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SCEE has secured a licensing deal with Universal Music UK that will see an influx of the label’s most successful tracks making their way to the SingStore in the future – and it begins with the first arrivals on August 8, 2009.

The deal will include tracks from the likes of Elton John, Girls Aloud, The Police, Cher, Snow Patrol and The Killers join the already bulging line-up of classics available to download off Sony’s in-game portal.



“As the biggest name in competitive singing, SingStar is delighted to partner with the world’s leading music company,” SingStore’s executive producer Dave Ranyard stated. “The SingStore for SingStar PS3 is all about choice, about calling the shots yourself and having Universal Music on board will give SingStore users the biggest choice of pop hits ever.”

Here’s the complete list of what’s on the way on August 8, 2009:

If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher
Rocket Man – Elton John
Love Machine – Girls Aloud
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
The Reason – Hoobastank
Ruby – Kaiser Chiefs
Everybody’s Changing – Keane
Celebration – Kool and the Gang
Get It Shawty - Lloyd
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Ace of Spades – Motorhead
Pass the Dutchie – Musical Youth
Come As You Are – Nirvana
Crazy – Patsy Cline
Laura – Scissor Sisters
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears for Fears
Lovefool – The Cardigans
Somebody Told Me – The Killers
Don’t Stand So Close to Me – The Police
I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany

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With a little help from Elton John, Just Jack has hooked up with James Nesbitt for the video of his stunning new single “The Day I Died”, which was filmed in East London earlier in July 2009.

In the video, you can expect to see a scintillating and chilling performance from James Nesbitt, who received a phone call from Elton John requesting the actor to star in the video.

Elton adopted the role of ‘Casting Director’ for the video – after listening to the sentiments of the track, Elton decided that James Nesbitt was the only man for the role. Just Jack himself makes a cameo in the video as a paramedic for the finale of the cinematic video.

“The Day I Died”, out August 17, 2009 is Just Jack’s second single from his impressive new album ‘All Night Cinema’ released August 24, 2009.

The track is featured on the Radio One playlist and was Sara Cox’s ‘Record Of The Week’ last week. The video for “The Day I Died” was directed by Ben and Joe Dempsey.

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A waxwork of singer Elton John is seen at the opening of Madame Tussauds Hollywood in Los Angeles July 21, 2009.

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Chicago’s arts and entertainment journalists got invited to an unusual venue for a theater-related press conference on July 21, 2009, reports Time Out Chicago.

Ahead of Elton John’s second Wrigley Field show with Billy Joel, Broadway in Chicago assembled the press in a Wrigley VIP suite for the announcement that Billy Elliot, the dance musical with a score by Sir Elton and based on the 2000 British film, would launch its U.S. national tour in Chicago in March 2009.

But it’s more than a tour. “The decision we’ve made is to start a Chicago show. Not start a tour here—do a Chicago show,” said producer Eric Fellner today. The idea is presumably to launch the tour here, then leave a second company behind, as Wicked did in 2005; if audiences take to Billy, the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre would have another long-term tenant.

The story of a boy who wants to dance, set against a miners’ strike in Thatcher-era northern England, is deeply British, but Elton is confident it’ll play to midwesterners as well as it has in London, Australia and New York. “It’s very rooted in the miners’ struggle,” he said, but “the story itself is a classic story of success, of beating the odds.”

Elton spoke of his love for Chicago, saying he got sober here 19 years ago. “I also have happy memories of doing Aida here, which was at the [Cadillac] Palace” in its 1999 pre-Broadway run, directed by Robert Falls. “That was a huge success for me.”

Casting work begins now, especially the search for the title lad(s). The New York run began with three alternating Billys, who shared the Tony for Best Actor. (Their understudy is now a regular in the rotation as well, though he didn’t get a piece of the medallion.) Producer Jon Finn noted that 2,000 boys were seen when casting the New York production; now that work begins anew. “[Director] Stephen [Daldry] always likens it to running a marathon while playing Hamlet,” said Finn.

Photo (c) by Kara Verkennis - The original article appeared on the Time Out Chicago Blog on July 21, 2009

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Billy Joel and Elton John are playing at Wrigley field on July 21, 2009. Are you going? Here's a troubling question: Will your ticket work?

Some didn't for the first show. As CBS 2's Anne State reports a major ticket broker says 200 concert tickets were stolen.

Billy Joel and Elton John rocked Wrigley Field on July 16, 2009. But for some fans, it was absolute torture. "It was my graduation gift," Charlie Gandleman said about his tickets to the show. Charlie is one of several people who told CBS that when they tried to get into the concert, they were told their tickets were stolen.

"We walked in, my ticket got me in, but their tickets wouldn't scan," said Marc Kovarsky. Marc and his friends say they got their tickets from a reputable ticket broker. CBS tried, but couldn't get any answers at the ballpark that night.

A group of women told CBS their tickets were purchased through Front Row. The next day, CBS called the company in Willowbrook and were told that 14 of its customers got bogus concert tickets. This was the first time that has happened in 25 years. Front Row is now issuing credit or giving out tickets to the show on July 21, 2009.

Patti Piscopo told CBS her tickets were purchased through Stub Hub. Stub Hub told CBS that it too, is working to issue credit or new tickets. CBS were told that the primary ticket agent for this event was tickets.com.

Stub Hub says tickets.com had 200 tickets stolen in the mail but it failed to notify ticket brokers, as is protocol. And the tickets ended up for sale online.

Kris Fishman, was a would-be concertgoer. "So six of us came down, had a great dinner -- stolen tickets," said Kris. CBS called tickets.com. They claim to know nothing about this. They told CBS "the transaction took place between the Cubs and Live Nation." Live Nation was promoting the event.

CBS had already called both of them, asking about the ticket problems. The Cubs told CBS they should talk to the promoter. The promoter, Live Nation, told CBS they need to talk to the team.

However, Stub Hub is talking. They told CBS if any of their customers have trouble on July 21, 2009, go to the Stub Hub office on Clark Street near Wrigley Field.

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Even newcomers to the gallery scene qualify as aficionados at San Francisco Art Exchange, where pop culture iconography gets the fine art treatment.

SFAE's walls boast original paintings and photos of fabled musicians, athletes and film stars, lovingly presented with meticulous attention to context and detail.

Until August 31, 2009, the gallery on Geary Street (near Taylor) is showing celebrity photographer Terry O'Neill's "Chairman of the Board. Knight of the Realm," a 50-piece collection of photographs featuring Frank Sinatra and Elton John taken during O'Neill's 40 years working with both singers.

While pieces sell for $3,000 to $12,000, browsing the collection and debating the merits of the two icons doesn't cost a dime.

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The eltonfan.net server has been running continuously for almost 600 days - time for some maintenance and updates.

That means that sometime in August/September 2009 (final date to be announced) the website will be down for some time.

Furthermore, we will unfortunately have to discontinue some of the services such as the Hercules chat room as the old script won't run after the server update.

The Hercules Message Board will have to be replaced by a new one, so all previous posts will be erased. We are sorry about the inconvenience, but please keep in mind that we are offering all of these services free of charge. For that reason, we simply cannot afford migrating all the old data over to the new server setup. This would costs a lot of money and time.

Thanks for your understanding.

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Following is the complete set list of the Foxboro show on July 18, 2009.

Elton John/Billy Joel (solo)

• Your Song
  
• Just The Way You Are

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Following is the complete set list of the Chicago show on July 16, 2009.

Elton John/Billy Joel (solo)

• Your Song
  
• Just The Way You Are

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Elton John band bass player Bob Birch is celebrating his 53rd birthday on July 14, 2009.

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!

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Elton John has long been known for his flamboyance and outrageousness. However, when he said on July 12, 2009 in St. Paul that "I'd be here every year for these guys," he wasn't being overly dramatic.

He sincerely meant it. The piano man with the rose-colored glasses cares that deeply about the Eden Prairie-based Starkey Hearing Foundation.

For the second time in six years, Elton headlined Starkey's "So the World May Hear Gala" at St. Paul's RiverCentre. After effusively saluting Starkey founder and CEO Bill Austin and foundation co-founder Tani Austin as "the most generous people in my life -- ever," Elton played 50 minutes of intimate, heartfelt and uplifting favorites.

This may be the best way to hear Elton John -- in a ballroom with just his Yamaha grand piano (aided unnecessarily by synthesized strings). He was clearly moved by the occasion and delivered unforgettable renditions of "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," all syncopated and funky, and "Philadelphia Freedom," all sassy with plenty of black keys.

"Rocket Man" had all kinds of special echo effects (was that because astronaut Buzz Aldrin was in the audience?), and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was soulful and liberating as he ended it with a big smile and an arched eyebrow. Elton poured his heart into "Your Song," the adventurous "Daniel," the emphatic "Tiny Dancer" and the suitable closer, "Circle of Life," before returning to his seat in the audience.

The only thing that might have been more fitting for a finale would have been to have Gladys Knight, who'd performed earlier in the program, join Elton for their 1982 collaboration, "That's What Friends Are For." But this gala wasn't about all-star anthems; it was about raising money for Starkey missions to bring hearing aids to children around the world.

About 1,400 people helped raise more than $5 million for missions to India, Turkey, Vietnam and other countries. The Kenya trip elicited $250,000, the night's top bid. Emcee Billy Crystal, a notorious New York Yankees fan, bought a baseball autographed by Yankee greats Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig for $40,000. "There may be something wrong with the ball," Crystal said after his winning bid was accepted and he examined his prize. "Lou Gehrig wrote: Loved you on the Oscars."

The crowd loved Tony Bennett, who spent a mere nine minutes onstage to croon "Someone Who Cares Like Me," "For Once in My Life," "The Best Is Yet to Come" and two lines from "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." (Bennett, like Elton John, performed a full concert in the Twin Cities in May 2009.)

Knight's three-song set peaked with the closing "Midnight Train to Georgia" featuring just one Pip and three female backup singers.

Among the celebrities attending the gala were actor Verne Troyer (Mini-Me), coaches Brad Childress and Tubby Smith, golfer Arnold Palmer, singers Sam Moore (Sam & Dave) and JC Chasez (of N Sync), and pro poker players Michelle Lau and Marcel Luske.

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Oh, what a night it was: a rocking, drama-filled evening with two music legends. The concert began much like the piano guys' past shows.

As the opening theme music boomed throughout the open-air baseball stadium, the two grand pianos emerged from underground, raising up to stage level and laying out 18 feet of pure piano. Soon after, Billy emerged, then Elton. A warm hug, kindly greetings to the capacity crowd, and they were on their way ...

The boys opened with "Your Song," with Billy starting the verses. An appropriate opener indeed. Next came "Just the Way You Are," which Elton kicked off. But not long into the song, Elton stopped playing the piano ... a curious and worrisome sight to any who've seen Elton in concert. It was clear that something was wrong.

Elton dove into the next number, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." But just a couple measures in he abruptly stopped the song. Turned out there were technical difficulties: The sustain pedal on his piano was sticking. Not good. Elton was growing increasingly upset. And Billy tried to calm the situation. He even whipped his suit jacket off and got down on his back under Elton's piano to help what looked like four technicians frantically trying to fix the glitch.

It didn't quite work. But Billy tried. And he quickly ran over to his own piano to play some "filler" music -- "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy," to the delight of the crowd. Billy's cute quips calmed the tension a bit. He said at one point: "This is an authentic rock-and-roll [screw-up]! At least you know it's not on tape!"

The piano guys decided to shelve their normal format of performing a few songs together at the beginning, and rather just let Billy go ahead and do his set, which was clear to see was not the original plan. Elton was supposed to do his set first this night. But Billy pulled it off like a pro, and after Elton departed the stage while his piano was being lowered underground and operated on, Billy dove headfirst into "Angry Young Man."

After Billy wrapped "Only the Good Die Young," he departed the stage, ending his solo portion of the show. Elton's recuperating piano was soon elevated to stage level again, and the crowd held its collective breath that the piano's surgery was a success. And it was. The haunting intro to "Funeral for a Friend" began, and Elton soon emerged with warm waves to the crowd. As he ventured into his piano intro in the song, it appeared there were still a few (new) issues. But he played through the dreamy song, which morphs so brilliantly and wonderfully into "Love Lies Bleeding."

Elton rolled into the rollicking "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and because of the sound issues he was still detecting, his tech quickly resolved things with a couple quick switcheroos of equipment. (Whew!) After "Saturday," Elton, to the crowd, explained the earlier pedal problem and how the notes had been running together. He then thanked Billy and his band for coming to his rescue and playing his set out of order.

"Philadelphia Freedom" replaced "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word", as everyone, including two ushers, bopped and sang along. Elton was in his groove. He then slid into the percussive "I'm Still Standing", then the rousing, playful "Crocodile Rock," which included requisite sing-along. The crowd was fully engaged. And just in time for Billy's re-emergence.

The two men could now pick up where they left off earlier in the night -- with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." They shared the singing and shared the piano-playing for the rest of the show.

Following is the complete set list of the Washington DC show on July 11, 2009.Elton John/Billy Joel (solo)

• Your Song
  
• Just The Way You Are

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Looks like there was a piano malfunction at the beginning of the "Face to Face" show in Washington, DC, which ended in Elton leaving the stage.

Let's go to some live Twitter updates from concert goers:

* At Nationals Park, Elton John's piano = FAIL.

* Elton John's piano breaks at DC Face2Face show. Billy Joel covers up for what he calls "a true rock n roll f*** up"

* In true Natinals fashion, Elton John's piano was [messed] up and he walked off stage.

* nats concert fail: Elton johns piano is broken. Concert had to be stopped mid 3rd song.

* Elton John's piano broke so he ran off stage. Auspicious start. Don't worry, Billy Joel led a sing-a-long.

* Oops! Elton John's piano breaks & he storms off stage. Billy Joel keeps playing #Nationals park tonight. Hope Sir Elton goes back on. #fail

* Elton John's piano broke and he left the stage two songs in, now it's an awesome Billy Joel only concert, even better!

* Poor Elton John's piano isnt working. just means more Billy!

* Can't beleive sir Elton John stormed offstage like a schoolgirl. Billy Joel is carrying the show. Go Billy!

* Elton John should man up and play the piano w a stuck pedal!

* F'ing hilarious!Elton John's piano pedal was sticking on the first song, n he stormed offstage. The diva is not happy, might b a short show

* Elton John's piano is broken so I am Noe just attending the Billy Joel concert.

* I can't believe the Elton John Piano F-Up isn't a trending topic! Billy Joel underneath fixing stuck pedal!

The piano was fixed later and Elton returned.

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Elton John has provided two possible dates for his money-spinning concert at Vicarage Road in summer 2010.

He his 62nd birthday in March 2009 by regaining his title as Watford’s Honorary Life President and announcing he would like to hold a concert to raise money for possible signings. This week, Hornets’ chief executive Julian Winter confirmed the event is still scheduled to take place.

Winter said: “We know he is definitely going to do one. He has given us two dates, we are just trying to nail him down for one.”

Elton raised around £1.3m for his beloved club in June 2005 as part of the ‘Buy Back the Vic’ campaign. Winter confirmed the concert will once again take place at Vicarage Road despite the logistical problems and building work currently taking place.

He said: “Logistically it is complicated but it kind of loses its reason for being if it is taken elsewhere, so it is definitely going to be at Vicarage Road.”

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Fan report and photos by Peter Bucek.

Episode I. - Gates
It´s about three hours before the start of the show and me and some not very talkative fans from Britain and France are waiting for the doors to open. Suddenly I see Davey, Guy and John walking towards us from the city to the Arena. Is that real?! Yes, it was.

First what I did was that I said to Davey: "Hi Davey." He smiled on me, shaked my hand and said: "Hello, how are You doing?" Well I answered him. During my reply Guy passed next to me and my second "invitation" I gave to John Mahon: "Hello John!" He also smiled and asked me the same question as Davey. One minute after those three guys came Nigel. I said "Hello Nigel" and Nigel told me the same as Davey and John. Good training, guys, but be sure that we fans really love it!

Well, I said to myself it starts really good today. I said hello face to face to Elton´s band members!

Episode II. - That´s Enough Questions
After we´ve been allowed to run to the stage to get the best standing places, I reached I think the best place in the Arena - straight opposite Elton´s chair. I am sure some of you who read this article know very good this fantastic feeling. I think it´s similar to climbers who reach the top of Mount Everest. An older woman was standing next to me. She was there already before the gates has been opened and had a VIP badge on her wrist. I asked: "Where are you from?" She: "From England". Ok, we were in Croatia, so I also asked her if she is touring with Elton and how many times he has attend his concert. Her answer was: "That´s enough questions."

Oops, I was little shocked, I have never met someone so cold in Elton´s audience. During the show Elton waved her sometimes and I am sure he knows her. Well, maybe she was afraid of me, maybe she is his friend and tired of people who know it and are always asking her about Elton or whatever. She was about 55-60 years old and sang all his songs together with me, we had fun, but we´ve never talked anymore; I respected her of course.

Episode III. - The Show
Great weather, full historical Arena (very similar to Rome´s Colloseum) few meters from the Adriatic See and Elton came on stage. The set list was the same as most concerts of this tour with no changes. But not many people in the audience knew songs like "Funeral For A Friend", "Burn Down The Mission", "Take Me To The Pilot" etc. On the other hand my wife who was with her sister further away from the stage told me that people really enjoyed every song no matter if they´ve been singing or not.

Episode IV. - Davey again
During "Saturday Night´s All Right (For Fighting)" Davey played his "back to back" solo with Elton together. After this solo he came in front of me and droped his guitar pick straight into my hand! I was thrilled like a little child! I wish this experience to all of Elton´s fans in the world. Next week I will go to buy the most beautiful frame for this very rare item. Yes, I am crazy. But You know - this is the pick with which he played "Saturday"!

Episode V. - Thank you and thank you
As I was standing right in front of Elton, he saw me very often. He saw me like I was still singing, claping, screaming and what is more important, I was urging by my hand-gestures other people to claping and singing. Few times Elton showed his fingers on me, looked at me and said "Thank You". It was really nice of him and for me as Elton fan it is the absolutely top again. Of course I was saying him the same and I also took a bow in his style with my arms raised.

Epilog
Elton had concert in Croatia for the first time, and by the official source, this was the reason why he did not performed solo as was first announced, but he played with band. He also presented members of the band and as usually Nigel and Davey get the biggest ovations form audience.

This was my own anniversary - my 10th EJ concert and I also got the CD from this concert (concertlive.co.uk). It is amazing. Full show with no problems like claims on some former shows. Clear sound, also no problem to get it in few minutes after the show as had been announced.

Elton get into Pula very early, it is not usual in other cities. Fans told me they saw him in car about 2 p.m. in the city. The show was planned to start at 9.30 pm, but it started twenty minutes early. When I came to my hotel room I looked at the photo CD (3rd disc from 3CD). Jeeeeez! I found myself on photo. Well, I am also on the official Elton John´s photo CD from this show.

Organizers in the arena were little bit confused, because I asked three of them when the gates will be open and I got three very different answers. But I have seen no conflict, no drunken people, people were very polite also during leaving the place after the show. All in all - wonderful day with so many wonderful experiences. Thank you all.

Following is the complete set list of the Pula show on July 8, 2009:

• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Saturday Night Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Burn Down The Mission
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Daniel
  
• Honky Cat
  
• I Want Love
  
• Rocket Man
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• All The Young Girls Love Alice
  
• Candle In The Wind (solo)
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• I’m Still Standing
  
• Your Song

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Aberdeen Football Club is taking legal action over damage caused to its pitch during an Elton John concert five years ago.

The SPL club claims the concert promoter Marshall Arts Ltd had said the cost of replacing the Pittodrie pitch would be covered by insurance.

However, the club claims it has yet to be compensated for what is said to be a £36,000 bill after the 2004 concert. The club has lodged a claim at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

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Fan report by Jacopo Rocchi.

Two days ago I was going to see my fifth Elton concert. After two band shows, one solo piano show and one Red Piano concert I couldn't think I was going to see my best Elton show ever. The Arena was simply beautiful, located outside were the scenes for the Aida opera that is touring the Arena in the summer, and almost three hours before the show the sun started to shine over Verona after three days of storm.

We entered and reached our seats on the right side of the Arena tiers, so we could see Elton in front of us. At 8.00 pm Anastacia starts her opening set, 30 minutes before the scheduled time. I don't know why they changed the starting time of Anastacia's show, and it was a pity because she played facing an almost empty Arena.

However, Anastacia amazed me with her powerful perfomance and her dances, she sang nine songs for a 45-minutes concert, more than a simply opening act. So we were delighted by this little concert, but we were worried about possible set list cuts by Elton.

At 9.00 pm the band entered and Guy played the unmistakable intro of "Funeral For A Friend": this is one of my favorite Elton songs, and live maybe it's my favourite song to hear. And then he entered: with the black and blue Crocodile Rock dress, Elton captured the Arena sight on him: 14.000 peoples were here for him, and the Arena gave him a standing ovation.

After a rock start with "Funeral For A Friend" and "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting", Elton said "Buonasera Verona", and said he and the band were honoured to play in that beautiful anphitheater, then he remembered the last time he played in the Arena in 2002: "It rained, rained and rained! But tonight it's going to be dry!"

Elton was in great mood, he spoke more than he usually does in Italy, and he thanked us Italian after each song. The set list was the same as for the rest of the tour (so he didn't cut songs!), but there were some rarities: Elton played "I Want Love" brilliantly (excellent Bob Birch on bass), which comes from "Songs From The West Coast", one of my favourite albums.

Then he dedicated "Skyline Pigeon" to his close friend Gianni Versace who was murdered on July 15th 1997, almost twelve years ago. He tributed Gianni with this deep song about freedom, and it was certainly the highlight of the show, with "I Want Love" and "All The Girls Love Alice", a song Elton rarely plays in Italy that was a very rock song.

"It's time to dance" Elton said before "Are You Ready For Love", and people rushed the stage. Elton wanted people near to him to enjoy the end of the show, a very spicy finale, in wich Elton rocked the Arena playing Domenico Modugno's Volare as "Crocodile Rock" intro. The Arena was singing for him!

After "I'm Still Standing" Elton greeted the Arena, thanking us for coming always to his shows, and saying he was going to his house in Venice, because he loves Italy and that the Italian audience was great as always!

"Your Song" was perfect. This concert was perfect. And Sir Elton was, is and always will be perfect! Thanks Elton! See you in Milan in September 2009!

Following is the complete set list of the Verona show on July 7, 2009:

• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Saturday Night Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Burn Down The Mission
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Daniel
  
• Honky Cat
  
• I Want Love
  
• Rocket Man
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• All The Young Girls Love Alice
  
• Candle In The Wind (solo)
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• I’m Still Standing
  
• Your Song

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Fan report by Ulrick Garde.

I do admit that I generally find the set list of Elton's live songs with too less changes.

I did concider if I should make it to Stuttgart from Copenhagen to my around 20th concert since 1995. Being back in Denmark now I do not regret it.

Elton John was more prepeared than ever, and he delivered exactly what the audience of around 9,000 wanted to hear: Non-stop hits and world class entertainment.

Even though it was extremely hot in Hans Martin Schleyer Halle the quality of the show made us all forget about it. Warm up by (for me unknown) Richard Fleeshman was really good. He made sure the audience was in a good mood, and ready to receive tonight's main star who around 7.45 PM entered the stage to the beginning of "Funeral For A Friend".

Elton John was in a really good mood, and during the whole show smiled and thanked the audience a numerous of times, making lots of fun with the band and in general made sure he delivered a superb show. During "Bennie & The Jets" he sang 'wunderbar' instead of 'wonderful' which was very well received by the German audience.

I was looking forward to hearing "Skyline Pigeon" which as expected sounded really good as this is one of my favourite songs, and a song he plays so seldom except for when doing the solo shows. Elton said that this song was played because lots of fans wished that he would play more of the rare and old songs so hopefully this can lead to him playing more of these kinds of songs in the future. Elton played a great version of "Rocket Man", and there were some minor musical changes to a couple of other songs.

He signed a few autographs and ended the evenings show with "Your Song" and leaving us all with a mood and feeling like "High Flying Bird(s)" ... and for those who bought it: A live CD with all tracks and lots of photos from tonights show. Great idea and a wonderful memory!

Following is the complete set list of the Stuttgart show on July 5, 2009:

• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Saturday Night Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Burn Down The Mission
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Daniel
  
• Honky Cat
  
• I Want Love
  
• Rocket Man
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• All The Young Girls Love Alice
  
• Candle In The Wind (solo)
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• I’m Still Standing
  
• Your Song

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At least two members of the House of Representatives–both of whom are on record opposing gay rights–will be hosting fundraisers at the upcoming Billy Joel/Elton John “Face 2 Face” concert at Nationals Park on July 11, 2009.

In July 2006, Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jean Schmidt (R-OH) both voted to define marriage in the Constitution as a one man-one woman affair, according to ontheissues.org and the Human Rights Campaign.

In November 2007, both representatives voted against a measure aimed at prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation. And in June 2008, they co-sponsored a bill to amend the Constitution to prevent same sex couples from marrying. Shimkus voted to ban gay adoptions in DC in July 1999.

Elton John has been a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and for global gay rights and attempts to raise public awareness. This isn’t Shimkus’ first Elton fundraiser. In 2005 the Kentucky Democrat reported: “A spokesman for Shimkus, Steve Tomaszewski, said his boss’s fund-raiser at the Elton John concert was neither an endorsement of the singer’s politics nor a betrayal of Shimkus’ stand on gay marriage. Shimkus won’t attend himself, however, because of a scheduling conflict, Tomaszewski said.”

Tomaszewski confirmed on July 2, 2009 to Party Time that the congressman will most likely not be attending the fundraiser on July 11, 2009 either. Rep. Schmidt’s director of communications would only agree to answer questions by email, and has not yet responded to Party Time.

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Fan report by Phillip Schober.

The weather forecast said it would be raining on that beautiful Tuesday night when Elton played in the city centre of Wiesbaden in front of an old caste. This place had really a romantic athmosphere. Two friends of mine (from the german eltonjohnfan.de website) had their first concert today. After a "Red Piano" and a band show, this has been the third time I've seen Elton live.

Perhaps you have seen the news item here, "ZDF searches for the biggest Elton John Fan in the Wiesbaden area". I contacted them and they were delighted for having me found. I met up with the camera team and some other fans a few hours before the show started. We walked around the venue and did some interviews and took videos.

We didn't knew that Richard Fleeshman came as a support act. Even though he was amazing, nobody paid him attention. Shortly after him the intro of "Funeral For A Friend" was to be heard.

To a standion ovation the "hero of the evening" walked out on stage. "Funeral" has been a really rocking start for this show. During the first hour the emotion and feedback from the audience wasn't that much. During songs like "I Want Love" or "Skyline Pigeon" most of the people even went to the toilet or bought some drinks. I seemed to be the only one who enjoyed himself.

But at the beginning of "Are You Ready For Love", Elton said something like: "NOW I WANT SOME DANCING AROUND HERE". This one sentence was the turning point of the evening, the long awaited "stage rush" took place.

I think one of the best songs has been "Take Me To The Pilot" with a five-minute-intro and "Crocodile Rock" with the German national anthem at the beginning.

In the end we got a really awesome firework for the encore "Your Song". Without giving any autographs Elton thanked us and walked off the stage.

However, they seemed to have some technical problems this night. Elton's monitor box was broken and they changed it serveral times.

This is the setlist of the evening, as you can see, was the same as every night of this tour. The only negative thing on this evening was that all Concert Live CDs were broken. There is just some sratching noise to be found on them. Concert Live told me in an E-mail that they had technical problems and that they are about to produce new sets of CDs, wich are shipped to us for free. I deperately hope they have indeed such a great service, and I will finally get my recording.

And finally, of course the weather forcast was wrong and it didn't start to rain. And one day after the show I was able to see me on TV in the news.

Following is the complete set list of the Wiesbaden show on June 30, 2009:

• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Saturday Night Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Burn Down The Mission
  
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
  
• I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Daniel
  
• Honky Cat
  
• I Want Love
  
• Rocket Man
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Sacrifice
  
• Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• All The Young Girls Love Alice
  
• Candle In The Wind (solo)
  
• Skyline Pigeon
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• I’m Still Standing
  
• Your Song

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Purple walls highlight the poignant atmosphere of a new exhibit at Britain's National Portrait Gallery timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York.

"Gay Icons", on show until October 18, 2009, features 60 portrait photographs selected by 10 gay people who were asked to choose icons they felt had been inspirational regardless of their sexual orientation.

"The show reminds us of the struggle that gay people have," said Bernard Horrocks, copyright officer at the gallery whose idea inspired the exhibition. "There's prejudice still out there, so if it makes people re-address their prejudices that's a good thing."

Among musician Elton John's selection is a black and white picture of onetime Beatle John Lennon, who was shot dead in 1980 in New York. The two musicians shared a U.S. hit single with the 1974 duet "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night." "I had a bet with John that the track would be a number one hit," Elton's descriptive on the wall beside the picture states. "Losing the bet, he agreed to perform on stage with me at Madison Square Garden, New York ... that happened to be the last live concert Lennon would ever play and it became a defining moment for me."

Elton also named Graham Taylor, his former manager at Watford, as an inspirational figure. The football manager's catchphrase "Do I not like that?" was made famous by a 1994 Channel 4 documentary when England failed to qualify for the World Cup. But Elton describes Taylor as "a truly great manager" who achieved success for Watford, the club of which Elton was chairman from 1976 to 2002.

Other selections in the show include the Village People group chosen by Labour peer Waheed Alli, while Sir Ian McKellen has named gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk.

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While some critics didn't love "Brüno," a mildly funny film with a lot of fleeting and forgettable laughs, one scene in particular they did rather like -- filled with the incisive social commentary they were hoping for -- was the "Straight Dave" Ultimate Fighting Championship face-off scene.

The scene originally included Elton John’s "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," originally from "The Lion King," but either Disney and seemingly Elton himself pulled the song from the scene perhaps fearing the sequence was too outrageous.

And it kind of is. The moment is a part in the film when Sacha Baron Cohen's flamboyant Austrian character attempts to go straight and starts to host a homophobic show called “Dave’s MAX Out,” a "gay-loathing party to end all gay-loathing parties." It gives a first peek at Straight Dave; the newly invented Brüno persona that is mustachioed, hirsute and decked out in camouflage gear and an outback hat -- uber straight as it were. But eventually, he gets called out as a "faggot" by his ex-assistant who is in love with him and the two duke it out in the ring. Of course, all the hot and aggressive groping eventually goes gay much to the freaked-out outrage of the audience, and one particular glorious slow-motion shot captures an overzealous red-faced fan crying. It's rather beautifully funny.

The scene of course was remarkably soundtracked to the aforementioned "Lion King" song. But they made an awesome alternate choice in Celine Dion's uber-schmaltz theme from "Titanic," "My Heart Will Go On."

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We were giving away an unique Elton John pillow made from on old vintage concert T-shirt by Rocksteady Pillows. And the winner is ...

... Brad Joblin from Connecticut, USA. Congratulations!

Earlier we already reported about Anglea Barkan's business idea (see "You touched it and you wore it ...").

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