nimes. Elton, was wearing a pink suit, and a black T-shirt, which suited him excellent! He seemed to be slightly distracted, maybe for several reasons – maybe because this was his last concert before the summer vacation.
As usual he started with "Your song" and a very short intro.
Elton spoke French only, and this was very much appreciated by his fans. They would have started to cry, if he would have played as well "The Marseillaise" as an intro before playing any of his songs. His set list was a little shorter than in Nimes. The concert lasted 2 1/2 hours – and presented most of the songs Elton played at the concert in Nimes.
There has been a lot of highlights for his fans – which have not been really "experienced fans" – knowing all of his songs, therefore only some titles have been recognised by the crowd, listening to the first accords.
"Daniel", "Rocket man", "I’m still standing" and "Sacrifice" have been the well known hits – but the top was when he played "Crocodile rock" – I would say 80 % started to sing the refrain "la la la la".
"Candle in the wind" was as well appreciated a lot by the audience – and a lot of people took put their lighters, holding it highlighted above their heads.
His fans gave him at least five standing ovations for minutes, they have been amazed by his performance indeed!
There was almost no security in front of the stage (thank God, I was able to take my pictures) – and therefore, people have been running to the stage in the last part of the concert. Elton signed a few cards, within a few minutes – but people who attended the show, took this very gratefully – they gave him a good feeling, I suppose.
In general, it was like a huge party, with a big family – and all the fans have been watching their star. The concert ended at 11.35 pm after Elton gave one encore in a white jogging dress, and left.
Following is the complete set list of the Montauban show on July 23, 2003:
| Reg strikes back ... Friday, July 25 2003 |
Nursing a broken heart, Sir Elton John took revenge on his former manager and lover John Reid by erasing him from his new music video.
The former lovers broke up after Elton sued Reid's firm for mismanagement of his funds. Elton lost the suit and was slapped with a 10 million pound legal bill.
The promo for "Are You Ready For Love" has the crooner recording the number way back in 1979, surrounded by his pals, including John Reid, according to a report in The Sun.
To get even with his erstwhile beau, Elton has blotted Reid's face in the video for the track, which is lined up for release on September 1, 2003.
"There is still a lot of bad blood and Elton didn't want Reid to have anything to do with the record. The video could only be used if Reid was obscured, " a close friend of Elton was quoted as saying.
| Elton John to buy home in New York City Wednesday, July 23 2003 |
Sir Elton John is looking to invest in a property in New York. He is reported to be looking for 'something with a view of Central Park,' and is willing to pay as much as $10 million for the privilege.
The Central Park West area is a favourite among the music world's glitterati - Bono already owns a $10 million property there, and the two are already neighbours in Villefranche-sur-mer on the French Riviera.
Elton and writing partner Bernie Taupin are currently working on "The Vampire Lestat", a musical based on the Anne Rice novels, and it is thought that Elton wants to be close to the action in the lead up to a Broadway premiere.
Despite financial difficulties in the past, Elton days of fiscal hardship seem to be well and truly behind him. "Elton is just looking for a simple place with a view of a park, somewhere for his piano and his Versace," said a source. "He's a simple man at heart."Related News
Tuesday, May 6 2003 at 13:45:38
| Elton John performed at Powderham Castle on July 22, 2003 Wednesday, July 23 2003 |
Fan report by Mark Giles.
Having been to both of Elton's solo shows at Hampton Court last month ,I was really looking forward to seeing him again in another picturesque setting at Powderham Castle near Exeter.
It was a picnic style event which meant an early start, so that so that when the gates opened a "prime position" could be obtained. I'd driven the 180 miles to the Castle the previous night so I was able to queue with friends, at the gates with my picnic and chairs just after 12.00 noon.
When the gates opened at 3.00 pm, it was a mad sprint of around 300 yards (up hill, then down) to get a position right in front of Elton's piano.
Elton was the first major artist to perform at this event, and it was expected that up to 14,000 people would be attending.
Already,the security staff were showing their inexperience at staging a major event ,as they tried to make as go back to the gate from the stage because a "Health and safety certificate " hadn't been signed.
It was lovely to be able to walk around the grounds and chat to different people in what was initially a relaxed atmosphere.
The weather got better during the afternoon and by the time Elton came on at 7.30 pm the sun was shining (in his eyes). Elton wore a blue suit with his blue tinted wrap a round glasses.
The crowd, already having a good time, were one of the most vocal I have seen in a solo show. Elton was in a good mood right from the start and seemed to revel in the their mood. Each song was applauded enthusiastically, and Elton smiled and grinned away, sometimes posing for the odd photograph.
As the evening progressed, this proved to be a pain for us at the front as more and more people came down to take pictures. As the show progressed, it was obvoius that the security could not handle the volume of people trying to push in from the sides and down the centre isle.
Elton's security man had a nightmare job trying to maintain order at the front, and I must congratulate him on his efforts.
Elton's voice was as good as I've heard it recently (no rasping early on), and he was really enjoying himself. Early highlights were the improvisations during "Honky Cat", "Rocket Man", "I'm Still Standing" and "Philadelpia Freedom" which are different every time.
Another anticipated highlight was "Moon River", and Elton didn't dissapoint. The intro for "Take me to the Pilot" was again different from others and included a section from "Song for Guy".
At this time it was obvious that the crowd were pushing down so far now that it was getting impossible to handle. I spoke to Elton's security man who said he'd have to let them go down to the front after "Pilot" as it was too much for them to hold back. So I raced to the barrier and got a great position.
"Bennie and the Jets" was superb, as was "Crocodile Rock", with Elton running around the stage making sure we were all singing "la la la la la ". In the wings we could see David Furnish doing the same.
Elton came out for the last song in a white tracksuit (previously seen at Hampton Court). He signed a couple of items ,but then came over to "our section" and signed my DVD cover and a couple of other die hard fans' items. He said he'd had a really great night and then closed with one of my favorite songs "Circle of Life".
The only disappointment was the exclusion from the Hampton Court set list of "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" and "Original Sin".
An enjoyable day out, coupled with a superb performance from Elton. These solo shows just get better and better!
Following is the complete set list of the Powderham Castle show on July 22, 2003:
| Elton to perform at Princess Trust Show Tuesday, July 22 2003 |
Elton John will be one of the headliners at the Princess Trust Show in London on October 15, 2003
He will head a long list of top celebrities from the music and fashion worlds at a concert in aid of The Prince Of Wales' charity. The singer will return to the Royal Albert Hall for the show, featuring with Victoria Beckham and Robbie Williams, among others. Liz Hurley will host the event, called Fashion Rocks, on October 15, 2003, when 18 of the world's leading fashion houses will work with leading celebrities.
Also taking part is Bryan Ferry - and David Bowie will be beamed into the show by satellite.
Top designers taking part include Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney and Versace.
They will showcase catwalk collections accompanied by live music from a star performer.
Sir Tom Shebbeare, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, said: "Fashion Rocks is a hugely exciting fundraising event for The Prince's Trust. Music and fashion is a powerful combination and the fantastic support we have received from long-standing Trust supporters like Nicholas Coleridge, managing director of Conde Nast, and icons from the world of showbusiness will help us to give even more young people a second chance in life."
The charity has helped 450,000 young people since it was established in 1976. Tickets for the show are now on sale.
| Elton John performed in Newcastle on July 20, 2003 Tuesday, July 22 2003 |
Fan report by Simon Owens.
When you think of an Elton John concert you’ll probably imagine the bright wigs, fireworks, bizarre glasses and footwear with which the greatest show-man has become synonymous. These days, however, it seems things are different.
For a start, Elton is now Sir Elton. He’s sober, in a stable relationship and enjoying a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to life. On July 20, 2003 in Newcastle, 10,000 fans revelled in the simpler side to Elton John as he took to the stage armed only with a Yamaha electric-grand and two and a half hours’ worth of classic songs. No band, no costumes and no fireworks.
An over-whelming standing ovation greeted Elton as he took to the stage, and the crowd were paid back with interest as Elton blitzed through his mammoth set-list which ranged from 1970’s "Your Song" to 2002’s "I Want Love", visiting many familiar stops along the way.
"Your Song" was the opener, followed by "Border Song", "The One" and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight". During these opening numbers, Elton was clearly unhappy with the sound levels coming through his stage monitors, and this prompted him to call sound technicians onto the stage between each song.
This obviously had a perturbing effect on Elton, as he distractedly stumbled through sloppy versions of "Daniel", "Mona Lisa’s And Mad Hatters" and "The Ballad Of The Boy In The Red Shoes". This twelve minute period, however, proved to be the only blip, as Elton got the bit between his teeth and returned immediately to form for a stunning display of piano playing for "Honky Cat".
The concert then took the form of a spell-binding show of piano and vocals, as each song had it’s own special live re-working. Solo followed solo, improvisation followed improvisation as Elton brought unique Gospel, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Boogie-Woogie influences to thirty-plus years’ worth of classic rock hits. Most notable were brilliant renditions of "I’m Still Standing", "Philadelphia Freedom" and "Take Me To The Pilot" (featuring a snippet of "Song For Guy" in the middle for fans with a keen ear).
"Rocket Man" was also worthy of special mention, and for die-hard piano lovers, "Carla/Etude" and "Tonight" were worthy of any classical piano recital.
By the time Elton was bashing out "Crocodile Rock" the fans were dancing at the front of the stage, in the aisles and anywhere else they could find room to do so, and Elton graciously returned to the stage for two encores to repay the loyalty of this ecstatic crowd.
Elton is undoubtedly a calmer man and, therefore, a calmer performer than the Captain Fantastic of yesteryear, but tonight, apart from that unhappy spell near the start of the gig, it was clear for all to see why Elton won’t retire and sit amongst his flowers. He enjoys performing way too much. And as a parting comment for the city that always receives Elton so well: "Have a great season, Newcastle see ya soon!".
The future's bright - the future's black and white! ooo-ta-ooo-ta-be-ooo-ta-be-a-woolly!
Following is the complete set list of the Newcastle show on July 20, 2003:
| Elton John performed in Hull on July 19, 2003 Tuesday, July 22 2003 |
Complete set list of the show.
Following is the complete set list of the Hull show on July 19, 2003:
| Final Results: Best Elton John song of all times Monday, July 21 2003 |
Over the past weeks, Elton John fans from all over the world have told us about their favorite Elton John songs in a special Hercules Poll in search of the best Elton John song of all times.
Now, the voting process has been closed and we are ready to present the final results:
For more details about the voting process and the different voting steps, please see the Hercules Poll page where we have also added a new poll questions for you to answer.
| Elton John performed in Lucca on July 15, 2003 Monday, July 21 2003 |
Complete set list of the show.
Following is the complete setlist of the Lucca show on July 15, 2003:
| And the winners are ... Sunday, July 20 2003 |
We have picked the winners of our Hull competition who will get a copy of the special programme sold at Elton's concert at the KC Statdium on July 19, 2003.
The trivia question we asked you was: Sir Elton John was chairman of Watford FC, but what's their nickname?
The correct answer, of course, is: The Hornets.
We did receive a large number of correct replies, hence, we had to pick the winner in a raffle. Congratulations to
Cheryl Herman from Baltimore, MD (USA) and
Annette Kohl from Munich (Germany).Related News
Tuesday, July 8 2003 at 11:40:34
| "Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John" Thursday, July 17 2003 |
Elton John wasn't present for the concert by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles on July 12, 2003 at the Alex Theatre as we has performing in Darmstadt.
The program, "Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John," would surely have pleased him, partly because of the verve with which the Chorus approached the music, but also because one of the themes of the show, as announced by Music Director Bruce Mayhall, was to creatively illuminate, through Elton's songs, the process of coming out.
The enthusiasm burst forth in the opening number as the 150 members of the Chorus — filling the stage on a massive riser — joyously launched into "Bennie and the Jets."
Other lively Elton John tunes followed: "Hakuna Matata" from "The Lion King"; the sardonic "The Bitch Is Back"; "Take Me to the Pilot"; "Philadelphia Freedom." Add to that such Elton John classics as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Candle In the Wind."
The evening's most fascinating visual entertainment — a marvelously witty "Crocodile Rock" — presented a black-light extravaganza (by production designer Phil Hettema featuring dancing Foamettes and singing hamburgers.
But the most affecting moments in a program of beautifully arranged and sung music took place during a pair of gay-themed medleys. The first, "Elton Comes Out Medley," began with "The Cage" and climaxed with "The One."
The second, "Tumbleweed Connection" — in which chorus members visually illustrated the events in an olderman's reminiscences — moved poignantly from "Talking Old Soldiers" to "Social Disease." Each provided a compelling display of the Chorus' impressive ability to blend musicality, entertainment and thoughtful commentary.
| Elton John performed in Nimes on July 13, 2003 Wednesday, July 16 2003 |
Fan report by Sacha Wicki. Photos by Walter Weiler.
In the mythic Nîmes arenas, that July 13, 2003, Elton has pleased more than 8.000 people. There’s the story of a very hot afternoon and an unforgettable concert.
A horrible heat under a beautiful blue sky, these are the conditions of the waiting outside the arenas. I wish to thank my two very good friends who came with me for this concert, Olivier and Danny. Then a big hello to the great italian fans Graziano and Andrea, then to the spanish group, to Jayne who came directly from London, to Marie-Christine, and to Thierry and his wife, for whom it was the first EJ concert.
We had chance that a little van offering cold drinks and ice creams was near to us because we really needed it ! The few shadow places were squatted immediately.
The doors opened at about 6.15 pm and we ran up to the front of the stage. But as the arenas are like a labyrinth, it was hard to get there immediately. We took about three or five minutes for that! During the two hours waiting, before the beginning of the concert, there was as always background music through the loudspeakers. We could recognize Ryan Adams, Coldplay, John Lennon (with among others the hit song "Whatever gets You through the Night") and the Beatles.
8.23 pm: The Orchestral Finale of "Aida" announced that the concert would begin. Elton entered the stage dressed in a black suit, with lots of diamonds and brilliants all over the shoulders and the front of his jacket. The shoes were also incrusted with diamonds ! "Your Song" began, and for the first time since a long time, the intro was shortened of a few seconds.
In French, Elton welcomed everybody and said that it was fantastic to come back here after a long time. He also said that he’s going to talk in French and in English to show people that both countries are totally together. "Border Song" was great, also was "The One" which fits very good in the beginning of the setlist in my opinion. Then "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" always very intense, and "Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes" introduced by Elton with the usual talk about the Ronald Reagan administration who did nothing, "zero", for people with Aids.
"Daniel", still one of my favourites solo, and then something very funny! Elton did say that the next song was written in France, and he was saying : "I have to look at my setlist to see how many songs were written in France". And he took around one half minute to look at his little white sticker on the left of his piano, pointing every song…! Hilarity in the audience! He finally said : "There are six". And he began, laughing, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters".
"Honky Cat" was one of the highlights of the show, as this version was very powerful. The end was played faster as usual, and Elton did have a lot of fun! "Rocket Man" was my only little disappointment during that show: the voice effets were great, but the end impro was not as inspirated as usual.
"I’m Still Standing" made in 2003 was simply 'out of this world'! First of all, the intro was like during the Sydney concert in 1986 and the joy and musical inspiration was so amazing ! The performance was long and fabulous! "Ticking" had a slightly change in comparison to the other solo performances of that song in 1999 and 2000. The tone of Elton’s voice was higher. You can refer to the 1994 tour with Ray Cooper.
"Tiny Dancer" and "I Want Love" followed, and then, Elton dedicated "Sacrifice" to his "french family". He thanked many people, all french surnames, probably from his french staff and friends, I don’t know.
The next song did begin like during the 1992 tour ... with a great piano intro! "Philadelphia Freedom" was excellent, and the audience was responding so well to that title and the rhythm. Elton did have a lot of fun, and you could see it!
"Candle In The Wind", always beautiful, and then, he said that it’s hard for him to chose a song that he didn’t write himself. There are lots of great songs, but he choose this standard by Henri Mancini from the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany", "Moon River". It’s a really magic tune which fits perfectly with Elton’s low and warm voice.
"Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" brillant! "I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues", which is not usually my favourite song in solo shows, here, has gained good points in my point of view. "This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore", "Carla-Etude"/"Tonight" were all perfect tracks to be performed in such a magnificent place.
Oh my gee, the "Take Me To The Pilot" intro was simply… what can I say… fabulous, enormous, magnificent… I can’t find bigger words to describe. That man is 56, but he really performed as a 25 young man! His fingers were rolling and rolling on the piano so hard and so much, that we could imagine he had more than two hands! Elton was shouting "Oh Yeah" many many times during the song!
The "Song For Guy" uptempo performance inside the tune was great! Oh, and I forgot to mention that he began the song with "The Marseillaise"”, as always when he comes to France!
"Bennie and the Jets" and "Crocodile Rock" were outstanding! As was "Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and the last track, "Circle of Life", too.
I must confess that I’ve never seen a show like that one. Every track had a new style or a new performance type for a solo show. The last solo show I did see was in Berlin two years ago, and in Nîmes that Sunday, it was really not the same !
I have to say to finish that article, that Elton has, as everybody knows, a huge respect to his fans! We could see it during the concert: the stage was too far to the first row of audience, so the people were throwing things on the stage (flowers, gifts, tour programs, t-shirts…) in hope to be signed by Elton. And Elton saw that, and went to sign all those things, for about six to ten minutes during the whole show!
Following is the complete setlist of the Nimes show on July 13, 2003:
| Sir Elton gives Watford a cash boost Tuesday, July 15 2003 |
Former chairman Sir Elton John has given FC Watford's 'Let's Buy Back the Vic' fund a massive cash boost.
An honorary life president at Vicarage Road, he donated all his fees to the fund after producing a promotional video for Sky TV's soccer coverage for the forthcoming season.
The 'Let's Buy Back the Vic' campaign, launched in March 2003, hopes to raise £3m to enable the club to purchase the freehold at Vicarage Road.
Elton's donation has effectively doubled the fund's coffers which now stands at over £230,000.
"This is a smashing gesture by Sir Elton," club chairman Graham Simpson said. "It firmly demonstrates his continued affection for the club.
"The amount already in the fund from fans also shows the great generosity of our supporters and their genuine care for the club's future."
| Happy Birthday, Bob! Tuesday, July 15 2003 |
Elton John bass player Bob Birch is celebrating his birthday on July 14, 2003.
On behalf of the Hercules team and all Elton John fans around the world we would like to wish him all the best and happy birthday!
| Elton John builds gallery at Woodside Monday, July 14 2003 |
Encouraged by the success of Charles Saatchi's London gallery, a plethora of new "vanity museums" are being built by some of Britain's leading art collectors.
Sir Elton John is to build an extension to his Windsor home to put on public display his vast collection of paintings which includes seminal 20th-century artists from Picasso through Warhol to Damien Hirst.
Meanwhile, a similar project is already under way at Crosby Hall, the elegant 15th-century mansion in Chelsea, London, that was once the home of Sir Thomas More. Here the controversial property magnate Christopher Moran is planning a gallery to showcase his extensive treasure trove of 16th- and 17th century furniture and decorative arts.
News of the array of prospective private galleries is highlighted in the latest edition of the Museums Journal, a quarterly magazine published by the Museums Association. It comes just three months after the Saatchi Gallery reopened in County Hall, the former GLC headquarters on London's South Bank, amid a frenzy of naked models and schmoozing celebrities.
Opinion is divided in the art world over the reasons for this sudden wave of philanthropy. While there are few who do not welcome the thought of these eclectic collections being made public, sceptics sense that the scale of investment being bestowed on the new galleries owes as much to vanity as it does to charity.
Sir Elton John owns: Paintings by Magritte, Picasso, Bacon and Warhol, photographs by Helmut Newton and Britart works by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and the Chapman Brothers.
Where we can see it: A new gallery to be built at Woodside, his £5m part-Georgian mansion in Windsor.Related News
Friday, June 20 2003 at 10:40:27
| Elton John performed in Darmstadt on July 12, 2003 Monday, July 14 2003 |
Fan report by Mireille. Photos by Christian Schmitt.
Darmstadt is a mid-size city in central Germany. And it is also kind of my hometown because I went to school there and thus spent nine years of my life almost exclusively in that city. I could not believe my grandmother when she told me in January 2003 that Elton was going to play in the local soccer stadium, the Böllenfalltor. I thought: "She must have gotten something wrong. Elton would never ever play in a city the size of Darmstadt and never in a stadium as irrelevant as the Böllenfalltor." And I was proved wrong. Elton did come. And he played. And he rocked Darmstadt.
We arrived in Darmstadt in the early afternoon of July 12, 2003. Every other tree within the entire city was plastered with concert posters. Darmstadt made no effort to conceal that it is really something special Elton was going to play that night. He was going to open the Residenzfestspiele, a series of mostly classical concerts. Many posters also advertised an event called "Stars and More" which was to take place in another tiny stadium near the concert venue.
"Stars and More" was announced as a charity soccer match benefitting the Special Olympics with a host of German semi-celebrities (Naddl, Claus-Theo Gärtner, Axel Schulz, Dolly Buster etc.) and – as the poster said – "and… and… probably Elton John." Since there was the faint possibility that we might catch a glimpse of Elton before the show, we first made for the charity soccer match at 3 p.m.
But as soon as we set foot on the grounds we knew that Elton was never ever going to attend that match: About 40 people on the stands, and some 20 were standing around the only stall selling chilled drinks and bratwurst. Of the announced celebrities, not one was to be seen. There was a soccer match going on but apparently only two minorly famous comedians and two rather unknown soap actors were members of the so-called celebrity team. All others had not shown up. The promoters had hastily asked Jürgen Drews, another b-class celebrity, and the Jacob Sisters (If you do not know them, visit www.jacobsisters.de - I have no idea how to explain what they are) to at least be present.
We had great fun joking about this enormously unspectacular event, but really it was sad to see how much effort the promoters had put into this charity event, and how little really came out of it.
Around 7 p.m. – just before the pre-show started – we took our seats in Böllenfalltor stadium. A few of us had gotten hold of front row tickets just a few days before the concert. Beaming with excitement and with our tickets saying "row 1" we walked to the front. The shock: In front of row 1 stood a line of chairs labelled "row AA".
On these chairs young people sat, non-fans judging by their attire. We asked them: "However did you get hold of these tickets?" And they said: "There was a man walking around who gave them to us for free just five minutes ago." Ooops – thank you. A sad start for a great evening, especially for those die-hard fans who were trapped in the cage-like stands way way back from the stage.
There was no opening act in the classic sense but a local orchestra with different singers and a choir played hits from the last 30 years – among others, an orchestral versions of "Can You Feel The Love Tonight". I must say that this was much less painful than opening acts that I heard in the years before.
During this pre-show we heard from backstage that there had been trouble with Elton’s masseur who had mysteriously not showed up. So the local promoters feverishly searched for a masseur from Darmstadt who a) had to be able to arrive within the next few minutes, and b) had to be gay. The masseur was found but left Elton’s room again after only ten minutes. We thought: "Uh-oh, this means bad mood…"
At 7:45 p.m., the stadium announcer said that Elton was going to start the show at 8:30 (30 minutes early), and at 8:00, the same voice hastily announced, that the show was going to start at 8:15. Another sign for Elton’s "let’s-get-over-with-this-sh**" mood? No, it was not. The show that started 45 minutes early was great.
Elton came onstage dressed in a pink suit with glittering buttons and the ever-present pink snakeskin boots. Underneath he wore a black T-shirt with pink writing (I could not make out what exactly it said.). He then performed the same set as in Madrid a few days before.
A very positive surprise for me was that Elton talked much more than on previous solo concerts. Before almost every song, he explained a little. He got up very often and thanked the audience because by the time he had finished "Honky Cat", he had conquered Darmstadt. Elton did not sign autographs but I do not think that this was because of a bad temper but because the stage was so high.
When the Jacob Sisters (see above) gave him a rose each, they had to be lifted up by security (quite a feat!).
For most of us, a surprising highlight was "I’m Still Standing". It sounded totally different than ever before, sort of edgier. And the solo in "Bennie And The Jets" included the notes of "Song For Guy" but it was rhythmically distorted so that probably only the die-hard fans noticed the tune.
After "Take Me To The Pilot", everyone rushed to the stage, and security made no more effort to keep us back. The show ended with "Crocodile Rock". Elton came back for two encores dressed in a red T-Shirt and red sweat pants complete with red-tinted spectacles. At 11 p.m. he left the stage for good.
Following is the complete setlist of the Darmstadt show on July 12, 2003:
Related News
Sunday, July 13 2003 at 08:18:27
| "Elton" showed up a day early Sunday, July 13 2003 |
An Elton John look-alike has made a monkey out of Peter Benz, major of the city of Darmstadt, by showing up a day before the scheduled solo show (of the real Elton) on July 12, 2003.
He came by Audi instead of Bentley, arrived at Luisenplatz instead of the helicopter landing site. Elton John arrived in Darmstadt on July 11, 2003. But was he for real?
He was not! Accompanied by two camera teams from German private TV station RTL, an Elton look-alike blazed his trail through passers-by asking for autographs, but entered his signature into the golden city of the city of Darmstadt instead.
The real Elton is not staying in hotels. The reals Elton is not travelling by train, but arrived by private jet on July 12, 2003 in the afternoon. He then took a helicopter shuttle and Bentley to Darmstadt. The real Elton was on a very tight schedule, so nobody knew when exactly he would arrive.
Organizers in Darmstadt were shocked when they heard the news about the fake Elton on Friday: "What!?," was the disbeleaving reaction of promoter Petra Herzog. Festival director Wolfgang Seliger said: "That is unbelievable, over the limit. You cannot do something like that, not even for fun."
The fake Elton arrived at Darmstadt main station on July 11, 2003 in the early morning. He is immediately interviewed by RTL and then escorted by bodyguards to Darmstadt's city hall. There he met major Peter Benz, signed the golden book, got back in the car, signed a few autographs and disappeared.
During the course of the afternoon, the look-alike shows up again, causing crowds every time.
| Mandy Moore to cover Elton song Saturday, July 12 2003 |
For her fourth album, Mandy Moore is moving away from teen-leaning pop to interpreting an array of songs she says hold great meaning for her.
Due in September 2003 via Epic, "Coverage" finds Moore interpreting songs by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Joe Jackson, Carly Simon, the Waterboys and XTC, among others.
"It is a compilation of some of the most incredible music I have ever heard in my life and the fact that I got to record these songs is still unimaginable to me," Moore writes on her official Web site.
The 12-track album includes Moore's version of XTC's "Senses Working Overtime," Jackson's "Breaking Us in Two," Simon's "Anticipation" and Elton John's "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters."
"I could've done a whole Elton cover record," Moore writes. "I saw Elton a couple weeks ago and I told him that I was singing one of his songs and he was very excited. I'm really nervous for the original artists to hear these songs."
"This is a big step for me, this record," she adds. "I continue to want to bring challenges not just to myself but to all of you who continue to support as well as inspire me with your enthusiasm and love for great music."
Here is the "Coverage" track list:
"Help Me" (Joni Mitchell)
"Anticipation" (Carly Simon)
"Breaking Us in Two" (Joe Jackson)
"One Way or Another" (Blondie)
"Moonshadow" (Cat Stevens)
"Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" (Elton John)
"I Feel the Earth Move" (Carole King)
"Whole of the Moon" (Waterboys)
"Have a Little Faith In Me" (John Hiatt)
"Senses Working Overtime" (XTC)
"Can We Still Be Friends" (Todd Rundgren)
"Drop the Pilot" (Joan Armatrading)
| Elton John performed in Taormina on July 10, 2003 Saturday, July 12 2003 |
Fan report by Giuseppe Caruso, photos by Nicola.
I was sure that the concert at "Teatro Greco" in Taormina would have been really different from all the other Elton concerts I saw before. The atmosphere of this ancient theatre was really charming and the view that anyone can have just looking behind the black Yamaha piano was astonishing!
A perfect location for an unforgettable solo concert. And - for the first time in my life - I had to travel for one hour only (I live in Catania, near Taormina) to see the Myth! In addition, July 10 is my wife's birthday, so what better gift could I have made to her, after many Elton concerts seen all over the world? :)
Surprisingly, Elton appeared on stage at 9.14 pm, a quarter before the scheduled start time, dressed in an electric blue suite, and of course opened the concert with the worldwide famous intro of "Your song". The 5.000 people attending the event (paying from 65 to 130 Euros) and filling every single seat of the theatre dedicated him a very warm welcome.
The show was absolutely brilliant and many of the songs appeared to me much powerful than in other occasions. I read in some reports that Elton’s voice was not at the top during this solo tour: according to me, it was simply perfect! Already warm in the beginning and even warmer going on with the show!
The crowd seemed to prefer Elton’s 'blockbusters' more than precious jewels as "Ticking" (a very impressive vocal interpretation), "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and the struggling beauty of "Carla/Etude" and "Tonight", so the highlights of the show were:
The triple shot "Candle in the wind", "Moon river" and “Sorry seems to be the hardest Word".
A ery energetic version of "Bennie and the Jets" (even mixed with some "Song for Guy" notes), followed by the shaking-crowd version of "Crocodile rock".
The only two Elton songs which I don’t like: "The one" and "Sacrifice".
Anyway, after all, my personal favourite was the nostalgic and amazing version of "Moon River": I knew it would have been part of the setlist, but I couldn’t imagine how wonderful could have been Elton’s interpretation!
I have to say that another surprise was the piano versionm of "I guess that’s why they call it the Blues": very rhythmic and completely different from all the other versions I heard before. Also remarkable, an hypnotic "Rocket Man" with very long echoes in the end.
The show lasted 2 hours and 37 minutes, and when Elton said goodbye to us with the plurihonoured "Circle of Life", the 5.000 lucky persons who attended the event were absolutely 'roped and tied' by our small, invincible hero.
Following is the complete setlist of the Taormina show on July 10, 2003:
| Elton 'Hercules' John to perform at Colosseum? Saturday, July 12 2003 |
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the state-of-the-art Las Vegas showroom built for Celine Dion, is getting some new, high-profile guests. Hercules has learned that Elton John is in negotiations for a three-year, $54 million engagement beginning in 2004.
Dion completed her first run of dates at the 4,100-capacity, $95 million showplace on July 6, 2003, wrapping up 65 sellouts that grossed about $36 million. Other artists scheduled to perform at the venue include Tim McGraw, Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan.
"We always intended for other artists to play this venue," says John Meglen, co-president of Concerts West, producers of the Dion extravaganza and promoters for the Colosseum. "There are 12 weeks a year when Celine is not playing."
| Elton promises to return to Malta in 2005 Thursday, July 10 2003 |
Sir Elton John promised the thousands of fans at Floriana's Granaries on July 6, 2003 that he will be back, together with his band, in 2005. He thrilled thousands of people with more than two hours of his greatest hits.
"I am sorry it has been so long since I have been here. It won't be another 33 years. I will come back in two years' time with the band," Elton John told the crowd before the great show wrapped up.
Sir Elton John arrived in Malta on the afternoon of July 6, 2003 and went back to France with his private jet soon after the show. Dressed in an elegant blue suit. He sang 28 of his very best, starting with "Your Song" at around 8.30 pm.Related News
Saturday, July 5 2003 at 07:36:38
Sunday, June 29 2003 at 08:30:46
Monday, June 23 2003 at 19:59:52
| Concert tour attendance up this year Thursday, July 10 2003 |
Elton John and Billy Joel top the charts of the top 10 concert tours from January to June 2003.
Concert attendance jumped by 24 percent in the first half of the year as acts like the Dixie Chicks , Cher and the Rolling Stones helped reverse a two-year slide in ticket sales.
Fans bought 13.1 million concert tickets to the top 50 concert tours from January to June 2003, compared to 10.6 million sold during the same period last year, according to Pollstar, the industry trade magazine. Gross receipts were up 26 percent to $678 million, up from $538 million in 2001.
"We're back up to kind of where we were in 2000," said Gary Bongiovanni, Pollstar's editor-in-chief. "We had progressively been selling fewer tickets as the prices escalated."
Concert attendance had been declining steadily since 2000, when 12.9 million tickets were sold. The average ticket price for the first six months this year was approximately $52 — up only one dollar from the previous year, according to Pollstar. Last year, ticket prices cost an average of $51, up from $47 the previous year.
Yet for the biggest acts, prices continue to rise. Tickets for the top-grossing tour — Elton John and Billy Joel — cost an average of $113. The Rolling Stones' average ticket cost $158, up from $119 when they toured last year.
The top 10 concert tours from January to June, and their grosses:
1. Elton John/Billy Joel, $52.7 million
2. The Rolling Stones, $37.4 million
3. The Dixie Chicks, $35.1 million
4. Celine Dion , $33.2 million
5. Cher, $31.7 million
6. Tim McGraw, $30.6 million
7. Fleetwood Mac, $28.3 million
8. Eagles, $27.2 million
9. Bon Jovi, 26.9 million
10. Kenny Chessney, $24.4 million
| Elton John performed in Madrid on July 8, 2003 Wednesday, July 9 2003 |
Fan reports by Fernando Barral and Miquel Sala Devesa. Photos by Fernando Barral.
The show started at 9.30 pm sharp with Elton in a fuchsia suit, black shirt and kind of brown sunglasses. It was an extremely hot summer night with around 35 celsius at that time, and I got the best-ever seat that I would never will have for a concert, I was in third row, right in front of Elton's seat.
Elton was in an excellent mood, looks like he's getting younger with the years, with good sense of humour, he said that he got eyes surgery early this year so he can see everything now so "he can see if somebody leaves the concert early" which got the laughs from the audience, estimated in around 12.000 people for tickets sold out since weeks before the concert in a gap of prices from 155 to 35 Euros.
Even though this concert is quite similar to the solo concert I have seen two years ago in Marbella some songs sounded more energic in this time. No sound problems as they got in the band tour last year, and above all Elton in a very legendary concert absolutely in tune with his piano and the audience clapping and celebrating the songs even within the very first chords.
"Daniel", "Honky Cat", "Rocket Man", "I´m Still Standing", "Philadelphia Freedom", "Sacrifice", "Take Me To the Pilot" and "Crocodile Rock" were the most celebrated from the crowd.
But the highlight of the night came to me at the end of "Bennie and The Jets" and the start of "Crocodile Rock", because the people from the front seats got wild and went to the very edge of the stage, so, I did the same and I was there just two meters from Elton while people was singing the "lalalas" of "Crocodile Rock".
Elton ended and went back as usual, but he went to shake hands to the crowd, I took this moment to show him my booklet of my "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" CD that I bring with me... just in case. You won`t believe my surprise when Elton took it and signed an autograph! I am an Elton fan since I was 14, so this autograph is like a treasure to me from now on.
Fan report by Miquel Sala Devesa
Along with the "Aida" intro orchestration, Sir Elton John appeared at 9:30 pm in "Las Ventas". In front, 12,000 enthusiastic people whom help to sing the songs and whom hand everything that sir Elton said.
First of all, he said "how wonderful" was "to be back in Madrid" and promised, at the end of the show, to "come to see you more" because he will want to "see my friend (football player David Beckham) on the Real Madrid football team".
With tickets at Euro 36 to Euro 150, people went crazy on "Daniel", "Sacrifice" and "Candle in the Wind", the songs more known for the Spanish audiences. With powerful and strong voice, he played "I'm still Standing" solo at the piano (I used to think that this song couldn't work it out without Johnstone guitar's riffts, but man, how mistaken I was).
Really sympathetic, he made a funny comment when he explained us that "I had an operation in my eyes so I can see everyone". His excuses about he didn't appeared on the last "Songs from the West Coast" videos were on the show "Justin Timberlake is very flavouring".
His attentions to the public signing autographs, and his sarcastic comments about the Reagan administration on AIDS, on the criticism to the whole society "30 years later nothing seems to change in the society" explained on the introduction of "Ticking".
He dedicated long versions to "Honky cat" and "Rokcet man", including excerpts on "Bennie and the Jets" (Glenn Miller's "In the mood") and "Take me to the Pilot" (a little bit of "Song for Guy").
Very emotional and very loving his rendition to Henry Mancini's "Moon River" and the two "The Fox" instrumental pieces "Carla/Etude".
Thanking Madrid for being so loyal "you've been so loyal and I wish you my love", Sr Elton closed the more than 2 hours and 30 minutes with the "Lion King" rendition "Circle of Life" with the movie on the video screens.
Following is the complete set list of the Madrid show on July 8, 2003:
| Special programme marks Sir Elton John's inaugural concert in Hull Tuesday, July 8 2003 |
On July 19, 2003 Sir Elton John will take to the stage in the first concert to be held at the KC Stadium in Hull, East Yorkshire, UK. To commemorate this special occasion, a special two part 'Collector's Edition' Souvenir Programme has been commissioned.
This unique, high quality, publication, designed and researched by local Hull company, Strawberry, will be an eclectic mix of Sir Elton John memorabilia and rather interesting facts about Elton John and his love of football.
[part 1] the man...
Sir Elton John's career is brought right up to date in this lavishly produced and illustrated programme. James Turano of Chicago, USA, a life long fan of Sir Elton and an exuberant writer previews the concert in the only way a real fan can.
Whilst, more unusually, Philip Johnson, Elton fan and Hull City AFC supporter in exile, charts Elton's previous visits to Hull and his long love affair with football including, of course, Watford Football Club.
This programme provides a truly unique memento of a truly unique event and full details/application form to purchase Part 2.
[part 2] the night...
With photographers located at key areas around the stadium, this programme, available only to purchasers of the event programme, will cover the night from start to finish. Stage shots, hospitality and of course - the audience!
By purchasing part 1 'the man', this automatically entitles the purchaser to obtain part 2 'the night' to be sent directly to their home shortly after the event.
Competition:
You can win a copy of this very unique collector's item simply by answering the following trivia questions: Sir Elton John was chairman of Watford FC, but what's their nickname?
Send your answer to hull@eltonfan.net by the end of July 19, 2003 (2400 GMT). If we receive more than one correct answer, we will pick a winner on July 20, 2003. Good luck!
In case you don't wanna wait, you can order the programme at www.kcstadium.co.uk/elton.Related News
Tuesday, May 6 2003 at 13:43:00
| Elton John performed at Christinehof Castle on July 3, 2003 Tuesday, July 8 2003 |
Fan report by Tanja Friend.
On such a hot day as it is today, it’s nearly impossible to imagine how stormy and cold it was last Thursday July 3, 2003 when we went to the south of Sweden to see another concert with Elton John.
It truly was a very wild experience. Just as it was with Sundsvall, we probably would never have gone to Christinehof in our lives, if not for Elton.
The Christinehof castle is situated in the middle of nowhere. In order to get there we took the commuter train to Stockholm, an express train to Lund, an express bus to Tomelilla, a local bus to Eljaröd, and then we walked in pouring rain for about two hours.
But we got there! My husband Ronnie and I stayed at the hotel in Tomelilla, while our friend Carola enjoyed the hay in a stable in one of the youth hostels of Eljaröd. It seemed like everyone had some sort of transportation to get to the castle. Everyone but us. We walked on the road, while cars were passing by one by one.
We had seats in the so called "Golden Circle." There were only 30 rows of seats, which were separated from the standing area by a fence. Our seats were in the 25th row. Actually, not too bad, considering the fact that we never sat throughout the concert. First, who wants to sit when Elton John’s playing? Second, who wants to freeze on cold wet seats? After all, we all had flowers to give to Elton, and we were waiting for a chance to do so.
Before the concert we talked to a security guard, who said that they would allow us to come to the stage after "Crocodile Rock". The stage itself was the highest we’ve ever experienced – way over our heads! Probably that’s why Elton was seen so well even from the 25th row.
The concert was amazing! Elton wore a blue suit and dark glasses. The next day, they wrote in some paper, that Elton must have been the only person in Sweden wearing sunglasses that rainy afternoon! But Elton seemed to have fun despite the dreadful weather. He said that he would "try to justify our bravery" of coming to see him play in the rain. And he did indeed perform marvelously.
A nice surprise followed "Border Song". Elton actually played "The One", which was probably the highlight of the whole show for us, as it is our favorite song. "The Greatest Discovery" never made its way back into the set list. And "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" was so cute with the funny way Elton’s been singing "didn’t you, de-ah …"
When we saw Elton play in Sundsvall, he had a bad cold and therefore shortened the instrumental parts of "Honky Cat", "I’m Still Standing" and "Take Me To The Pilot", and omitted half of the second verse in "Moon River". This time, however, he put his whole soul into playing, and his voice was crystal clear.
Nearly after every song Elton stood up, bowed and thanked the audience. He also was quite talkative, introducing songs a little differently from the other concerts. He said that Robert Downey Jr. played him in the video of "I Want Love", which was "very nice." And when introducing "This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore", Elton said that Justin Timberlake played him in that video, and that he (Elton) "is getting younger with every video."
It seemed like "Candle in the Wind" was the highlight for the audience, who couldn’t stop clapping and even rose from their seats. The line "when the rain set in" pretty much described the mood of the concert. It was indeed pouring rain, and some guy from the crew came on stage before "Carla/Etude" to wipe off the rain puddles gathered on the plastic covering, in which the whole piano was wrapped. That made Elton laugh. And with a grin on his face he performed the instrumental songs.
As usual we had signs and posters at the concerts. And this time they unfortunately got wrecked in the rain. Our clothes were soaked through. And my Elton John cap grew heavy and dribbling on my head… It was still so fun. We ran to the stage during "Take Me To the Pilot", and stayed there right until the end. Elton’s extended piano solo during "Pilot" even included a rocky version of "Song for Guy!" "Bennie and the Jets" was also simply fantastic! And after Crocodile Rock Elton accepted flowers from us.
It was also very beautiful to see the rain through the lights of different colors. Several times it even seemed as if it was snowing… Who knows, maybe it was.
The crowd kept moving around. People were coming in and out, grabbing hot drinks or sandwiches, others were "hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock" with us. Elton only signed one autograph (lucky someone!). My guess is that he didn’t really want to come to the edge of the stage in fear of getting wet. But the stage was also very high, which meant that Elton had to get on his knees and lean forward to even accept our flowers.
As always, whenever the concert ends I become sad. This concert was not an exception. When will we see Elton again? Will he even tour for another couple of years? Elton is truly the best musician and performer in the world. He has been on tours since 99, pretty much non-stop. He deserves a break. But I don’t want him to stop. Seeing Elton in concert and looking forward to seeing him keeps me going and helps me to live everyday life. Elton, please, keep on going!
With the end of this concert, our adventure did not end, however. I know, it’s hard to believe, but we were literally stuck in the middle of nowhere. There were no buses to get us to Tomelilla, and it would be impossible to walk at night, in mud and rain for probably 10 hours. My husband and I stood at the parking lot, trying to get a taxi, but everything was either full or pre-ordered. In a couple of hours, the last car was gone. And it rained so heavily, and it was so cold, but it also was pitch black.
There was a drunk somewhere close. And I got so scared. I kept expecting someone to spring from behind a tree with a knife. It was so dreadful. And we were trying to reach the taxi office by phone, but it seemed like all the taxis were taken. Actually, I couldn’t make out their Southern Swedish, and they couldn’t make out my Swedish or English. How difficult can it be to order a cab? It can be impossible from the middle of nowhere.
So we started walking, in pure darkness, on the road of mud, in the rain. But we didn’t care about getting wet or dirty. We were very scared. And at that moment we actually regretted coming to Christinehof at all. But we ordered the taxi somehow, after what seemed hours of calling the office and trying to make out the Swedish of Southern Sweden. We were happy to pay as much as that driver wanted. We did get to the hotel sometime around 2 a.m. at night, all dirty and wet, tired and yet happy. Too bad we didn’t have many extra clothes. The next day we "enjoyed" our damp jeans and coats. Some Elton stuff even got ruined in the rain, things we wanted him to autograph… But it was truly nice to get back to the hotel.
And now, sitting here at the computer in a nice warm apartment, it seems like there has never been any rain at all. Why is it so hot now, when it was so stormy on Thursday?
And now, it feels that the nightmare of that night was worth the happiness and joy of seeing our favorite artist Elton John. It was worth everything. And I think I could go through it again, if it meant that we would see Elton. Thank you, Elton!
Following is the complete set list from the Christinehof show on July 3, 2003:Related News
Monday, June 30 2003 at 05:49:11
| Elton John performed in Horsens on July 4, 2003 Monday, July 7 2003 |
Fan report and photos by Ulrick Garde.
This evening was fantastic. As the big fan of Elton John I am ,I went to Sweden to see Elton the day before the show in Denmark.
Elton was good in Sweden despite the terrible weather, but it was not to compare with the show here in Denmark. Horsens is a small Danish city, and with only 5000 people the concert was expected to be quite intimate, and it was!
My girlfiend, my brother, his girlfriend and myself made it to the venue approx. 1 1/2 hours before the doors opened. Not many people were there at that time, so we got a fantastic view, only about 4 meters from Eltons piano!
Then the clock turned 8.30 pm and Elton came on stage wearing a black suit and brown sunglasses. The audience was fantastic throughout the whole show, and you could see that Elton really enjoyed playing here.
I was lucky to get my tour book signed. One guy even got his shoe signed by Elton, who was very generous with autographs! I had never been so close to him before! 
His voice was fantastic, the sound was great, and he really got us all in his hand! He even improvised so much that when he saw a little kid wearing a t-shirt saying "Nikita", Elton said that because of that he wanted to play "Nikita". This resulted in the set list being the same as the one in Trondheim, Norway, except for "The Greatest Discovery" being replaced with "The One" and "Ticking" being played instead of "Original Sin".
This will be a night to remember, and Sir Elton, I do gave no idea where you get the energy from, but I have never heard or seen any musician with such a voice, talent and such a way of playing piano.
Thank you for rocking all of us tonight!
Click on the images in this news item to send them as Hercules eCard.
Following is the complete set list of the Horsens show on July 4, 2003:
Moon River
| Another signed Elton piano for sale Sunday, July 6 2003 |
When Sir Elton John performed in Green Bay in late May, he left a little of himself behind-- his signature. He signed a grand piano, which will be auctioned by the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.
On its own, it is a beautiful, restored Yamaha Grand piano. Take a closer look and it's something even more spectacular, bearing the message "With Love, Elton John."
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation convinced him to sign a piano it could auction. Organizers had to jump through some hoops. "We could only communicate with Elton John by fax. No book, no brochure, no mail, it had to be fax," Doug LaViolette said.
He added, "The contract he has states he will not sign anything if it's more than ten feet away from the path from his dressing room to the stage."
Henri's Music donated the piano and it all came together. Henry Czachor said, "We delivered it over to his dressing area, his rehearsal area backstage, and we set it up so it would be convenient for him to doodle on the piano and sign it if he could. We were successful and he was very gracious about it."
The piano is now on display at Henri's Music in Green Bay with the inscription "With love, Elton John."
It will be auctioned off September 16, 2003 at Lambeau Field at this year's Brian Laviolette Scholarship Foundation event. Bidding for the piano is expected to start around $7,000.
"We've had a lot of people talking about it. It's been pretty exciting," Czachor said.
Autographed items from Tiger Woods and Air Force One are also being auctioned, and actor-director Henry Winkler, best known as "The Fonz" from TV's "Happy Days," will be at the event.
| Artists Pick Their Favorites on CD Series Saturday, July 5 2003 |
The music industry may not like it, but most fans have shared music with friends by making compilations — to expose them to something new, to provide a party soundtrack or even to seduce.
Now imagine getting a CD mix compiled by Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams or even the Rolling Stones — and you don't even have to know them.
Hear Music, a company bankrolled by the Starbucks coffee chain, has introduced a line of Artist's Choice CDs. Participating musicians are asked to pick music that matters to them, then explain their choices in the liner notes.
Crow's set was hit-heavy, with popular choices from the likes of Carole King, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Squeeze and Crowded House. Williams, who kept editing her choices up to the last minute, was big on country weepers. Tony Bennett and Ray Charles chose mostly classics.
Each Stones member had four choices, which were heavy on vintage soul and blues. The process, predictably, brought forth internal rivalries, said Don MacKinnon, Hear Music founder and now vice president of music and entertainment for Starbucks.
Hear Music began in 1990 as a mail-order catalogue and then a chain of three retail stores on the West Coast. MacKinnon and colleagues compiled their CD mixes that recalled the way they were turned on to new music as youngsters.
"The whole idea is to flip the record-shopping experience on its head," he said. "You're going to walk out of here with five CDs that you've never heard of and don't know you love."
With the Artist's Choice series, Hear Music is looking to expand its reach. The discs first go on sale at Starbucks, and after a few days are made available to other retail outlets.
The series was launched last year with what would seem an unlikely commercial choice: cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Discs programmed by Charles and Williams soon followed.
The CDs are smartly packaged with details about the songs, and colorful artist quotes about why the songs connected with them.
Crow, in choosing Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," said: "I always listen to music and enjoy it for what it is, but I also listen to it for what I can learn, to better my game."
Future discs will be programmed by blues legend B.B. King and country icon Johnny Cash.
| Racing history comes alive at PIR Saturday, July 5 2003 |
Now in its 27th year, the historic races pre-date CART's annual visit to Portland and remain the second most popular event at Portland International Raceway (PIR) on July 11-13, 2003.
In addition to a field of about 200 race cars, the weekend is noted for its low-key ambiance, which allows fans to get close to multimillion-dollar one-of-a-kind machines, parked so photography is encouraged. Owners are usually close by and eager to talk about a car's pedigree.
Almost 700 non-racing cars will be on display in the track's paddock, where car clubs wage an undeclared competition to see who can bring the most chrome-laden street machines to the track.
Nigel Olsson will drive the pace car -- a 1996 Ferrari F355 Spyder -- giving rides on July 11, 2003 to kids from the Children's Cancer Association, a beneficiary of the race. Olsson has played drums with Elton John since 1969. He races vintage cars and owns a Mini Cooper, which is heard at the end of Elton John's, "All the Young Girls Love Alice."
| Council claims concert organisers breaking law Saturday, July 5 2003 |
Floriana local council yesterday filed a judicial letter in the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, complaining about the stands built for the Elton John concert.
The council referred to 1997 legislation which lays down that any temporary structure erected for the purposes of a public activity does not require a Mepa permit provided that the structure is in place for no longer than 14 days.
The temporary structure, consisting of a stand erected on the Floriana granaries had been in place for over 14 days for works on it had commenced on June 18, 2003. Furthermore, the concert was to be held on July 6, the council held.
The council appealed to Mepa to fulfil its legal duties in respect of the stand, claiming the 1997 legislation was being violated by the concert organisers.
It also appealed to the authority to ensure that the structure is removed immediately after the concert.Related News
Sunday, June 29 2003 at 08:30:46
Monday, June 23 2003 at 19:59:52
| Hercules Poll: Best Elton Song - Final Round Saturday, July 5 2003 |
We are now ready for the final round and ask you to pick your favorite Elton John song from ten songs, which made it through the first two rounds. Place your vote today.
Over the past few weeks, we asked you to help us find the best Elton John song of all times. For starters, we asked you to vote on your favorite song from each regular studio album Elton has released in the past 34 years (see Part 1-3).
We then compiled the results from the first round and presented you with a list of the top 3 of each album for you to vote on again (see Part 4). That way, we tried to give those songs a chance which are usually overlooked when fans just name their favorite songs from memory.
Now it's time to place your final vote.
| Elton & Billy world's top touring artists Friday, July 4 2003 |
Elton John and Billy Joel top the of list the world's most profitable touring act, according to Billboard magazine.
The two piano man are followed by Tim McGraw, Cher, Yanni, Springsteen, country singer Kenny Chesney, John Farnham, Bon Jovi, Shakira and the Dixie Chicks.
The chart, a quarterly review of the global touring circuit, will be published on July 25, 2003. It will also detail money earned by the artist for the respective quarter.
| Elton in the studio with Brian Wilson Thursday, July 3 2003 |
Elton John will make a guest appearance on an upcoming album by Beach Boys legend, Brian Wilson.
Elton sings and plays piano on a song called "How Can We Still Be Dancing." Wilson said he also wants to collaborate with Sting and Eric Clapton.
Wilson told Rolling Stone, in the publication's May 15, 2003 issue, that the new album has "a little more thickness to it. The sound is a little more ballsy." He is recording with his regular touring band, the L.A. group, the Wondermints. No release date has been announced.
| Blue case judge shows his colours Tuesday, July 1 2003 |
The judge in a court case involving two groups called Blue has been demonstrating his knowledge of the finer points of the pop and rock world, reports the BBC.
Mr Justice Hugh Laddie is in charge of the case in which pop act Blue are being sued by a 1970s rock band of the same name.
The original Blue want to prevent them from using the name, saying their own career and reputation is being damaged. They are suing the contemporary boy band and their label EMI/Virgin, for up to £5 million.
As proceedings began at the High Court, Mr Justice Laddie defied the image of Britain's crusty, out-of-touch judiciary with some pithy examination of counsel.
The judge - known for his broad taste in music - appeared surprised when the older band's barrister said their reputation was being threatened.
"Are you seriously saying that fans of one group would mistake one for the other?" he asked Charles Purle QC.
"There is somewhat a difference of appearance. One is aged like you and me, the other is a boy band."
Mr Purle said: "My clients were a boy band in the 1970s."
The judge replied: "Oh no. Boy band is a style of music that is a bit more recent than the Charleston."
Members of the original group, including brothers Hugh and David Nicholson and Ian MacMillan, are now in their 50s and based in Scotland. Elder brother Matt Nicholson, manager of The Record Label, which handles the group, says EMI/Virgin has treated them with "arrogance and contempt".
The group say EMI/Virgin knew of their existence before the boy band's rise to fame. The contemporary Blue - Duncan James, Anthony Costa, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe - insist there is "no merit" in the case against them.
They have achieved three UK number one singles, including a collaboration with Sir Elton John on his song "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word".
Sir Elton is expected to be called to give evidence, to confirm that the first Blue were signed to his label, Rocket, and produced their album, "Another Night Time Flight".
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