Elton & Brandi debut at #1 in the UK and #9 on Billboard in the US

Elton John and Brandi Carlile's new album "Who Believes In Angels" debuted at #1 in the UK and #9 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart as well #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Rock & Alternative Albums charts, while also opening in the top 10 on Top Album Sales (No. 2), Indie Store Album Sales (No. 2) and Vinyl Albums (No. 3).

Billboard story is here.

An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile on CBS April 6

 

CBS will present An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, a new primetime concert special featuring live performances, captivating stories about the pair’s enduring friendship, and an intimate look at their new joint album.

An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile will be broadcast on Sunday, April 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.

Elton and Brandi to appear on April 5th SNL

Elton and Brandi Carlile will appear on the April 5 SNL .  They will be peening tracks from their collaboration album “Who Believe In Angels” released on 

Elton and Brandi to perform on SNL with Jack Black hosting.

Elton scores his 60th Top 40 single with his duet with Ed Sheeran "Merry Christmas"

Elton has racked up his 60th Top 40 hit with "Merry Christmas" the duet he released in 2021 with Ed Sheeran.  This is the first time it has reached the Billboard Top 40 entering the chart at #38.

From Billboard's Chart Beat...

As holiday hits decorate the Billboard Hot 100’s entire top 10, and top 16, spots for the first time, another seasonal song, among others, makes a notable jolly jaunt: Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s “Merry Christmas” jingles four places to No. 38, marking its first week in the chart’s top 40 – and John’s milestone 60th top 40 hit and Sheeran’s likewise landmark 25th.

Related

The team-up, which Sheeran and John co-wrote, was released in 2021 and first peaked at No. 42 a year later.

 

Elton John Quietly Finishes New Album, Release Uncertain as Icon Battles Infection

Apparently Elton has recently finished and turned in his newest album to his label.  Still no word on when it will be released.  Some interesting info in this article but its still very confusing about when this was recorded since reports at the beginning of the year said it was already completed.

Few singers match the success that followed Elton John over the decades. Embracing the title of icon, John released over 30 albums throughout his career. His last, Regimental Sgt. Zippo, released back in 2021. And although 77 years old, the singer continues to spend time in the studio, working on new music. Recent reports even suggested that John finished work on yet another album. Hoping to share his work with fans around the holidays, it appears that might not happen as John continues to suffer from an eye infection.

Click here for the whole story

New Album Coming in 2024

Elton said during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony that he has completed recording his next album and it will surprise a lot of people.  Click here to read article at People.com

Elton John is releasing new music!

On Friday, the music legend, 76, took the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to induct his close friend and longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

During his speech, John revealed that the duo — whose music partnership spans over 50 years — had just finished a new album. 

“We’ve just finished an album in Los Angeles, which is going to surprise the s--- out of you,” John told the audience in fan-recorded footage of the event. Referring to his swearing, he then joked, “Oops I can’t say that.”

 

Elton inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

 

Elton John inducted his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight with a touching speech filled with gratitude and love.

John declared the duo's chance first meeting "one of the greatest moments of my life," declaring that he not only found a lifelong creative partner but the best friend he never had. "We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale."

Read More: Elton John Inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock Hall of Fame | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-inducts-bernie-taupin-into-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Elton John inducted his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight with a touching speech filled with gratitude and love.

John declared the duo's chance first meeting "one of the greatest moments of my life," declaring that he not only found a lifelong creative partner but the best friend he never had. "We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale."

Read More: Elton John Inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock Hall of Fame | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-inducts-bernie-taupin-into-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Elton John inducted his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight with a touching speech filled with gratitude and love.

John declared the duo’s chance first meeting “one of the greatest moments of my life,” declaring that he not only found a lifelong creative partner but the best friend he never had. “We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale.”

Click here for entire article.

 

Elton John inducted his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight with a touching speech filled with gratitude and love.

John declared the duo's chance first meeting "one of the greatest moments of my life," declaring that he not only found a lifelong creative partner but the best friend he never had. "We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale."

Read More: Elton John Inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock Hall of Fame | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-inducts-bernie-taupin-into-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Elton John inducted his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight with a touching speech filled with gratitude and love.

John declared the duo's chance first meeting "one of the greatest moments of my life," declaring that he not only found a lifelong creative partner but the best friend he never had. "We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale."

Read More: Elton John Inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock Hall of Fame | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-inducts-bernie-taupin-into-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Elton John inducted his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight with a touching speech filled with gratitude and love.

John declared the duo's chance first meeting "one of the greatest moments of my life," declaring that he not only found a lifelong creative partner but the best friend he never had. "We climbed mountains that we never thought were possible to climb, and we scaled heights that we never thought were possible to scale."

Read More: Elton John Inducts Bernie Taupin into the Rock Hall of Fame | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-inducts-bernie-taupin-into-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Elton performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

The Weight - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023

Bernie Taupin interview in Vulture

Great interview with Bernie about his upcoming book...some interesting takeaways; 

Bernie Taupin is still standing

• He doesn't think "Island Girl" is racist...
• He thinks "Blue Moves" would be a better single album and was too depressing
  
• "Candle In The Wind" was originally about Montgomery Clift
• "I'm Still Standing" was about an ex-girlfriend of Bernie's
• The deep cuts show is still being discussed
• New music is still planned

It's a great read. 

Elton's farewell to his fans at the final show in Stockholm.

"Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player" 2LP Record Store Day release

 

Looks like this is a tease for the Deluxe set expected later this year.

Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player is Elton John’s sixth studio album. Released in January 1973 on DJM Records, it features the hits “Crocodile Rock” and “Daniel.” The first of two studio albums he released that year, it was his second straight #1 album in the U.S. and his first U.K. chart-topper.

2 LP set pressed on Propeller Splatter vinyl for Record Store Day 2023

SIDE A:
1. Daniel
2. Teacher I Need You
3. Elderberry Wine
4. Blues For My Baby And Me
5. Midnight Creeper

SIDE B:
6. Have Mercy On The Criminal
7. I'm Going To Be A Teenage Idol
8. Texan Love Song
9. Crocodile Rock
10. High Flying Bird

SIDE C:
11. Daniel - Session Demo
12. Teacher I Need You - Session Demo
13. Elderberry Wine - Session Demo
14. Blues For My Baby And Me - Session Demo
15. High Flying Bird - Session Demo

SIDE D:
16. Have Mercy On The Criminal - Session Demo
17. I'm Going To Be A Teenage Idol - Session Demo
18. Hi-Heel Sneakers - Session Demo
19. Skyline Pigeon - Session Demo
20. Jack Rabbit - Session Demo

Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player: How Elton John Fired A Classic

With the Honky Chateau 50th Anniversary Deluxe set coming out next month Yahoo Entertainment drops a story about the album that gave us Elton's first #1 hit "Crocodile Rock". There are rumors that there's an expansive 50th Anniversary set for Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player coming out later this year.  So this could be planting the seed for that collection.   

 

It was the embodiment of a hard-earned victory. By the turn of 1973, Elton John had been releasing albums for several years, not to mention all the dues he had paid in obscurity as a touring and session musician from the mid-60s onwards.

At times, even after his breakthrough across the Atlantic, he had felt like giving up. But finally, his sixth studio album, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player, gave him a No.1 album in his own country.

Click here for the whole article.

 

 

 

Elton in Jack Harlow Super Bowl ad...

Elton appears in the Jack Harlow Super Bowl ad...

 

Try another angle. Super Bowl goals.

Look out for me and my dawgs on live television this Sunday.#Doritos_Partner @Doritos pic.twitter.com/yxuPt9zGeS

— Jack Harlow (@jackharlow) February 8, 2023

 

All of Elton's records on the Billboard charts...

Elton John Scoring the Highest-Grossing Tour of All Time Is Just the Latest in His Long Line of Billboard Records

Another year, another decade, another record.

 

 

Elton John has made Billboard Boxscore history. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour is the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.

As Eric Frankenberg reported on Monday: “According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour has grossed $817.9 million across 278 shows so far — more than any tour in Boxscore history. Bypassing Ed Sheeran’s The Divide Tour ($776.4 million), it is the first tour in Billboard’s archives to cross the $800 million benchmark.”

 Read the rest here.

"Hold Me Closer" ranks #1 on Billboard readers poll for 2022

Elton John reacts as ‘Hold Me Closer’ ranks no. 1 on the Billboard reader poll.

 

Elton John thanked Britney Spears for collaborating with him as their hit track Hold Me Closer topped the Billboard reader poll.

Taking to Instagram, the Sacrifice singer expressed gratitude to the Toxic hitmaker and the Billboard fans for voting for their song, which marks the comeback of Spears to music after conservatorship.

Click here for the article.

 

Disney+ to stream Elton John Dodger Stadium show on November 20

 Disney+ will exclusively live stream “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” on Sunday, Nov. 20.

 

The three-hour livestream “will showcase Elton John as audiences have never seen him before, paying tribute to the icon and the seminal moment in 1975 that cemented his global success. The concert will begin with “Countdown to Elton Live” from Dodger Stadium, beginning at ... 10:30 p.m. EST.”

Disney+ said the concert also will include “yet-to-be-announced big-name artists who will honor the legendary megastar on stage.”

UPDATE: "Hold Me Closer" falls 8 to #34 on the Hot 100

UPDATE 10/25/2022:  "Hold Me Closer" falls 8 sports to #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart,  rise to #7 on the Billboard AC chart.  On the Mainstream Top 40 Airplay it's at #11 down one but slight increase in spins, on the Adult Top 40 Airplay its up to #5

UPDATE 10/12/2022:  "Hold Me Closer" rises one spot to # 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Holds at #9 on the Billboard AC chart.  On the Mainstream Top 40 Airplay it's at #11, on the Adult Top 40 Airplay it holds at #7

 UPDATE 10/05/2022:  "Hold Me Closer" rises one spot to # 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Goes up 3 sports to #9 on the Billboard AC chart.  On the Mainstream Top 40 Airplay it's at #10, on the Adult Top 40 Airplay its rises 3 spots to at #7

UPDATE 09/28/2022:  The mashup from Elton John and Britney Spears "Hold Me Closer" has dropped 2 more spots to # 28 in it's third week on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It holds at #12 on the AC chart.  Ont eh Mediabase airplay charts it still shows increases on all charts so time will tell if it will move back up the charts.

09/20/2022:  The mashup from Elton John and Britney Spears "Hold Me Closer" has dropped 3 spots to # 26 in it's third week on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  After debuting at #6 it has dropped each week since. Clearly this new track is not nearly as popular as the Dua Lipa/Elton John track "Cold Heart".  It is holding up well on the AC chart but not so much on the Top 40.  We shall see if it turns around in the weeks too come.

Hold Me Closer: Last week #6 debut, this week drops to #23

That was quick.  Down to #23.

Mediabase does show an increase in spins and has it at #17 up 2 from last week on their Top 40 airplay chart.   On their AC chart its at #11 and Hot AC at #15 also with an increase in spins.  So we'll see how it goes.  The performance of this mashup may determine if we get any more of them.

Elton/Britney "Hold Me Closer" debuts at #6 on Billboard Hot 100

Plus, Steve Lacy‘s “Bad Habit” rises to a new No. 2 Hot 100 best and Elton John and Britney Spears‘ “Hold Me Closer” bounds onto the chart at No. 6. The latter, the latest mash-up of John classics, marks his 29th Hot 100 top 10 and Spears’ 14th, and her first in nearly 10 years. Earlier this year, John added his first top 10 since 1998, when his previous multi-song reworking of his own catalog, “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix),” with Dua Lipa, reached No. 7.

Click here to read the article at Billboard.

Rolling Stone: Iconic and Amazing

 Read the Rolling Stone magazine review of Hold Me Closer.