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A variety of well-known music stars have personalized skateboard decks that are now up for bids as part of the third annual Boards + Bands auction, which benefits a charity founded by famous skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Among the artists who took part in the fundraiser are Elton John and his longtime lyricist, Bernie Taupin, plus Tom Petty, U2 and Devo. The Boards + Bands sale features skateboards donated by pro skaters, decorated with the lyrics of their favorite song that have been handwritten by the artist or artists who penned the tune.

Elton and Taupin embellished a deck contributed by skater Chris Cole, with Bernie writing some of the lyrics to “Candle in the Wind” and Elton simply adding his signature.

Other stars who have contributed personalized skateboards to the auction include Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Tenacious D and Jay Z. You can bid on the decks at BoardsAndBands.org. Bidding is open until August 26, 2015.

Proceeds from the sale go to the Tony Hawk Foundation’s initiative to create and maintain skate parks in low-income areas around the U.S. Hawk launched the fundraiser in 2012 with musician Ben Harper.

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According to the Mirror He raged: “Beautiful Venice is sinking but not as fast as boorishly bigoted Luigi Brugnaro.”

Elton often stays with husband David Furnish and their two sons at a flat he owns in the Italian city. After Mr Brugnaro’s ban on 49 books, he posted an online picture of “one of the Furnish-Johns’ favourites – The Family Book, by Todd Parr”. Elton wrote: “It champions an all-inclusive world...and most importantly that families are about love. Our boys adore it. In the opposing corner is the silly-looking mayor of Venice. He has stupidly chosen to politicise children’s books by banning titles that touch on same-sex families living happily ever after. So instead of encouraging a world based on inclusiveness and love, he’s championing a future society that’s divisive.”

Italy does not recognise same-sex unions and Mr Brugnaro said he is “not intimidated” by critics.

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Dolce & Gabbana's Domenico Dolce is apologizing for negative comments he and partner Stefano Gabbana made about same-sex parents and babies conceived via in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination, five months after their remarks sparked a backlash and angered celebrities such as Elton John.

The designers, who are gay and were once a couple, had spoken to Italian magazine Panorama in a joint interview published in March 2015. "I am so sorry," Dolce told Vogue magazine in comments published on August 14, 2015. "It was not my intention to offend anyone."

"I've done some soul-searching," he added. "I've talked to Stefano a lot about this. I've realized that my words were inappropriate, and I apologize. They are just kids...You don't need labels, baby labels." In their interview with Panorama, Dolce had said, "You are born to a mother and a father - or at least that's how it should be. I call children of chemistry, synthetic children. Rented wombs, semen chosen from a catalog," while his partner added, "the only family is the traditional one."

Their comments drew anger from many readers. Elton, who has two sons conceived via IVF with husband David Furnish, called their thinking "archaic" and called for a boycott of the duo's luxury fashion brand. Dolce and Gabbana later issued a statement but stopped short of making an apology, saying they did not mean to judge other people's choices.

"I think everybody chooses for themselves," Dolce told Vogue. "I don't know everything about IVF, but I love it when people are happy. It's like medicine. Science has been put on the table to help people."

Gabbana had told Panorama that he opposes the idea of a child growing up with gay parents and that he and Dolce oppose gay adoptions. Their native Italy is the only major Western European country that does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. Gabbana told Vogue he has pondered becoming a father and adopting a child.

"When they ask if I wanted to be a parent, I say yes, of course, why not? But it's not possible in Italy," Gabbana told Vogue. "I had thought of going to California and having a baby, but I couldn't bring the baby back to Italy, because you need the mother's passport. I asked about adoption in Italy. It's very hard for a straight couple here—imagine if you are gay!"

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Former bass player Bob Birch passed away on August 15, 2012.

Bob died of an apparent suicide at his home in Los Angeles. He had been a member of the Elton John band since 1992, the longest-serving bassist in Elton's touring band.

Today we would like to remember this great musician and extraordinary bass player. And we would like to send our love to his family.

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Part 3 – New York Stories - by Scott Johnson.

Name: Rich Joline
Age: 54
Profession: Financial advisor
Year you first became an Elton fan: 1972


Quick Fire Questions

1. Favourite Elton John album?
   Hard to choose just one, of course, but if I have to pick, it’s “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player”.
   
   
2. Favourite Elton John song?
   Virtually impossible to choose just one, but “High Flying Bird” is just incredible. The voice, the lyrics, the bass and drums – just perfect!
   
   
3. First Elton John concert that you attended?
   Madison Square Garden in the summer of 1976, I was 15. I wanted to go to the Nassau Coliseum show so much (I grew up on Long Island) in 1974, which was a night or two before the John Lennon show. But my parents wouldn’t let me go!
   
   
4. Favourite Elton John tour (so far)?
   I just loved the “Peachtree Road” tour, but the orchestra tour in July 2004 was awesome. Five nights at Radio City Music Hall – I went to all five!
   
   
5. Favourite Bernie Taupin lyric?
   The white walls of your dressing room are stained in scarlet red
   You bled upon the cold stone like a young man
   In the foreign field of death
   Wouldn’t it be wonderful is all I heard you say
   You never closed your eyes at night and learned to love daylight
   Instead you moved away
   
   
6. What is the one song you feel Elton should include on “The Final Curtain” tour?
   “High Flying Bird”, or maybe “Bad Side of the Moon”.

Interview with Rich Joline

Rich Joline – the third interviewee in my “super fan” series – always loved music. In the 1960s, when he was growing up on Long Island, AM Radio was always on in the house. It was with the advent of FM that, he says, “we heard so much more”.

“I always loved music. While I always knew “Your Song”, it was hearing “Rocket Man” that really hooked me on Elton John. It wasn’t rock and pop – it was Elton. I only knew what he looked like because a friend of mine had the “Madman Across the Water” LP in his collection. I thought it was so cool. They were the only black family in our suburban Long Island neighbourhood, and all the rest of their records were things like Marvin Gaye, Sly and Family Stone.”


Gotta get a concert ticket: Rich has been to nearly 200 Elton shows across the US and abroad.

Growing up immersed in his love of music, it might be hard for someone so dedicated to neatly some up the influence that Elton and his music had on them, but Rich puts it like this: “So many people will tell you that Elton’s music is the soundtrack to their lives, and I’d have to agree. So many of his songs have so much meaning in my life, from love songs to memories of my youth. His talent and compassion have been an inspiration to me forever.”

Rich earns the mantle of a “super fan” deservedly. He’s followed Elton on tour across the US and abroad to an incredible extent. Rich Joline has visited over 30 states and 4 countries to see Captain Fantastic perform live.

“Of course, the music comes first,” he says, not losing sight of the root of his love for Elton, “but seeing him perform live has been just about the greatest experience of my life. Aside from things like becoming a father, seeing Elton live is basically my greatest joy. I love sports and have had some wonderful experienced as a sports fan, but nothing compares to Elton.

“Living in or near New York City all of my life has given me an advantage. Elton’s played Madison Square Garden 64 times [at the time of writing] – I’ve been to 44 of those. He’s played at least eight other New York City venues that I can count where I’ve seen him – Central Park, the Beacon Theatre, Radio City, Rose Theatre [for the 2006 “Captain and the Kid” debut show], the Sony Theatre, Waldorf Astoria [about which, more later…], Capital, the Palladium…


Road warrior: Seeing Elton perform live has provided Rich with some of the most joyful experiences of his life.

“Plus places like Hartford, Bridgeport, Philly, Albany, Providence, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Haven, New Jersey, the Byrne Arena, Wilkes-Barre, Redding, Boston and Worcester are all within driving distance of my home. If he’s been in those places over the past 30 years, I’ve been to almost all of them.”

If Rich sounds like a dedicated Elton John “road tripper”, then that’s because he is. He’s a hard core follower of the man himself on stage. Other states he’s visited to see Elton in concert include Virginia, Georgia, both North and South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, West Virginia, Nevada, Maine, Colorado, Tennessee, Delaware, Utah and Louisiana. He’s travelled to Canada three times, the UK (for his 50th birthday celebrations) and even Puerto Rico. But it is that first show in Madison Square Garden back in 1976 that still provokes some of the strongest memories.

“I was in the last possible row!” he says. “As time has gone on, and with the advent of the Internet, I have basically been able to sit I the front row almost exclusively. I’m not kidding when I say that of the last 100 shows, I’ve been on the front row 95 times. With that comes autographs – as we all know, Elton signs at almost every show. I’ve lost count, but I have his signature almost 100 times. I have never sold any of them, but most of my close friends and family have something that’s been autographed.”

How does it feel, then, coming face to face with your idol? Has Rich ever been, well, lost for words?

“My first autograph came in 1977 when Elton and Bernie were appearing at a record store in New York City (Sam Goody). I waited almost six hours in the cold to get “Greatest Hits Volume 2” autographed. When I finally came face to face with the man, I froze – I couldn’t even speak a word! He looked at me, smiling, and waited for me to say something, but I couldn’t get a word out. I then moved over to Bernie and I was able to thank him and shake his hand. It took me over 30 years to meet Bernie again.”

Without doubt, one of Rich’s greatest live experiences came in the Spring of 2010 in Austin, Texas. The kind of thing that fans can only dream of.

“I had won two front row seats to any Elton concert in a charity auction. I wanted to go somewhere new, so I chose Austin. My wife and I made a weekend out of it. We were right in front of the piano and, after Elton introduced the band, he said he’d like to dedicate “this next song to Miss Goucher and Miss Howard and also, there’s a guy down there that comes to so many of our shows. What’s your name?” I thought, “he’s talking to me?” I say, “Rich, and this is my 167th show!” His response: “Rich, 167 shows he’s been to and I’ll tell you what, when he comes to the show, I have so much fun because I just look at him all night! Thank you Rich, you’ve been fantastic and now that I know your name, I’m going to mention you more often!”


The line's been signed: Rich's extensive collection of signed Elton memoribilia... including his copy of "Greatest Hits Volume 2" which he waited in the cold for six hours to get autograped!

Rich invited me to check out the recording of the show, (released in 2010 by SimfyLive). It’s all true, and he’s now memorised Elton’s dedication to him word for word.

Rich has also made generous and regular contributions to Elton’s Aids Foundation. Ironically, it was during one of his “An Enduring Vision” events in New York City that he came upon his second opportunity to meet his idol.

“The event was being hosted at an odd location in Chinatown, back in 2003. Knowing he was going to perform, I was determined to get in. I hung around by the red carpet entrance and watched all the celebrities, including Elton and David, arrive. Events like these don’t require a ticket to get in, but you do need to “check in” at the entrance against a guest list. Since my name wasn’t on the guest list, I thought, what was I to do? The interesting thing about New York is that no one is permitted to smoke in any building, so the smokers usually step outside. I went around the corner to a bar, had a couple of “vodka and tonics” to steady my nerves, bummed a cigarette and walked back to the entrance. This is about an hour after the event started, so folk were already stepping outside to smoke. I lit a cigarette (I don’t smoke), coughed and blended in with the other smokers. A minute later, I snuffed it out and walked right in like I had been there all night!”

You have to admire the sheer bravery of such a feat. Most people wouldn’t attempt such a thing, much less succeed. And when he made it inside?

“I hung around until Elton came to the stage and then I assumed a position in front of the piano, no more than ten feet from Elton. For the next hour, as Elton played a spirited solo set, I was right there, dancing and singing along. Of course, virtually everyone else was seated and I stuck out like a sore thumb – but no one said a word! After the set, and much eye contact with Elton, he came off the stage and shook my hand. Later in the evening, I had my picture taken with Elton and Sting.”

For many, a face to face meeting with Elton would be a once in a lifetime opportunity, but Rich has exceeded his own expectations.

“Elton was at the Waldorf Astoria for the “Enduring Vision” event in October 2006, just after “The Captain and the Kid” was released. He performed and, as the event was ending, he was working the crowd and thanking the guests for coming. Seizing a once in a lifetime opportunity, I approached Elton with a big smile. I told him how much I loved the new record. He thanked me and said he was proud of the LP, but was pissed at the way the record company was promoting (or not promoting) the new disc. He then asked me if I was the guy he sees at a lot of shows. I said I was indeed and that I’d see him again. I got a big smile, a hug and a handshake. I was a pretty happy man!”

Is the key to meeting the man himself being able to steel your nerves and seize the moment, then?

“Elton was helping Elvis Costello with a TV programme in Harlem at the Apollo Theatre a few years back [2008’s “Elvis Costello’s Spectacle”]. Elton interviewed Diana Krall and sang a few songs with her. About 200 of us were in the theatre via invite only. After the taping of the show wrapped up, virtually everyone left. I went around the block to the back of the theatre and hung around for a whole as I saw that Elton’s limo was still there. About five other fans had clued in on it as well. At some point, Jimmy the bodyguard poked his head out to survey the scene. Seeing that there was only a small handful of us, Elton came out and graciously spent a few minutes talking and posing for pictures. He was as laid back and friendly as could be, actually he was asking us questions!”

Part of Elton’s phenomenal international appeal is the resilience of his touring band. For Rich, those players hold as much appeal and he’s had his share of encounters with them too.


A birthday Rich will never forget - when he turned 50, Nigel dedicated a signed drum head to him!

“Meeting the band members has been cool. I’ve met Nigel, Davey, John Mahon, Ray Cooper, Guy Babylon, Bob Birch, Kim Bullard and Matt Bissonette. The first encounter I had was in Kansas City. Travelling around the country, I figured I was bound to stay in the same hotel as them at some point, and that happened in Kansas. Hours before the show with their bus idling outside, I patiently waited in the lobby. Bob Birch was first – when I approached him and told him that I’ve been to so many shows, he said “I know, I see you out there all the time, I love your passion.” He signed my “Captain and the Kid” LP and boarded the bus. Davey asked me if I was the guy “who keeps popping up in the front row?” Nigel was next and it blew me away to be able to talk to him so comfortably. I met Guy that day as well, although I had met him in New York City earlier during the Radio City shows. He was a nice, quiet man whose talent always amazed me.

“The most meaningful encounter that day was John Mahon. John hung around for a good 20 minutes, chatting with me and a few others. I expressed to him my condolences on the recent passing of his mother. He seemed genuinely appreciate and we developed a bit of a relationship. Not sure I could say friends, but certainly friendly. He has offered me backstage passes dozens of times, but the greatest gesture occurred at Madison Square Garden for Elton’s 60th birthday show. During “Crocodile Rock”, he came round from his kit and handed me a drum stick. It was autographed and dated “MSG 60/60”.”

Like the others I have interviewed, Rich has a selection of items in his collection that he cherishes above others. Two of his most prized pieces are Nigel’s signed drum head from a show in England he attended on his 50th birthday. Nigel played the drum during the show, signed it, drew on it and wrote the words “Happy 50th Birthday Rich, Northampton 2011”.

But the most treasured piece of all is Rich’s handwritten letter from Elton himself. So how does a super fan come to own such a unique and personal item?

“Back in 2011, my wife and I were blessed with a surprise pregnancy. It was late in life, so it was a shock when I first heard the news and it took me a while to embrace the situation. On Valentine’s Day 2012, my son was born and he is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I wrote a letter to Elton, explaining how thrilled I was and how I looked up to him and David becoming parents later in life. About a week later, an envelope appeared in my mailbox. There was no return address but I recognised he handwriting. Sure enough, Elton sent me the sweetest, handwritten letter saying he had seen me in the crowd recently, read my letter and was thrilled to hear “the wonderful news”. On Cartier stationary! It is framed and hangs above my desk. Barely a day goes by when I don’t read it.”

Despite the red carpet meetings, the autographs and the travelling, it is the music which remains at the heart of the love this road-tripping “super fan” has for Elton.

“There is so much of it and it is great. I was so happy when he came back to form with “Songs from the West Coast”. I love that record. I am not a musician, which is all the more reason I think what he and the band do is so cool. The music hasn’t influenced me as much as it’s just always been there and I get so much joy from listening to it.”

And how do Elton’s later albums compare to the “classic years”, in his view?

“Albums like “Peachtree Road” and “The Captain and the Kid” are just as important to me as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Honky Chataeu”. It amazes me that Elton has been able to do this for so long. It’s very cool for him to have made a record with Leon Russell, and there are some killers on that disc. “The Diving Board” to me is more of a straight-through listen, as opposed to picking any particular song. I just put it on and play the whole thing.”

There’s only one disappointment that Rich can turn to, though, when he looks back on the T-Bone Burnett produced records of recent years. “My only disappointment about those albums – and I feel very strongly about this – is that Elton did not use the bad. Nothing wrong with T-Bone’s guys, but Elton’s band could easily have done just as well. I am thrilled that they are on the soon-to-be-released record, which I hope we hear more about real soon. I can’t wait!”

The enthusiasm that first blossomed in 1976 at Madison Square Gardens doesn’t show signs of fading fast. It’s heartening to interview someone who is still palpably enthusiastic about what Elton has accomplished, and (perhaps more importantly) what is still to come. I close with the question I have asked all my other interviewees – can Captain Fantastic ever have a number one album again?

“Yes, I think he can,” says Rich. “The music business is so different than it used to be, but I still believe.”

If you’re reading, I’d take those words to heart. Keep on believing. The best may be yet to come.

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Lawyer claims Elton and David will no longer tolerate ‘exploitation of their renown’, as legal action is taken against Closermag.fr, TeleStar.fr and VSD.

Elton’s lawyer has said that he is pursuing three French media outlets for publishing what he called “unfounded rumours” about his health and that of his husband.

“Sir Elton John and David Furnish … have instructed my office to pursue through the justice system the violation of the right to respect for their private life due to the publishing by Closermag.fr, TeleStar.fr and VSD of unfounded rumours about their health,” Vincent Toledano said in a statement on August 14, 2015.

Elton and David “will no longer tolerate the violation of their privacy and the exploitation of their renown and their image for commercial ends in France,” the lawyer added. He said the action against the two websites and the magazine would be issued August 17, 2015 at a court in Nanterre, in the Paris suburbs. The couple spent time this summer on the Côte d’Azur in the south-east of France.

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In a recent interview with Billboard magazine, VP A&R, Capitol Records T Bone Burnett also talked about Elton's upcoming album.

Asked "Are you doing a follow-up to 'The Diving Board,' the record you produced for Elton John?" he replied:

"We just finished a new Elton record that’s ­beautiful. It’s a very upbeat rock’n’roll record. That last album was a particular group of very personal material; this is broadcasting. That one was a parlor record; this is a festival."

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This week it was time for Elton to take a break and head off on his annual summer holiday to Saint Tropez.

He was joined by husband David Furnish and their two children two-year-old Elijah and Zachary, four, as they headed to their favourite restaurant Club 55 in Pampelonne Beach on August 13, 2015.

The family of four dressed for the sunshine, with Sir Elton teaming a pair of bright red shorts with a dark polo shirt. Elton added a pair of colourful trainers and blue shades as he held his eldest son's hand during the walk to the restaurant after the family were dropped at the beach by boat. David followed behind, carrying Elijah, and dressed in a black and white striped t-shirt and denim shorts.

The couple's adorable boys looked summery, with Zachary in a cute pineapple-print shirt and cut-off shorts, while his little brother matched in blue and white and a hat to keep cool. Elton and his family jet to Saint Tropez every summer for a getaway, usually holidaying with a group of friends as well as their sons.

This year's jaunt marks the first summer there for the pair as a married couple, after they officially tied the knot in December, exactly nine years after they entered into a civil partnership.

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Following is the complete set list of the Lake Tahoe show on Auhust 8, 2015.

1. The Bitch Is Back
   
2. Bennie And The Jets
   
3. Candle In the Wind
   
4. All The Girls Love Alice
   
5. Levon
   
6. Tiny Dancer
   
7. Believe
   
8. Daniel
   
9. Philadelphia Freedom
   
10. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
    
11. Rocket Man
    
12. Hey Ahab
    
13. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
    
14. Your Song
    
15. Burn Down The Mission
    
16. Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    
17. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
    
18. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    
19. I'm Still Standing
    
20. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll)
    
21. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
    
    
22. Crocodile Rock

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The 2015 Outside Lands Festival got under way on Friday at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and will wrap up on Augsut 9, 2015 with a headlining set by Elton John.

If you can't make it out to the Bay Area for the festival, many of the artists' sets, including Elton's, are streaming online.

You can watch the live stream at SFOutsideLands.com, where different artists will be shown simultaneously on three separate channels.

Elton's performance will be viewable starting at 10:35 p.m. ET/7:35 p.m. PT on August 9, 2015 on Channel 1, and also will air at 11:55 p.m. ET/8:55 p.m. PT on Channel 3.

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There was concern for Elton on August 7, 2015 after it emerged he had been admitted to hospital while on holiday in the South of France, reports the Daily Mail.

The newspaper revealed that the 68-year-old was taken to Monaco from his home in Nice for treatment at a top private hospital after he found an abscess on his thigh, which mysteriously ‘swelled like a balloon’ during a game of his favourite sport, tennis.

Elton – who was playing in high temperatures on his private court with his long-time coach on July 29, 2015 – became concerned after his leg swelled and became unbearably painful. A source said: "He was worried. It was swelling and swelling."

The fear for his health was such that an ambulance was called and he was admitted to Princess Grace Hospital in neighbouring Monaco. His sons Zac and Elijah stayed behind at his stunning villa in the exclusive area of Mont Boron, near Cap Ferrat, while Elton was monitored and administered with a cocktail of injections, including an adrenaline shot.

It is not the first health scare for Elton, who revealed two years ago how he was ‘lucky and grateful to be alive’ after learning he had been playing European tour dates while suffering from undiagnosed appendicitis. He said at the time: "I was a ticking timebomb. I guess I could have died at any time." He subsequently cancelled a show in London’s Hyde Park and other dates while being treated for the inflamed appendix.

Elton, who has now been discharged, is said to be recovering well, managing to perform further concerts in the US.

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Several French newspapers and magazines keep reporting that Elton has been hospitalized in Monaco on July 29, 2015.

He is said to have spent one full week at the Princess Grace Hospital. These unconfirmed sources also report that he has been back for one additional check on August 7, 2015.

Closer magazine originally reported that Elton was totally drunk when he arrived in the hospital on July 29, 2015, but has now slightly changed the version to "after a troubled party".

Other papers like Var Matin and Monaco Matin talk about a "small trouble, with no link to what is reported by the magazines".

What's striking is the fact that we haven't seen the typical Cote Azur paparazzi photos from Elton's and David's vacation with the kids this year. On the other hand, Hercules has heard reports about Elton performing a private show on August 1, 2015.

The fact that only French sources report about this story is also slightly puzzling. We have yet to receive official confirmation from Elton's management. Today (August 8, 2015) Elton and the band are supposed to perform in Lake Tahoe, NV.

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The Elton John Aids Foundation has received its 10th consecutive four star rating from Charity Navigator.

Elton John posted on Instagram: "I'm so proud that the Elton John AIDS Foundation has just received our 10th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating!

Charity Navigator is America's most trusted independent charity evaluator. This top rating assures our donors that we invest their dollars wisely and conduct the Foundation's business with the highest ethics and transparency.

Only 5% of charities have received a 4-star rating 5 years in a row! We are so proud of this achievement, and we pledge to keep up our lifesaving work to end the AIDS epidemic. Massive thanks to EVERYONE for their support. @ejaf @davidfurnish #ShareTheLove"

Congratulations to Elton, David and the entire EJAF team!

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The Las Vegas Sun invited handwriting analyst Grace Thompson to take a look at five Strip entertainers who are residents for Caesars Entertainment — Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Mariah Carey and Rod Stewart.

Grace told the newspaper: “These five celebrities were chosen at random: Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Sir Elton John and Rod Stewart. When I researched their signatures, I found that their writing and signatures had changed drastically through the years, so I tried to analyze samples from past and present. As with most everyone, as our lives change, so do our writing styles.”

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In 1972, on the Sunset Strip at a club called the Rainbow Bar & Grill, the Hollywood Vampires were born in the upstairs bar.

It was a gathering place for the rock stars living in or passing through L.A. "To join the club, one simply had to out drink all of the members," says Alice Cooper, a founding member of the Vampires. "I would walk in on a typical night," Alice says, "and John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon — who would usually be in a costume like a maid or a chauffeur — Bernie Taupin, Jim Morrison and Mickey Dolenz would be there. The next week might be Bernie Taupin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Mickey Dolenz."

Three years ago, Alice and good friend Johnny Depp got together and decided the spirit of the Hollywood Vampires should live again (minus the drinking). An environment for great artists to hang, laugh and play together. The Hollywood Vampires live again with the release of the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES album. Alice and Johnny were joined by Joe Perry, who is an old friend of both of them, and the recording began: a tribute to the original Hollywood Vampires.

For the next two years, Alice, Joe and Johnny, joined by producer Bob Ezrin and an amazing group of modern day vampires, including Perry Farrell, Dave Grohl, Sir Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Slash, Robbie Krieger, Zak Starkey, Brian Johnson and Kip Winger, recorded tracks by their dead friends and heroes. Also included are two original songs that tell the story of the Vampires, one of which, "Raise The Dead", has an intro by Sir Christopher Lee, recorded just prior to his death.

The album package, an antique book, was created by noted men's fashion designer (and rock fan) John Varvatos in his signature vintage style. Alice and Varvatos, both Detroit natives, have been partners in fashion for several years with Alice lending his classic rock style as a brand ambassador.

A sneak peek at the liner notes, penned by original Hollywood Vampire Bernie Taupin, "I'm not here to defend their vices. Over-indulgence of any sort does not ultimately constitute for a healthy mind and body. And while on the periphery of those involved, wives may have come and gone, career choices may have been deemed dubious, and heartbreak in some cases stalked a dark corridor, but in the lair of the Hollywood Vampires only joy and laughter reigned. I'm not completely sure what constituted bad behavior back then, but in this lair it existed in a bubble, a hermetically sealed dome of fun. It may not have been the round table at the Algonquin, but these were witty, intelligent guys who often got raucous and loud, but rest assured there were no bystanders or animals hurt in the making of the Hollywood Vampires."

All artist proceeds will be donated to MusiCares. "Hollywood Vampires" will be released on September 11, 2015.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Last Vampire
02. Raise The Dead
03. My Generation
04. Whole Lotta Love
05. I Got A Line
06. Five To One/Break On Through
07. One/Jump Into The Fire
08. Come And Get It
09. Jeepster
10. Cold Turkey
11. Manic Depression
12. Itchycoo Park
13. School's Out/Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2
14. Dead Drunk Friends

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The Australian country music singer shared an image of the handwritten note on Facebook ahead of her first round of chemotherapy.

Elton has sent a message of support to his friend and country music star Catherine Britt who is battling breast cancer. “Received a sweet letter from my old friend Elton on the eve of the biggest week of my life,” Britt wrote. “Update: I’m off to the hospital again tomorrow morning for a mini operation to extract my eggs to store away for future mini me’s!! (Look out!! Haha) Wish me luck!!!!”

The 31-year-old is an award winning country musician who was named female artist of the year at the 2013 Golden Guitar Awards. She caught the attention of Elton early in her career, the pair becoming friends and even recording a duet together of "Where We Both Say Goodbye." His note read: “Sending a huge kiss and hug. Much love, Elton.”

In June 2015, Britt had surgery to have a lump and four lymph nodes removed from her breast. “I just want women to know they should get checked and do what I did or they might be too late,” said Britt, who has been touring the country for her sixth studio album Boneshaker. She also made light of the prospect of losing her blonde locks, saying she would walk down the aisle bald if needs be at her October wedding to fiance James Beverley. And this week she dyed her hair pink.

“When ur (sic) told your hair is 100% going to fall out due to the mix of chemo that your on what do you do!?..... You have fun with it!!!!” she wrote on Facebook. “Time to experiment with some fun colors (sic) I’ve always wanted to try and some different cuts ... I’ve got about a week of play.”

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