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| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: July 2008 |
| Elton takes note of Napier Thursday, July 31 2008 |
Graham Napier is ready to prove he is the Twenty20 king today — and get even closer to new pal Elton John.
Essex ace Napier rocks up at the Rose Bowl for finals day still surfing the glory wave after his astonishing 152 not out from just 58 balls against Sussex last month. The incredible knock, which included a record 16 sixes, stunned the cricket world and has put Napier on the verge of landing a mega-bucks deal with the cash-rich IPL.
His blistering blitz even got one legendary rock superstar to sit up and take so much notice he just had to give him a call. Napier, who leads the charge against Kent in the first semi-final this morning, explained: “The spotlight has been on me since that innings but when I heard Elton John was trying to get hold of me I thought it was a joke. Someone at the club said his agent had been in touch for my number. It was unbelievable. All the lads were winding me up and when he did ring I thought it was someone playing a game. I never thought someone like Elton would want to speak to me."
“I know through his Watford connections he is a big football fan but he really impressed me with his cricket knowledge. He was saying how he thought James Foster should play for England and was really on the ball. He told me how much he enjoyed watching my batting that night and we had a good chat. I have always been an Elton fan and grew up listening to his music. I have never been to see him though so perhaps if I can do well at the weekend I will be able to bag some tickets. He can’t make it to the Rose Bowl though. He is performing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas instead!”
Napier added: “Being in the limelight has been strange but I have enjoyed it. People have started to recognise me in the supermarket. With that and Elton giving me a call, I guess I must be doing something right!”
| Elton signs Sydney dance pop duo Pnau Thursday, July 31 2008 |
Elton John has proved to be more than a vocal champion for Sydney dance pop duo Pnau, earning his Rocket Man tag by blasting into action and signing the band to the London management company which oversees himself.
Elton hasn't been able to stop singing Pnau's praises since actress Toni Collette - who shares an Australian agent with the band - suggested he check them out while on tour there in December 2007.
He bought dozens of copies of their self-titled third album and has since kept in close contact, reports music editor Kathy McCabe. Back home briefly for the Splendour In The Grass festival this weekend and their own tour next week, Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes said Elton wasn't personally managing their affairs but has been an invaluable adviser.
"We talk more about art than business and hopefully introducing us to that part of London, artists like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Sam Taylor-Wood," Littlemore said. But before they take the London art and music worlds by storm, there have been plenty of home-cooked meals - by Elton's personal chef - and morale-boosting as Pnau start from scratch in a town renowned for sledging Antipodeans with aspirations.
"The first time he called me, the only thing I wanted him to do was play some piano for us and he still hasn't!" Littlemore said. "His tenacity is something we admire because it's something we have had from day one, always trying to do something new. And when we're worried about money and how much it is going to cost to record there, he reminds us we'll be able to use the studio he is building there."Related News
Thursday, December 13 2007 at 21:05:58
| "The Captain And The Kid" 180g Premium Audiophile LP Tuesday, July 29 2008 |
To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the long-playing record, Universal Music Group is delighted to announce the release of 80 titles (in four batches) on much-loved 30cm black vinyl across 2008, starting with the first batch of 20 titles in July 2008.
All will be exact replicas of the original packages. Classics of the past sixty years will be available again!
Elton John's "The Captain And The Kid" limited 180 gram heavy weight Premium Audiophile vinyl LP will be released on August 19, 2008. This high quality pressing is housed in the original Deluxe Gatefold Sleeve which is held within a sealed PVC Sleeve.
But this is not merely some history exercise for dewy-eyed oldies. Each album contains a voucher enabling the purchaser to download MP3 versions of the songs within.
| Elton performed private concert for Pearl Dubai Tuesday, July 29 2008 |
Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, a consortium of investors led by Al Fahim Group, rolled out a lavish trip to Paris for 150 investors, offering an exclusive preview of the design and décor of the Dhs2.5bn Baccarat Hotel and Residences project that will be completed at the Dubai Pearl development in 2011.
Complementing Dubai Pearl's status to offer the best-of-breed projects and quality, the invited guests were additionally treated to a private concert by Elton John after the unveiling of the Baccarat Residences.
Headed by Abdul Majeed Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai, and Santhosh Joseph, President and CEO, Dubai Pearl, the entourage comprised heads of Starwood Capital Group and French crystal maker Baccarat, including Russell Sternlicht, President, Starwood Capital EMEA and Directeur Général, Groupe du Louvre, parent company of Baccarat, Neil Jacobs, President Global Hotel Operations for Starwood Capital Group, Hervé Martin, CEO of Baccarat, Chafik Gasmi, Artistic Director of Baccarat, as well as leading UAE businessmen and members of the media.
Abdul Majeed Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, said: "Our initiative of the trip was to acquaint our investors with the signature Baccarat brand, including a visit to the magnificent Maison Baccarat, bringing them one step closer to being part of their upcoming Dubai Pearl experience. This trip also projects our principles of transparency and assurance that calls for a proactive engagement with our investors through every phase of a venture, from the launch to the completion stage."
| Elton backstage in Vermont Thursday, July 24 2008 |
Elton walked into a crowded backstage room on July 21, 2008 at the Champlain Valley Exposition, looked about him at the swarm of photographers, TV crews and assorted promo people, and said with a smile, "Oh, my God."
It was about 20 minutes before show time, and the gracious and glittery Elton, wearing a sparkly silver cross around his neck, purple shades with a diamond-studded "EJ" in the corner, and shooting stars on his tails, had a pre-show photo-op to attend to.
First up: Ice cream. Someone handed Sir Elton a paper cup of Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road, a custom-made Ben & Jerry's flavor created to honor John and raise money for the Elton John Aids Foundation. "That's brilliant," Elton said, flashing his gap-toothed smile and holding aloft the ice cream for snapping photogs. "And it's delicious. I've had it."
Elton was moments away from playing a milestone gig: With his Vermont show, Elton has performed in every state in the union, a 39-year run of U.S. performances that started in September 1970. Before taking to his Yamaha grand, Elton had to smile for the cameras. Again. And again. And one more time. A chore he performed with grace, good cheer and a dash of wit.
Next up, post-ice cream: Gov. Jim Douglas, who presented John with a gift basket of Vermont goods, and told the singer he had saved the best for last. Yet another present: This one a clock, mounted on a plaque, from concert promoter Live Nation. "It's reminding me to get on stage on time," Elton said. And to meet his curfew at the performance's end, he added.
Still, Elton gave up a little more of his time to answer questions. He said he was thrilled to be in Vermont, and that the night was a glorious one. "I'm very, very lucky," Elton said.
He talked about the honor of having an ice cream named for him, a tribute unlike any he's received. He answered a question about his foundation and the importance of AIDS education. "If you get kids at a young age, they'll listen," Elton said.
He described the appreciation of audiences when he plays in "out of the way places. I love it more than I ever did," Elton said of touring. Referring to the industry-wide decline in record sales, Elton talked about his work as a musician. "I'm a live artist," he said. "And thank God I am. If I weren't a live artist, I wouldn't be talking to you now."
For a time, Elton wondered whether he'd make it to the States in time for the Vermont show. A heavy rain in Atlanta appeared to threaten his flight, he said. Then came a change in the weather, like the one here just in time for the concert. "A miracle happened," Elton said.Related News
Tuesday, July 22 2008 at 11:07:25
Wednesday, July 16 2008 at 02:12:20
| Is Elton Lulu’s mystery Party in Park guest? Wednesday, July 23 2008 |
Lulu has revealed that her "Mystery" Party in the Park guest could be mega-star Elton John.
She told the Express she will be bringing a few friends along to the town’s biggest event – and hinted one of them could be the legendary crooner – "...it could be Elton". The Eurovision song contest winner will be wowing Maxonians with her booming voice at the festival.
Flying straight into town after sunning herself in France with friend Elton and his partner, David Furnish, the popstar suggested the well-loved music man could be her "mystery guest". But she refused to say for sure.
She said: "I will be flying in from my holiday with Elton and David in France, so it will be like carrying on my holidays in Macclesfield. There will be a few friends appearing with me on stage – it could be Elton. But I’m not going to tell, it’s fun to not say."
Lulu will be preparing herself for a 90-minute musical extravaganza and will be joined by Magic of Motown on stage on August 16, 2008 at West Park. But it’s not the first time the musical maestro has visited Silk Town and she is chomping at the bit to get a taste of Maxonian musical madness.
"I have been performing all around for so long so I have been everywhere in the country. I’m looking forward to it because the further north you go the better the audience, and it will be a really fun day for everyone, old and young," said Lulu.
She added: "Hopefully, the weather will be good but it won’t dampen the spirits if it rains. Perhaps I will have to do a dance to the sun gods!" Rain or shine, fans can brace themselves for some of her favourite chart-topping songs, including "Shout" and "Relight My Fire", but the diminutive diva still has a few tricks up her sleeve.
She said: "When I perform, people usually want to hear certain songs from me and I try and appease them but there will be a few surprises – I just want people to have a good time."
The Saturday concert will open with the Magic of Motown, providing a superb Tamla Motown spectacle, followed by the main act herself. Orgainsed by Macclesfield Borough Council, the fun continues on Sunday with the West Park Family Fun day, complete with carnival and other attractions.
Tickets are on sale from Macclesfield Town Hall on +44 1625 504114 costing just £10, helped by sponsors Gradus, AstraZeneca, SAS Daniels, Arco Ltd, Lookers, Travis Perkins, The Emerson Group, Silk FM and The Macclesfield Express. They can also be bought from the following ticket agents; ticketline.co.uk (+44 871 4244444), quaytickets.com (+44 870 0666845) and whatsontickets.com (+44 871 2240036).
| Elton John and band performed in Vermont on July 21, 2008 Tuesday, July 22 2008 |
One of the most anticipated shows in Vermont history rocked the state on July 21, 2008; Elton John performed to a sellout crowd at the fairgrounds in Essex Junction.
Elton sent more than 10,000 fans into orbit with his first-ever show in Vermont. But before he hit the state, he met with reporters and tasted the limited edition Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor made in his honor, aptly named "Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road."
Elton was glad that the rain stopped and let him play his first Vermont show in full force. "I love America," he said. "I came here in 1970 for my first show in California, and it's taken me, well, 39 years to get to Vermont, but it's worth it and I love this country, and I wanted to play in every single state".
Fans who waited months, if not a lifetime for the show, were not disappointed. "We were really excited," said Geoff Gadbois of Milton. "He may never come back again, so it was great."
Kate and Jimbo Petraska traveled from Hanover, NH, to see the show. "We just got married last week, so this was really special for us," Kate Petraska said. Elton John even played the couple's favorite song, 'Tiny Dancer.'
Elton John played for over two hours, and certainly gave 10,000 people a rocking Vermont night that they won't forget any time soon.
Following is the complete set list of the Essex Junction show on July 21, 2008:
| Ticketmaster: we were not involved in Canadian Elton ticket trouble Wednesday, July 16 2008 |
As the issue concerning Elton John tickets in Canada continues to swirl, Ticketmaster is reportedly denying any involvement in placing tickets to some of the upcoming Canadian shows on its TicketsNow subsidiary website.
In recent days, Ticketmaster has faced considerable scrutiny over the matter, where premium Elton John tickets that the public allegedly did not have access to on Ticketmaster's website last month, quickly turned up on the TicketsNow website, a secondary ticket resale site where prices are often much higher.
The issue is not new to Ticketmaster, which has been accused of such behavior on more than one occasion since it bought TicketsNow earlier this year.
In the case of the Elton John shows, which sparked widespread interest throughout the country because he is performing for the first time in certain regions, government officials are looking into the matter following complaints from numerous fans.
But, according to published reports, Will Antonishyn, head of ticketing for Ticketmaster's Saskatchewan office, was quoted saying, "The inventory belongs to the promoter and artist, and the artist determines who has what privileges in advance of the public on sale or not, like fan clubs for instance."
In May 2008, Ticketmaster CEO Sean Moriarty told ticket brokers something similar during a meeting in Las Vegas to quell some of their concerns. Brokers were angry that they and the public seemingly did not have access to premium tickets before they were turning up on TicketsNow. Moriarty blamed the artists and their representatives for placing their own tickets on TicketsNow and other secondary sites. The company also removed links on its site that redirected Elton John fans to TicketsNow.
Ticketmaster spokesperson Albert Lopez told TicketNews the company would not comment on the Elton John matter. The company also did not confirm Antonishyn's statement.
| Elton John performed solo in Starnberg, Germany on July 15, 2008 Wednesday, July 16 2008 |
Elton performed a private solo show at the wedding of German soccer player Michael Ballack on July 15, 2008.
The reception took place in a yacht club at lake Starnberg near Munich. Elton took the stage at approx. 10.00 pm and performed for about 90 minutes.
Following Elton's set there was a laser show and fireworks above the lake.
Following is the complete set list that Elton performed at this private event:
Photo copyright by Sabine Thomas, Textfactory
| Choc Ice goes Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road Wednesday, July 16 2008 |
Elton John has joined the rarified and rather delicious ranks of Stephen Colbert, Jerry Garcia, Monty Python, Dave Matthews and Phish, becoming the latest celebrity inspiration for a Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor: Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road.
The limited-edition treat will be rolled out for one week only in July 2008 to coincide with Elton's first concert in the pint purveyors' home base of Vermont, the last state in the U.S. Elton has yet to perform in. Proceeds from the flavor will benefit the Elton John AIDS foundation.
"I can't think of a more fun way to celebrate playing my 50th state, Vermont, than having Ben & Jerry's create a special ice cream, Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road, with all my favorite flavors and ingredients," Elton said. "I'm especially pleased that they will be donating the proceeds to the Elton John AIDS Foundation."
The custom flavor was concocted with input from Elton himself and consists of "an outrageous symphony of decadent chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks." "We're thrilled with the final combination, plus we've got the Rocket Man's seal of approval," Ben's partner-in-crime (and business), Jerry Greenfield, said.
The flavor will be available in Vermont Scoop Shops for just one week only, July 18-25, 2008 in anticipation of Elotn's Vermont show on July 21, 2008.
Further sweetening the pot, the coneheads will also play tunes from Elton's latest album, "Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits", as well as the DVD of his recent 60th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden, in their stores that week.
| More "Aida" coming your way Tuesday, July 15 2008 |
RVL S.C.O.R.E. proudly presents "Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida" in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Under the direction/musical direction of Mike Walker and choreographed by Marie Madera Gleerup, performances will take place August 7-9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and August 9 & 10, 2008 at 2:00 pm at Miraleste Intermediate School, 29323 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
This show is being produced by a charity supporting victims of spinal cord injuries. Indeed, the producer of the show, Robbie Vierra-Lambert, is himself a paraplegic. From the confines of his electric wheelchair, he is very involved in many of the day-to-day aspects of mounting this show.
The cast of this show is comprised of youth between the ages of 11 and 18. Some are already veterans of many musical theater productions, while others are involved in their first show ever.
Tickets cost $15 (adults) or $10 (kids 18 & under). You may order tickets by calling +1-310-377-3706. Reserved seating based on a first come first served basis.
| Deluxe Edition of early Elton John albums Monday, July 14 2008 |
Universal Records has now also released deluxe editions of "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" in the US.
In addition to the original album tracks, the two disc releases also contain the following bonus material:
"Elton John"
"Tumbleweed Connection"
| Happy Birthday, Bob! Monday, July 14 2008 |
Elton John band bass player Bob Birch is celebrating his 52nd birthday on July 14, 2008.
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!
| Auction to benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation Monday, July 14 2008 |
During their two week performance of Aida (July 10-20, 2008), the Chattahoochee Community Players will be auctioning off a Brian Perrymond original Aida-inspired oil painting (30" x 40").
All proceeds will go to the Elton John Aids Foundation. We encourage you to bid and to check back often. This is your opportunity to own an original painting by Brian Perrymond and the opportunity to make a difference.
Chattahoochee Community Players (CCP) is thrilled to announce the 2008 production of Aida. This musical presents a beautiful love story where hatred is overcome by love and compassion. A strong-willed Nubian princess, Aida, is captured by an Egyptian captain, Radames. As the story progresses, difficult choices must be made that alter the course of history forever. It is a story about different people and different traditions, but one love. This universal theme is the very reason why the CCP are so excited about producing this show.
The origianl production, 'Legend of Aida', opened in 1998 in Atlanta, GA. Eventually, Elton John and Tim Rice, in a collaborative effort with the Walt Disney Company, re-vamped the musical to what has now become the Broadway hit, Aida. The musical features a modern-rock score that includes twists on gospel, pop, as well as many ethnic and classic musical elements. Memorable musical numbers include "Elaborate Lives," "My Strongest Suit," "Written in the Stars," and many more.
The final three performances take place July 17-19, 2008 at the Chattahoochee Theatre in Alpharetta, GA. Please see www.ccplayers.org. for more details.
| Elton John and band performed in Doncaster on July 12, 2008 Monday, July 14 2008 |
Fan repory by Mark Danby.
Thankfully the poor English July weather relented and we had a little sunshine at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on July 12, 2008. First of all a mention for the support Richard Fleeshman who took to the stage a little early at 7.00 pm but the stadium appeared pretty full and he gave an excellent performance that received the approval of the audience which I would compare to the reception that James Blunt received a few years ago.
Elton also appeared a little early at 8.00 pm and was in great form and went through the same set list as the other UK shows. I have now attended more Elton shows than I can easily count but for this show I took my mother who is in her 80's and my eldest son (Thomas) 14 to their first Elton John concerts, I also took my youngest son (Lewis) 12 who was attending his second. We were in block A4 7 rows from the front so we had a great view and both my mother and sons had a great time and said that he had exceeded expectations so Elton really does appeal to all generations.
A story a like to tell about my youngest son after I returned home from a Elton concert in Sheffield 3/4 years ago. I had managed to get my programme signed by Elton and I showed it to Lewis saying look I managed to get his autograph. He took the programme looked at the autograph and then proceeded to look in the programme when he said to me "Oh yes there you are dad I can see Elton signing your programme". Not believing him I just nodded but sensing this he took the programme to my wife who took a look and shouted out hey is it you and sure enough there in the programme was a picture of Elton signing my programme at a previous concert. Unfortunately Lewis did not get his ticket signed by Elton but I did get my programme signed and Lewis and Thomas did get Clive Franks autograph.
Some other comments from my sons and mother, Thomas thought John Mahon was fantastic and that Davey was cool (not a bad compliment from a 14 year old) and was impressed by his many guitar changes. Lewis really enjoyed "Crocodile Rock" and my mother thought that Elton's hair looked good and would like to attend another Elton concert.
From my view point I think Elton has the set list just about right with some songs from "Madman Across The Water" followed by "Believe" and "Take Me To The Pilot" before launching into the hits with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". The days when the audience would sit throughout the entire concert are now in the past because when the hits start its party time and this was no exception. As previously mentioned the only thing a I miss is the absence of a new song because it is always a thrill to hear a song performed live for the first time. With Elton's recording career apparently on hold it may be some time before we hear any new material.
Following is the complete set list of the Doncaster show on July 12, 2008:
| Elton John and band performed in Brooklands, Surrey on July 11, 2008 Sunday, July 13 2008 |
Fan report by Julio, Jose and Rosa from Spain.
A wet night under the mysterious London sky. I think is the best title for this show! After some hours of travel by plain and train, my friends and I arrived at Mercedes Benz Pavillion at 4 pm. The grey London sky made us foretell a concert "under water"! and ... it was really!
Elton was great and played the full set list including songs as "Are You Ready For Love", "Believe", "Levon" and of course "Bennie And The Jets", playing very hard and with very good stage with his LED Panel!.
The only bad thing about the concerts was the horrible bad weather. Elton signed a lot of autographs, one for me.
It was a very good experience with my friends Jose and Rosa- also from Spain. Thanks Elton... and remember... Spain is waiting for you!
Following is the complete set list of the Brooklands, Surrey show on July 11, 2008:
| Elton John performed in Venice on July 9, 2008 Thursday, July 10 2008 |
Fan report by Jacopo Rocchi.
The show in Venice has been my third Elton concert, and my first solo piano show, so I was looking forward to listen to some beautiful rare songs performed by Elton, such as "Roy Rogers" or "I Need You To Turn To".
But my wishes have been a little disappointed. In fact after taking the stage, Elton performed "Your Song", "Sixty Years On" and "Border Song" and then he played "Daniel". I realized that the set list had been cut.
During the first part of the concert Elton didn't seem to be in a good mood, he did not speak as he does usually, maybe because peolple continued coming and searching their seats and they disturbed him. But despite the cut set list, despite the initial bad mood, Elton played his songs brilliantly, his way of playing has been perfect, his technique has been wonderful.
And Elton saw the fans in the front row that were there to listen to his music and this improved his mood reaching the final part of the concert: During a moving version of "Candle in The Wind" all the lights on the palaces in Saint Mark Square were turned on and after the song they were turned off, the Square paid its tribute to the legend. After a brilliant version of "Carla Etude/Tonight", Elton launched himself in a spicy rock final: "Bennie and The Jets" was fantastic with its "In The Mood" variations, and during "Crocodile Rock", "I'm still Standing" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", all the fans were in front of the stage and I got my "One Night Only" booklet signed by Elton!
He left us with an unforgettable version of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me": It was a very good concert, he touched my soul with his wonderful piano.
Following is the complete set list of the Venice show on July 9, 2008:
| Elton John and band performed in Konstanz on July 8, 2008 Wednesday, July 9 2008 |
Fan report and photos by Ulrick Garde.
On my way to last nights concert I was trying to count the amount of times I have seen Elton live. I ended up with the show in Konstanz being number 17 since 1995. People may ask : “Doesn't it get boring?"
The answer is NO and after last nights show I am convinced and happy that I have already booked my 18th in Copenhagen the coming November 2008.
The funny thing about Elton is that he gets better and better the older he gets. His voice, the total sound and tightness of the band keeps improving. Last night was a blast.
With tickets in the 5th row in the middle my friend and I took our seats, and at 7 pm sharp the band was ready and the intro to “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” began. Elton came on stage wearing a black suit with a long jacket. He looked fairly trimmed, happy, smiling and ready to rock Konstanz which he did for about two and a half hours.
We all got what we came for, all the major hits we there. To mention a few highlights “Believe” was in the set and sounded great. “Rocket Man” came out very well, and the solo on “Bennie And The Jets” shows what a superb piano player this man is. Elton started playing the German national hymn leading directly into “Crocodile Rock” which surprised the crowed a lot.
Again at this show he took more than five minutes only to sign autographs. There was a great atmosphere, people were happy, singing along and dancing. The weather kept dry until almost the last song where it started heavily to rain.
After thanking the German people for loyalty and support over the years he took off in the waiting helicopter bringing him to his private jet at the airport in Memmingen. Thank you Elton for rocking me (again).
Following is the complete set listKonstanz show on July 8, 2008:
| Elton calls in the lawyers as satirical piece strikes a wrong note Wednesday, July 9 2008 |
Elton John is used to being lampooned by comics around the globe, but his sense of humour only seems to extend so far.
Lawyers acting for Elton have fired off an angry letter to The Guardian to complain about a spoof item that appeared in its Saturday magazine, part of a series titled, "A Peek at the Diary Of... ", with Elton the object of the writer's satire.
Among other things, the article poked fun at Elton's annual White Tie and Tiara Ball, which took place at his home in Windsor a fortnight ago. Elton is upset that the article implied that the overheads required to put on the bash, which raises funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation, were excessive.
"Naturally, everyone could afford just to hand over the money if they gave that much of a toss about Aids research – as could the sponsors," it read. "But we like to give guests a preposterously lavish evening, because they're the kind of people who wouldn't turn up for anything less... Once we've subtracted all these costs, the leftovers go to my foundation. I call this care-o-nomics."
Sources close to the singer describe the piece as "unpleasant". It's not the first time he's locked horns with the press over the party. In 2006, he successfully sued the Daily Mail over claims that he'd ordered guests at the party in 2005 not to approach him.
Meanwhile, The Guardian confirmed that it had received a lawyers' letter, and was now deciding how to respond.
| SERIES: I'm an Elton fan, but I also ... Tuesday, July 8 2008 |
... wrote a book about a five months bicycle trip through Europe - Rainer Preuss, Germany (now moving to Canada).
In May 2007 Rainer Preuss and his wife Susanne started on a five months bicycle trip through ten countries of Middle and Southeast Europe. They quit their jobs and want to abstain consumption and the everyday strain of living. They want only one thing: Concentrate on the here and now, enjoy the beauty of the little moments in life and find the time to deeply absorb strange cultures and people.
But is it possible to do all this? Can we shake off everything that formed our civilised lives by travelling old roman roads, climbing steep dolomite passes, visiting Italian cultural capitals, exploring Slovenian caves, working on Croatian organic farms, tiptoeing around Bosnian mine fields and looking in amazement at Serbian garbage dumps. And more: Can you find happiness and what so many people are looking for: personal freedom?
Rainer is what you can call a long-time Elton-Fan whose addiction specializes in collecting old vinyl versions of "Madman Across the Water" and "Tumbleweed Connection", from India to Guatemala, Israel to New Zealand and the rest of the world. Now he’s becoming a madman too. He and his wife are just on their way to Canada to find some more answers to personal freedom.
You can order the book "Die Illusion der Freiheit" (in German) online from Books On Demand.
Are you also a die-hard Elton fan? And did you do something special in your life that you would like to report about? Then send us your story for this series "I'm an Elton fan, but I also ...".
| Hercules Fan Convention - cancelled! Monday, July 7 2008 |
Unfortunately, the feedback from the fan community in regard of the planned fan convention to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hercules Elton John Fan Club was rather disappointing.
This is why we are now downsizing the event that was originally planned to run over the whole weekend. We will update you about the new plan in due time.Related News
Tuesday, June 10 2008 at 22:52:56
Thursday, May 8 2008 at 00:00:01
| Elton John and band performed in Swansea on June 29, 2008 Friday, July 4 2008 |
Following is the complete set list of the Swansea show on June 29, 2008.
| Elton John and band performed in Leipzig on July 3, 2008 Friday, July 4 2008 |
Fan report by Marcel Zürcher.
Holiday Inn .. With our city trip to Leipzig there's not only the fact that elton & his band were playing in front of this 91 meters high impressive monumental, which will celebrate his 100 year of being build in 2013; we've had also the opportunity to check-in at the Holiday Inn near the main station.
Leipzig & his culture .. Daniel & me took the sightseeing bus to discover some historical points from this interesting city. Along with the Völkerschlachtdenkmal there is e.g. the house of Schiller, who wrote "Lied an die Freude" back in 1785.
Perfect concert .. Sir Elton & band were in a great mood again. during the instrumental parts of few songs Elton put his left arm in the air and played with one hand, which he really enjoyed. "Madman Across the Water" was one of the evening's highlights with its improvisations. Powerfully played by Elton and the boys were "Levon" and "Believe". These two genious songs were rarely played live in Europe over the past few years. So happy enough to welcome them back to the set list.
Just one negative point is to say, that there is no newer song - especially from "The Captain & the Kid" - in the set.
We all know that Davey Johnstone is the best, if not the king of his genre. But what he did during the final of the song "Honky Cat" just blew us away! He took all possibilities out of his banjo and played some groovy fragments we - as hardcore-fans - had never heard before .. absolutely amazing!
Elton gave all of the band members a hobby, so for example Guy Babylon is exporting pumpkins, Bob Birch is hopping everywhere and Davey walks very cool around, which he enjoyed to demonstrate, what a funny moment!
During "Bennie and the Jets" the party in front of the stage began! Untill the end of "I'm Still Standing", Elton sang the last refrain in his mysterious vocal-part, as he did in his recent solo shows, that was very cool!
After a 5-minute-autograph-session, which made the crowd even more enthusiatic, the boys powered on with a fantastic rendition of "Pinball Wizard". All of us played a mean pinball!
Following is the complete set listLeipzig show on July 3, 2008:
| Acer Arena in Sydney acts to benefit kids Thursday, July 3 2008 |
Elton John fans will be lining up to get their piece of music memorabilia history – and will be helping disadvantaged kids in the process.
Acer Arena has joined forces with The Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF), and plans to auction off unique music memorabilia all in the name of a good cause. Acer Arena has proudly announced that ACMF will be its sole charity beneficiary. The partnership provides a wonderful opportunity for the ACMF to raise extra funds through their association with Acer Arena.
The ACMF helps disadvantaged children, including Indigenous children and teens in juvenile detention centres, to improve their lives through music. Acer Arena Business Development Manager, Don Elford, said that his organisation is proud of the association, as the synergies between the two organisations are very strong. “This is a perfect fit, Australia’s busiest concert venue being able to support such wonderful work.” Don Spencer, Founder & Director of ACMF, couldn’t agree more. “An innovative partnership like this can provide valuable funds to assist us to continue our programs across Australia”.
The two organisations are looking at creative ways to work together and are excited to unveil their initial fundraiser. For the first time ever, Acer Arena has agreed to auction off the unique banners that are displayed outside the venue - promoting current & future performers.
Fans will be very interested to view what’s on offer over the coming months, as there is a diverse range to choose from. The next banner to be auctioned on Ebay is from the recent Elton John tour, which is bound to be a collector’s item.
Bidding for this unusual piece will be taking place from Friday 4th July, 2008 on Ebay. The auction will be live for 7 days only so don’t delay if you want to grab your piece of music history.
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