Elton John News from Crazy Water

Stars sparkle at Sir Elton John's White Tie & Tiara Ball
By Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director
Last Updated: 6:26PM BST 27/06/2008
Sir Elton John's White Tie & Tiara Ball: The theme was 'Surfin USA', circa the sun-drenched 60's of California, set to the music of the Beach Boys, star act of the night.

Sadly the barometer was set to a gloomy British summer, with temperatures chilly enough to make the pecs on the honed and toned 'Muscle Beach' models quiver in the stiff breeze.

There were certainly no takers for the pristine white diving board in the middle of the lake which dominates the gardens of Sir Elton John and David Furnish's £20 million Woodside home at Old Windsor.

But nothing could dampen the spirits of the 630 party-goers at £3,000 a head for the 10th annual White Tie & Tiara Ball, nor dull the sparkle of the amazing jewels which glittered in the cavalcade of bronzed cleavage, shimmering in the candle-lit setting

VH1's 'Elton' strolls down star's yellow brick road

Wednesday, June 11th 2008, 4:00 AM

ELTON JOHN: ME, MYSELF AND I. Thursday at 9 p.m., VH1

"Elton John: ME, MYSELF AND I," which gets its first American showing on VH1 tomorrow night, turns out to be something of a vanity project.

That's fitting. In fact, with Elton John, it's redundant.

As he would be the first to acknowledge.

Confidence, he remarks at one point during this production, has never been a problem for the boy who was born Reginald Dwight and grew up to become the unlikeliest rock star this side of Elvis Costello.

He looks like someone you'd meet behind the counter at the auto parts store. Only his skill at creating hummable melodies, combined with his good fortune in teaming up early with lyricist Bernie Taupin, made him one of the most durable rockers ever.

It can be argued that he sometimes plays to easy cheap sentiment, and that his later work got less interesting. Still, anyone who can play a 2-1/2-hour concert composed entirely of catchy hits, and still have two dozen left over, obviously has done something right.

This 2007 British film, unlike a documentary done 10 years ago, doesn't try to capture the full Elton. No tantrums here, no diva moments.

Instead, he walks the viewer through his life, chronologically, in a calm and reflective tone. If anything, he's subdued. While he talks about how much fun he's had being Elton John, we don't get a visceral sense of it from the brief film clips.

Nor does he offer any major revelations about his off-stage life, though it's revealing that he dwells on two events most fans might not have guessed were major turning points.

One was owning the Watford football (soccer) team, which he said taught him crucial lessons about management and about realizing you don't always win.

The other was his friendship with the late Ryan White, the Indiana boy who became a symbol of AIDS victims. Beyond the relationship itself, John says spending a week with the dying boy and his family jolted John into changing - and ultimately saving - his own life.

That meant kicking a drug habit so serious he once joked about the Swiss Alps reminding him of all the cocaine he had snorted.

It revived his career, inspired him to start an AIDS foundation that has raised more than $100 million and led him to what he calls a much more balanced life.

At the same time, it's still a rock-star life. While this special doesn't talk about the flowers, the decorating, the wardrobe and John's legendary conspicuous consumption, they're the unspoken backdrop.

"Elton John" doesn't present itself as definitive autobiography, which it's not. It acknowledges just briefly his ill-fated heterosexual marriage and seems to tread delicately on the still-tender matter of Princess Diana's death. It leaves virtually all discussion of his music and songs for another day.

It's a solid chapter in the book of his life.

No not that one;

Amazon has them listed for June 3rd, if you pre-order you are guaranteed to get the lowest prices from Amazon should the prices drop;

Elton John 'breaking my heart' piano for sale - Music - Entertainment

The grand piano on which Elton John rehearsed his British chart topping duet with Kiki Dee, Don't Go Breaking My Heart goes on sale next month with a price tag of up to STG45,000 ($A93,000).

The maple-finished Steinway was completed in Hamburg in 1971 and shipped to London where the flamboyant British singer bought it for his home in Windsor.

"I haven't owned that many pianos in my life and particular pianos have special memories," said John.

"It was a totally amazing time - the huge success in America, the touring, producing a new album at the rate of sometimes two a year. Just incredible!".

It will go on sale at auction house Bonhams entertainment memorabilia sale on June 18 alongside another of John's Grand Pianos, a Black Steinway made in the United States in 1971 which was originally bought for his Beverley Hills home.

That is expected to fetch up to STG35,000 ($A72,000).

Other items in the sale in Knightsbridge include film and concert posters, autographed record covers, concert tickets, items of clothing, musical instruments and photographs.

Reuters

My new favorite song;

Elton John Pianos May Fetch 80000 Pounds at Bonhams in London

Elton John - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

Elton John to play Mohegan Sun

GateHouse News Service
Posted May 27, 2008 @ 11:34 AM

Elton John is coming to Mohegan Sun Arena at 8 p.m. Nov. 14, as part of his 2008 tour: "Rocket Man: Number Ones." Mohegan Sun will be Elton John and his band's only public performance this fall in New England.

Since there is no new Elton music in the near future here is a new track from Journey called "After All These Years" with new lead vocalist Arnel Pineda. It really is quite good and very Journey sounding;

Elton John has been offered £2.6 million ($5 million) to play for a Russian woman tycoon for just an hour.

John, 61, is likely to accept the tempting offer, which is a record for a single artist. A private jet will fly him and guards will escort him to the hotel in the posh Rublyovka district, reports thesun.co.uk.

An informed source said: “Initially, Elton turned her down because he is so busy. But when the offer crossed the £2 million barrier it was too much to refuse, even for someone of his means. And let's be honest, £2.6 million buys a hell of a lot of flowers. He's on the verge of saying yes.”

After recording what are arguably his best 3 albums since the mid-70s according to his fans and critics, Elton has decided that he doesn't need to record another...

Elton John: 'I won't make another album'

Friday, May 9 2008, 13:09 BST

By Simon Reynolds, Entertainment Reporter
Elton John: 'I won't make another album'

Rex Features
Elton John has revealed that he may not release another album, BBC 6 Music reports.

Speaking after a recent performance in Austria, the popstar said: "I don't know if I'm ever going to make another record again at the moment. I have no plans to do another album as such.

"I am so busy touring and doing shows and promoting musicals and producing films - I would like to make another record but I don’t know when or where or if I am gonna make one."

John's last album, The Captain & The Kid, was released in 2006.

Sir Alan Sugar reportedly hired the 61-year-old to perform at his recent ruby wedding anniversary.

I just bought this TV last week and I am STUNNED by the brilliant picture it produces. So here is my shameless plug for anyone looking for a new HDTV. This is the Samsung LN-T4671F and it has just been discontinued because it is the 2007 model. The price has come down $800 from last week and it probably will continue down until they exhaust their inventory. So check it out, buy it and also get "Elton 60: Live at Madison Square Garden" to be the first DVD or Blu-Ray you watch. You will be amazed!

Pretty cool but a bit out of my price range...

Elton John has added another round of dates to his ongoing Las Vegas production, dubbed "The Red Piano," and will work in some concerts outside of Sin City, as well. This month, John will tackle shows in Austria, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and China before returning stateside in late May for a couple of shows in Alaska, then back to the Vegas stage once again in June.

According to a post on The Crazy Water Forum and confirmed here on the very unreliable Wikipedia Elton's 1975 song "Street Kids" is included in the new video game Grand Theft Auto IV.

Click here for the Elton John section of Wolfgangs Vault...

Wolfgang's Vault Adds Concerts by Elton John, America, Motorhead, etc.

Sunday, 27 April 2008

Wolfgang's Vault, the world famous music archive website "where live music lives", has just uncovered and presented 14 new concerts to be streamed free beginning today. These shows recorded between 1968 and 1988, have not been heard since then and are exclusive to www.ConcertVault.com.

These previously unreleased concert recordings are:

* Motorhead 1983

* Elton John 1988

* Crosby, Stills & Nash 1973

* America 1978

* Eddie Money 1978

* Slade 1976

* Jefferson Airplane 1969

* Steve Miller 1974

* Sammy Hagar 1977

* Garland Jeffreys 1978

* Todd Rundgren 1982

* Jimi Hendrix Experience 1968

Also this week, Wolfgang's Vault fans gave The Allman Brothers 1971 Fillmore East concert on the www.ConcertVault.com the highest rating in the Vault, edging out last week's winner: Stevie Ray Vaughn's 1983 Ripley Music Hall show.

Other news on Wolfgang's Vault includes the announcement of 15% off discount on all Rock Posters for a limited time. A discount coupon code was sent today to newsletter subscribers.

Rare luxury items are offered today on Wolfgang's Vault's eBay Store, in a "Big Ticket Auction." Included: an early Jefferson Airplane poster for the Vietnam Day Committee's Peace Trip; a handbill for the Hell's Angels' Chocolate George featuring the Dead and Big Brother; an extremely rare hand-painted poster for Jimi Hendrix; a signed Grape Strike Benefit poster; a New York Pop Festival poster; and offered for the first time ever, a set of over 600 BG tickets.

And [http://www.crawdaddy.com Crawdaddy!, The Magazine of Rock features:

Interviews with Ted Nugent,

Reviews of the new Rolling Stones film by Martin Scorcese: Let It Shine,

Music Sound Quality challenge: MP3 vs. Vinyl vs. CD

Black Lips, Billy Bragg, Brian Jonestown Massacre and more

About Wolfgang's Vault:

Wolfgang's Vault began in 2003 as the home of the Bill Graham Archives and has become the world's largest collection of concert recordings for streaming and download, and all related live music art including fine art rock posters, rock photos and vintage and retro apparel and rock memorabilia.

San Diego teen to be a Billy Elliot

San Diego teenager Kiril Kulish is one of three boys selected to share the role of Billy in the Broadway production of "Billy Elliot: The Musical," with music by Elton John and lyrics and libretto by Lee Hall.

The show, based on the 2000 movie "Billy Elliot," about a talented kid from a working-class family in northern England who wants to dance, opens Oct. 1 at the Imperial Theater in New York.

Announced Tuesday in New York, the selection of the three Billys who will rotate through the role -- Kulish, 14; New Yorker Trent Kowalik, 13, a veteran of the London production; and Montreal-born David Alvarez, 13, who spent many years in San Diego and now lives in New York -- follows a scouting process that began more than three years ago, with countrywide auditions involving hundreds of boys.

Kulish, a trained pianist who began studying ballet at age 5 and ballroom dancing at 8, has won awards in ballet and ballroom competitions.

His sister and publicist Beatrice, who was with Kulish in New York for the announcement, said that at age 3 Kulish began following the ballroom and dance steps she demonstrated on visits home from college. She says she encouraged Kulish to dance "because I just wanted him to meet girls, you know?"

-- Diane Haithman

Sudbury council scolded over Elton John tickets

The Canadian Press

April 25, 2008 at 1:21 PM EDT

TORONTO — A private meeting by city council in Sudbury, Ont., to discuss a scandal involving Elton John concert tickets did not violate a law banning most closed-door meetings of elected officials, but it came "darn close," Ombudsman Andre Marin said Friday.

Mr. Marin used one of the musician's song titles — Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me — for his special report, which scolded councillors for meeting privately to discuss returning some of the 120 concert tickets they were able to purchase ahead of the general public.

Mr. Marin said the Feb. 20 meeting of 11 of the 13 Sudbury councillors "did not appear to be above board," and was "close to the legal line," but did not technically count as a council meeting under the law because it wasn't about city policy.

"Their behaviour may have passed the legal test, but it didn't pass the smell test, and if they continue with this kind of hanky-panky they're going to eventually transgress and cross the line," Mr. Marin said.

"This is not a case where vindication should be claimed."

A public outcry erupted in the northern Ontario city over the sold-out March 2 show by the pop music legend — one of only two Canadian stops on his recent tour — after people learned the 13 councillors were each able to purchase eight tickets ahead of the general public, who were limited to six tickets each.

"It's given Sudbury a black eye," Mr. Marin said, noting the scandal received international attention.

There was also a similar controversy involving tickets and city council in Kitchener, Ont. — the other Canadian stop on the tour — but there were no complaints about closed-door meetings, so Mr. Marin was never asked to investigate.

Mr. Marin called private meetings of elected officials "dangerous" because they fuel public suspicion.

"Local politicians should think long and hard before closing the doors and letting the sun go down," which usually violates the law, he said.

"Members of the public are very interested whenever public officials discuss issues of salaries and perks and privileges that mere city mortals don't get."

Mr. Marin noted the Sudbury council has since voted to end the practice of councillors getting advance access to events at the municipal arena.

But the vote was close, with Mayor John Rodriguez casting the tiebreaker after councillors deadlocked 6-6 on giving up the perk of preferential access to events at Sudbury Arena. The council also voted to no longer allow Sudbury Arena employees to make advance purchases of two tickets each.

Mandy Moore did an album of covers a couple of years ago called "Coverage" and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters was one of the songs on the album. Since I can't find that one online here is my favorite track from the album, a Joan Armatrading song

Well now the release dates for both Tumbleweed Connection and Elton John Deluxe Editions is set for June 3. We'll see if that holds or if they are delayed again.

Disc 1
1. Your Song Album Version
2. I Need You To Turn To
3. Take Me To The Pilot Album Version
4. No Shoe Strings On Louise
5. First Episode At Hienton
6. Sixty Years On Album Version
7. Border Song Album Version
8. The Greatest Discovery
9. The Cage
10. The King Must Die
11. Your Song Demo Version
12. I Need You To Turn To Piano Demo
13. Take Me To The Pilot Piano Demo
14. No Shoe Strings On Louise Piano Demo
15. Sixty Years On Piano Demo
16. The Greatest Discovery Piano Demo
17. The Cage Demo
18. The King Must Die Piano Demo
Disc 2
1. Rock And Roll Madonna Piano Demo
2. Thank You Mama Piano Demo
3. All The Way Down To El Paso Piano Demo
4. I'm Going Home Piano Demo
5. Grey Seal Piano Demo
6. Rock And Roll Madonna Incomplete Band Demo
7. Bad Side Of The Moon
8. Grey Seal
9. Rock And Roll Madonna
10. Border Song BBC Session (With Hookfoot)
11. Your Song BBC Session
12. Take Me To The Pilot BBC Session

Disc 1
1. Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun
2. Come Down In Time
3. Country Comfort Album Version
4. Son Of Your Father
5. My Father's Gun
6. Where To Now St. Peter?
7. Love Song
8. Amoreena
9. Talking Old Soldiers
10. Burn Down The Mission
Disc 2
1. There Goes A Well Known Gun Previously Unreleased
2. Come Down In Time Piano Demo Previously Unreleased
3. Country Comfort Piano Demo Previously Unreleased
4. Son Of Your Father Previously Unreleased
5. Talking Old Soldiers Piano Demo Previously Unreleased
6. Into The Old Man's Shoes Piano Demo Previously Unreleased
7. Sisters Of The Cross Piano Demo Previously Unreleased
8. Madman Across The Water Original Version
9. Into The Old Man's Shoes
10. My Father's Gun BBC Session
11. Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun BBC Session Previously Unreleased
12. Burn Down The Mission BBC Session Previously Unreleased
13. Amoreena BBC Session Previously Unreleased

Elton John's Clinton Concert Row

AP Photo/Andrew Theodorakis, Pool

Sir Elton John's fundraising event for Hillary Clinton has been questioned by an American government watchdog, because the singer is not a U.S. citizen.

A New York concert the rocker staged last week raised $2.5 million for the senator's presidential campaign.

He also used the Radio City Music Hall stage to pledge his support for the former first lady.

But Judicial Watch claims the fundraiser broke a law prohibiting the raising of funds for election campaigns by foreign nations, because John is British.

A statement from the group reads, "Sir Elton John is not a citizen of the United States and is therefore prohibited from making any contribution to Senator Clinton's presidential campaign."

However, Clinton has hit back, explaining a loophole allowed the star to offer his support.

Her spokesperson tells the New York Times, "Hillary's campaign has complied with the law. Since 1987 ... foreign nationals may volunteer their time for campaigns on an uncompensated basis. Elton John is simply volunteering his uncompensated time to appear at the concert. This appearance is consistent with past rulings."

Saturday night's all right for Elton John in Anaheim

Review: The legendary singer and pianist gets a little action in, delighting fans with a hits-filled show.
By PETER LARSEN
The Orange County Register
Comments 3 | Recommend 10

It's easy to take classic pop songs for granted: you've heard them for so many years, they almost become background music, something comforting maybe, nothing that you need to listen to all that closely.

But then put them all together, hit after hit, live on stage, as Elton John did Saturday at Honda Center, and suddenly you remember why you loved them the first time you heard them.

So the near-capacity crowd in Anaheim got lucky this time. With Elton on the road in support of a new collection of his No. 1 hits, going in you knew you were probably going to hear your favorite song.

And for two-and-a-half hours and 24 songs, that was exactly what Elton delivered, mixing 12 chart-topping classics with another dozen fan favorites, the majority of them from his classic albums of the '70s.

The show started slowly, the ominous sounding opening chords of "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" sounding as the arena went dark, the instrumental first half of the song perhaps serving as a chance for everyone – Elton, his band and the crowd – to get comfortable for the night.

"The Bitch is Back" followed, getting most of the crowd on its feet and cheering at the opening notes, but after that upbeat rocker, Elton went back to the slower stuff for a trio of songs from his "Madman Across the Water" album, playing the title track, "Tiny Dancer," and "Levon" in succession.

Listening to these perfectly crafted vintage tunes in concert, it's also easy to find yourself transported back to the time and place and age you were when the singer and the song first became important to you.

So as Elton played the romantic and melancholy piano riff that opens "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," my wife was a 12-year-old girl again, with posters on the wall of the singer she thought she'd marry one day. (What can we say? Kids were innocent AND naïve back then?)

A song later, "Daniel," and back in time I went too, to my own awkward childhood, singing along in the bedroom to the AM clock-radio that provided all my music as a kid.

Of course we're all older now, Elton included, and it was a more subdued showman on the stage Saturday. Dressed in a black frock coat with a typically gaudy design ("Music Magic" on the back in sparkly letters, and some combination of instruments, musical notes and a tiny Elton-as-a-wizard appliquéd here and there) he stood up on his piano a few times, and walked the four corners of the stage to acknowledge fans between songs, but seldom spoke between numbers.

His voice remains strong – though you do miss the falsetto and higher ranges he could reach when he originally recorded all of these – and his band was sharp, including drummer Nigel Olsson and guitarist Davey Johnstone, both of whom have played and recorded with Elton since the early'70s.

And, as always, his piano playing was a revelation. Where the singles might have had all those wonderful melody lines he played, most of them were short on solos as pop songs tend to be. In performance, though, Elton stretched out and showed off his skills at the keys of the Yamaha grand piano he plays.

"Rocket Man" extended into a lovely peaceful bit of soloing that seemed like it would wrap up the song, only to segue into rave-up rocker again at the finish. The percussive opening chords of "Bennie and the Jets" set a mood for that song that again let him take off on extended flights of rhythm and melody.

Some songs were a little less obvious choices – "Take Me to the Pilot," "All the Girls Love Alice," "Holiday Inn." A few came from post-'70s albums – "I'm Still Standing," "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," "Believe,"

But at the end, it was the biggest of big hits that had the audience members on their feet and dancing. For "Crocodile Rock," Elton urged the crowd to sing the falsetto la-la-la's of the chorus, then "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" wrapped up the main set on a hard-rocking note.

After a brief break, spent mostly signing autographs at the front of the stage, Elton returned to the keyboard to close things out with two of his prettiest ballads. First, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," with its soaring melody and vocal.

And finally, "Your Song," another standard from my AM-radio-days repertoire, another reminder of why the timeless songs are still good songs to reacquaint yourself in concert from time to time.

For a guy that has America to thank for his 30+ year career, his riches and his place in music history he has a funny way of expressing his thanks....So Elton thinks that if Hillary loses its because we are a bunch of women haters. Oh brother! Thats like when he said America is racist because we voted off an black contestant on American Idol, the year that Fantasia won.

Elton John laments American misogyny

British pop star Elton John, playing a fund-raiser for Hillary Clinton in New York, said he was amazed at the misogyny of some in America and he hoped that wouldn't stop her being president.

At the fund-raiser which Clinton's campaign manager said raised $US2.5 million, John said there was no one more qualified to lead the United States into the next era.

"Having said that, I never cease to be amazed at the misogynistic attitude of some people in this country. And I say to hell with them," he said, drawing cheers from the crowd at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.

"The reason I'm here tonight is to play music, but more importantly as someone who comes from abroad, and is in America quite a lot of the time (and) is extremely interested in the political process because it effects the whole world."

"I've always been a Hillary supporter," he said.

Introducing him, Clinton recalled that the entertainer had played at the White House at a state dinner when her husband Bill Clinton was president.

The New York senator, who is trailing Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, vowed to take her battle for the Democratic nomination to the end of the primary process, saying all the states should have their say.

Clinton said she couldn't sing but "What I want you to know is 'I'm still standing'," - echoing the title of an Elton John song.

John opened his set with the track Your Song, dwelling on the line "How wonderful life is when you're in the world."

Other hits he sang included Daniel and Rocket Man.

Elton John, Elvis Costello Launch Television Series

April 3, 2008 02:04 PM
By Suzanne Kayian
LiveDaily Contributor

Elvis Costello [ tickets ] and Elton John [ tickets ] are collaborating on a new television series "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...," that will feature performances and in-depth conversations with an eclectic mix of artists ranging from newcomers to legendary performers. John and Costello both are executive producers of the show, which will begin airing later this year on the Sundance Channel in the US, CTV in Canada and Channel 4 in the UK, according to a press release.

"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." will feature a variety of talk formats including intimate one-on-ones and thematic panel discussions, punctuated with live performances relating to the topics at hand. The musical side of the television series will be equally eclectic, with host and guests doing acoustic performances, unique collaborations and some interpretations of others' songs by Costello.

In a statement, John said, "Elvis Costello is the foremost expert on popular music. I thought it would be sensational to use his knowledge and intelligence to explore the artistry of musicians and other fascinating people involved in making great music, as well as true music aficionados."

Costello explained in a statement that he is not interested in extracting some dark secret from the show's guests. "I'd rather hear about a bright secret, a deep love or a curiosity that might be otherwise obscured by fame," he said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to talk in complete thoughts about music, movies, art or even vaudeville, then frame it with unique and illustrative performances."

"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." will keep with John's commitment to philanthropy; the series producers have struck an association with the (Product) RED campaign, which was created to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Select excerpts and performances from the 13 one-hour shows will be distributed in a variety of new media and conventional platforms, with a portion of the profits going to the Global Fun

Eminem takes on challenging role

1st April 2008 00:00
PinkNews.co.uk writer

He may be the bad boy of white rap, but Eminem is set to wow fans of his music and acting career by starring in a new biopic of a British singing legend.

Real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, the 35-year-old has been praised by poet Seamus Heaney for getting kids interested in lyrics and poetry and compared to Elvis Presley.

Now, following his critically acclaimed performances in 8 Mile and Da Hip Hop Witch, Eminem is set to take on his most challenging acting role to date.

He is reported to have signed up to play a young Elton John in an upcoming film about his life.

Remember what yesterday's date was?

I don't think so but the Daily Mail in the UK seems to think so, or just sees a chance to stir up some trouble;

Elton John's $1million fundraising concert for Clinton 'may break U.S. election rules'

By DAVID GARDNER - Last updated at 09:12am on 28th March 2008

Sir Elton John was at the centre of a new controversy in the American presidential race last night after claims that his $1million fundraising concert for Hillary Clinton may be illegal.

U.S. election laws ban foreigners from donating or raising cash for candidates.

Sir Elton's April 9 concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall is almost sold out, with only tickets costing £500 and £1,150 remaining.

Illegal concert? Elton John's fundraiser for Clinton could break election rules

The 1966 legislation was introduced to "minimise foreign intervention" in American elections. Penalties for infringements include fines and prison sentences.

A spokesman for the Federal Elections Committee did not rule out the possibility that the concert could contravene the act if it is ruled that Sir Elton is contributing indirectly to the Clinton campaign.

The Washington Times said the law "prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States, either directly or indirectly."

But there is an exemption, according to the Washington Times, as long as the foreign national isn't compensated. Sir Elton is not believed to be being paid for the fund-raiser.

A spokesman for the Clinton campaign pointed out that Sir Elton is volunteering his time by appearing at the concert.

A complaint would have to be filed with the U.S. Federal Election Committee for any action to be taken. No complaint has yet been filed.

Happy 61st Birthday to Elton John!

Elton John slots in more US dates

March 18, 2008 04:03 AM

By Kym Kilgore

LiveDaily Contributor

Elton John [ tickets ] has added another half dozen US shows in between his "Red Piano" concerts in Las Vegas.
The superstar, who just wrapped a leg of secondary-market dates in North America, returns to Vegas Wednesday (3/19) and will perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace through April 6. He'll leave Sin City for another handful of US shows beginning April 11 in Missoula, MT, and, since last check, has added a second night in Pullman, WA, as well as several cities in California and Florida.

With the exception of the May 3 "Top of the Mountain" concert in Tyrol, Austria, John will take off the month of May and make his way back to Vegas for another residency in June. That will be followed by a two-week European trek with his band, after which the Rocket Man will drag his "Red Piano" set across the Atlantic in November and December for shows in England and France.

North American dates are listed below and overseas gigs can be found at John's website.

The Grammy-winning singer, who's put in about 50 annual performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace since 2004, signed on to keep his "Red Piano" show in Vegas through this year.

"Over the past four years, we have played almost 200 Red Piano shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and every single one has been an event--the band and I have had a ball!" John said in a statement, adding that he can't wait to see how British audiences react to the show.

"The Red Piano" was created by John and photographer David LaChapelle to spotlight the performer's body of work with his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin. John and Taupin teamed once again in 2006 for the album "The Captain & The Kid," which is billed as a sequel to 1975's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy."

Last year, John released "Rocket Man - Number Ones," which comprises 18 hits covering the first 35 years of his career. The album accompanied the star's 60th birthday celebration, which he marked with a record-breaking 60th performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden. That concert is captured on the two-disc DVD set "Elton John 60: Live at Madison Square Garden."

March 2008
19 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
21-22 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
24-26 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
28-29 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
31 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

April 2008
1-2 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
4-6 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
11 - Missoula, MT - Adams Center
12-13 - Pullman, WA - Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum
18 - Bakersfield, CA - Rabobank Arena
19 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
23 - Tallahassee, FL - Leon County Civic Center
24 - Gainesville, FL - Stephen B. O'Connel
25 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center

June 2008
3-4 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
6-7 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
9-11 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
13-14 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
16-18 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
20-22 - Las Vegas, NV - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

ON SALE TOMORROW

Elton John Concert with Hillary Clinton
Radio City Music Hall • April 9

ON SALE: Wednesday, March 19 at 9AM

Get Tickets

This is a solo concert by Elton John in support of Hillary Clinton for President and includes remarks by Senator Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton.

Contributions to Hillary Clinton for President are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. The full amount paid by each individual, except for applicable delivery charges, is considered a contribution to Hillary Clinton for President.

Tickets go on sale TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 19 at 9AM.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

For more information, visit HillaryClinton.com/Elton.

Elton John postpones Florida concerts

Published: March 14, 2008 at 4:14 PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 14 (UPI) -- British rock 'n' roll great Elton John reportedly has been forced to reschedule his upcoming Florida concerts due to illness.

The show slated for Saturday night at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center was rescheduled for April 23, the Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat reported Friday.

John is also postponing shows in Pensacola, Tallahassee and Gainesville, the report said.

A news release issued by the Civic Center said the cancellations were made as per "doctor's instructions."

"Elton and his management extend their apologies for the inconvenience caused by this unavoidable rescheduling of the Florida concerts," the statement said.

Tickets will be valid for the rescheduled concerts, however, ticket holders who want refunds can obtain them at the point of purchase, the newspaper said.

A review of Elton at "The Bob" and a YouTube clip from the show...

Elton John still dazzles audiences after all these years

By CHUCK DARROW • Courier-Post Staff • March 13, 2008

Elton John presented a far different show than the one we came to know and love during his 1970s heyday while making the only regional stop of his current "Rocket Man" solo tour Monday night at the Bob Carpenter Center on the University of Delaware campus in Newark.

Then, he was the "Rock 'n' Roll Liberace," a highly amped, highly camp, almost cartoonish force of nature in electric suits who fronted a full-tilt band capable of blowing the roof off even the most hangar-like hockey arena.

Monday, however, saw what Jerry Seinfeld might describe as the "Bizarro" Elton John, a complete opposite anchored to his piano stool accompanied only by the occasional keening of canned strings.

But that's exactly what made the 27-song, 2 1/2-hour recital so special.

Stripped of all artifice and visual distractions, the program consisted merely of Elton, his almost-supernatural canon of memorable, meaningful songs and an appreciative -- make that worshipful -- sold-out audience that bathed itself in the warmth of those familiar lyrics and embracing melodies.

With little to hide behind, Elton -- Sir Elton to the Anglophiles among us -- had to be in nothing less than spectacular voice. Given his highly documented cocaine abuse in the 1970s and '80s, it's nearly miraculous that he has any voice at all today. That it may be more rich and powerful than ever is simply off the charts.

Like those of the best male singers before him, Elton's voice has aged nicely. Though not as piercing as they once were, his pipes are now nicely burnished.

Monday, his throaty, mature baritone gave ample emotional heft to any number of minor-key meditations, imbuing them with a melancholy and world-weariness the younger Elton just couldn't provide.

This was especially true on the autumnal "60 Years On," an emotive reading of "Border Song" and the appropriately evocative "Rocket Man," which boasted a coda during which he showed off some impressive stride-piano chops.

And that wasn't EJ's only display of keyboard dexterity. Throughout the evening, his considerable talents as a keyboardist were on display, from the boogie-woogie playfulness of "Crocodile Rock" to the look-at-me-showing-off on the classically inspired instrumental piece "Carla Etude."

If there was a drawback Monday, it was Sir Elton lingered too long in Balladville. But this only served to make the sporadic up-tempo numbers more valuable.

"Honky Cat" didn't miss any support instrumentation; his barrelhouse riffing happily propelled it into the stratosphere. Plus, "Philadelphia Freedom" was a pedal-to-the-metal sprint around the track that served as an emphatic reminder the British pop icon is certainly not too old to rock 'n' roll.

Among the show's other highlights were a typically crowd-pleasing rendition of "Candle in the Wind," an exceptionally muscular "Levon" and a version of "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" on which he sounded a lot like his old chum, Billy Joel, musically and vocally. Reach Chuck Darrow at (856) 486-2442 or cdarrow@gannett.com

Intersting article about May Pang's new book "Instamatic Karma";

A Fond Look at Lennon’s ‘Lost Weekend’

By ALLAN KOZINN
Published: March 12, 2008

If there’s one thing that May Pang has been fighting for the last 28 years, it’s the idea that John Lennon was depressed, isolated and out of control during the 18 months she lived with him, from the summer of 1973 to early 1975, when he reconciled with his second wife, Yoko Ono.

Lennon himself fostered that notion by referring to the time as his “Lost Weekend” in interviews he gave in 1980, when he released “Double Fantasy,” a joint album with Ms. Ono that was his return to music-making after five years’ silence. And lurid, oft-repeated tales of a drunken Lennon’s being evicted from the Troubadour, a nightclub in Los Angeles, seemed to support that image.

But to Ms. Pang, now 57, the “Lost Weekend” was a remarkably productive time, during which Lennon completed three albums — “Mind Games,” “Walls and Bridges” and “Rock ’n’ Roll” — produced albums for Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, and recorded with David Bowie, Elton John and Mick Jagger. And having already detailed these experiences (along with the Troubadour expulsions and other dark moments) in “Loving John,” her 1983 memoir, Ms. Pang has returned with the photographic evidence.

I close my eyes and I am back in the living room at my parents house putting on track 1 on "The Dave Clark Five Return" on my mothers stereo console listening to;

Some of Elton's favorites have been inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall Of Fame. Leonard Cohen and The Ventures along with The Dave Clark Five, John Mellencamp and Madonna. The Ventures put out one of the best Christmas records EVER so I am very happy to see them inducted. Madonna? Egh!

Canadian poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen will be inducted into the U.S.-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Monday by Lou Reed, the gravel-voiced singer who was once the Velvet Underground's guitarist.

The similarly deep-voiced Cohen is to be inducted into the Cleveland-based Hall of Fame in a ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria on Monday evening.
Canadian poet and singer Leonard Cohen sings in Warsaw, Poland, in 2007. Damien Rice is to sing one of Cohen's songs at his induction Monday into the Rock Hall of Fame.
(Alik Keplicz/Canadian Press)

Pop singer Madonna, blues-rocker John Mellencamp, British boy band The Dave Clark Five and instrumental group The Ventures also are to be inducted this year.

A group of 600 music industry professionals annually choose a handful of artists for induction.

Irish folk singer Damien Rice will perform one of Cohen's songs as part of the induction ceremony.

Cohen, 73, is being hailed as the "folk rock icon of the singer-songwriter movement."

A member of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, he is known for songs such as Suzanne, Hallelujah and Bird on a Wire.

It would be a stretch to call Cohen a rock star, says Ira Nadel, author of biography Various Positions: A Life of Leonard Cohen.

The honour is instead a recognition that Cohen's songs have been covered by dozens of rock 'n roll stars, from Elton John to Joe Cocker to Bono, Nadel told CBC News.

"Leonard Cohen is foremost a composer and secondarily perhaps a singer," Nadell said. "But this is what he's been looking for — a recognition of his significance as a songwriter."

Nadell said Cohen's following continues to grow, especially in Europe where fans are charmed by his far-from-idealized view of life and love.

"It's his melancholy. No one speaks to life like Leonard Cohen," he said. "It's a recognition that life is not romantic. It's about what you lose and what you gain.

"A concert tour of the U.S., Canada and Europe, Cohen's first in 15 years, begins in May.

Madonna, who has sustained a pop career since bursting on the scene with Holiday in 1982, will be inducted by Justin Timberlake.

Punk rocker Iggy Pop will salute her work, which includes hits Like a Virgin, Material Girl, Crazy For You, Papa Don't Preach and Vogue.

Madonna made her debut as a film director at this year's Berlin Film Festival and has an album, Hard Candy, ready for release in April.

The Rock Hall of Fame requires inductees to have a 25-year track record, so this is the first year she is eligible to be inducted.

The induction of The Dave Clark Five comes less than a month after the death of lead singer Mike Smith, 64. He died of pneumonia, four years after being paralyzed from the waist down because of a spinal cord injury.

The Dave Clark Five, rivals to the Beatles during the 1960s British invasion, are known for hits such as Glad All Over. The group will be inducted by Tom Hanks.

Mellencamp, who has been known as John Cougar and John Cougar Mellencamp, will be inducted by Billy Joel and plans to perform one of his own songs.

He began as a folk rocker in the 1970s and became a voice of America's heartland with hits like Pink Houses and Ain't That America.

The Ventures were a 1960s surfer group who sang Walk, Don't Run and the theme from TV's Hawaii 5-O.

Members Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee, Mel Taylor and Don Wilson are reuniting to perform at the ceremony. They are to be inducted by John Fogerty.

Good review except for this statement: "The vast majority of his set came from the '70s, his most prolific decade, and he thankfully bypassed much of his more modern work."

Well...what do you expect.

Elton John delivers to sold-out crowd

By RYAN CORMIER, The News Journal
Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2008

NEWARK -- When it was first announced, Elton John's concert in Newark seemed like a take-the-money-and-run gig for the legendary pop star.

Tickets for Monday night's show at the Bob Carpenter Center, a cavernous basketball arena, cost up to $125 to see John without a backing band.

Throw in the fact that he's never performed in Delaware before and it was easy to imagine John breezing through a quick 90-minute set, jumping on his bus and leaving us in the dust.

But wait. There was John on CNN's "Larry King Live" two weeks ago, talking about his love for performing for his fans and declaring, "I never play for less than two hours and 30 minutes, anywhere."

For the hungry Delaware audience, which was filled with fans who were old enough to know firsthand that he has never performed here before, John kept his word Monday with a two hour, 30-minute concert, packed with a seemingly endless string of hits, along with a few deep cuts from his 29 studio albums.

It didn't take long for John to apologize from behind his red-tinted glasses for taking so long to get to Delaware.

"I suddenly realized I hadn't played in Delaware and that made me sad," John said. "I'm sorry it's taken so long, but I'm glad I'm here."

Dressed in a sequined black tuxedo and a purple shirt with a full-length jacket with "Music Magic" written on the back in yellow, John, 60, walked on stage promptly at 8 p.m., diving straight into "Your Song," followed by four more songs from his self-titled 1970 album.

With a large diamond-encrusted cross hanging from his neck, John pored through his songbook, giving his fans a guided tour through his career. John played his black piano throughout the night, augmented with a pre-taped electronic orchestration for some songs, including a somber "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer," which sparked an "Almost Famous"-inspired sing-along in the audience.

However, there was a glitch with the system during "Sacrifice," when an ear-piercing screech sounded during the song. John played on and somehow rescued the song.

The vast majority of his set came from the '70s, his most prolific decade, and he thankfully bypassed much of his more modern work.

"Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes," from 2001's "Songs From the West Coast," was the only song released in the past 18 years that made it onto the set list. John was decidedly political as he introduced the song, which is about a man suffering from AIDS, saying, "Ronald Reagan did nothing for people with AIDS and that's a disgrace."

John mainly leaned on his earlier work with lyricist Bernie Taupin, bouncing from his super hits like "Bennie and the Jets" and "Daniel" to more obscure songs like 1985's "Nikita" and 1974's "Ticking."

Last month, the concert's 4,500 tickets sold out almost immediately. Delaware was one of only three states that had not yet hosted a concert. He is scheduled to perform in Vermont and Alaska later this year.

For Delaware, his 27-song set was worth the wait. Sure, John's voice isn't what it once was, but his elegant piano playing has never wavered.

He clearly has a deep connection with his fans through song, as seen during "Candle in the Wind," which had fans holding their lighters and cell phones in the air, or "Crocodile Rock," which had those same fans rushing up to the stage to dance.

John said his long-awaited visit to Delaware had been refreshing: "I love what I do and it's great coming to places like this."
Contact Ryan Cormier at 324-2863 or rcormier@delawareonline.com.

Elton John announces UK dates

By Kat Dibbits

ELTON John has announced that he will bring his outrageous Las Vegas show, The Red Piano, to Britain this year.

The singer will play three dates, at the Liverpool Echo Arena on December 17 and Birmingham NIA on November 19, finishing at the MEN Arena in Manchester on December 20.

The Red Piano show, which was created by Elton's friend David LaChapelle, has been running at the Vegas casino Caesar's Palace since 2004. Elton took the show to London's 02 arena in 2007 as part of his 60th birthday celebrations.

Elton said: "I can't wait to see how audiences react to the Red Piano.

"The show is stuffed with hits, it's brash, bright and colourful. Over the past four years we have played almost 200 Red Piano shows at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and every single one has been an event - the band and I have had a ball!"

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, March 14. To book, visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or ring 0844 847 2453.

Beginning to wonder if these are real or just imaginary...

CD Universe is now listing the Elton John Deluxe Editions with release dates as March 18. Amazon is now showing Deluxe Editions for both but with no release dates.

UPDATE:Tower.com shows both Deluxe Editions with release dates of April 1 and April 22. The discs with April 1 release date are described as single discs but the description shows two discs. The April 22 release date shows 2CD sets.

Who the hell knows...

According to TheRecord.com this is what Elton has been performing during his recent tour;

Local: Here's what Elton John is playing on his tour

The Canadian Press

Posted 12:57 p.m.
March 03, 2008
RECORD STAFF

Following is the basic set list of the songs Elton John has been playing on his current tour that hits the Aud in Kitchener tonight. Other tunes he has substituted into the list below include: The Bridge, The One, Burn Down the Mission and Crocodile Rock.

Your Song

Sixty Years On

The Greatest Discovery

I Need You To Turn To

Border Song

The Boy in the Red Shoes

Daniel

Honky Cat

Rocket Man

Tiny Dancer

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

Nikita

Philadelphia Freedom

Sacrifice

Ticking

Roy Rogers

Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

Candle in the Wind

I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

Electricity

Carla/Etude

Tonight

Take Me to the Pilot

Blue Eyes

Levon

Bennie and the Jets

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me

I'm Still Standing

Circle of Life

Elton John: Me, Myself and I will make its debut on VH1's new Rock Doc series;

VH1 gets into Monkey business

A documentary about music icon Elton John produced by London-based indie Monkey Kingdom is among seven new productions set to hit US cablenet VH1's schedule.

[SB decode wk 1 fri] Elton John: Me, Myself and I (1x60') originally aired on UK broadcaster ITV in September 2007. Touted as "a private insight" into the singer's life "unlike anything ever seen before in any television documentary," the one-off special features Elton John narrating the story of his life aided by rare archive material.

The documentary will air as part of VH1's Rock Doc strand on June 7. The channel has also greenlit an original Rock Doc to air on April 5.

Darwin determined to see Elton

March 6, 2008 - 6:44PM

Darwin is determined - Sir Elton John is coming to town.

All it will take is a few banners, 10,000 signatures and a bit of luck, says NT Tourism Minister Kon Vatskalis.

The pop legend's plans to tour regional Australia went public a few weeks ago, when his promoter Michael Chugg revealed Sir Elton was trying to include the Northern Territory and Western Australia as part of his Asian tour.

Both regions missed out on seeing the Rocket Man on his Australian tour last year.

Mr Vatskalis today called on all Territorians to do they bit in getting the entertainer to the Top End.

The government has joined forces with a local company to encourage Territorians to register online in a bid to secure a performance by Sir Elton John in Darwin in May.

Unveiling 10 three metre colour banners urging people to support the push - to be erected at several vantage points around the city - Mr Vatskalis today said it was no time for complacency.

"Sir Elton John has expressed an interest in performing in Darwin not Sydney, not Melbourne, not Brisbane - Darwin," he said.

"And we want him to know how much we want him here.

"To do that, we need a minimum of 10,000 people to get on-line and register their support for a Darwin show."

Mr Chugg said that if the shows went ahead it could prompt other artists to rethink the way they tour Australia and the places they included in their itineraries.

Another Sudbury review...

Elton John lives up to the hype

Date Published | Mar. 3, 2008

By Patricia Mills

“Laughing like children, living like lovers, rolling like thunder, under the covers . . .” From the song, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues

Sudburians were laughing like children, smiling like lovers and they were definitely rolling like thunder at the Sudbury Arena Sunday night when Sir Elton John, Mr. Piano Man himself, sang and played his way into the psyche and hearts of his fans.

What a performance! What a night!

clip

Elton John started off the evening with Your Song, and I immediately thought of Ralph Grabowski, the winner of the Sudbury24 Elton John contest, who won the contest based on his interpretation of Your Song.

“He must be going out of his mind,” I thought, looking around the arena trying to find his seat.

Grabowski is a huge Elton John fan and he was nearly speechless the day he was presented with tickets to the event. I WAS speechless listening to Elton singing the song in person. It was amazing.

His piano skills were the shock factor in this concert. On a CD, or the radio, or even on television during a concert performance, it is very hard to grasp the incredible skill, talent and undeniable passion that emanates from those short, well-manicured famous fingers. It was totally mesmerizing watching his hands dance over the keys in renditions of his famous songs that we have never heard before.

The three-way cameras that recorded his every move, made it easy for us all to “see” the music as it was being played. Elton John didn’t just belt out his songs; he delivered them in a way that we have never, ever heard before.

And it moved us all.

As I looked around me, I couldn’t help but notice the number of people moved to tears by some of his songs. Candle in the Wind did it for me. Whenever I hear that song, I think of all the women in this world whose light was distinguished before their times, including Princess Diana.

Elton’s version of Rocket Man brought us to our feet a record five times throughout the song. As the intensity and variation escalated, the audience went wild.

He looked fine, too, in his black shiny tailcoat, with his red satin shirt and black pants, with the red stripe down the leg. He wore red shoes, another Elton vintage, and he had a diamond stud in his ear. Elton’s hair was spiked and blonde, and around his neck hung a necklace, that we were sure, was made of diamonds.

He didn’t “look” like the sixty-something performer that he actually is. And although his voice may not have reached the high notes, no one really noticed or really cared. The fact that he played for two- and a half-hours without a break, told us that we were witnessing the depth and strength of a world-class performer who we may never see again.

view more photosThe people of Sudbury are to be applauded, too. Although our venue was small, compared to most of Elton John’s audiences, the thunder in the arena was real when he was applauded. The warmth for Elton was real, and the respect for this amazing entertainer was real. My hands are swollen today from clapping, my throat sore from yelling, and my joints a little stiff, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing about last night.

Elton John said he was coming back to Sudbury, and the next time, he’s bringing his band. I can’t wait!!!!

Grabowski “put into words” what many of us felt, on Sunday night.

He sent this email after the concert.

“THANK YOU .... SUDBURY24!!!!

I just got home from the concert ..... AMAZING .... the seats where FANTASTIC .... Elton John is a real showman. This is by far the best concert I have EVER been too . I am very PROUD of the people of Sudbury who turned out tonight ... and they yelled and screamed and cheered and gave Elton the welcome he deserves . Most performers would not even consider Sudbury, but he CAME ..... AND HE CONQUERED. He showed us the side of himself that we all love and that’s why we are fans.

Once again, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. ... RALPH.”

Patricia Mills is the Publisher of Laurentian Magazines and a former reporter with Northern Life.

Is the crying and whining about tickets finally go to end now that Elton has played Sudbury? Lets hope so!

Elton John thrills appreciative fans

Posted By Bob Vaillancourt
Updated 10 mins ago

Elton John has been a composer, songwriter and performer for decades. During those years, he has mastered the art of staging a performance that wows audiences wherever he plays.

He did just that at Sudbury Community Arena on Sunday night, with more than 6,000 fans hanging on his every note - from his opening number, the classic ballad "Your Song," to a stylized version of one his most popular songs, "Rocket Man."

Since it was announced earlier this year, Sudbury's Elton John appearance has been the most anticipated concert in the city's history.

"It was awesome," said Dean and Jennifer Lanteigne.

People started gathering as early as 5 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert, with the area in front of the arena becoming a veritable party scene featuring fans wearing their own versions of Elton John attire.

After standing in line for more than 24 hours to successfully acquire tickets, Gloria Harju then began a search for her Elton John Concert wardrobe.

She started with a broad-rimmed hat complete with feather boa trim and from there completed the outfit with a pair of oversized dark sunglasses.

"I wanted to find a sequin jacket," she said, but met with no success.

She said she became a fan at age 16 and has followed John's career since. "I grew up with that music."

It was the second opportunity she has had to see John live. Her first concert was a few years ago in Washington.

At that concert, a band accompanied John. For the Sudbury show, John chose to take to the stage with just his piano.

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But that was enough to get Sudbury fans out of their seats for virtually every number he played.

At times, it seemed the light coming from cellphone video screens and digital cameras would overpower the strobe and floodlights set up for the concert.

Also taking in their second Elton John concert were Paul and Eileen Leishman of Orillia. Their first was in 1995 when Elton John and Billy Joel performed together on stage. "They were amazing," said Paul Leishman.

But every Elton John concert brings its own sense of excitement, said Lisa Rabski.

"There is just a feeling. He emits that on stage. Everybody feels it. It's just that sense of wow."

There was no question those lucky enough to scoop up tickets for the concert - the 6,000-plus tickets sold out in 45 minutes - knew they were at "an event."

Inside, beer sellers were doing a brisk business up until the claps and applause signalled that Sir Elton John was making his way to the stage.

With a bow to the audience, and dressed in a red shirt, a sequined long-tailed jacket and black trousers with red stripes on the side, John, the prolific musician, sat down at the piano and began playing a string of hits for the next two-and-a-half hours.

The power of the music was so intense that one could feel the floor of the 50-year-old Sudbury arena vibrate at times.

Occasionally, John would comment on the song he was about to play, but on several occasions he would simply stand, acknowledge the audience and move on to his next number.

It seemed to be just what his fans wanted as they roared their approval for every number.

Throughout the crowd you could see neon-glow glasses. On the arena floor, fans were waving neon-glow sticks in the air to the beat of the music.

Fans were taking away more than just memories from the event.

Jennifer Revel's souvenir booth was selling everything from $20 Elton John CDs, to $35 T-shirts and $100 fleece hoodies.

But her biggest sale of the night was a $400 Elton John leather jacket that one fan bought to remember the night the Rocket Man rocked the Nickel City.

editorial@thesudburystar.com

However i guess some people can never let go;

Apology is in order - Editorial

The city "would like to bring closure" to the controversy over councillors' access to tickets for the Elton John concert, said Chief Administrator Mark Mieto in a release.

Fair enough. But some issues must be resolved, first.

In the release, Mieto says the city was notified of advance promotional tickets for media outlets, which is standard practice. This appears to be an attempt to explain how he knew The Star had purchased tickets from the promoter. But he offered to show a Sudbury Star reporter receipts of tickets purchased on private credit cards. One purchase was made through a local private business. How did Mieto get these receipts? This is a serious privacy matter that must be explained.

And Mieto still hasn't explained why he warned The Star the concert was in danger due to negative publicity when it clearly wasn't, why he implied that tickets were improperly obtained by The Star when even a cursory examination of the facts shows otherwise, or why he told The Star his job would be in danger if word of an off-the-record meeting with The Star got out, when that later proved not to be the case. Mieto and Mayor John Rodriguez have since admitted the mayor knew about the meeting in advance.

As the city's top bureaucrat, Mieto must be a trusted adviser to - and servant of - council and the public. He has yet to make a public apology for his actions. He should do so.

What do you think? Visit the Sudbury Star's website at www.thesudburystar.com and add your voice to the discussion. Or send us your opinion in a Letter to the Editor at 33 MacKenzie St., Sudbury, P3C 4Y1, or fax it to 674-6834 or e-mail it to letters@thesudburystar.com

Elton getting ready to announce more Canada dates...

A Captain Fantastic idea

Halifax could be in running for an Elton John indoor concert

By DAVENE JEFFREY Staff Reporter
Thu. Feb 28 - 5:12 AM

The Rocket Man could be touching down in Halifax this year.

Elton John is considering performing three or four concerts in Atlantic Canada, says concert promoter Riley O’Connor of Live Nation.

Mr. O’Connor told CTV News that Mr. John is looking at suitable locations in the Maritimes and Newfoundland.

Live Nation is promoting two shows in Ontario and several in the United States.

Mr. O’Connor says it’s not feasible for the legendary singer to play a single concert in the region. He says Mr. John prefers to play indoor venues.

Mr. O’Connor told CTV he’s interested in playing cities that are not "your typical triple-A five-star attractions." Nothing is finalized, but he says the concerts could happen any time before December.

He told the Sudbury Star a few days ago that September would be the most likely time.

Mr. John will play a sold-out concert this Sunday at a 6,000-seat venue in Sudbury, Ont. Ticket prices there range from $87.50 to $129.50

The 10,000-seat Metro Centre in Halifax is the largest indoor venue in Atlantic Canada. "I’d be happy to see him anywhere as long as it is in Halifax," said Coun. Dawn Sloane (Halifax Downtown).

Ms. Sloane could not confirm Mr. John’s promoters have been in touch with Halifax, but she’s heard rumours. "I had a call last week," she said. "We’re on the list now."

Ms. Sloane said Halifax can now draw "triple-A" acts and the acts know that fans here will shell out for the tickets.

About two weeks ago, Creative Entertainment Group confirmed it has a contract with Halifax to pursue big-name acts capable of filling the Halifax Commons, which has a capacity of 40,000. Creative Entertainment president Sharon Kim-Dion said only about a half-dozen acts on the planet can fill that kind of venue.

Creative Entertainment, based in Europe with offices in New York, has worked with Mr. John in the past, according to the company’s website.

According to eltonjohn.com, his North American tour begins today in Portland, Maine. So far, there are only two Canadian concert dates, Sudbury on Sunday and Kitchener on Monday.

He will be performing in the United States until June 22. His schedule includes two stints in Las Vegas from March 19 to April 6 and then June 3 to June 22.

From June 28 to July 13, Mr. John has several concerts scheduled in Europe and England. Then his date book appears to be wide open until a performance in France on Dec. 9.

Mayor Peter Kelly, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening, said this month that Halifax lost out in a bidding war for an Elton John show last year.

In November, Celine Dion backed out of a concert for this summer on the Commons, citing mixed public reaction.

"I believe that’s water under the bridge and we’re moving forward," Ms. Sloane said.

Indeed, a month after the Quebec-born singer cancelled her Halifax date, the city snagged Australian superstar Keith Urban, who will headline Country Rocks 2008, an eight-act concert on the Commons on Aug. 30.

( djeffrey@herald.ca)

A terrific review of Elton's 1975 album Rock of the Westies from Crazy Water Community member rokitr;

I know this album isn't liked by many people here, but it remains a standout for me; being Elton's first and only real "rock & roll" album and remains his hardest rocking release to date. But it's not just about the "rock"....

As for Bernie's lyrics on this record, I don't get all the venom as the lyrics are clever, rhythmic and, in some cases, stunningly powerful.

Yet for all intents and purposes, the goal with "Rock Of The Westies" was to showcase Elton and Bernie's new band and to let loose with a rock & roll fervor that was evident on the stage during their debut performance on June 21, 1975 at Wembley (which can be heard on the Deluxe Edition of the "Captain Fantastic" album). The album was recorded in about a week's time following the Wembley show.

As Bernie told me in one of my interviews with him:
"Actually, 'Rock Of The Westies' is one of my favorite albums; I just love that record. I think we really achieved what we wanted to do at the time. We wanted to put a rock & roll band together, and that's what we did. We went to Caribou Studios in the Rockies (Colorado); it was a good place, it was a funky place, and it was basically a +$!%#%-up band [laughs].

"We were all at the high point there of abusing ourselves to the max. It was Jack Daniels and lines on the console, and somehow we got it done. I don't remember anything about the sessions, and I don't think anybody in that band will remember them either, but for some reason with that album, it paid off. Luckily, we're all still alive to tell the tale.

"What was happening at that time, and probably the reason we were flying so high, is that we had done everything. There was no mountain to scale or to conquer anymore. We had filled the biggest stadiums; there weren't any places that were bigger. We had seven consecutive Number One albums, and you can't go to anywhere else, except down. And at that time, Elton John farting would have sold, and that's intense pressure to be under because you suddenly realize that there's no other place to go but down.

"And that pressure and the slow long burnout of all the drink and drugs manifested itself in the next album, "Blue Moves," which was so introspective. But the 'Rock Of The Westies' period was a great time and, like I said, that's still one of my favorite albums."

There also seems to be people who just don't seem to get Bernie's lyrics on "Rock Of The Westies," that they're somehow not of any quality of all. I have to disagree as I think there's some very strong lyrical content; especially when realizing that they went into the album to write a rock & roll record.

Medley [Yell Help, Wednesday Night, Ugly]
Always hated the use of "Medley" in the title of the song, rather than the three separate lyrical concepts that Elton pulled together as an homage to his then-favorite band, Little Feat, who created a similar musical mosaic on "Tripe Face Boogie" from 1974's "Feats Don't Fail Me Now." Lyrically, it's also an interesting word-painting created by the bringing together of different songs; not unlike what the Beatles did with Lennon's medley on "Abbey Road" or what Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings did with the tying together of two separate songs on the Guess Who's major hit, "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature" from 1970.

The lyrics effectively serve up a landscape of dispair and isolation--feelings that almost always lead to misguided acceptance of superstitions-and then the tying together of superstitious voodoo and New Orleans makes for an interesting travelogue of a fateful journey in search of the perfect ideal (in this case, the comfort of a mundane Wednesday Night).

Needless to say, the inventive music, band performance, and aggressive vocals from Elton makes for one of the most interesting (and definitely most original) songs in the entire Taupin/John catalog.

Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future)
Bernie's tribute to Britain's famous 1950s comic book hero, Dan Dare. Pretty much unheard of in America-Dan Dare is the equivalent to America's Buck Rogers-there was a bit of confusion about this song at the time of its release in the States, but the stuttering bassline and another fine performance from the band (especially the excellent vocal interplay) has stood the test of time.

Lyrically, Bernie's words definitely appeal more to the English audience as he does an excellent job of painting a musical portrait of Dan Dare's cartoon universe. He also pulls a surprising climax by noting at the very end of the song that he in fact "liked The Mekon" (who is the equally famous alien creature who was Dan Dare's lifelong arch enemy). A nice Taupin-like twist.

Island Girl
A very clever lyric of a New York streetwalker from Jamaica wrapped around the poppiest melody Elton brought to the album. Some have mistakenly dubbed this lyric misogynistic or racist, when the lyrics only detail a black john who wants to save the "big girl, she's standing six foot three" from her white pimp ("the racket boss"), but ultimately the "cause is lost."

Bernie's touched on the ladies of the night before, such as with the classic and brilliant "Sweet Painted Lady" from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

Grow Some Funk Of Your Own
A witty rock & roll tale of a guy who gets into a scuffle over a girl in a border town. Elton's vocal is the perfect mix of humor ("oh, it hurt so much") and aggression that the lyrics call for; as the character finds himself alone in the battle as his friends leave him behind to deal with the situation on his own. Fortunately, for the protagonist, it was nothing more than dream.

I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)
Another one of Bernie's ode to America's Old West that he first did so well back on "Tumbleweed Connection." And while mapping the entire song to the little-known character of "Robert Ford" (the coward who shot his friend the outlaw Jesse James in the back) left some people a little mystified, those familiar with Ford's legacy could best feel the emotional impact that Taupin's lyrics bring to bare.

It's always difficult to put one's own shame and blame behind the destruction of a relationship into song, Bernie does it brilliantly on this album centerpiece.

Street Kids
Lyrically, Bernie talks of his teenage years, hanging out and seeing the juvenile delinquent gangs in those same "East End nights" he wrote about an album earlier in "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", and includes some outstanding cinematic lines-"I've been bottled and been brained" and "If you think you've seen gasoline burning in my eyes".

He also notes the insidious nature of street gang involvement, "I'd like to break away from the rut I'm in," only to fall back into the comfort of the only thing you know ("but beggars can't be choosers and I was born to sin").

The only real problem for me on this tank-blazing guitar rocker is that it just goes on too long. I've done a simple edit that brings it down to a much-more-compact four-and-a-half minutes, without losing any of Bernie's lyrics or Elton's muscular swagger.

Hard Luck Story
Written under Bernie and Elton's pseudonym Carte Blanche and Ann Orson (the same credit they used for "Don't Go Breaking My Heart")-and then recorded first by Kiki Dee as a single in 1974 (which Elton co-produced)-this tale of domestic turmoil in a blue-collar household is one of Taupin's most powerful lyrics about ups-and-downs of marriage. When temporary bitterness over one's lot in life comes screaming to the forefront of a troubled relationship. Bernie's lyrics really paint an amazing portrait of what goes on in those little houses down the street. Brilliant.

Feed Me
It's truly amazing that this incredibly powerful lyric was written a year before Bernie would climb out of the "Crazy Water" that was engulfing himself, Elton and the band at the end of the "Blue Moves" recording sessions. It was only then that Bernie split from Elton and took off to Mexico to "dry out, because I think we were all killing ourselves."

Interestingly enough, "Feed Me" gives some hints of where Bernie's head was a full year before. One of rock's most powerful lyrical examples of drug abuse written DURING that timeframe; not through hindsight, but when one finds himself in the midst of the insanity itself.

In the lyrics, Bernie feels the pull of addiction (needing to be fed), but was also well-aware of where their "life in the fast lane" was heading. Still, he wasn't ready or yet capable of walking away. Paranoia, sleeplessness, encroaching madness and hallucinations are all very much a part of a body and mind embroiled in a steady over-indulgence of drink and drugs, and no rock lyric has ever spelled out the pain, fear and isolation as well as Bernie does here.

Billy Bones & The White Bird
Bernie's love of characters comes through again with this song about Billy Bones, the fictional pirate in the literary classic, "Treasure Island." The mysterious seaman who happens upon a seaside village with a mysterious sea chest. While no one truly knows his real story, his drunken exploits and less-than-amicable antics actually turn him into a bit of a local legend. His equally mysterious death within a year only adds to his legend.

Bernie's lyrics push beyond the legend (in admittedly obscure fashion) and Billy Bones rides again on the "sea" (which Bernie beautifully describes as "the field these old jack tars have sown")….incidentally, for those without any knowledge of seamanship or ancient voyages, "jack tars" is an old british slang term for seaman or sailors.

While these are the most oblique lyrics on the album, they are engaging, fun wordplay that Bernie has always engaged in and Elton's melody is uplifted by the "kitchen sink" instrumentation and production. Hardly the album's highpoint, it's once again a thousand miles away from what went before.

Historical Overview
Overall, Bernie's use of literary, fictitious and historical characters throughout "Rock Of The Westies" is something that Bernie has done time and time again throughout his career. Whether through the characters in "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," for some reason, it hasn't been recognized on this much under-valued and overlooked album.

If nothing else, "Rock Of The Westies" shows Elton and Bernie pulling out all the stops and not trying to copy any of their work that went before. It was a bold album then, and it remains within their illustrious catalog as their most adventureous and definitely their most straight-ahead rock & roll collection. It's almost their "White Album," where anything went and they followed their creative muse wherever it took them, relying on inspiration instead of stagnation and opening doors that most felt were closed to them. A marvelous mutt of an album that deserves far more praise than it gets around these parts.

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