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Neiman Marcus, the specialty retailer renowned for close to a century for its stellar customer service and unique luxurious offerings, continues its commitment to making holiday dreams a reality as it unveils the 2005 Christmas Book in Dallas on September 27, 2005.

The 79th edition of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book boasts an amazing selection of fantasy gifts for the person who dares o dream big or for the practical person with luxurious taste.

Included among the assortment of gifts in this year's Christmas Book are some remarkable items, such as:

PRIVATE CONCERT BY SIR ELTON JOHN

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows the purchaser and up to 500 guests to experience an intimate hour-and-a-half performance by Sir Elton John. The price of $1.5 million is a donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) which was established in 1992 and is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations supporting innovative HIV/AIDS prevention education programs and direct care services to people living with HIV/AIDS. An Elton John Signature Series Red Piano, designed exclusively by Yamaha(R) and with a live performance by Elton John built into it, is included in the private concert package. Only one private concert will be sold.

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Lestat, the new Elton John-Bernie Taupin musical about the famous Anne Rice vampire, has found a home on Broadway — the Palace Theatre.Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures announced that following its world premiere in San Francisco in late 2005, Lestat would begin Broadway previews March 11, 2006, toward an April 13, 2006 opening.

Lestat will play the Curran Theatre in San Francisco December 17, 2005 until January 29, 2006.

The lush and romantic Lestat will star Hugh Panaro in the title role, with Carolee Carmello, Jack Noseworthy, Jim Stanek, Roderick Hill, Michael Genet and Allison Fischer.

The musical inspired by the vampire characters of novelist Anne Rice is the inaugural Broadway production of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Gregg Maday, executive vice president). The musical has a book by Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, Aida), lyrics by Taupin and music by Elton John (The Lion King, Aida, Billy Elliott). Robert Jess Roth (Beauty and the Beast) directs. Matt West (Beauty and the Beast) will create musical staging.

Lestat's cast of 16 features Rachel Coloff, Nikki Renee Daniels, Joseph Dellger, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Megan Reinking, Drew Sarich, Will Swenson Steve Wilson and Tommar Wilson.

The creative team in includes scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Susan Hilferty, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Jonathan Deans, visual concept designer David McKean, and hair designer Tom Watson.

Lestat has orchestrations by Steve Margoshes and Guy Babylon, with musical supervision by Guy Babylon, musical direction by Brad Haak, and vocal arrangements by Todd Ellison.

"This musical is the fulfillment of my deepest dreams," said author Anne Rice, in a statement. "Elton's music and Bernie's lyrics have captured the pain and the passion of the characters perfectly, and the entire adaptation has re-created the very essence of the books. Working with the whole team -— Rob Roth, Linda Woolverton, and of course Elton and Bernie — has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire career. The talent, the brilliance, and the generosity of these folks is beyond belief. I'm humbled; I'm grateful; and I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it. Lestat, Louis and Claudia are about to be reborn."

"'Interview with the Vampire' is one of my favorite books and Anne Rice is one of my favorite authors," stated Elton. "Lestat is the first stage musical that I've written with Bernie which makes it even more special for me."

"Anne had always loved the idea of seeing her 'Vampire Chronicles' set in some sort of serious and seductive musical setting and for all of the parties involved this is the opportunity of a lifetime," stated Bernie. "Elton and I have threatened for years to work together on something for Broadway but until now had never found anything that appealed to both of us collectively or suited my own personal writing style. We have unified these books into a linear storyline and our intention is to make a stylish, sexy, intelligent and richly hypnotic show that is stripped of gothic clichés and that shows the vampire dealing with his damnation on a more realistic and human level. Please let me make this clear this is not a rock opera."

The Broadway playing schedule for Lestat during previews will be Monday through Saturday at 8 PM, with matinees Saturday at 2 PM. Additionally there will be 2 PM matinees on Wednesday March 29, April 5 and April 12, 2006.

The regular playing schedule for Lestat beginning Tuesday April 18, 2006, will be Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

Tickets range from $65 to $100, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com at +1 (212) 307-4100, beginning November 13, 2005. For more information visit www.lestat.com.

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Fan report and photos by Stephan Heimbecher.

Tonight's show was pretty similar to the night before, except that I had floor seats and was able to get to the stage right after "Tiny Dancer".

It all started with thunder and rain (on the LED curtain) before Elton entered the stage at 8.10 pm. He performed the same set list as during the two previous shows at the Garden, and also his song introductions were pretty similar, if not identical.

However, seeing the show from a different, closer angle made it seem very much different.

Before "We All Fall In Love Sometimes", Elton again did introduce Bernie, who was in the audience just like on Friday night, and again I did asked myself why Bernie wouldn't come up on stage - at least briefly - during the "Captain Fantastic" set.

Besides Bernie, there also was the cast of Elton and Bernie's upcoming musical "Lestat" present.

At the end of the show, Elton appeared to be sincerely touched by the New York's crowd reaction, and he made sure to tell them repeatedly that they are the best audience and that Madison Square Garden is "the best venue in the world." He might be right about that ...

Following is the complete set list of the New York show on September 24, 2005:

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  
• Bitter Fingers
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
  
• Better Off Dead
  
• We All Fall In Love Sometimes
  
• Curtains
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me to The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Empty Garden
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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Some fifty fans gathered at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on September 24, 2005, in order to warm up for the last show of Elton John and the band at Madison Square Garden.

It had been a while since Hercules has organized a fan meeting, so we thought it was about time that we put something together to mark Elton's "Captain Fantastic" shows at Madison Square Garden.

The event kicked off at 12 noon at a private room of the new Hard Rock Cafe on Times Square. Over lunch, Stephan Heimbecher (Hercules Coordinator and eltonfan.net webmaster), Sharon Kalinoski (Hercules USA), and Jim McKay (editor of the 22nd Row) chated with fans from all over the world.

The fans present at the meeting also cast their vote for the Hercules Composer Competition 2005, adding to the more than 650 online votes that already had come over the internet. At the end of the day, the winner happened to be the only contestant present at the meeting (Giorgio Onorato Aquilani, far left in the picture on the left). That way, we were able to congratulate him personally.

We would like to thank the Hard Rock Cafe for their hospitality and all the attendees for coming. Until next time ...

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Voting has closed for the Hercules Composer Competition 2005. We have received no less than 692 votes for the sixteen entries for "Dogs In The Kitchen".

And the winner is ... Giorgio Onorato Aquilani from Italy who received 134 out of 692 votes. Congratulations!

The final ranking can be found on the Hercules Composer Competition 2005 page, where you can also still listen to all songs online.

Thanks to all contestants, and thanks to everyone who cast their vote either online or at the Hercules Fan Meeting in New York.

We will contact all participants in the next few days and we still hope to be able to get everyone a great prize.

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Disney revealed new details about a number of the studio's forthcoming flicks, including "Gnomeo and Juliette" (previously known as "Gnome Story"), a Romeo and Juliet-ish romance, at a screening on September 22, 2005.

It's still not sure if Gnomeo will have a similarly tragic ending, but the film closely parallels Shakespeare's classic romance, with two star crossed lovers from two feuding families.

Rocket Pictures, the film company run by Elton John and David Furnish, is producing the project. Elton performed a song for attendees of the event, and it was announced that Elton songs will be featured in the forthcoming film.

Gnomeo and Juliette is tentatively set for a 2008 release.

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Fan report by Stephan Heimbecher.

Executive summary: Wow!

Elton kicked off what was going to be the his 58th show at Madison Square Garden at 8.10 pm with "Weight Of The World", the first song from his latest album "Peachtree Road". Afterwards, he explained the three part concept of the show: He was about to do seven more songs from "Peachtree Road", eight songs from "Captain Fantastic" and then he would switch to jukebox mode, i.e. greatest hits.

A rather strange and unusual show concept, but it worked - at least for the die-hard fans, and there must have been quite a few at the sold out Garden this night. Most of which stayed through the 3 1/2 hours show.

Elton continued to introduce each and everything during the "Peachtree Road" set and very often gave some background information about what the song was all about, e.g. "This is about us - us freaks" (when introducing "Freaks In Love"). Those of you who read my "Peachtree Road" review might remember that I didn't like "They Call Her The Cat". Well, as ecpected it turned out to be a great live song.

At 8.50 pm it was about time to launch into the "Captain Fatastic" set with a great rendition of the title track. The following "Bitter Fingers" sounded great live, but "Tell Me When The Whistle Blows" was just an awesome, super cool performance with Davey Johnstone grooving on the "Captain Fantastic" guitar.

"(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket" came across as a great rock song, and the final "Curtains" finished with a climax driven by the fabulous The Voice of Atlanta Choir while the names of former and current band members appeared on the LED curtain in the back of the stage.

It was 9.35 pm when Elton finally started with the 'normal' part of the show, shooting off hit after hit. "Rocket Man" was outstanding as always, as was "Levon" - with a new piano intro and the wonderful support of the choir.

As at the nights before, Elton dedicated "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" to the late Ray Charles. And later that night there was another dedication when he performed "Empty Garden" for John Lennon who was shot almost 25 years ago.

Towards the end of the night, Elton signed many, many autographs before launching into "Crocodile Rock" via a brief "Happy Birthday". And finally, he came back on stage wearing a jumper suit labeled "Super Soul" on the back, before the final encore "Your Song".

At 11.35 pm the lights went on again bringing an unusual yet unforgettable show to an end. The only light disappointment was the continuing lack of "Tower of Babel" and "Writings" during the "Captain Fantastic" set. But hey, we can still hope for tomorrow ...

Following is the complete set list of the New York show on September 23, 2005:

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  
• Bitter Fingers
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
  
• Better Off Dead
  
• We All Fall In Love Sometimes
  
• Curtains
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me to The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Empty Garden
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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Following is the complete set list of the New York City show on September 21, 2005:

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  
• Bitter Fingers
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
  
• Better Off Dead
  
• We All Fall In Love Sometimes
  
• Curtains
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me to The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Empty Garden
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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Music management business Sanctuary shocked investors when it warned it would plunge into the red following a deepening of its trading woes.

Sanctuary, whose portfolio of artists includes Sir Elton John and Beyonce, said it was likely to generate a trading loss before exceptional items - compared with market forecasts at the start of the year for profits as high as £30 million in the 12 months to the end of September 2005.

Negative headlines following three profits warnings in the last six months had an impact on the business, particularly on its records division.

The firm, which is also the UK's largest independent record company, said it still had the support of its bankers.

Executive chairman Andy Taylor said: "I am well aware that Sanctuary has disappointed the market significantly this year and, with hindsight, it is clear we grew too fast."

He said he was focused on repairing the "short-term damage" done to what was fundamentally a "robust" business and that the group would be supporting its artists throughout. Shares were 15% lower.

Sanctuary runs a global management business for music artists with stars such as Manic Street Preachers, Nelly, Morrissey and Iron Maiden on its books. It also owns the biggest live tour booking agency outside the United States and sells official merchandise.

It has been hit by delays to releases with its Urban division featuring rap and R&B artists. It said that a cost reduction programme aimed at turning round its fortunes was still on track to achieve £7 million to £8 million of annual cost savings.

The group said there was no update on its offer position, after it said last month that it was in talks with a number of parties about a "range of possible transactions", including a possible offer for the firm.

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Fan report by Marian Joy Friedman.

It should have been the Big Easy comes to the Big apple.
It was a special concert for a special purpose, but this show was like no other I've seen as the majority of the music consisted of performers from the Big Easy who lost most if not all of their possessions.

With the exception of Elton John, Dave Mathews, John Fogerty and Jimmy Buffet, the entertainers did the Blues and Cindi Lauper was excellent.

In addition to the many performers, Paul Newman and former president William J. Clinton took the stage.

The entrance to Madison Square Garden was all decorated in mardi gras colors with beads, balloons and tinsel. There were actual street performers from New Orleans and all the workers wore special hats and purple shirts. They even served food from the Big Easy. It was very cool.

The show started promptly at 7 pm as it was being filmed for a pay per view. All the monies from the PPV are going to the fund.

I think the most credit has to go to the people working the stage. It was a rotating stage and from where I sat (they were not rocket seats let me tell you!) I could see them working behind the wall and there was a lot of complicated manuevering going on. They did a great job.

The actress Scarlett Johannsen introduced Sir Elton John as a principle player in making the concert happen and when he was introduced, the crowd went wild. Completely wild. He looked great and he sounded even better. I can't wait for this weekend's shows at Madison Square Garden!

Elton performed the following songs:

• Funeral for a Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Someone Saved my Life Tonight
  
• Levon

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A little bit of the New Orleans party spirit is heading to New York on September 20, 2005.

During "From the Big Apple to the Big Easy," musical legends from New Orleans are teaming with some of music's biggest superstars to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The pair of all-star concerts are taking place simultaneously at two of the city's biggest venues: Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.

At the Garden, New Orleans' R&B legend Allen Toussaint and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band will be joined by a reunited Simon & Garfunkel, Bette Midler, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett, John Fogerty, Lenny Kravitz and many more, including Big Easy native sons the Neville Brothers and Buckwheat Zydeco.

Over at Radio City, the Big Easy's jazz-funk ensemble Galactic plays with the Mardi Gras Indians. They'll be joined by a jam-heavy lineup including Dave Matthews, Phish's Trey Anastasio, the John Mayer Trio and Joss Stone.

All of the money raised from ticket sales and event sponsorship will go to organizations involved with relief and rebuilding efforts, including the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, Habitat for Humanity, the MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund and the Children's Health Fund.

In addition, Madison Square Garden is underwriting all production costs and has pledged an additional $1 million.

Although tickets are sold out, you can still catch the show on pay-per-view, beginning at 7 pm. All of the $19.95 viewer's fee will go directly to support the relief and rebuilding efforts.

The Garden concert is also being broadcast exclusively on XM Satellite Radio. Subscribers can tune into "XM Live" (Channel 200) to listen to the concert in its entirety.

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Following is the complete set list of the Boston show on September 16, 2005. A full review will follow soon.

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  
• Bitter Fingers
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
  
• Better Off Dead
  
• We All Fall In Love Sometimes
  
• Curtains
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me to The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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Fan report by Jack Suslak.

This show was originally supposed to be just a Peachtree Road Tour show, but in early August 2005 we found out that these shows in Boston and New York would have Elton perform the entire Captain Fantastic album for first time in 30 years, (least we thought he would do it all). So after that this show became a highly anticipated show by everyone going and Elton fans everywhere. As you will find out later this would be a night that would be awesome in many ways.

Pre Show Activities
I left Swampscott at 5.14 pm on a train into Boston's North Station, same place where the Garden is, and I got into the complex at 5.45 pm. I first went to the ticket window to inquire about ticket for McCartney's show coming in 10 days at the same venue, but no luck sold out. Then I stepped outside heading towards Causeway St when I ran into my buddy Kevin Caples, who was heading towards the train platforms waiting the arrival of Dick Georgeou. We had a little gathering setup of our Elton circle at McGann's on Portland St in Boston near the Garden. I arrived and saw Patty, Sandy, Debbie and her Husband Michael, Sharon from Chicago, Kevin from Minneapolis, Bob from Chicago, and Ann Lawrence came later, and of course the lyric master Kevin Caples was there. Also Dick found his way over to the bar. We all had a nice time talking about all the anticipation for tonight's show. As a nice little bonus the local station WROR 105.7 was broadcasting from McGann's and they were giving away tickets to tonight's show by raffle, and having trivia contests where if you answer 2 or 3 questions correctly about EJ you could win the new Captain Deluxe Edition CD. Naturally I entered the trivia contest but when I got up there they only gave me one question and I only got a t-shirt, and no chance to win the new CD, but I guess that's the breaks. I brought with me the liner of CF just to have lyrics with me during the show, but when I found out Dick and Kevin had 5th row seats, I decided to give the liners to them, in hopes someone could sign it during the show, we'll find out later how that went. So after 7.15 ish we all went our separate ways to go our seats for the show.

Merchandise
I for one was anxious to see if they would have anything special on sale for these CF tribute shows. But disappointingly they didn't have a special program, just the PTR one, No CF DE CD, rather they sold PTR and Greatest Hits 70-02, and Dream Ticket. They did have one shirt for $35 which has the cover of the album on a black shirt and on the back it said Captain Fantastic- From the End of the World to Your Town. Interestingly they listed some venues on the back as well. In addition to the Boston and New York dates we already know about the shirt has Phillips Arena in Atlanta and the Gaylord Ctr in Nashville. Maybe they will be able to hear the Captain songs live as well.

The crowd seemed like it was a late arriving crowd and with the poor weather and always infamous Boston traffic I'm sure some people were late, but once the lights went down place got filled, and it looked to be a sold out venue pretty much.

Also A few minutes before show started we could hear a cheer rising up in the front row area, which meant someone famous was arriving, in this case it was New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a big fan of EJ, and so is EJ of him.

Showtime
Act 1- Peachtree Road Live
Before I start the song review I need to give the obligatory Elton wardrobe mention. He looked really good, but I hate this recent look, we need to get him back in Versace. He was wearing a black suit/robe with flowers adorned on it with a white shirt under. EJ looked really fit, but the fashion needs a change.

Stage 8.05 pm choir came out with band

1. Weight of the World - I like the wind and lightning effects that open up this song, at first I thought it was Funeral, but that came later. Elton sounded fine on this opener, and the choir added a nice touch. A great song to open the show even after this tour.

"Good Evening Boston... This is going to be a really long and special show tonight. I am going to start off with some songs from Peachtree Road then play some from Captain Fantastic"

2. Porch Swing on Tupelo - Really strong vocals on this hot gospel number where the choir really shines on. A definite early highlight obviously first of many on this night in the Garden. On the LED screens in Red showed the word Elton.

3. Answer in the Sky - A song that I really now enjoy live, especially with the guitar by Davey here. Choir also is prominent on this one. Sweet version with strong singing by all. Also the screens had a RR sign in Blue.

"All sorts of music has influenced me and Bernie over the years, we have done some country with Country Comfort on Tumbleweed Connection and Dixie Lilly on Caribou. This song will probably be our next single."

4. Turn out the Lights When You Leave - EJ going Country on this song and the sound clearly fits him. Rich voice and a pretty piano solo played on this tune. Great song really liked it. "I had 16 years of Drugs and Booze, and it was fun too, but can't have a steady relationship with that involved. I got sober and found David and we are happy together and I dedicate this song to him"

5. My Elusive Drug - Really cool, great drums and percussion. Elton especially soulful here, choir nice as well. Brilliant version of this great song here.

6. The Call Her the Cat - Obviously a fun live song here, and they really delivered on this one last night. Cool images on the screen. Nice piano licks too, and the choir filled in the meows fine and the song just simply just rocked, and crowd liked it to. just simply EJ start doing more rockers in albums to do them live

"We wrote this song for those 95% of us that aren't perfect or what some call freaks, and for those 5% percent who are perfect, my room number is..." to laughter

7. Freaks in Love - Sounded better to me than hearing it at Radio City last night, but basically the same to me w/o the orchestra. Good Guitar solo by DJ, and a nice vocal ending on the song.

8. All That I'm Allowed - 2nd gospel song of the night, Sounds better live these days, really strong singing here tonight, and a nice little bit at the end too. They were playing the video on the vid screens, while there were fireworks on the LED one.

Act 2- Captain Fantastic Live 8.45 pm
"30 years ago this week we released Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, and this week we released a new Deluxe Edition of the album. The album is about me and Bernie up to the Empty Sky album. We recorded it at Caribou and I wrote my part on the SS France from Southampton to New York. It was the first album to debut at #1. Rehearsing at the Orpheum in Boston made me nostalgic and I'm not usually a nostalgic guy, I tend to look forward, but doing these songs made me realize the special relationship I have with Bernie"

9. Captain Fantastic - EJ sounds great on this classic, Davey on Banjo. This version was very faithful but fresh at the same time. I noticed on this song that Elton seemed to be really focused not wanting to mess up here. But they really did a great version of it. On the screen they had the CF logo when it came to point when he repeated it in the chorus. Also they had Elvis displayed, and the text of the Hillburn review from the Troubador show.

10. Bitter Fingers - I was really surprised he went right into this song expecting to hear Tower of Babel, but Elton soared on these vocals, taking a bit of liberties on some of the high parts but still made it sound great. John M added some nice bells and percussion. Davey was playing a really cool guitar with Captain Fantastic artwork on it.

11. Tell Me When the Whistle Blows - Intro seemed to be more Guy (Keyboard) based to be than at Radio City last year. Choir was good, and this was a good version don't get me wrong. Elton sang great on this energetic song. But all in all I thought the Radio City performance was better. No direct intro into the next song Someone Saved.

12. Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Soon as the first piano notes were made the crowd responded favorably since they all knew that one. Really cool backing vocals on first verse by band. Good guitars on this one, and really powerful as usual, and top that all off it had a nice jam. Definite highlight

13. Meal Ticket - Song Rocked big time. Elton sang his heart out here, choir gave it a really energetic edge. It was a song that was great to hear live.

14. Better Off Dead - EJ was great here, and band was great with Davey on Acoustic and Nigel on the drums. Really cool song.

15. We All Fall In Love Sometimes/Curtains - "One of our best love songs talking about my relationship with Bernie, we weren't lovers but just like brothers" Great to finally get to hear these songs live. Wonderful sound on this one, and the band sounds really tight. John M is taking care of the high notes on this one, while Elton went down to a lower register couple times. Davey started out on Acoustic but think he might have switched to another guitar mid song. Curtains started off and EJ was singing awesome with some really great piano. Incredible drumming and percussion, choir really shined on the end part too, really incredible, stunning, a true showstopping highlight for me and most die hard fans. Oh on the screens they listed the members of the Old EJ band back in 1975 then did the same for the current members in the following order, EJ, BT, Gus, Davey, Nigel, Dee, Ray, Guy, Bob, John.

Act 3- Elton's Jukebox
At 9.30 pm the choir left and the hits began

16. Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding - I've said before that I never get sick of this song and I probably wont ever. It's also clear that most people coming to EJ shows know this one as well. It was a really driving performance which was awesome featuring some cool piano too. Definitely a highlight for me.

17. Bennie And the Jets - EJ got the crowd going on the first note as usual. Always fun live as well, even if you heard it a ton of times. Crowd starting to get up and dance even in the balcony. Nice little piano solo towards the end. And the band jam at the end was awesome at well.

18. Daniel - Obviously a crowd favorite, but I think this classic song needs a break for a while, song doesn't do much for me live. But nonetheless EJ sang well and a decent version overall.

19. Take Me to The Pilot - Another song that probably could use a break, but I don't mind him doing this one live. Best parts for me were a nice piano solo that was different, and a soulful vocal intro to the song. But rest of the song was the same he's been doing for years, but still always good. Still does the showboating pointing to the crowd at the end.

20. Rocket Man (9:59-10:11 12min) - I don't know how he still turns out amazing versions after all these years, but he did here. Another song everyone in the building knew. But it was Elton's vocals and piano that soared. The improvisational jam with Elton and the band was so amazing. But when Elton repeated Rocket Man over and over he took the song to another level. After that the obviously tight EJ band just jammed for a while with a definitely bluesy feel at time. Then I am please to report that the R-O-C-K-E-T M-A-N was back this time in a slower place than the famous 1984 version, but still great to see EJ pulling that out. He stole the show on this one, and what can say except that it was one of the best versions I ever heard.

Before the starting the next song, Elton dedicated the song to some friends in the audience including Mr and Mrs Robert Kraft, Mr Kraft is the owner of the NFL's New England Patriots and EJ said GO Pats to a good crowd response.

Editorial Comment- Nice to mention Pats, but what about the World Series Champions Red Sox???

21. I Guess that's Why They Call it the Blues - Elton was in great voice on the song especially at the end when he just belted it out of the arena. Nice accompaniment by the band especially on the drums and vocals. I really liked this soulful and bluesy version done tonight.

22. Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word - Before starting the song Elton dedicated it to Ray Charles and talking about the recording of their duet how it was one of the saddest and best moments of his life. And that it was the last thing Ray ever did in the studio Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word- If its not clear above but Elton was singing awesome tonight, really strong and rich vocals, this song was no different. I also liked the band's backing vocals on the song really added a nice touch. This new backstory about Ray to me gave it more emotional energy than before. And at the end of the song they displayed Ray Charles on the screens.

23. Tiny Dancer - It was clear that nobody knew this song either LOL, Song still has its clear country feel to me. And Nigel was amazing on the drums on this classic song. It was a sweet version but I have heard it all before.

Band Intro and the return of the 9 person choir who were really good

24. Philadelphia Freedom - The Garden became a party at this point. Choir really was great on this one. Making this version a lot of fun and very enjoyable. LED screen was showing some patriotic images on the screen.

25. Sad Songs - I am so glad that this classic song is back in the setlist. This performance had a nice different Piano and guitar intro. And features a nice little Piano solo in the middle. Really was a powerful and amazing performance.

26. Levon - Had another inventive piano solo at the beginning, and I also like that EJ sang the first verse pretty much by himself. It was an incredibly energetic performance. Band rocked, and the Choir shined too. End also was amazing with the choir and Elton interplay. True Highlight.

27. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Beautiful singing on this fan favorite. Its powerful especially when EJ hits the chorus, one thing I liked was the line "seem to fade from black and white" the screen showed EJ that way. Very different singing not the same way he usually does, very playful. But it was all great and he towered over everyone on this one. And as usual the ending was powerful.

28. Bitch Is Back - Elton got the crowd going on the intro of this one. And I didn't quite see that well, but I believe Elton tried to do a Handstand at the intro too. He also sat up on the piano top too. But the song itself featured some cool piano and obviously guitar. And to hear that choir say Bitch, Bitch etc at the end of song was sight to see.

29. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) - By this time even the folks up top where I was were up and dancing along. A song that's always a lot of fun live. I was dancing myself but I can tell you it was great featuring some cool piano by EJ. And the band and the choir doing their part as well.

Long Autograph sweep at this point, and apparently one of the things he signed was a Cd Liner booklet of the Captain Fantastic Album, My Friend Dick got a Watford Scarf signed, and Patty got her old 70s albums poster signed as well.

30. Crocodile Rock - Not much to say except the crowd was having a blast and that EJ was still sounding great 3 hours into this clearly amazing show.

31. Your Song - Elton now changed into a casual black outfit, ready to leave, but first he did say the following " Thank You Boston for listening to the new stuff and Captain Fantastic, I been coming here to Boston for 36 years and I want to thank you for all the Loyalty and this song is for you all" Your Song- Really passionate version tonight. At first I thought it was a EJ solo performance, but band was out for the 2nd verse which I thought was cool. He even belted some 2nd verse lines in more of the style that the new Patti Labelle duet, and just belted out the chorus like he can do so awesomely live. Show Ended at 1120 PM It was an absolutely an amazing show the non stop energy and high quality performance, makes Elton one of the best live acts you will ever see. To hear most of two Elton John albums in one night was a once in a lifetime thrill. I really enjoyed the contributions the choir made to the show it wouldn't be as good of a show if they weren't a part of it. And the band Elton has now is just awesome these boys can just play awesome, they can rock and sing with the best of them

Post Concert and a Surprise
Well the plan after the show was to meet up with Kevin and Dick at the concourse level, but it was such a zoo that it took a while to get over to them and thankfully I did get to. When I got there, with them was Kevin from Minneapolis and Bob and Sharon from Chicago. Dick was showing off the scarf which has EJ's signature. And I asked Kevin how did you make out with my Cd Liner, he said no luck, and I said don't worry, but he said you can look at it anyway. So I opened it up and on the page with the lyrics to the song Captain Fantastic, sure enough there it was a quick but clear enough for me a signature by EJ himself. I was floored and thanked Kevin for getting it for me. So that topped what already was an amazing night. I boarded a 12.10 am train and got home like 12.45 am. This will be a night I will never forget that is for sure.

Following is the complete set list of the Boston show on September 16, 2005:

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  
• Bitter Fingers
  
• Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
  
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
  
• (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
  
• Better Off Dead
  
• We All Fall In Love Sometimes
  
• Curtains
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me to The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why The Call It The Blues
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
• Your Song

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Elton John will be making a guest appearance in Fountain Lakes as part of the "Kath and Kim" telemovie.

Elton is strongly tipped to be the special guest on a forthcoming telemovie for "Kath & Kim" which will screen at the end of the year.

It is being directed by the highly respected Ted Emery, who was behind the original series.

The telemovie will screen for an hour-and-a-half with a top-secret plot. However, the inclusion of the flamboyant entertainer – who is very K & K – could also strengthen the opportunities of more sales in the UK, which is also slowly coming to terms with the show's charms.

The famously bewigged one follows on from Kylie Minogue, who declared herself such a huge fan of the show and was thrilled to appear in a special episode.

While the entire cast and crew are said to be thrilled to have such a big name involved, up until now just who the special guest was had been top secret.

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Billboard magazine has released a special interview issue with Elton John on September 10, 2005.

This in-depth Billboard Q&A interview with Elton John is available for online ordering. Billboard is not widely distributed in newsstands or bookstores, so this might be the only chance you can purchase this special issue on Elton John.

Fans can purchase the special feature online at www.orderbillboard.com/elton or order by phone (800)-562-2706 (in the U.S.), (818) 487-4582 (International).

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The UK government is launching a campaign to publicise its new "gay marriage" law, which from the end of this year will give same-sex couples such as Elton and David many of the same rights as married people.

In what will be officially known as the civil partnership, gay and lesbian couples will from December 5, 2005 be able to inform registry offices, which administer civil marriages in Britain, of their intention to affirm their relationship under the law.

After a 15-day waiting period, the first civil partnerships will be sealed just before Christmas -- with Elton John having already expressed the wish to become one of the first "married" gay couples with partner David Furnish.

The government has deliberately avoided the word marriage to avoid upsetting religious sensibilities, although the partnerships give couples similar entitlements over tax, pensions and other benefits to those who are married.

Partners will even be able to dissolve the agreement in a form of divorce.

"It places homosexual couples on an equal footing with married couples, giving them the same rights," a spokeswoman for the Department of Trade and Industry said.

The civil partnerships have attracted a large number of enquiries from interested couples, although the Church of England has been less welcoming.

In July 2005, bishops ruled that same-sex couples who unite via the civil partnerships will not be able to have their unions then blessed by Church of England clergy.

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Pop star Anastacia has revealed how she'd like to be the "frickin' orchid-throwing flower bitch" at Elton John's wedding, reports the SUN.

Elton is planning to marry his partner David Furnish in December 2005 and good pal Ana can't wait. She said: "I wanna be his frickin' orchid-throwing flower bitch! I'd hold his train. I'd hold both their trains because you know those bitches will be wearing trains. I would make a fool of myself for El, he's such a lovely, lovely man and I'm so grateful to know him."

Anastacia also revealed she is slightly jealous of Elton's other good female friend Victoria Beckham. She said: "Victoria and David came to one of my concerts right after she gave birth and I wanted to smack her down because she looked so f***ing good. I was like 'I hate you'."

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For over eight years and more than 100 episodes, James Lipton has sat down with some of the world’s most accomplished actors and directors for penetrating, fascinating interviews.

Lipton’s studious research and enlightened curiosity has inspired his guests to open up and confess their deepest thoughts about the art of acting.

In October 2005, Elton John will be a guest at the show which will air on Bravo TV on October 16, 2005 at 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Hosted by New York’s famed New School For Social Research, each episode is taped before an audience of students at The Actors Studio Drama School. In addition to his duties as host, Lipton is also the Dean of the school. The series has been honored with seven Emmy Award nominations.

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Big names such as Elton John and Rod Stewart will team up with some of New Orleans' most notable musicians, including recently rescued veterans Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint, during a September 20, 2005 benefit for victims of Hurricane Katrina at Madison Square Garden.

The concert, dubbed "From the Big Apple to the Big Easy," will also feature Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Nicks, Lenny Kravitz, Bette Midler, John Fogerty, Loggins & Mussina and Earth, Wind & Fire. New Orleans will additionally be represented by the Neville Brothers, the Original Meters and the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth Brass Bands.

In addition to underwriting the show, Madison Square Garden will donate $1 million to Katrina-related fundraising efforts. All proceeds from the event will benefit like-minded causes. Tickets go on sale September 13, 2005.

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Elton packed the Air Canada Centre on September 6, 2005 with about 16,000 faithful for the first of two sold-out concerts.

Early into the performance, Elton dedicated a song to those left homeless by hurricane Katrina. "Since Mississippi was one of hardest hit, we're gonna do this one," he said launching into "Porch Swing in Tupelo".

Elton called it "a different sort of show," because instead of playing a steady stream of hits as many fans have come to expect in recent years, he devoted the first half of the concert to the first eight tracks of "Peachtree Road".

"Although it hasn't been a commercial success, it has been a critical one," said Elton, wearing blue shades and a dark suit embellished with white and gold flora on his right arm. "We love playing it."

Elton told the audience he "wasted a lot of my life doing a lot of drugs" and subsequently couldn't stay in a relationship. "When I got sober someone walked into my life," he recalled.

"David has been the best thing that's ever happened to me. That's another reason to love Canada, right?" he said after singing "My Elusive Drug", written about his beloved.

Following is the complete set list of the Toronto show on September 6, 2005:

• Weight Of The World
  
• Porch Swing In Tupelo
  
• Answer In The Sky
  
• Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
  
• My Elusive Drug
  
• They Call Her The Cat
  
• Freaks In Love
  
• All That I'm Allowed
  
• Pinball Wizard
  
• Bennie And The Jets
  
• Daniel
  
• Take Me To The Pilot
  
• Rocket Man
  
• I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
  
• Tiny Dancer
  
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  
• Funeral For A Friend
  
• Love Lies Bleeding
  
• Are You Ready For Love
  
• Philadelphia Freedom
  
• Sad Songs (Say So Much)
  
• Levon
  
• Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
  
• I'm Still Standing
  
• The Bitch Is Back
  
• Saturday Night's Alright(For Fighting)
  ´
  
• Crocodile Rock
  
  
• Your Song

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You can stream the first three songs from Elton's Rome performance in front of the Colosseum online.

To watch "Pinball Wizard", "Bennie and the Jets" and "Daniel", simply follow this link.

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Atlanta resident Elton John had some familiar faces from his US hometown in the crowd during his free concert outside the ancient Colosseum in Rome on September 3, 2005.

Huddled in the VIP section: 99X's Jimmy Baron with wife and Ralph Reed spokeswoman/Sunday Paper columnist Lisa Baron and Q100's Jeff Dauler with wife and "Bert Show" shopping correspondent Jessica Dauler.

Fans of all ages had started lining up at dawn to grab good spots for the celebration on the Via dei Fori Imperial, the large boulevard that leads to the Colosseum and is lined with Roman relics. "We cannot put into words how incredible it was seeing Elton with the Roman ruins in the background. We had to remind ourselves that we weren't watching Elton at some Vegas or Epcot-type 'set,'" Dauler said.

When Elton jumped offstage to change outfits, he gave the Atlantans quick hugs and handshakes. Atlantan Adam McKnight and the Voice of Atlanta gospel choir, who recorded vocals for Elton's latest studio album, "Peachtree Road," were also on hand for the concert.

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The Staines crew Hard-Fi seems to really have a bee in their bonnet over Elton. Lead singer Richard Jones said to the Daily Star: “Elton John really winds us up.”

“They just keep wheeling him out. He even sings with dead rappers. I can’t believe he’d stoop so low as to use Pete Doherty. It was all too much, all very very wrong.”

Mr Jones also seems to be very confident about their new single and their chances of winning the Mercury Music Prize. He said: “We recorded our record ourselves and wouldn’t let anyone hear it until we’d made it as good as we could. No one can turn round and say that’s rubbish cos if they did we can say you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

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Elton John played the piano and delighted hundreds of thousands of fans with old hits such as "Daniel" at a concert outside the Colosseum on September 3, 2005.

People of all ages clapped and danced at the free concert on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the large boulevard that leads to the Colosseum and is lined with ancient Roman relics.

Fans included families with babies, and security officials estimated the crowd at 200,000. Some had been there since dawn to grab good spots.

"We like him very much, he's a great one, there's nothing else to say," said Sara Stanghetti, 18, who came with four friends.

Francesca Savina, 23, who said she started listening to Elton because her parents did, left home at early in the afternoon to make sure she could get a good view of the singer.

Some took a more modest view of the event. "I would not have paid a lot of money to see Elton John," said Daniele Casale, 29.

Elton performed in Italy for the first time in 1973, according to a release from the Rome municipality.

"I love places that have an incredible history," Elton said in taped remarks that were released to news organizations before the concert. "I love the Italian way of life, I love the food, I love the people, I love the attitudes of Italians."

Last year, a Simon and Garfunkel concert on the same stage drew hundreds of thousands of fans. In 2003, Paul McCartney also performed on the Via dei Fori Imperiali.

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Elton talks to Billboard about his forthcoming plans.

At the top of every hour the clock in Elton John's dressing room at Caesars Palace breaks wind. And every hour, the farting clock makes John laugh.

Elton has every reason to smile. His Las Vegas run has been extended from 75 shows during a three-year period to 225 shows during a five-year span ending in 2008. Every show of "The Red Piano" has been a sellout. A U.K. tour this summer drew almost 400,000 people.

His latest musical, an adaptation of the movie "Billy Elliot" written by Elton and Lee Hall, opened to largely rave reviews in London's West End, and there's talk of bringing it to Broadway.

Elton has wrapped "Lestat," the first musical he and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin have written together. The play, based on Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat series, will debut in December at San Francisco's Curran Theater before heading to Broadway in spring 2006.

And there are plenty of other projects in the works, including a development deal with Touchstone Television for a sitcom about a rock star and his entourage and an exclusive November 9, 2005 Starbucks release of the CD "Elton's Christmas Party," with part of the proceeds earmarked for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Q: Your last album, 2004's "Peachtree Road" (Rocket/Universal) received some of the best reviews of your career, and yet it sold only 300,000 copies in the United States, making it one of your worst performers. How frustrating is that for you?

A: It is frustrating ... I'm not storming around saying, "Why isn't my f***ing record doing better than this?" I just had to look at it and say, "Was it a s**t record?" And it wasn't, it was the best I could do. I'm 58 now, and my time in the sun, as it were, is gone. I have to accept that. Was I disappointed? Yeah, because I put my heart and soul into it. ... (Universal Records) tried to persuade (me) to do a Motown album or a standards album, and I wouldn't do it. I said (no) because I want to still write songs. I still feel as if I've got something else to offer without going down that route.

Q: Were you insulted when they asked you?

A: Yeah. I mean, it's like, "That's what you think of me, is it?"

Q: You and Bernie Taupin are writing a sequel to "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" called "Captain Fantastic and the Kid." The first edition, released in 1975, covered your first 30 years; the second will cover the subsequent 30 years and will come out March 20, 2007, five days before your 60th birthday. Are you and Bernie already working on it?

A: I'm starting writing and recording it in Atlanta in January 2006. It was Merck's (Sanctuary Group CEO Merck Mercuriadis, who tends to the creative side of Elton's career) idea, because he said, "You're always saying how Bernie has become the Brown Dirt Cowboy" -- he lives on a ranch in Santa Ynez (Calif.) -- and I'm this guy who plays concert after concert, buying art, buying photographs, living a very lavish lifestyle. I've become Captain Fantastic.

We would have been together then about 40 years by the time it comes out. One of the things I'm most proud of in my life is the relationship I've had with Bernie.

Q: Is it true you buy the new album releases every week at Tower Records when you are home in Atlanta?

A: I go in there at 9:30 on Tuesday morning, before it opens, before they put the f***ing things (out where) I can't find them. They're all on the cart, and I can go through them, one by one, because I know what I want. It's one of my things I look forward to every week. Those guys open up and (have) a cup of coffee there now, and it's just brilliant.

Q: Would you tour with Billy Joel again?

A: Yeah, I would, because I love him dearly. My greatest wish is for Billy Joel to have a No. 1 album and get his confidence back. That would make me so happy. You know, we've never been rivals, we've always been friends. Part of my Captain Fantastic's next 30 years include Billy Joel. And it would be great to do a duet.

Q: You have extended the Vegas run for "The Red Piano" show by another two years. It obviously agrees with you.

A: (Before Caesars) I'd never stayed the night here. I don't go out (much, but) you do get stir crazy. So I'll go see what's in the shops now. (Elton's operations manager) Bob Halley and I got chased through the mall. We were laughing so hard. Bob said, "We're being chased by 60-year-old women!" and I said, "Bob, we are 60!" We have nothing but good things to say about here.

Q: You go out of your way to support new artists. Why?

A: The first five years of my career we played with people that were our stone cold idols, and everyone treated us so well. That's why I try and give a hand out to young people, because people did that to me. I remember phoning Fountains of Wayne when "Utopia Parkway" came out. They thought it wasn't me on the phone, but it was. I just wanted to say, "This is such a great album." It's important to let people know that.

Q: Is writing easy for you?

A: Yeah. I wrote 60 songs in a year (for "Peachtree Road," "Billy Elliot" and "Lestat"). One of the songs (for "Lestat") is called "Paris," a conversational song in three parts. It's the longest song I ever took to write -- three-and-a-half hours. I thought I was going to go nuts. I thought I was going to have a mental breakdown.

Q: You have a sitcom in development. What can you tell us about that?

A: It's called "Him and Us." It's basically about the entourage around a star called Max Flash who have to put up with this bastard. Max Flash is based on me, Mick, Bowie, Rod, all these outrageously behaving rock stars.

Q: How do you find the time for all these projects?

A: You know, I'm 15 years sober today. That's changed my life. The energy that I used to spend doing drugs and everything, I spend doing great things, like getting up in the morning, going to Tower Records, trying to find new acts, trying to promote them. I have the most fantastic life. I really love it so much.

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Elton John was singing the praises of Rome and Italy as he arrived in the capital on September 2, 2005 ahead of a much-hyped free concert in front of the Colosseum.

The show is expected to draw half a million people. Elton entered his swish Roman hotel at lunchtime on September 2, 2005, looking dapper in a blue suit, red shirt and sunglasses.

Elton, who has a house in Venice, has been declaring his love of Italy in the run-up to a concert he reportedly sees as one of the highlights of his 30-year career.

"I love the style of Italians, the food, the people, their way of going through life," he said in gushing comments published in several national dailies. "I have a sort of love affair with Italy and Rome." He was expected to go shopping in Rome's chic boutiques during the afternoon and to attend a party in the evening at a secret location and with guests that not even Italy's top paparazzi appear to have identified.

Elton said he knew Saturday's concert would be a "fantastic" event because Italian audiences were always the most enthusiastic ones. He appears intent on making sure that his show at the Colosseum in Rome on September 3, 2005 goes down in history .

"I can't wait to be in Rome to play in front of the Colosseum," he said. "I'm honoured by this chance I have to perform in such a special place and in such a special city."

A huge, aluminium-and-plastic stage has been erected in front of the Colosseum. At 22 metres by 16, it's twice as big as a normal outdoor concert stage. Organisers say that the construction - complete with 20 tons of lights - will be practically transparent so that the ancient Roman gladiators' arena will dominate the view.

Elton was so keen to get the lights and special effects right that he had an identical stage built in the grounds of his mansion near London. That way he could assess and tweak the planned light show at home. Elton John is reportedly anxious to see that his Rome gig is no less spectacular than ones given in the same place by Paul McCartney and Simon & Garfunkel. Those two acts drew crowds of 500,000 to their concerts in 2003 and 2004 .

With the added threat of terrorism, security will be tight at the concert, which is due to start at 9 pm. The nearby Colosseo metro stop will be closed from the morning and traffic in the area will be diverted from the previous evening.

There will be a massive police presence, with many officers in plain clothes mingling in the crowd. An extra 240 private security guards have also been called in to help.

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Elton John, Celine Dion, Loretta Lynn and George Clinton are among the stars scheduled to perform at comedian Jerry Lewis' 40th annual TV telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The eight-hour marathon of performances and pledges airs on September 4, 2005.

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Robert Downey Jr and new bride Susan Levin are honeymooning at pal Elton's English country home.

Elton, who invited the actor to star in his "I Want Love" video, was more than happy to offer his home to the couple, who wed in The Hamptons, New York, on August 27, 2005.

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