Elton John News from Crazy Water

First listen: Elton John, Leon Russell and T Bone Burnett unveil 'The Union' in Santa Monica | Pop & Hiss | Los Angeles Times

First listen: Elton John, Leon Russell and T Bone Burnett unveil 'The Union' in Santa Monica
July 22, 2010 | 3:19 pm

Elton John has always been passionate about his musical taste, always ready to throw his support behind new acts that capture his imagination, whether it’s the Scissor Sisters or Lady Gaga.

But in recent years he’s also been on a special mission to turn the spotlight on veteran artists who never got the attention he and other pop stars received, a key reason he dreamed up the Sundance Channel music interview and performance series “Spectacle,” and persuaded his friend Elvis Costello to take on the job as host.

That mission is front and center with “The Union,” his forthcoming duet album with fellow piano-pounding rocker Leon Russell, to whom John doffed his cap during the first episode of “Spectacle.”

TUCSON, Ariz. – A bout of food poisoning has caused the postponement of Elton John's scheduled concert at Tucson Arena.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that Wednesday night's show was nearly sold out with about 8,800 tickets purchased. Organizers say the British rocker will perform Thursday night instead.

A spokeswoman for the Tucson concert venue says John apologizes for the inconvenience caused by his illness, but doctors say he will be fine to take the stage Thursday.

And my reaction?

The Union by Elton John and Leon Russell. Photo: Annie Leibovitz, copyright: eltonjohn.com

So lets see, lets take two piano players, sit them down in front of their pianos in a room and take a picture. Brilliant! Sheer Annie Leibovitz genius. I would never have thought of that!

From Billboard magazine:

Elton John says his forthcoming collaboration with legendary singer, songwriter and sideman Leon Russell marks a new chapter in his recording career, saying: "I don't have to make pop records any more." Speaking at the launch of the album at the Electric Cinema in West London last night (July 5), John said: "I thought, 'The world isn't screaming for another Elton John record and I'm not screaming for it either unless it's going to be different. In the '70s, '80s and '90s, the record companies always said we had to have a single and I think I fulfilled my brief. But at 63, the singles chart isn't one I'm going to be in very often. To me now, it's all about writing albums and trying to be mature." John recruited Russell for the album, aptly entitled "The Union," after rediscovering Russell's music 40 years after they toured the United States together. Russell was a big name in the 1960s and 1970s, playing keyboards for the likes of Phil Spector and the Beach Boys, making solo records and writing songs including "A Song for You," "This Masquerade" and "Delta Lady." But he largely fell off the radar in the late 1970s and has suffered from poor health in recent years, although he kept touring. John described Russell as his "idol" and working with him as a "humbling and moving experience." He hopes the exposure from the album will bring new attention to Russell's solo output. "There's no point doing this record if it doesn't bring his work to light," said John. "I want him to be comfortable financially. I want his life to improve a little." John and Russell worked with John's long-time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and producer T Bone Burnett on the collaborative project, which also features guest appearances from the likes of Neil Young and Brian Wilson. Journalists at the launch also heard a playback of the 16-track album, which has a rootsy, almost gospel sound, and was recorded live, with most tracks done "in one or two takes." In an entertaining Q&A session hosted by U.K.-based broadcaster Paul Gambaccini, John also held forth on Christmas albums ("My record company in America asked me to do a Christmas record and I just told them to fuck off"), videos ("I fucking hate videos") and even which of his songs would be the best introduction to his music for a 6-year-old ("Just show him 'The Lion King'"). John said he plans to tour with Russell next year and hopes to make another record with him if "The Union" is a success. He also plans to do a solo covers album in the near future. "The Union" will be released Oct. 19 in the United States on Decca Records, and Oct. 25 in the United Kingdom on Mercury.

According to Hercules;

Elton John is set to release two new albums with the first being a double live CD called 'At The Verona Arena' which will be released on August 2, 2010. At The Verona Arena is a recording of a performance in Italy last summer.

Says it was provided by "Freaks" which could mean the "Freaks In Love" website?

1. If It Wasn't for Bad
2. Gone to Shiloh
3. A Dream Come True
4. I Should Have Sent Roses
5. Monkey Suit
6. The Hand of Angels
7. Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody)
8. Hey Ahab
9. Mandalay Again
10. When Love is Dying

Elton John, Leon Russell, & T Bone Burnett unite for collaborative album « Consequence of Sound

By Alex Young on June 23rd, 2010 in News

40 years after they embarked on a tour together, legendary musicians Elton John and Leon Russell have again united, this time for the release of a collaborative studio album. Direct Current reports the pair recently wrapped up recording the aptly titled Union, which was produced by the equally legendary producer T Bone Burnett and written by John and longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin.

I thought the guest list was mildly interesting, here is a small sample from People magazine;

Amid dozens of giant bouquets of white roses (and very tight security), reports the Palm Beach Post, guests at the wedding included former Bush adviser Karl Rove; actor-politician Fred Thompson; former Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett; Fox News commentator Sean Hannity; former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft; former Clinton adviser James Carville and his wife, GOP analyst Mary Matalin; and golfer Tom Watson. A wedding guest also tells PEOPLE that among the others was Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Also kinda curious as to what Elton played and if it was a requested setlist or if Elton just surprised them?

Another cool thing mentioned is that Rush's new bride is a direct descendant of President John Adams.

Rush Limbaugh to wed gal pal Kathryn Rogers today in lavish Palm Beach ceremony

Kathryn Rogers and Rush Limbaugh are set to wed Saturday in Palm Beach.

Kathryn Rogers and Rush Limbaugh are set to wed Saturday in Palm Beach.

It's wedding bells for Rush Limbaugh – for the fourth time.

The conservative firebrand, 59, will exchange vows Saturday in Florida with Kathryn Rogers – a blond bombshell half his age – in a lavish Hawaiian-themed wedding bash headlined by none-other-than Sir Elton John.

I like it...

From Pro Sound News:

Tentatively entitled The Union, the new CD is scheduled for release later this year. The duo is also planning a project for Elvis Costello, with whom they last worked in 2008. The new CD will be tracked in Nashville and overdubbed/remixed at The Village using their AML2 monitors.

Elton John snubs Sarah Palin at TIME 100 gala

Thursday, May 06, 2010
Posted by Janet Kinnaman at 01:35:55 PM

Sir Elton John lost sight of his British etiquette when he snubbed former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin at the TIME 100 gala Wednesday night.

"It's nice to be at an event where you meet some unusual people, like Sarah Palin," said the Brit, immediately following his remark with an eyebrow raise.

When asked who he wanted to meet most at the gala, Elton followed with another jab saying, "Not Sarah Palin but anybody else would be fine."

Here he is singing, wait for it, "Your Song" on Idol Gives back last night. He sounds good, not much roughness, and he looks thinner...plus no "dahs" except for three I noticed (while you're in the worl-dah and "anyway the things is what I really nee-dah!) but that may be a result of the lyrics not presenting the opportunity;

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The obligatory "it's the best thing I've done in years" quote finally emerges about the upcoming Elton/Leon album due out October 19. It may be just that but, come on, you all knew it had to be coming soon;

He also saluted another of his inspirations, Leon Russell, who he called one of Americas greatest artists and added that hes been forgotten for too many years. Mentioning an upcoming album, due out Oct. 19, that he recorded with Russell and producer T Bone Burnett, Elton previewed the track Never Too Old and called it the best record Ive made in years.

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From an article found on MLive.com;

Johnstone, who's married and has seven children, also credited Elton for being "unbelievably supportive" as a friend over the past 39 years.

"I couldn't ask for more from what I've gotten from this career. The chance to continue bringing music to people is great," he said. "It's kind of scary to think I'm in my late 50s and there's still more that I'd like to do."

So, Johnstone strongly endorses Elton's ongoing recording project with Leon Russell, one of rock's most influential pianists, even though the guitarist hasn't taken part in the T Bone Burnett-produced album.

"I've just been giving my support to it. He (Elton) played me all the stuff recently. It's admirable to do a project like this because it's given Leon a new lease on life," Johnstone said of Russell, 68, who's suffered health problems and recently underwent brain surgery. Cameron Crowe, he said, has been filming some studio sessions.

"I think it's revived him, just the interest they've shown Leon," he said. "It's a beautiful project."

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So you think this is a love letter from one dear friend to another? Maybe, but not as much as you'd think...

Elton John's letter to Ryan White, 20 years after his death from AIDS

By Sir Elton John
Sunday, April 25, 2010

Dear Ryan,

Twenty years ago this month, you died of AIDS. I would gladly give my fame and fortune if only I could have one more conversation with you, the friend who changed my life as well as the lives of millions living with HIV. Instead, I have written you this letter.

I remember so well when we first met. A young boy with a terrible disease, you were the epitome of grace. You never blamed anyone for the illness that ravaged your body or the torment and stigma you endured.

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He sang "Tiny Dancer" and he continued his extremely annoying habit of emphasizing the last syllable of certains lines;

"Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the ban-dah!"
"Pretty eye-dah, oh pirate smile-dah"
"You'll marry a music man..."
"Ballerina, you must have seen her, she was dancing in the san-dah!"
"And now she's in me, always with me, Tiny Dancer in my hand-dah"

Is this the beginning of the promotional push for the new album with Leon Russell?

Sir Elton John To Perform On “Idol Gives Back” Wednesday, April 21

Sir Elton John To Perform On “Idol Gives Back” Wednesday, April 21
Posted on 14 April 2010 by Bill Gorman

via press release:

SIR ELTON JOHN TO PERFORM ON “IDOL GIVES BACK” ON BEHALF OF ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, ON FOX

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Joins Special as Not-For-Profit Partner

As part of his global effort to raise awareness for and to end HIV/AIDS, Sir Elton John will perform on IDOL GIVES BACK, airing Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, on behalf of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige & the All-Star Band will also perform.

I must not be paying close enough attention. I was not aware the tour was called "Rocket Man: Greatest Hits Live." Could the inclusion of "You're Never Too Old" in the setlist be an indication that this will be the official first single from the upcoming album with Leon Russell?

http://www.dailytoreador.com/polopoly_fs/1.2217070!/image/665218889.jpg

Daily Toreador - Drummer reflects on time spent in Elton John’s band

Drummer reflects on time spent in Elton John’s band
By Alexandra Pedrini

Published: Friday, April 9, 2010

SIR ELTON JOHN’S performance Friday night at the United Spirit Arena will mark the 10-year anniversary of the arena’s opening. He was the first performer at the United Spirit Arena when it opened in 2000.

On the band’s “Rocket Man: Greatest Hits Live” tour, Sir Elton John’s drummer, Nigel Olsson, took time to speak with The Daily Toreador about how the band has changed throughout the years, the different places it has performed and to encourage the audience to use the bathrooms before the show begins.

°How’s the tour been going so far?
So far so good, it’s been quite interesting. We’ve been to Cancun, Mexico, and drove to the big ancient pyramids in Chichen Itza and played in front of pyramids, which was amazing. Then we played Corpus Christi which was great and a pretty long show. It’s quite intense, but we’re looking forward to the rest of the tour. It’s going to be great.

Today Marks 20th Anniversary Of Ryan White's Death

Today marks 20 years since a Hoosier boy died from AIDS. Ryan White's mother Jeanne White Ginder says she still receives threats from people who do not understand her teen son's public battle to be allowed to go to public school despite having the disease.

An exhibit is on display at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis about White's battle and efforts to get people to understand the plight of those with AIDS. Elton John will attend an April 28th fundraiser at Butler University to raise money for both a Children's Museum exhibit and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Last Updated: Thursday, April 08, 2010 5:56:02 AM

There are reports that Elton played one of the new tracks from the collaboration with Leon Russell at a recent concert in Johannesburg titled "You're Never Too Old".

Elton John, Pink Floyd collaborator Lesley Duncan dies | News | NME.COM

Elton John, Pink Floyd collaborator Lesley Duncan dies

Duncan had been suffering from cerebrovascular disease

Report: Georgia gubernatorial candidate Neal Horsley arrested for threats against Elton John

A Georgia gubernatorial candidate was arrested Wednesday for making threats against singer Elton John, the Atlanta-Journal Consitution reports.

Neal Horsley was arrested in Carrollton, Georgia, according to local police.

John, who the paper calls a "part-time Atlantan," angered Horsley when he told Parade magazine that he thought Jesus was gay.

Horsley then penned the Internet diatribe on "Why Elton John Must Die," the paper said.

There is also a video posted on YouTube showing Horsley protesting outside John's
Peachtree Road condominium with a sign that reads "Elton John Must Die."

Billy Joel Dismisses Rumors He Yanked Tour With Elton John : Rolling Stone

There was never a tour booked this summer! says Billy Joel, responding to Internet claims that he pulled the plug on a summer tour with Elton John. He continues, Obviously, this has the smell of a really juicy story: Why did they cancel? Did Billy and Elton have a fight? Whats going on? The truth is, theres nothing going on. I had made up my mind a long time ago that I wasnt going to work this year.

See now when he says things like this I don't think its very helpful...then again when he says stupid shit like this it's usually because he has an album coming out and he is trying to generate buzz, and he does have one coming up later this year we think.

This isn't the buzz I would be trying to create;

"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems," John told the Sunday supplement. "On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East -- you're as good as dead."

Elton John News: New Album Update - Near Completion

Basic tracks for Bernie and Elton’s new album with Leon Russell have been recently completed and the gang is about to start vocals and overdubs immediately. The trio has cut fifteen songs ranging from Stones like rockers, Country tinged ballads, Gospel and even a Sinatra like weepy similar to something torn from the grooves of “In the Wee Small Hours” As reported before it’s varied in scope and drenched in a rich tapestry of atmospherics. Don’t expect to hear the old EJ/BT sound; this is organic recording unlike anything you’ve heard from our duo before.

More here. One question. The trio? Does that mean Elton, Leon and Bernie? Will we be hearing some vocals from Bernie?

I hope not...

Pro-Palestinian group urges Elton John to cancel upcoming concert in Israel

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) – 1 hour ago

LONDON — A British academic group that supports Palestinian rights is urging singer Elton John to cancel a summer concert in Israel.

The British Committee for Universities of Palestine says in an open letter to John that it is wrong to perform in Israel because of alleged abuses committed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip last year.

A spokesman for the singer did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

The committee's letter says John cannot be morally neutral in the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

John is scheduled to play at a Tel Aviv stadium on June 17. Other major stars including Paul McCartney and Madonna have played in Israel in recent years.

Ok...that didn't suck...too much.

Elton John Rumored to Perform With Lady Gaga at Grammys - Spinner

Nine years after his controversial Grammy collaboration with Eminem, Elton John will reportedly team with pop sensation Lady Gaga for the award ceremony, to be held this Sunday in Los Angeles. While there's no word yet on what song Sir Elton would perform with the 'Poker Face' chartbuster, the anticipated pairing could become the 52nd annual event's most talked about moments.

I am not sure how I feel about this. I suppose any new music from Elton/Bernie is good news but with Leon Russell? Maybe it will be this years Alison Krauss/Robert Plant collaboration;

New Album Update

Bernie and Elton will return to the studio in mid January to record a
collaborative album with the iconic Leon Russell. Russell who has
always been one of Elton’s musical heroes and influences when it comes
to piano styling will be featured on a 50/50 basis writing and
performing his own material for the project as well as writing with
both Bernie and Elton and performing and singing on the pairs own songs.

A marathon writing session in Los Angeles last November saw the trio
pen a vast wealth of material that ranges far and wide and covers many
musical genres.

The sessions will be overseen and produced by Henry (T-Bone) Burnett
whose work on roots based records over the last several years have
turned this multi-Grammy winning musician and producer into the
go-to-guy for unique projects.

We advise all not familiar with Leon or T-Bone to Google and learn more about these extraordinary individuals.

Don’t forget to keep checking for new postings by Bernie on his blog as
we’re hoping he’ll be reporting some of his own personal feelings on
this exciting new chapter in his storied career

Elton John Leaves Hospital

Originally posted Thursday November 05, 2009 09:15 AM EST

Elton John Photo by: Andrew Theodorakis / AP

It's back to the yellow-brick road for Elton John – who left the hospital early Thursday after illness had forced him to cancel a series of concerts.

The singer, 62, was treated at a hospital last weekend in London after suffering from flu and a "serious case" of e. coli bacterial infection, his Web site said.

His spokesman Gary Farrow tells PEOPLE the singer is now "fine."

The hitmaker (I'm Still Standing, Rocket Man) will resume his concert schedule in Oakland and San Jose, Calif., where he will join Billy Joel on Nov. 14 and 17.
– Simon Perry

Elton John Cancels Tour: E-Coli Blamed » Right On Music

Elton John has canceled several shows after suffering from flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.

The 62-year-old icon was hospitalized and is being treated for an E. coli bacterial infection and influenza, but told fans,

Dont worry, Im fine.

Johns civil spouse, David Furnish, also came out to reassure fans saying, Hes OK. Hes fine.

THE ULTIMATE SOUVENIR OF THE ELTON JOHN RED PIANO TOUR!

Exclusive limited edition instant live CDs of selected dates on the Elton John Red Piano tour, only available from Concert Live.

Still as relevant as ever, Elton Johns unforgettable Red Piano Show debuted in Las Vegas in 2004, where it had an unprecedented 5 year run, with over 248 performances and playing to over a million fans. The show now hits the road for a European tour showcasing many of Eltons classic hits from his 30 year career.

Featuring many of his classic hits, Each 3CD live recording is presented in exclusive packaging with bespoke artwork and including a double CD from the performance and an innovative 3rd encore disc. This means fans collecting at-concert will be able to download the end of the concert as soon as they get home, and get their hands on the live CD the moment the show finishes!

Pre-order your CD now and dont miss out on these incredible collectable live CDs of this musical legend's tour.

Elton plays and sings on "Caroline" which can be heard at Billboard.com as well as the rest of the album.

Wow, what a setlist!

Elton solo

* The One
* Sixty Years On
* The Greatest Discovery
* Border Song
* The Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes
* The Emporer's New Clothes
* Rocket Man
* The Weight of the World
* American Triangle
* Skyline Pigeon
* House
* Tiny Dancer
* Original Sin
* Blues Never Fade Away
* Your Song

Elton with Ray Cooper

* Funeral for a Friend/Tonight
* Better Off Dead
* Come Down In Time
* Levon
* Indian Sunset
* I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself
* Daniel
* Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
* Take Me To The Pilot
* Carla Etude
* Blessed
* Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
* Honky Cat
* Crazy Water
* Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

* For the first time in almost 15 years, the legendary Elton John and Ray Cooper are reunited on stage.

* The duo will perform together in September and October 2009. Concert Live will record these special shows, creating an instant live CD at all European dates on the tour.

* Each 3CD live recording is presented in exclusive packaging with bespoke artwork and including a double CD from the performance and an innovative 3rd encore disc.

* This means that for the first time ever, fans collecting at-concert will be able to download the end of the concert as soon as they get home, and get the live CD the moment the show finishes!

* This is THE must have live CD for any Elton John fan and these CDs are strictly limited edition, so pre-order now. Just click the image to order your copy.

Elton John and percussionist Ray Cooper perform together in September and October 2009 and once again Concert Live will record these shows and create an instant CD. Concert Live are recording the following dates in France and Italy, mixing these CDs in real time and producing the ultimate deluxe 3CD souvenir set from this tour.

24th September Nantes Zenith
26th September Amneville La Galaxie
27th September Grenoble Palais Des Sports
29th September - Milan Mediolanum Forum
30th September Toulouse Zenith
2nd October Paris Palais Des Congres

Each set will include a double CD from the performance and an innovative 3rd encore disc. This means fans collecting at-concert will be able to download the end of the concert as soon as they get home, and get the live CD the second the show finishes!

The CDs are strictly limited edition and are the ultimate souvenir for any Elton John fan, perfectly capturing the genius of Elton John featuring Ray Cooper on percussion, reunited on stage for the first time in almost 15 years. You can pre-order your live CD now, either for collection immediately after the concert or for home delivery. Simply visit the Concert Live website (www.concertlive.co.uk) and order now to avoid missing out on this exclusive offer.

Go here to view the product page.

Guy Babylon, keyboard played in the E.J. band, died in L.A, Septembe

September 3, 2009
By the Editor/eltonjohn.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Guy Babylon, keyboard played in the Elton John band. Guy died in Los Angeles on Wednesday,
September 2.

Elton, who is on holiday in Nice, France, said the following when he heard the news:

"I am devastated and heartbroken at the death of Guy Babylon. Guy played over 1000 shows with me, and we worked together on The Road To El Dorado, Aida, Billy Elliot, Lestat and Gnomeo and Juliet, as well as on countless albums. "He was one of the most brilliant musicians I ever knew, a true genius, a gentle angel - and I loved him so much. David and I send our deep condolences to Kathy, Max, Ben and Jessica, to Guy's parents, to Kathy's parents and to all his immediate loved ones."

Keyboardist/composer Guy Babylon was born on 20 December, 1956 in Maryland, USA. He moved to California in 1980, six months after graduating from the University of South Florida, and became a respected session musician in Los Angeles.

Over the next number of years, Guy composed music for radio, TV and cable shows,
doing demo work for bands and songwriters, and putting together a home studio in
North Hollywood. During that time he played with acts as diverse as Iron Butterfly and Tavares, and was a member of the band Ashton, which also included future Elton John bassist, Bob Birch.

Guy's career accelerated in March 1987 when he won Keyboard Magazine's Reader
Tape Contest with his entry, Babylon Bleu. Also in 1987, Guy co-wrote and performed on Siedah Garrett's K.I.S.S.I.N.G., which became a Number One dance
hit in the US.

It was also around this time that Guy first met Elton's guitarist and band leader, Davey Johnstone.

More than a year after playing keyboards on a side project of Davey's, Guy got a
call from the guitarist asking if he was interested in playing some live shows as Elton's second keyboardist, joining Fred Mandel. He said he'd be happy to.

Guy's first performance with Elton was for a benefit at the Century Plaza Hotel
in Los Angeles in July 1988, and his first world tour as part of the Elton John Band began two months later in Miami, Florida.

Guy became lead keyboardist on May 26, 1992, and has been the only synth man on
stage since the Walden Woods Benefit Concert in the fall of 1993.

Guy also created musical intros to some of the tour's opening numbers, including
Bennie And The Jets (1989), Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, (1992) and Pinball
Wizard (1993), and reinterpreted the synthesizer intro to Funeral For A Friend
for the live shows.

Guy's first studio work with Elton was on the 1989 album Sleeping With The Past.
Other albums he performed on since then are The One, Duets, The Lion King, Made
In England, Love Songs, The Big Picture, Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida, Peachtree
Road, The Captain And The Kid and The Red Piano, as well as other one-off
projects.

Guy began writing orchestral arrangements for Elton's material with the song Man, from the album Made In England, and subsequently arranged all but one of the songs on Peachtree Road.

Guy won a Grammy Award in 2001 for his work arranging the stage musical Aida.

He served as the Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator, and Synth Programmer for the
musical Lestat, which opened on Broadway in April 2006, also worked on The Muse,
The Road To El Dorado, Billy Elliot The Musical and Gnomeo and Juliet.

Elton duets with Brandi Carlile on a track called "Caroline" from her latest album "Give Up The Ghost"...

All systems are go...

The Face 2 Face tour featuring co-headliners Elton John [ tickets ] and Billy Joel [ tickets ], which has been on hold since last week after Joel came down with flu-like symptoms, is ready to roll again.

According to John's official website, shows set for Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Ballpark on Thursday (7/30) and Saturday (8/1) are expected to go on as scheduled.

Several concerts postponed;

The times Union Center in Albany New York has released a statement indicating that there will be a concert delay for a performance scheduled there for Monday July 27th, 2009. This is the second postponed concert in New York during the past week. Promoters for the hugely popular tour of Billy Joel and Elton John indicate that Joels doctors are advising him not to perform because of flu-like symptoms and severe fatigue. On July 24th, 2009, Buffalo New Yorks HSBC Arena had to postpone their scheduled concert as well. The Elton John and Billy Joel Face 2 Face tour has been the nation's top-grossing concert tour for the last two months running. There are 2 more scheduled concerts in Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA later next week on July 30th and August 1st. It is unknown whether Billy Joel will feel up to performing by then.

Rolling Stones, White Stripes, Nirvana Songs Join Guitar Hero 5?

7/15/09, 7:00 pm EST

The Rolling Stones, Elton John, the White Stripes and Nirvana are among the highlights in the latest wave of rockers who will have songs features on the upcoming Guitar Hero 5 music video game. For the White Stripes, who provide their Get Behind Me Satan opener Blue Orchid, and Elton John, whose Saturday Nights Alright (For Fighting) will be alright for playing, GH5 marks the first time their songs have appeared on a music video game.

"Runaway (Do You Love Me)" - Written by Elton John, performed by The MacDonald Brothers.

Finally Elton is taking advantage of currently available technology and the internet to offer live recordings of his current tour as quickly as possible...

Official 'instant' live recordings of all dates on the forthcoming European tour!

Elton John and his full band are back on the road this June rocking 14 dates across the UK and Europe.

If that's not exciting enough in itself, to celebrate Elton's ongoing success on the road he is teaming up with instant live recording specialists, Concert Live www.concertlive.co.uk to create instant live CDs of all the dates of the tour!

Each concert will be recorded and mixed in real time and deluxe 3 CD souvenir sets will be produced, available for fans to take home within minutes of the final note being played! The 3rd disc of the set will feature exclusive high quality photos taken from the tour.

The CDs are limited edition and are the ultimate souvenir for any Elton John fan, whether you have been lucky enough to get a ticket to the gigs or not!

This is an incredibly exciting production and you can pre-order your live CD now, either for collection after the concert or home delivery. Simply visit the Concert Live website www.concertlive.co.uk and get your order in early to avoid missing out on this exclusive offer.

Pre-orders are live now, click here to get your hands on yours: www.concertlive.co.uk/tour.php?id=77

`Billy Elliot' wins 10 Tonys; `Carnage' best play - Yahoo! News

By MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Writer Michael Kuchwara, Ap Drama Writer – 1 hr 43 mins ago

NEW YORK – Broadway's Tonys seemed a family affair this year, with an outpouring of generosity from winners to losers despite the domination of the evening by "Billy Eliot," which won 10 awards, and one actor bringing his wife to the stage to stand by him while he accepted his prize.

"I'd like to congratulate the writers of 'Next to Normal,'" said a gracious Elton John, standing in the middle of cast members and producers after his show, "Billy Eliot," won the best musical prize. "Thank you for accepting us on Broadway. ... We came here at a hard time economically. You opened your hearts and you opened your wallets."

In one of the evening's rare upsets, John lost the award for score to "Next to Normal."

Lets see, a musical about a young boy living in a coal mining town who is a member of a boxing club and secretly wants to be a ballet dancer? Hmmm.... It's a lock!

Elton will be on hand and performing as well...

Los Angeles Times, CA
Also set to appear is Elton John, who will perform with the ensemble from "Billy Elliot: The Musical," for which the singer is nominated for his score.

Probably not wanting to be the poster boy for the Prop 8 supporters, Elton now has a much different position on Prop 8 then he did at the end of last year;

"That's just awful," Elton John said in an interview on AccessHollywood.com. "When you see places like Iowa saying yes, there's now five states in America (where same-sex marriage is legal). California is supposed to be a progressive state. It defies logic to me. I'm very disappointed."

After all it was just November 2008 that USA Today had this from Elton;

NEW YORK — Elton John, accompanied by his longtime partner, David Furnish, had some choice words about California's Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage that passed on Nov. 4.
In December 2005, John and Furnish tied the knot in a civil partnership ceremony in Windsor, England. But, clarified the singer, "We're not married. Let's get that right. We have a civil partnership. What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word marriage."
John and Furnish, and their two cocker spaniels, Marilyn and Arthur, were in town for Tuesday's annual benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
"I don't want to be married. I'm very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership," John says. "The word 'marriage,' I think, puts a lot of people off.
"You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships."

Ben & Jerry’s relaunches limited Elton John flavor

21 May 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. — After launching a one-week, limited edition flavor to recognize Elton John’s first trip to Vermont, and to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), Ben & Jerry’s has relaunched its Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ice cream flavor.

Fans of Elton John’s music and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream sent hundreds of e-mails and many more phone calls to Ben & Jerry’s Vermont headquarters calling for the return of the popular flavor, which features chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road will go to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

I believe it was called Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road...

Elton's latest success scores 15 Tony nominations...

Broadway Billy Leads With 15 Tony Nominations

Date: 5 May 2009

Any lingering worries that Americans might not “get” the quintessentially English working-class screen-to-stage hit Billy Elliot are banished once and for all today as the Broadway transfer of the musical dominates the race for the 63rd annual Tony Awards. In the shortlists, announced this morning in New York, Billy Elliot has earned a whopping 15 nominations, more than any other production – its next closest rival, US suburban musical Next to Normal, clocks in with 11 nominations.

The Associated Press: Elton John no longer standing on Vegas; ends run

Elton John no longer standing on Vegas; ends run

By OSKAR GARCIA – 8 hours ago

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Rocket Man bid farewell to the Las Vegas Strip Wednesday after five years and 241 shows at Caesars Palace — but said it won't necessarily be a long, long time before he returns.

Wearing a bright red shirt that matched his piano and a coat emblazoned with "Las Vegas Pirates" on its back and "Captain Elton" on its right sleeve, Elton John rolled through his hits and reflected on his time at the Colosseum, a stage he famously shared with Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Cher.

"The ex-home of Celine Dion ... and now it's the ex-home of Elton John as well," the 62-year-old said. John said later in the show that he'd like to see Dion play the venue again.

"Who are you going to get to fill in our shoes now?" he said. "You've got Bette Midler, you've got Cher. It's gonna be the Village People next."

John initially signed on for 75 shows over three years when his run began in February 2004, but casino officials say the deal was expanded because of demand.

"I really have enjoyed every single moment of this engagement," the five-time Grammy winner said after opening the show with "Bennie and the Jets."

Elton John's last show is Wednesday

April 21, 2009 11:20 PM

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer, Elton John takes final bow at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for his final performance of his hit show "The Red Piano."

"The Red Piano" was originally booked for 75 shows over three years. Responding to overwhelming demand, the resort accelerated the number of shows presented each year, completing the original commitment in only 18 months. During this time Caesars Palace extended the agreement for an additional 166 shows for a final engagement total of 241.

His final show will be Wednesday, April 22.

From Reuters...

Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header
Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:56pm EDT
By Erik Pedersen
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - On the surface, it always has seemed like a natural pairing: two of the rock era's most successful acts -- piano-based or otherwise -- dispensing hit after hit after hit.
But look a little deeper and the contrasts between Elton John and Billy Joel far outweigh the similarities. And their latest Face 2 Face arena show Saturday at Anaheim's Honda Center again hammered home those differences, even as the packed house cheered the pop feast.
The most obvious is the performing styles. Both men still have a command of their instrument, but their manic stage days are behind them. And that's fine; John turned 62 last Wednesday, and Joel hits 60 in May.
But latter-day John is all about the music, mostly sitting stoically at his piano; Joel's still about the show, his eighty-eight on a rotator so that every in-the-round patron got a good look. John prefers a quiet dignity onstage, only occasionally addressing the audience; Joel is demonstrative, offering some rimshot-worthy shtick.
Basically, John plays to the crowd; Joel feeds off it. So while Sir Elton will never cede the catalog crown, in his stage battle with the kid from Long Island, the latter continues to win the Face 2 Faceoffs.
John's voice for years was one of the most distinctive in rock. He sounded fine Saturday and still can sing with power, but that instantly recognizable bite is gone. He was at his best during the many slow songs, when his pipes weren't forced to keep pace with the music; "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," for example, was a kitten compared to its beastly original.
So John's solo set was heavy with ballads, which certainly isn't a bad thing. Those irresistible sing-along choruses wrap around often moving verses on topics of joy or pain, cryptic or barefaced, while he piles on the marvelous melodies. Highlights included the mournful "Daniel" and a superbly elongated "Rocket Man."

Elvis Crespo Accused Of Mile-High Masturbation

Elvis Crespo was arrested in Miami.

March 26, 2009 11:37 AM ET

Merengue star Elvis Crespo is being investigated after a woman said she saw him performing a sex act on an airplane en route from Houston to Miami, according to Miami-Dade County police.

The Grammy winner was masturbating in view of other passengers Thursday, prompting the plane's captain to radio the Miami International Airport's air traffic control tower, the police report said.

Officers interviewed Crespo upon his arrival but did not arrest him. No charges have been filed.

When asked by police at the airport about the accusation, the 37-year-old Puerto Rican singer said: "I don't recall doing that."

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Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header

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