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| ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: July 2014 |
| Hear Smokey Robinson and Elton John's 'Tracks of My Tears' Thursday, July 31 2014 |
Listen to the first track off Robinson's duets album featuring Steven Tyler, Cee Lo, John Mayer and more.
Singing with the Miracles and as a solo artist, Smokey Robinson has been the voice behind some of the greatest records of the past half-century. On a new LP due August 19, 2014, the legend is revisiting 11 those records and re-imagining them as duets, adding in voices like those of John Legend, Steven Tyler, Cee Lo Green, James Taylor and Mary J. Blige. "My Girl," for instance, features not only new vocals from Miguel, Aloe Blacc and JC Chasez but also guitar playing from John Mayer.
Here, get a first listen to the album's opener, a rendition of "Tracks of My Tears" performed with Elton John. "I was lucky enough to pick 'Tracks of My Tears' because I’ve always loved the song, probably one of the best lyrics of all time," Elton said in a video promoting the album, going on to call the tune "the greatest pop song ever written."
Referring to Elton's comments, Robinson responded, "My dream and my aim as a songwriter is fulfilled with statements like that, especially by someone like Elton who is a great songwriter himself."
Smokey & Friends will be released on Verve Records and can be pre-ordered here.
| What's the best Disney theme ever? Tuesday, July 29 2014 |
Here's a hint. The title wouldn't fit in the headline.
Mary Poppins' Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was picked as the best Disney song ever by listeners in July 2014's iHeartRadio Heartbeat survey. The tongue-twister, written by Richard and Robert Sherman for the 1964 film Mary Poppins, was sung by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
Here's the full ranking:
| Elton film is from 'birth to rehab' says writer Friday, July 25 2014 |
Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall says his new biopic about Elton John will tell the singer's life story "from birth to rehab".
"I've been working on it with Elton for long time," Hall told BBC Radio 4's Front Row. "It's an absolutely huge, crazy Technicolor affair."
Starring Tom Hardy as the flamboyant musician, the film will be "about all the trouble he got into," he added.
Elton admitted to being a "monster" at the height of his drug addiction. He entered rehab in the 1990s, after which his career saw a resurgence and he had two children with his partner David Furnish, via a surrogate mother.
Speaking to presenter John Wilson, Hall said Elton had given him "incredible free rein" on the script. "One day, he took me to his house and opened a safe and he had all his private diaries that nobody had seen from when he was in rehab and left me there to read all this stuff. But he's never commented once on the script, he hasn't interfered at all."
Hall was Oscar-nominated for Billy Elliot, a story of an aspiring ballet dancer against the backdrop of the 1980s miner strike. He later adapted the film, which was directed by Stephen Daldrey, for a stage musical. Elton provided the music for the show - which is still running in London's West End after nine years.
Their collaboration led directly to the new film, titled Rocketman, with Elton acting as an executive producer. It will begin shooting in late 2014, according to Focus Features.
Hall said he saw parallels in the lives of Elton and the fictional character of Billy, a young boy from a working class community who dreams of becoming a dancer.
"The more I talked to Elton, the more I realised that he was Billy Elliot," he explained. "He went to the Royal Academy when, I think, he was about 13 and he was studying to be a classical pianist and he discovered Elvis Presley and the rest is history. But I think it's about the struggles that he had, coming from the wrong end of the tracks, with his sexuality. It's what happened next to Billy Elliot, a sequel in a way."
Hardy, soon to be seen as Mad Max in a reboot of the cult Mel Gibson movie, is better known for his action roles than his music, although has revealed that he once had a recording contract as a rapper. The question of whether he will get his tonsils around songs like "Your Song" and "Rocket Man", or simply lip synch to the tracks is yet to be answered.
Either way, "it's a really great project to have all that music to use," said Hall. "It's fantastic, it's all singing, all dancing."Related News
Tuesday, April 29 2014 at 06:18:54
Thursday, April 24 2014 at 13:55:57
Thursday, December 12 2013 at 20:00:21
Wednesday, November 6 2013 at 06:03:15
Wednesday, October 23 2013 at 06:30:56
Thursday, May 30 2013 at 10:11:41
Saturday, May 11 2013 at 07:29:36
Tuesday, March 19 2013 at 21:08:13
Tuesday, January 3 2012 at 17:44:05
Tuesday, October 11 2011 at 09:14:34
Sunday, October 9 2011 at 08:03:48
Saturday, September 24 2011 at 05:55:50
Thursday, September 22 2011 at 07:46:22
Monday, January 24 2011 at 12:19:47
| Hackers defrauded over 1,000 StubHub accounts ... Friday, July 25 2014 |
... and bought some nice floor seats to Elton John.
On July 23, 2014, six people were indicted in New York City for hacking into more than 1,000 StubHub accounts last year. In addition to those six, four others have been arrested internationally (three in London, one in Toronto), for running a scheme that defrauded various StubHub users to the tune of $1.6 million.
Reportedly, StubHub’s security was never actually breached; instead the culprits gathered the passwords of various users, bought tickets for events that were in high demand, then resold them for their own profit. StubHub has already issued refunds to the customers affected and helped them reclaim their accounts—but of course, that only does so much.
When Elton John thinks back on those packed arenas, the memory will be forever tainted by those who took advantage of the innocent people who were just trying to take advantage of others by posting steep ticket prices on the secondhand market. “They were all singing along,” Elton will ponder, “But at what cost?”
| Elton John and band performed in Regensburg & Loerrach on July 22 & 23, 2014 Thursday, July 24 2014 |
Fan report by Marcel Zürcher.
This week we've had the chance to see Elton and the band twice. First, there was the show in the Innercastle of Thurn and Taxis, Regensburg. First, the show was announced as a solo concert, which has changed a few weeks ago to an Elton & Band gig, but it went to an unforgettable event.
The audience was seated on one big tribune, so everyone had a great view from every single place. At 8:00 pm bass virtuoso Jacques Bono entered the stage and performed several songs and pieces, e.g. Bach, solo on his bass. At the side of the tribune we saw Matt Bissonette, who was visibly inspired.
After a 35-minutes-break, Elton and the band entered the stage at 9:0 pm. The guys and the audience were in a great mood. As Kim and Matt animated to clap at the beginning of "Philadelphia Freedom" and "Hey Ahab", the whole audience did. Elton played another incredible solo at the end of "Levon". "Rocket Man" received a new 3-minutes-classical-meets-boogie-intro (which was not the same in Regensburg and Lörrach), similar to earlier "Take Me To The Pilot"-intros. Also the slower part of the show, which included "The One", "Sorry Seems" and "Your Song", went amazing with the crowd.
But it was THAT one special moment during the Regensburg show: When the last chords of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" were played, the whole audience jumped up together and didn't sit down until the finish, they also stayed during "Circle of Life" / "Can You Feel The Love Tonight". That big party at the end during the rockers was enthusiastic and gave us goosebumps. Just awesome!
During the next day, we drove 500 kilometres back to the next concert station, Loerrach, near from our home country Switzerland. This concert was played on the market place in front of 5,000 people. Before the show, we've had the chance to give some interviews to the local TV station SWR, which was broadcasted the next evening and was a lot of fun. The crowd was in a good mood again. The whole audience clapped after the second "Love Lies Bleeding"-chorus, that was one of the great moments. After "Candle in the Wind" he welcomed us and said to the people on the balconies: "Have a drink on me. Or two." When "Rocket Man" was finished, he excused us for a little break, meanwhile 2Cellos were playing a tune for us. So they started with an energetic "Smooth Criminal". The audience went crazy. Elton wasn't back, so 2Cellos started with "With or Without You". During the second half, Elton came in and joined them on the piano, also the band did. As he began playing "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", the sound failed after a few lines. Elton started directly again into the song – it all went well.
As he introduced the band, he gave John, Kim and Matt three new names, he called John "Elma Pigstyle". During the first verse of "The Bitch is Back", Elton went too early to the chorus, but he realized, the band played some chords, Elton then started with the second part of the first chorus and said "Sorry for that one" and smiled to the band.
Before playing the "Lion King" songs, Elton said sorry, that he was feeling bad, but he hoped that they made enough to make us happy. The crowd gave him a loud applause.
The only difference in case of the setlist was that he played "Crocodile Rock" in Loerrach. Thank you Elton and Band for two superb nights of entertaining.
Following is the complete set list of the Regensburg & Loerrach show on July 22 & 23, 2014:
| Elton John and band performed in Mönchengladbach on July 20, 2014 Thursday, July 24 2014 |
Fan report by Mireille Herz.
The concert took place at Moenchengladbach’s hockey stadium. Since there are few big hockey matches, the place is mostly used for concerts. That works fine because the venue is not as large as a ‘real’ stadium, maybe 10,000 seats.
Bright Light Bright Light, the opening act, took the stage at about 6:15 pm and played for half an hour. The music was well-received even though spectators were just filing into the venue at the time.
The first bars of “Funeral” started at exactly 7:00 pm, and Elton came on stage shortly afterwards. He was wearing his blue ensemble with the “Madman Across The Water” embroidery on the back.
Elton remarked that exactly one week ago he had watched the soccer World Cup Final. He had been a fan of the German team all along and was more than happy that they won. Huge cheers from the crowd.
The set list was almost the same as in Mainz and Kiel only “Sad Songs” was missing. During “Alice” Elton and the entire band kept laughing, and Elton altered some of the lyrics to feature “dumb blondes” and the like. I later learnt that Davey Johnstone had accidently forgotten “Sad Songs” and just started the intro of “Alice” after “Someone Saved”.
Towards the end of the show, Elton introduced the band members. Davey Johnstone was visibly scared imagining what kind of a joke name his boss would choose in reference to his lapse just before. This fear proved unfounded because Elton said everyone’s real names.
After about 2:15 hrs the show ended and the overture of “The Lion King” was played.
| Auction benefiting the EJAF Tuesday, July 22 2014 |
A longtime Elton fan is auctioning off a 1979 Russian tour info - signed by Elton.
The fan will donate 50% of the highest bid to the Elton John Aids Foundation. Please send your bid to stephan@eltonfan.net. The auction will close on July 31, 2014. Current highest bid is Euro 202.
Click on the following picture to enlarge:
| AIDS documentary premieres at AIDS Conference Tuesday, July 22 2014 |
Elton John provides heartfelt, inspirational narration for the Voice of America AIDS documentary.
At the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Voice of America on July 21, 2014 premiered a documentary that explores how stigma interferes with AIDS treatment and prevention around the world. The documentary, Living in the Shadows, profiles six individuals combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Canada, Cambodia, Haiti, and the United States. Each of their stories argues that no matter the community, acceptance and compassion are necessary first steps to solving the AIDS crisis.
The film was narrated by Elton John, a longtime AIDS activist and founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). "So much of my foundation's work has been guided by this film's thesis," said Elton. "I always insist that AIDS can be beaten, starting right now. We don't have to wait on a scientific breakthrough or a new miracle cure. We just need people—like the six brave men and women profiled in this film—to keep spreading compassion, and resilience, and stubborn insistence that all lives are of equal worth."
| Elton John and band performed in Mainz on July 19, 2014 Tuesday, July 22 2014 |
Fan report by Mireille Herz.
The concert took place at the very picturesque but somehow weird Nordmole in Mainz – picturesque because the venue is right next to the river Rhine, weird because they had just fenced in part of an abandoned industrial zone and set up the stage. So we had the water flowing to one side and a long-forgotten building site to the other.
Bright Light Bright Light, the opening act, took the stage at about 7:15 pm and played for half an hour. The music was well-received even though spectators were just filing into the venue at the time. Singer Rod Thomas remarked that the people who had tied their boats close to the area and were floating on the Rhine had the best seats. That was certainly true. He expressed his gratitude that Elton had taken him along on this tour.
The first bars of “Funeral” started at exactly 8:00 pm, and Elton came on stage shortly afterwards. He was wearing his blue ensemble with the large “EJ” embroidery on the back. Midway through “Bennie” he looked at a photographer with a huge zoom lens standing close to the stage and yelled “F*** off!” He stopped singing while the band played on, got up from his stool pointed at the man and yelled the F-word again. An assistant rushed to Elton from backstage. Apparently, the singer ordered the photographer to be sent away. Needless to say, second half of “Bennie” was sung quite aggressively. Elton excused the incident afterwards: “That guy was getting on my nerves.”
Elton remarked that this was his first show in Germany after we had won the World Cup. He congratulated the team and said that the entire band had kept their fingers crossed for Germany. The Cup was well-deserved by the great German soccer team. Certainly, these sentences were greeted by huge cheers from the audience in the nearly sold-out venue.
Towards the end of the show, Elton introduced the band members in traditional fashion, i.e. with joke names. I remember that Kim Bullard was “Floyd Pisspot” and Matt Bissonette “Mike Hunt” – pronounced by Elton to sound like “My C***”. Nigel Olson and Davey Johnstone were graciously called by their real names.
After about 2:20 hrs the show ended and the overture of “The Lion King” was played.
The set list was the same as in Kiel a week before. Following is the complete set list of the Mainz show on July 19, 2014:
| Elton: "I’m not retiring, it was a joke" Friday, July 18 2014 |
Elton’s team has laughed off rumours he was about to retire from performing.
Elton told fans at the Festival de Carcassone in France on Tuesday: “No more shows, no more music, no more songs.” He suggested he was going to spend the rest of his time with his family, which is comprised of civil partner David Furnish, and their two children, Zachary, aged 3, and 18-month-old Elijah.
But on July 17, 2014, Elton’s spokesman dismissed talk of the singer’s imminent retirement from the world of pop. “He’s not retiring”, his spokesman told The Mirror. “Elton was only joking,” the rep added.
Elton has twice said he wanted to retire – first in 1977 and again in 2010 when he said he was “too old to be a pop star”.Related News
Wednesday, July 16 2014 at 11:27:36
| Elton announces retirement at France show Wednesday, July 16 2014 |
Is he really up for that or is he just ready for a holiday after a long stretch of live performances?
At the show in Carcassonne, France, on July 15, 2014 Elton announced the end of his career: "I have nine more shows and then I stop. No more shows, no more music, no more albums, nothing. I just want to spend time with my children".
He very calmly repeated that statement three more times during the show, leaving fans worried. He ended the concert with "I enjoyed the show but I know I have to go ...".
The long-term fans are aware that Elton has pulled off many stunts like that since 1976. Chances are that he will take it all back at the show on Lyon, France on July 16, 2014.
| Elton John and band performed in Kiel on July 12, 2014 Tuesday, July 15 2014 |
Fan report and photos by Heiko Ehlers.
This was the first concert of Elton during the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival ever and the second one (since 2002) in Kiel, a city in the very north of Germany. Elton came to town by private helicopter, driving to the venue by vip shuttle. Local stuff told me he slept about two hours before the concert in his fine decorated colonial-style wardrobe. There was no sound check.
Elton entered the dark stage to "Funeral For A Friend" at 8:00 pm. He was wearing his blue 'Madman Across The Water' suit with blue-framed glasses. Due to the private atmosphere and smaller venue (6,000 people; flat stage design) he seemed to be in a very good mood, playing many, many improvisations before songs like "Rocket Man," often with a deep classical touch. Kim Bullard had technical problems with his keyboard for a while and paused playing in the beginning, wainting for his keyboard technician fixing the sound rack on stage. This was honoured by Elton during the band introduction later on...
On the night before the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, Elton dedicated "Don´t let the sun go down on me" to the German football team wishing them all the best ("I hope you will slaughter them...").
Elton enjoyed the really good mood in the excited audience and signed autographs for a long time. In the very end, he was given a bouqet of white roses onstage by the festival-chief which Elton then gave to a female fan standing in the first row.
Following is the complete set list of the Kiel show on July 12, 2014:
| Elton Fan Convention in Munich? Tuesday, July 15 2014 |
We would like to identify your desire for a potential Elton Fan Convention in Munich on 28 Nov 2014.
The date and location is conveniently embedded in Elton's "South Germany Tour", which will have him perform in Munich on 27 Nov (Thu), Nuernberg on 29 Nov (Sat) and Stuttgart on 30 Nov (Sun). 
Please let us know via Doodle poll which shows you plan to attend and whether you would be interested in also participating in a fan convention, for which details will have to be elaborated once we have reached critical mass. The poll will close on July 31, 2014.
| Remembering Bob Birch Monday, July 14 2014 |
On July 14, 2014 Bob Birch would have celebrated his 58th birthday.
However, as we are all painfully aware, Bob died August 15, 2012 of an apparent suicide at his home in Los Angeles. Bob had been a member of the Elton John band since 1992, the longest-serving bassist in Elton's touring band.
Birch is survived by his wife Michele and their son, Jonathan. It is still hard to believe that has gone forever and we are thinking of Bob's family at this very difficult time.Related News
Thursday, May 8 2014 at 19:34:39
| Back to Black Saturday, July 12 2014 |
The Very Best Of Elton John - Back on Vinyl for a limited period.
We're very excited to announce a limited vinyl repress of one of the most iconic 'Best Of' collections of all time. Originally released in 1990 'The Very Best Of Elton John' takes a breathtaking vinyl journey across the decades, from 'Your Song' to 'Sacrifice' via 'Rocket Man', 'I'm Still Standing', 'Bennie & The Jets', 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues' and many more.
Now repressed on to 2LP, 180gm heavy-duty vinyl with reproduction gatefold sleeve and inner sleeves with full lyrics, the album also comes with a voucher to download an MP3 version of the entire collection. Limited while stocks last.
| Elton's comments about Jesus are 'ignorant' and 'arrogant,' says Christian group Thursday, July 10 2014 |
Openly homosexual popstar Elton John made headlines in June 2014 when he announced that Jesus would have approved of gay marriage.
Now, religious group Christian Concern is responding, calling his comments "remarkably ignorant and staggeringly arrogant."
"Sad to say, these are remarkably ignorant and staggeringly arrogant comments, presuming to dictate to Jesus Christ what he should think when the reality is He has spoken quite clearly on this subject," Christian Concern Campaigns director Andrew Marsh of Christian Concern told BBC Radio Wales. Marsh added that Jesus went "out of His way" to "underline that marriage is between a man and a woman, as God had intended."
He continued: "And the reason that He did that, as the most compassionate person that has ever walked on earth was not to oppress but because He recognized that that pattern of marriage between a man and a woman and the natural family is the means of human flourishing and in the best interests of individuals, of children and of society as a whole."
In June 2014, Elton said that Jesus would have been an avid supporter of homosexual marriage. "These are old and stupid things. If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that he was, saying this could not happen," the musician told Sky News the same weekend as the gay pride parade. "He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together and that's what the church should be about."
While Marsh acknowledged that "all of us have flawed and are failed in every area," he noted that God has given people "a pattern so that we might flourish."
"All of us fail and fall short of God's pattern for sexuality. But the answer to that is not to remove the pattern that God has given, it is to recognize that Jesus laid down His life so that we might be forgiven, restored, there might be hope for the future and that indeed is what God has promised," he concluded.
Elton's comments sparked a flurry of responses across the internet as well: some praised the singer's "bravery" while others expressed indignation. "The comments are incredibly offensive to Christians and more importantly, to Christ Himself, who clearly denounces the abomination of homosexual marriage in scripture. Shame on Elton John," wrote a Facebook user named Lynn. Some users expressed sympathy for the singer's "lost" worldview. "It is truly sad to see someone so lost and so immersed in sin," said a user named Sean. "We as Christians need to pray for Elton and those like him that they may find freedom in the Gospel of Christ."Related News
Sunday, June 29 2014 at 09:11:11
| How We Met: Elton John & Rod Thomas Sunday, July 6 2014 |
Elton John and Rod Thomas, aka Bright Light Bright Light, talk about how they met.
Elton John, 67
The release of his eponymous second album in 1970 marked the start of a prolific career for the singer-songwriter, who has racked up more than 250 million record sales worldwide. He is co-founder of the Rocket Music management company and the Elton John Aids Foundation. He lives in the UK and US with his partner David Furnish and their two children.
When I started Rocket Management three years ago we brought in a stable of acts and Rod was one of them. I met him a couple of times at a few Christmas parties and he was very shy; eyes down at the ground, and quiet. The Elton effect is always intimidating, I'm afraid– I hate it – and for Rod, I think initially there was an intimidation factor. At the time, he was a singer-songwriter and didn't really know where he wanted to go, and we parted company as far as management went.
It all came together for him when he started to find his musical direction as [electro-pop act] Bright Light Bright Light. I heard his album [2012's Make Me Believe in Hope] and was so pleased; it reminded me of classic Pet Shop Boys records, which played a big part in my life, so I called him up and said, "I love the new direction, Rod." I loved that he'd found himself on his own, and was determined to make his kind of music. We saw one another more after that and we became friends.
I took Rod on holiday to my house in France with a bunch of my friends for a week or so. We'd have breakfast together every day and he became a really valuable friend. Once he'd relaxed, I realised he was very funny and we talked music all the time. It's lovely to see someone who is so shy at first become a more confident person. He's a real character, a snappy dresser and is not afraid to send me up.
All my true friends don't treat me as Elton, but as an equal. Now he doesn't stand on ceremony and if he thinks I'm doing something and he doesn't like it, he'll tell me. I'm always playing him new stuff of mine and asking, what do you think? Even now that I've made so many records and I'm successful, I have moments of complete self-doubt and he'll sit me down and tell me the truth.
He makes the music I'd like to make but don't know how to, so when he asked me whether I would consider singing on his new record, "I Wish We Were Leaving", I said I'd love to. But I'm a bit of a Luddite and I'm not electronically minded. So I said, "You write the song and put the track down and if it fits my voice, I'll do it." It fit perfectly; I love singing miserable songs if they're done well.
I'm taking him on tour with me in the summer because I want him to get him some exposure, as he's not on a major label and does everything himself. I have a friend for life now, and I would like to see him sell millions of records and be very popular. We'll see how it goes, but If I can help him along the way without spoiling his journey, I'd love to do it.
Rod Thomas, 31
Thomas, aka Bright Light Bright Light, is an electro-pop singer, whose debut solo album, 'Make Me Believe in Hope', released in 2012, was shortlisted for the Welsh Music prize. His follow-up, 'Life is Easy', is out now. He lives in London.
I was part of the influx of young people into Rocket Management. I met Elton at a Christmas do several years ago, and I was so nervous that all I said was hello. It's difficult in a big company with lots of managers, and when things didn't work out, we parted ways. I didn't realise he was keeping tabs on me, but when my first album came out, he rang me. It's mind-blowing when you're at home, doing the dishes, and Elton calls you.
His career is exemplary, going from playing in a bar to selling million of records, so it's overwhelming when he gives you the time of day. After he rang and said he liked the record, I felt I had something, and that I was finally on the right path; it gave me confidence. After that we became friends quite quickly, which was a huge surprise; my family can't really fathom that I'm friends with Elton. He's got a fiery, naughty personality, and he's so alive – more than a lot of younger people.
We talk about really mundane things: who's at Wimbledon, what friends are doing, what films to watch. One night we were talking about music and I said something about the 1990s; he went into another room and put on Blackstreet's [1996 hit] "No Diggity", dancing around the table saying, "Oh my god, this is such an amazing song," before putting on an En Vogue track – you wouldn't expect that. I've made him mix tapes, too, pretending it's something he should be listening to, but really sending him a load of shit, such as Gina G or a B-side track by Corona.
I remember him telling me how he was terrified of festivals because he didn't feel relevant to a young crowd. He was doubting himself in terms of whether he was still exciting to young people. He was forgetting that songs such as "Rocket Man" or "Your Song" are timeless. So last year I was like, "You need to play Bestival this year – it's my favourite crowd and it'll be the best thing in the world." I convinced him and I remember him saying, "Well, it had better go well, then, hadn't it." And I gave a nervous laugh. But he was brilliant and when he came off stage afterwards, he looked happier than I'd seen him at any show; he was thrilled that all these people had been going out of their minds.
He's so fun and irreverent, it's impossible not to enjoy time with him: he's got so many stories and so many strings to his bow, it inspires me to work even harder. He's taught me that there are no miracles about how you make your own luck.
| Elton boosts Bucks girl's Olympic dream Sunday, July 6 2014 |
Sixteen-year-old rower Molly Harding from High Wycombe received a £2,000 boost to her sporting career on June 28, 2014 when Elton John handed her a cheque to help her achieve Olympic ambitions.
The donation is one of the first to come from SportsAid's new Elton John Sports Fund after the charity raised more than £300,000 at an acclaimed concert by the artist at Stoke Park in Bucks on June 28, 2014. The fund will support some of Britain's brightest prospects from more than 50 sports by providing annual awards of £2,000 to help with essential training and competition costs.
"It was an extreme privilege to meet the legendary Sir Elton John at the SportsAid event," Molly said. "Never would I have thought that I would be receiving this award, let alone receiving it from the man himself! It is a great surprise to me to be one of the first athletes chosen to benefit from this support. To know that SportsAid and others see this potential in me really gives me that encouragement to believe that I will be next."
Elton said: "It was a special moment to meet Molly and the other athletes. Their successes are already very impressive, and with a little extra help and recognition who knows what they could go on to achieve. They are the reason we were all at Stoke Park for the concert. Working with SportsAid, we know we are helping the right athletes at the right time."
Also at the event were many of SportsAid's former beneficiaries including rowers Steve Redgrave, Katherine Grainger, Anna Watkins, Mark Hunter, Zac Purchase, Sarah Winckless, Heather Stanning, Beth Rodford and Steve Williams. Molly said meeting them was one of the highlights of her night. "They really made me feel like I was the star of the event," she added. "The whole experience was very overwhelming."
The performance included classics "Your Song", "Rocket Man" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". Elton said to the crowd of 5,000 fans, "Thanks to your support we will be able to fund young athletes for the next eight years to help make their dreams come true. Thank you!"
| Elton John and band performed in Aalborg on July 5, 2014 Sunday, July 6 2014 |
Fan report and photos by Ulrick Garde Lolk.
So this was my 30-something live show with Elton John, but once again – he did not let me or anybody down! I brought my wife for the first time – and to tell by her reaction after the show ... this will not be the last time!
This was a so called small show (a venue with a crowd of 5,500 people), and I tend to enjoy the smaller venues more as the chemistry between Elton, the band and the audience seems to be more personal and close. We stood more or less right in front of Elton and he delivered a superb performance.
Bright Lights Bright Lights warmed up for about 45 minutes and then Elton entered the stage to "Funeral For A Friend."
He was wearing his blue 'Madman Across The Water' suit and appeared to be in a very good mood, making a lot of fun with the band. I will highlight a couple of the funny episodes:
Kim Bullard seemed to have a technical issue with his keyboard for a short while. After having finished the respective song Elton took some ice cubes from his glass of water and threw them at Kim.There was no tantrum - but he did it with a laugh.
When Davey was about to start "All The Girls Love Alice" Elton was still talking and introducing the title of the song while the guitar was playing. This confused Davey who stopped playing and said to Elton: “What”? “What are you saying”? Elton replied: “Nothing, I am just announcing the title of the song while you were playing” – And then Davey started all over again. This made both the band and the audience laugh a lot.
The set list was the same as for the Newcastle show – expect for "Believe" and "Oceans Away". He also did not do any signing due to the stage being a bit away from the audience, but also due to heavy rain (I guess).
Anyway – The Rocket Man and his band rocked Denmark once again. Thank you guys! I can’t wait to see you again in Copenhagen in November from the front row!
Following is the complete set list of the Aalborg show on July 5, 2014:
| Elton John and band performed in Newcastle on July 2, 2014 Friday, July 4 2014 |
Following is the complete set list of the Newcastle show on July 2, 2014.
| Glasgow singer Tallia got big break after Elton heard demo Thursday, July 3 2014 |
It has been quite the whirlwind week for Glasgow teenager Tallia Storm.
At only 15 years old, the young Scot has been welcomed into the outstretched arms of Capitol Music Group, whose boss Ron Fair once signed Christina Aguilera, Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas into the label's talented stable. On June 27, 2014, the worldwide label announced a five-album deal with the bubbly schoolgirl, who now joins their glittering rank of female singers including Emeli Sandé, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez.
For the willowy teenager with her lion's main hair and husky voice, it was the news she'd been waiting six anxious months to hear. "It's only just starting to sink in now," said Tallia, her voice dancing with excitement. "We shook hands over it at Christmas but it took all this time for the contracts to come through."
As a minor in Scotland trying to sign up for a big career in Los Angeles, the legal process is not as straightforward as many would think. "I know more about LA contract law than I ever thought I'd need to know," said Tallia with a laugh. "But it doesn't matter, I'm just so excited to get started. I went to see Katy Perry when she was last here in Glasgow and I just thought, 'oh my goodness, we're signed by the same people'. "It's bizarre, but brilliant - I just feel so blessed."
Tallia's path to singing stardom began a few years ago, after a chance encounter with the husband of British music legend Elton John. After finding that they were staying in the same hotel during a holiday to the United States, Tallia worked up the courage to approach David Furnish - and his vote of confidence in her landed her the boost she needed. "When I think back I still can't believe I did that," admits Tallia. "I’d been over in America and my Papa got unwell so we had to move hotels. It was the last day of our holiday and I saw him at breakfast and I just thought - it's now or never. I took my really cute baby brothers over and did my best Scottish accent and he was actually incredibly nice. I was so nervous, I just kept talking, but I handed him a copy of my demo and he took it."
David stayed true to his word and handed the CD over to Elton - who then contacted the young Scottish singer and invited her to open his sold-out concert date at Falkirk Football Stadium. "It was incredible," said Tallia. "That opened the door to everything. You should just always be prepared for that one moment, that one chance. Be confident. What’s the worse that can happen? Someone tells you 'no'?"
With the confidence of Sir Elton and a major record label at her back, Tallia is now bound for a studio in London to prepare before her move Stateside. "We’ll first release the single, then the album, then they’ll shove me on tour I think," said Tallia. "My Mum and Dad have a small flat in London, so I'm going to squeeze in there with them and stay with them for now. But I still have a few gigs in Scotland before I have to go which is great."
Tallia will be performing this week at the opening of the new Kiehl’s store in Buchanan Street, Glasgow. "I'm going to miss it," admits Tallia. "And I'm going to miss Scottish things too. I do actually really enjoy haggis you know, we had it two nights ago at dinner. But I'll definitely be back to Scotland. I'm just going to enjoy the adventure ahead."
| Putin refuses Elton John Thursday, July 3 2014 |
Russia President Vladimir Putin has refused to confirm a meeting with Elton John, with the Kremlin claiming they have not received an official invitation, Gay Star News reported.
Elton defied protests and performed two concerts in the country last year amid the controversy over the country's law banning the promotion of homosexuality. Even though Elton had said in recent interviews he had asked for a meeting with Putin, press secretary Dmitry Peskov has reportedly said a meeting is unlikely to happen.Related News
Tuesday, July 1 2014 at 20:49:25
Sunday, June 29 2014 at 09:11:11
| Gov. Cuomo's plan to end HIV/AIDS crisis commands Tuesday, July 1 2014 |
The Elton John AIDS Research Foundation applauded Cuomo's announcement earlier this week to get rid of the disease by 2020.
Gov. Cuomo’s plan to end the HIV/AIDS crisis by in New York by 2020 is receiving praise before it even gets running. The Elton John AIDS Research Foundation applauded the governor’s announcement earlier this week to get rid of the disease by the end of this decade.
Scott Campbell, the foundation’s executive director, said in an email his group has been working on the issue for some time and it’s proud to see a state plan based on some of its suggestions. “In New York state, EJAF funding has helped support a coalition of community groups to meet throughout 2013 to develop an advocacy document that described key elements of a possible state plan to end AIDS, and to advocate for the governor and legislature to take action on creating and implementing such a plan,” he said. “The foundation is proud that its investments helped contribute to this historic policy development.”
Campbell also put the pressure on state lawmakers to make sure any AIDS relief policy gets the proper funding to end the epidemic. “EJAF commends Gov. Cuomo for his bold leadership, and we urge New York State legislators and activists to continue advocating for the appropriation of state funding and additional state policy and programmatic changes to make the goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York State a reality,” he said.
Cuomo, who is friends with Elton John’s one-time touring buddy Billy Joel, announced his plan June 29, 2014 to end the 33-year HIV/AIDS problem in New York, mainly through initiatives that suppress HIV early on and provide the proper health care for those already infected.
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