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Kevin Bell, publisher of East End Lights magazine, reviews the new book "Tin Pan Alley-The Rise of Elton John" by Keith Hayward.

"Tin Pan Alley-The Rise of Elton John" by Keith Hayward is a look into the early years, the times, the community of artists, publishing executives, record producers and managers in England's famed Tin Pan Alley in the late 1960’s and the influences they had on a young Reg Dwight ... aka Elton John.

Hayward has been able to capture a moment in time that very few of us know about regarding the early days of Elton. The level of research and detail in this book makes you feel like you’ve been transported into the magical times and experiences of Tin Pan Alley in the late 60’s. It’s like you are actually in the room watching it all happen before your eyes.

Hayward gives you a feel for the era of the times inside the workings of the Tin Pan Alley community and the impact those in the community had on an impressionable Elton. Through extensive interviews with those who worked and performed with Elton in those days, Hayward gives us remarkable insight into how a naïve struggling artist became a worldwide superstar. Hayward talks to those who knew Elton in those days such as his band mates in Bluesology, his Royal Academy of Music alumni, Caleb Quaye, Stuart Epps, Paul Buckmaster and David Larkham, who’s magnificent creativity and artwork designed Elton’s early albums.

One of the things that stood out to me when reading this book was the image of Tin Pan Alley being a close knit community. It seemed like everyone crossed paths at one time or another. Stories about everyone hanging out at the local café or doing session work at one of the few recording studio’s in Tin Pan Alley are recreated by Hayward. Artists such as Long John Baldry, Tony Hicks (The Hollies), Rodger Hodgson (Supertramp), Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night) David Jones (David Bowie) to name a few, all recount their stories of Elton.

The book also provides us a unique perspective on the inner workings of the music industry at the time. Interviews with Steve Brown, Stephen James, Ray Williams all of which we’re instrumental in moulding the song writing careers of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Former managers, sound engineers, producers and artists give us details of what went on behind closed doors.

Keith Hayward has done a terrific job in piecing all these interviews and stories together to make "Tin Pan Alley-The Rise of Elton John" a brilliant bio-book on the early days of Elton and a musical history lesson for the times.

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Ahead of "The Diving Board", Elton's first studio recording of all-new solo material since 2006, the veteran performer renders this rollicking performance clip of "Mexican Vacation (Kids in the Candlelight)."

Shot in black in white before an intimate audience at Capitol Studios in Hollywood earlier this year, the video – which follows up his recent ballad "Home Again" – represents another of the 12 fresh Bernie Taupin collaborations that Elton tracked with producer T Bone Burnett in 2013.

For his latest effort Elton was backed by Doyle Bramhall on guitar, R&B singer-producer Raphael Saadiq on bass, Keefus Ciancia on keyboards and drummer Jay Bellerose. In conjunction with the release of "The Diving Board", Elton and his band will perform a series of European concerts early September 2013 before taking the stage at the IHeartRadio Music Festival on September 20, 2013 in Las Vegas.

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Fans attending Elton Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, will get a special treat, when Elton’s lead guitarist, Davey Johnstone, joins the Ben Babylon Band on stage, for at least one song. Percussionist John Mahon will also perform, as was previously reported.

Ben, the teenage son of Elton’s late keyboard player and arranger, Guy Babylon, is scheduled to do two concerts with his band at the Expo, which runs October 4-6, 2013. The event will be especially meaningful to Ben, who remembers attending several of his father’s concerts with the Elton John Band in Vegas.

“In a way, this is a tribute to my dad,” Ben says. “Davey and John were good friends with him. I grew up watching them play and admiring them. It’s surreal to think that they have agreed to perform with me, at a concert.”

Davey and John are among Elton’s band members performing on Ben's album, which is expected to be released in 2014. Ben plans to release an EP, titled “Further Interpretations of Real Life,” available exclusively to those in attendance at Elton Expo. One song, “Contradiction,” is already available on iTunes. Some songs on the EP were mixed by his uncle, Grammy-winning jazz musician and producer Paul Brown.

The Ben Babylon Band is comprised of Ben on keyboard and lead vocals, Brian Schwartz on guitar, Alex Arnaout on bass and background vocals, and Jagger Krusen on drums.

In addition to performances by the Ben Babylon Band, Elton Expo 2013 will include panel discussions by members of the Elton John Band and other EJ associates, producer Matt Still (“Peachtree Road,” “The Captain and the Kid”), author Keith Hayward (“Tin Pan Alley-The Rise of Elton John”) and a concert and after-party at Hard Rock Café featuring the acclaimed tribute band Elton Rohn.

Elton Expo 2013 is a production of East End Lights, an Elton fan magazine. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit www.EastEndLightsMagazine.com. For more information about Ben Babylon, visit www.BabylonMusic.biz.

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"If you’re a fan of the glam rock era it doesn’t get much more iconic than a pair of Elton John’s six-inch platform boots" - Tim Hancock

A pair of platform boots belonging to Elton John are part of a unique auction of rock and pop memorabilia being offered for sale in an auction on eBay to help raise funds for Amnesty International’s human rights work.

The striking black-leather, knee-high, six-inch platform-soled boots - signed “With love, Elton John x” and decorated with a giant gold piano motif around the platform (photograph available) - are part of a collection of items donated to Amnesty by musicians in recent years.

The boots are being offered for auction along with a signed photo of Elton John, as well as two free tickets to see the legendary performer headline the Bestival festival on the Isle of Wight on September 8, 2013.

Other items in the auction include a signed Coldplay platinum album of the band’s critically-acclaimed and enormously successful LP A Rush Of Blood To The Head (signed by all four members of the band and complete with a commemorative plaque and album artwork), a drum-skin signed by members of Genesis, a signed copy of cult band The Cocteau Twins’ last-ever 12” single Violaine, a signed pair of drum sticks from The Lightning Seeds, as well as signed t-shirts from the likes of Lily Allen, Kid Creole, John Martyn, and Mr Hudson And The Library.

The items in the Amnesty auction are now available on eBay for 10 days (with bids closing on September 1, 2013). All of the money raised from the auction will go directly to Amnesty’s human rights work.

Amnesty International UK Campaigns Director Tim Hancock said: “This is a great opportunity to acquire a unique piece of musical history and at the same time make a contribution to Amnesty’s human rights work. We’re very grateful for the generous support of the musicians who donated the items and we’re hopeful that music fans will be excited by the auction. If you’re a fan of the glam rock era it doesn’t get much more iconic than a pair of Elton John’s six-inch platform boots.”

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He’s had a tough few weeks recovering from surgery but it looks like Elton is back to doing what he does best - spending time with his boys.

He was spotted enjoying a day in the St Tropez sunshine with David and their two sons Zachary, two, and Elijah, seven months. The family of four are currently enjoying a break in France before Elton heads back to work.

Elton was looking happy and healthy as he carried his eldest son around their resort whilst David took care of little Elijah. Elton was dressed casually for the day trip in a blue t-shirt and white shorts. The fashion lover did add a bit of bling to his Brit abroad look though in the form of some studded loafers which matched his bright blue tee perfectly.

Little Zachary matched his daddy too in his blue top and white shorts, with a sun hat to keep him cool in the summer rays. David meanwhile was sporting a black t-shirt and white shorts with little Elijah dressed in a white all-in-one and a hat to match his big brother’s. It looked like the family were headed for a trip out to sea with the boys also spotted in life jackets as the group strolled along a jetty.

Elton has finally been allowed to leave his sick bed after recuperating at his home in Nice for the past couple of weeks, following an operation to have his appendix removed on August 1, 2013. David and the boys meanwhile have been spotted enjoying day trips with their friends Neil Patrick Harris and David Burkta and their twins, who are visiting from Los Angeles.

Elton was forced to pull out a series of shows after being diagnosed with appendicitis in July 2013. He had to cancel his headlining gig at the British Summer Time festival in London's Hyde Park. He admitted he had been struggling with stomach pain for weeks while touring before his diagnosis. Elton said: "I was a ticking time bomb. I guess I could have died at any time. I feel so lucky and grateful to be alive."

Ahead of his operation, he vowed to recover in time to return to the stage in September 2013 when he will receive his BRITs Icon Award. He will then open the First Direct Arena in Leeds two days later on September 4, 2013. And it looks like ahead of those gigs, Elton has been busy as on August 22, 2013 he premiered his new music video online. He will release "Home Again" as the first single from his forthcoming new album "The Diving Board".

Elton has left the video duties up to an actor though, with the footage featuring an old man travelling back home, getting progressively younger as he nears his destination.

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East End Lights magazine announced that there will be a Special Private Performance at this year’s Elton Expo in Las Vegas, October 4-6, 2013 at the Tuscany Suites Hotel.

“I am not at liberty to reveal any details about this special performance and I’ve been sworn to secrecy. However, what I can tell you is that this is something that has never occurred at any of our past Elton Expo’s.” said expo organizer and East End Lights magazine publisher Kevin Bell. “Attendees will be treated to an intimate musical performance.” said Bell.

The East End Lights – Elton Expo provides Elton John fans from around the world opportunity to celebrate everything Elton. Fans get a chance to meet the Elton John band, talk to producers and associates of Elton.

On top of this special private performance, attendees will also see performances from the Ben Babylon Band and Elton John tribute artist Elton Rohn. Both these artists will be performing at the expo as well as at the Hard Rock Café for the Elton Expo After Party on Saturday night.

To register for the Elton Expo or for more information go to:
www.eastendlightsmagazine.com. Cost: $160 excluding Travel & Hotel – ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

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Tennis stars Venus Williams and Andy Roddick will headline Mylan WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO, a charity night of tennis co-hosted by longtime friends Elton John and Billie Jean King on November 17, 2013, at the HP Field House of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

The event will be hosted locally by Robert and Tricia Earl. Tennis action is set for 6 p.m. ET with the pre-match VIP Reception and Auction kicking off at 4:30 p.m.

"For more than 20 years, Mylan WTT Smash Hits has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful events in tennis,” said King. “Having both Venus and Andy as part of this year’s event and returning to the Orlando area will help us continue the momentum we set with last year’s record-breaking event.”

Last year's event in Pittsburgh raised a record $1 million, bringing the 20-year total to more than $11.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993. This year’s 21st annual event will benefit EJAF and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. A portion of the funds raised at the pre-match VIP Reception and Auction will be specifically targeted for local programs.

“It is always such a great pleasure to co-host this wonderful event with my dear friend Billie Jean King,” said Elton. “I’m so pleased that we will be teaming up with the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida to raise awareness about the continuing challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic both locally and nationally and to raise urgently needed dollars for community-based HIV prevention, education, treatment, and care services. I urge all of the tennis fans and concerned citizens in the Greater Orlando area to support this event and bring their families for a wonderful evening of tennis for a great cause.”

Tickets for Mylan WTT Smash Hits go on sale at 10 a.m. ET on September 9, 2013. All seats are reserved and range from $50-$125. Order tickets through: www.WTTSmashHits.com or ticketmaster.com.

For group sales of 10 or more tickets, call +1 (407) 574-2599. For a special presale offer, fans can sign up at www.WTTSmashHits.com.

Special VIP ticket packages, including VIP courtside seating and admission to the VIP Reception and Auction, will also be available for $500 and will directly benefit the Hope and Help Center. Elton, Billie Jean and all players will participate in the pre-match live auction, which will include an Elton John signed piano bench and King’s Wimbledon tickets among other items. To buy VIP ticket packages or for more information, call +1 (407) 574-2599.

Additional players will be announced in the coming weeks. Billie Jean and Elton have split the two-decade series with 10 wins each. Official event sponsors include Mylan, GEICO, Adecco, Wilson, DecoTurf, Zebra Foundation, SUNNY 1059, Orlando Magazine and Planet Hollywood Foundation.

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Bauer Media UK has partnered with Elton John in order to broadcast a live performance from his First Direct Arena show in Leeds on September 16, 2013 on Magic.

‘Elton John: Home Again on Magic’ sees all stations across the Magic Network North marking the release of Elton’s new album with a dedicated two-hour special. Hosted by Magic evening show presenter Ray Rose, the show will feature Elton John classics as well as his new single ‘Home Again’, and live tracks from the September 4, 2013 show.

Of the live show, Elton said: “I am delighted to have been invited to be one of the first artists to perform in what will be a wonderful new venue ... this will be the first time I have played Leeds since 1984 when I played at the Queens Hall, so I am really looking forward to playing to the City of Leeds once again.”

From August 26, 2013 Magic will be offering fans the chance to win tickets to the show. Every time an Elton John song is played randomly selected caller will win tickets, with a pair up for grabs in each weekday show and during Magic’s flagship weekend shows ‘Magic Breakfast with Mike Read’ and ‘The Tony Blackburn Show’.

The two-hour special will be supported by a full multiplatform promotional campaign, in addition to promotional activity in the run up to the concert itself. Additionally on September 16, 2013 Magic is also planning a week-long giveaway of the new album ‘The Diving Board’. All activity will be supported on both the Magic and Elton John sites and on social media.

Owen Ryan, group programming director for Bauer Media’s Place Portfolio, commented: “We are delighted to offer our listeners the chance to get closer to the star with an exciting programme featuring exclusive, live content. At Bauer Media, we are committed to providing quality music experiences for our local listeners and this event shows our ability and drive to deliver the most exciting content from the best artists.”

Promoters of Elton John Live in Leeds, Marshall Arts Ltd.’s head of marketing Ben Martin added: “As one of our core media partners, we wanted to offer Magic Network North something very special to help strengthen the message of Elton’s first performance in Leeds for nearly 30 years. Magic embraced the idea and built an entire month long promotion around the broadcast on September 16.”

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After undergoing an operation to have his appendix removed, Elton vowed to be back on stage in time for a four-week residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, David is keeping himself busy.

The 50-year-old film producer is planning to open a champagne lounge and bar at Caesars Palace, the ostentatious hotel and casino complex on the Las Vegas Strip. “It’s all true,” David confirms to The Telegraph, excitedly. He declines, however, to provide more details.

It is understood that David will be working with Michael Greco. Greco, a nightlife impresario, moved to “Sin City” from New York in 2004. The bar will house pieces from the extensive art collection owned by Elton and David. The couple had a private gallery built at their home near Windsor, in Berkshire, to display what is the greatest private collection of 20th and 21st-century photography.

A bar could be seen as an unlikely venture for David, who is credited with helping Elton to become sober after their relationship began in the Nineties. The musician said last year that he should have died from Aids because of his self-destructive way of life while he was addicted to alcohol and cocaine.

“By all rights, I shouldn’t be here today,” he said. “I should be dead – six foot under in a wooden box. I should have contracted HIV in the 1980s and died in the 1990s, just like Freddie Mercury, just like Rock Hudson. Just like so many friends and loved ones of yours and mine. Every day I wonder, 'How did I survive?'”

Caesars Palace was once the scene of regular performances by Liberace, whose life with Scott Thorson was turned into a Hollywood film,Behind the Candelabra, starring Michael Douglas as the flamboyant pianist and Matt Damon as his secret young lover.

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On September 11, 2013, BBC Radio 2 will be In Concert with Elton John, and you could be there for this exclusive event.

The ticket giveaway will be open from now until 5.15pm on August 15, 2013. Tickets are free and will be allocated at random. You can apply for a maximum of one pair of tickets per household, and you must make your own way to and from the event.

More details of the concert can be found on the Radio 2 website. Good luck with your application.

If you miss out on tickets then don't worry, you'll be able to watch the concert live on the Radio 2 website or on the BBC Red Button.

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Elton looked happy and healthy on August 12, 2013 as he was pictured for the first time since undergoing surgery on his appendix.

Elton underwent an operation to have his appendix removed in Monaco on August 1, 2013 and has since been recuperating at his home in Nice, France. However, it looked like he was feeling himself again as he beamed for photographers as he joined his civil partner David on a yacht in St Tropez.

Wearing a pink T-shirt, blue shorts, fuchsia plimsolls and a pair of pink shoes, the father-of-two was back to his flamboyant self as he boarded a boat with David. Missing out on the day trip were their two young sons Zachary, two, and Elijah, seven months.

Over the past week, Elton has been recuperating at home while David and the boys have been enjoying day trips with their friends Neil Patrick Harris and David Burkta and their twins, who are visiting from Los Angeles.

Elton was forced to pull out a series of shows after being diagnosed with appendicitis last month. He had to cancel his headlining gig at the British Summer Time festival in London's Hyde Park. He admitted he had been struggling with stomach pain for weeks while touring before his diagnosis. The singer said: "I was a ticking time bomb. I guess I could have died at any time. "I feel so lucky and grateful to be alive."

Elton said he performed 10 concerts in pain, which he had thought was due to food poisoning, but was finally forced to walk off stage during a concert in Halle, Germany, on July 5, 2013. After he cancelled his Hyde Park gig, which was scheduled for July 12, 2013, a statement on behalf of the singer said he had been diagnosed with an "appendix abscess surrounding retrocaecal appendicitis".

Ahead of his operation, he vowed to recover in time to return to the stage in September 2013 when he will receive his BRITs Icon Award. He will then open the First Direct Arena in Leeds two days later on September 4, 2013.

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Elton will return to Austin for the Eighth Annual Andy Roddick Foundation Gala at ACL Live at Moody Theater on October 17, 2013.

Elton was the headliner in 2011 and this year even more Andy Roddick Foundation supporters will receive the opportunity to see Elton as concert only tickets will go on sale.

The gala serves as the chief fundraising event for the Foundation whose mission is to ensure youth in low-income communities have abundant opportunities to reach their full potential, through education and sports-based mentoring.

Founder and Chairman Andy Roddick moved his Foundation to Austin in 2012 and is in full effort to build a Sports and Learning Center in East Austin. Roddick started his Foundation in 2000 and since then over $11 million has been raised to empower youth in the Austin and South Florida communities.

“I am thrilled to have long-time friend and philanthropist Elton John return to Austin to help us achieve our goal of raising over $1 million in one evening,” said Roddick. “Our guests can expect a wonderful evening with a music legend, while supporting us in our efforts to raise funds for the Foundation.”

The gala includes a cocktail reception, dinner, exclusive live auctions and a concert by Elton. Limited number of tables and individual tickets are still available for the gala and can be purchased by visiting arfoundation.org.

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Ben Babylon plans to preview his forthcoming album “Dreams for Sale” by releasing an EP version for the first time at Elton Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is scheduled October 4-6, 2013.

The son of the late Guy Babylon is among special guests who are slated to appear at the fan festival. Babylon’s band, the Ben Babylon Band, will perform at the Expo on October 5 and 6, 2013, with at least one member of the Elton John Band, percussionist John Mahon, sitting in during one of the shows.

The EP is comprised of original songs, including the already-released single “Contradiction,” which features members of the Elton John Band: guitarist Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson, and the late Bob Birch on bass. That track, which also features cellist Martin Tillman, was produced by Jesse Johnstone, Davey’s son, and Greg Penny, who produced Elton’s album “Made in England.” Some background vocals on other tracks are provided by Ken Stacey, who has worked with Elton and other leading artists including the late Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Phil Collins, Richard Marx and many more.

“My music could be classified as alternative rock, but I think you hear the influences of Elton and other classic rock artists and, of course, my dad,” Babylon said. Babylon’s father was Elton’s keyboardist and arranger for 21 years, until his untimely death from a heart attack in 2009. Ben and his mother, songwriter Kathy Brown-Babylon, have remained close to Elton and his band. Ben’s band, the Ben Babylon Band, performs throughout Southern California, and has opened for such well-known artists as Little River Band, Ambrosia and Air Supply. On August 9, the Ben Babylon Band will open for Kenny Cetera, formerly of the band Chicago, at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California. In October 2013, Babylon will perform solo as the opening act for rock legend Leon Russell at The Canyon Club. In addition to performing with his own band during Elton Expo, Babylon will sit in with Elton Rohn, a renowned Elton John impersonator, during a tribute show at the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas.

“I am looking forward to performing at the Elton Expo,” Babylon said. “It is an enormous opportunity for the band and me.”

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Elton has told pals he feels much better following the 45-minute operation – and is ready to rock.

He has been recovering at his home in Nice, France, after being forced to pull out of a host of summer shows in Italy, Germany and London’s Hyde Park in July 2013. After weeks of antibiotics to reduce a painful abscess, he finally underwent surgery on August 1, 2013 afternoon. The dad of two stayed overnight at
Monaco’s Princess Grace Hospital and flew home early on August 2, 2013, telling friends: “I feel great.”

A source close to the singer said on August 2, 2013: “Elton is back in Nice playing with the boys now. He is a lot better and very positive after the operation. He still has to rest up but is determined to get back on the road next month and can’t wait to see his fans who have sent thousands of get well soon messages.”

Elton has promised to be at the opening of the new First Direct Arena in Leeds on September 4, 2013, and will close Bestival on the Isle of Wight later in the month before heading back to Las Vegas for a month-long residency at The Colosseum.

His first public appearance since the op will be in London on September 2, 2013, when he becomes the debut recipient of the new BRITs Icon Award. He is also planning to promote his new album "The Diving Board," which has already had rave reviews ahead of its official release on September 24, 2013.

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