Elton adds second show at Beasley

Elton John announces second WSU show

The Daily Evergreen

Beasley Coliseum announced today that Elton John will be performing a second show for Mom's Weekend. John was originally slated to perform on Saturday, April 12, but a second performance was added for April 13, after an enormous volume of phone calls and e-mails were sent to Beasley, according to the news release.

In contrast to the first time tickets were sold, a certain number for the second show have been reserved for students, according to an e-mail from Beasley Coliseum director Leo Udy. Students will be allowed to line up starting Sunday at 6 a.m. in front of the Beasley Coliseum ticket office. Randomly numbered wristbands will be distributed to the students in line from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tickets will go on sale on Monday at 10 a.m., in the order of the numbers on the wristband. Tickets will be limited to four per student.

EJ ticket controversy continues...

Councillor bought up to 22 Elton John tickets

Posted By Denis St. Pierre

Greater Sudbury Ward 11 Coun. Janet Gasparini purchased between 16 and 22 tickets to next month's Elton John concert, making her the largest buyer in city council's Ticket Gate controversy.

Sources say Gasparini reserved 22 tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime concert, but may have ended up with as few as 16 tickets after providing as many as six to council colleagues.

Before the concert tickets went on sale to the public, councillors were allowed to jump the queue and buy eight tickets each. After some councillors opted not to purchase eight tickets, the leftovers were offered to the remaining politicians and Gasparini was the biggest buyer, sources say.

Gasparini, one of six councillors who have refused to disclose how many tickets they purchased, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mayor John Rodriguez says city council's ticket grab for the March 2 concert did not violate council's code of conduct. Nor does the raging controversy signal a need for a stricter rules, adds Rodriguez.

Several angry citizens have contacted The Star to suggest the ticket grab by the mayor and councillors does indeed violate the code of conduct, which is entrenched in a municipal bylaw. As a result, these critics say, the politicians should be forced to return the tickets.

Furthermore, some outraged citizens suggest council should adopt a stricter code of conduct - similar to what is in place in other cities - that would unequivocally prohibit the preferred ticket access council has given itself.

Council's code of conduct includes a section titled "acceptance of gifts," which dictates that the mayor and councillors "shall ... not accept a fee, gift or other benefit that is connected directly or indirectly with the performance of the duties of his/her office."

The mayor and councillors have emphasized that, although they were given first crack at scores of Elton John concert tickets, they had to buy the tickets, therefore they were not gifts.

Sorry!

This is quite the controversy up in Canada;

Mayor sorry for handling of Elton John concert tickets

Posted By Denis St. Pierre

Mayor John Rodriguez has taken responsibility for allowing city councillors to buy "so many" tickets for next month's Elton John concert.

"My decision to offer so many advance purchase tickets to council was rushed and not given sufficient consideration. For that I apologize," the mayor said at the outset of Wednesday night's city council meeting.

In a rare departure from normal procedure, the mayor read a prepared statement before beginning regular council business Wednesday.

The 365-word statement was a response to the public furore over the preferential treatment that allowed council first dibs on more than 100 tickets for the March 2 Elton John concert.

"I want to speak directly to the people of Greater Sudbury," Rodriguez said.

While he stated that council must learn from its "mistakes," the mayor also reiterated some of his positions on the controversy that have offended many city residents.

In particular, Rodriguez emphasized that councillors did not get any freebies, nor is council the only such group in the province to get first choice on tickets to exclusive events at municipal facilities. "These tickets are not free: the cost is paid in full by the councillor. This same practice occurs in the City of Kitchener, where Elton John is also playing next month," he said.

The mayor also maintained that "the practice of making tickets available to councillors and staff is a longstanding one" at the city. That assertion, particularly with regard to the actions taken by council with Elton John tickets, has been disputed by a former councillor, by a current councillor (in an off-the-record admission) and by a former advisor in the mayor's office.

In fact, Rodriguez noted last week that the opportunity provided to council for Elton John tickets was not offered to the politicians for the two recent, sold-out performances of Michael Buble.

The mayor also said in his statement Wednesday that he has directed city staff to prepare "an open and transparent policy to ensure that this type of debacle never happens again."

The Elton John concert should be a "very positive event for our city and our citizens," Rodriguez said.

Elton John Tour Dates from LiveDaily

The current tour schedule from LiveDaily.com;





February 2008
28 - Portland, ME - Cumberland County Civic Center

March 2008
2 - Sudbury, Ontario - Sudbury Arena
3 - Kitchener, Ontario - Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
6 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena
10 - Newark, DE - Bob Carpenter Center
12 - Savannah, GA - Savannah Civic Center
14 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center
15 - Tallahassee, FL - Tallahassee Civic Center
16 - Gainesville, FL - Stephen O’Connell Center
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 - Pullman, WA - Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum

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

Aretha Franklin is not happy!

Frankly I though the same thing when Beyonce said that Tina Turner was "the queen" during her intro on the Grammys;

Franklin slams Beyonce Grammy intro

Tue Feb 12, 11:52 PM ET

LOS ANGELES - When Aretha Franklin is unhappy, she does not mince words. On Tuesday, the longtime Queen of Soul slammed Beyonce Knowles' intro to Tina Turner at Sunday's Grammy Awards, in which Knowles called Turner, not Franklin, "the queen."
`

"I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce," Franklin said in a statement issued by her publicist. "However, I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy."

E-mails to Knowles' publicist Yvette Noel-Schure and calls and e-mails to Recording Academy spokeswomen Jaime Sarachit and Barb Deghan were not immediately returned.

In the first few seconds of Knowles' intro to Turner's performance, she name-dropped Franklin and a long list of famed female singers. Then the "Crazy in Love" chanteuse focused on Turner.

"There is one legend who has the essence of all of those things: the glamour, the soul, the passion, the strength, the talent," said Knowles, strutting in hot pants. "Ladies and gentlemen. Stand on your feet and give it up for the queen."

At a party later that night, Knowles called Turner her "ultimate icon."

Still, Franklin ended her brief criticism on a gracious note, thanking the Grammys and the voting academy and saying, "love to Beyonce anyway."

Known for such hits as "Respect" and "Chain of Fools," Franklin tied with the Clark Sisters for best gospel performance trophy for her duet "Never Gonna Break My Faith" with Mary J. Blige.

Is this worthy of devastation?

An Elton John fan in Canada is devastated that she could not get tickets to see Elton on March 2 in Subury;

Elton John fan 'devastated'

Posted -59 sec ago

The entire sequence of events involving the Elton John ticket sales has become an atrocity of colossal proportions, frustrating many of his life long fans in the Northern Ontario area. The manner in which the tickets were sold was questionable to say the least and now, to learn that there were tickets sold to the mayor and city councillors before the website opened ... well, I shouldn't be surprised, but I am dismayed, as I'm sure many other fans are with this miscarriage.

I am a huge, life-long fan who stood in line at nine years old (1973) to buy an Elton John album on the day it was released. I have to wonder if these politicians knew as children that they would be politicians, and that they would never have to stand in line for anything. Ever. If they did think that, I guess they would have been right.

Not that being a huge fan for my entire life makes me any more privileged than anybody else to purchase tickets, but what is the reason behind the councillors and mayor buying tickets before they went on sale? There should be an even playing field for all of us, whether we are politicians or just the common voting public.

I am sure Sir Elton would be truly disappointed to learn exactly what happened here with the ticket sales. I have found tickets being scalped by so many people that had no intention of attending the concert, they only bought them to make a profit. If Elton John wanted anybody to make money off of his concerts, it would most certainly be a charity that helps children with AIDS, not scalpers' blatant profiteering for whatever personal expenses they may have. This is just one more thing about Elton John that any fan would know.

This entire ticket fiasco has been devastating to me and to think I will be sitting at home the night that Elton is playing the Sudbury arena is absolutely incomprehensible to me. Oh, yes, I could buy tickets for upwards of $600 apiece, but some of us cannot afford that. I am a single mom and I could never justify such an expense.

I have a feeling that when our mayor and city councillors are down at the Sudbury Arena on March 2 doing the Crocodile Rock, they really won't give a damn about those of us who aren't.

Janet Derks

Sudbury

What's next: Some ideas from me...

It's now been over a year since The Captain and the Kid was released and 2 years since Elton and Bernie wrote and recorded the album. Some people over at The Crazy Water Forum are asking for news on what Elton is currently working on or what his plans are for his next release.

I wish I knew. If I find out anything I will be sure to post the info.

However I do have a few ideas for projects I personally would like to see Elton undertake. So for whatever it's worth here they are.

An All-Star Instrumental Rock-n-Roll Album

One project I've always thought would be interesting is Elton putting together an all-star line-up of rock-n-roll veterans as well as his current band and recording an album of instrumental rock songs, covers and originals. Sort of like the tune Rockestra as performed by Paul McCartney on his album Back To The Egg. Each track could feature one performer, for example have a track or two featuring blistering guitar work from Eric Clapton or Slash. Maybe Billy Joel or Bruce Hornsby on piano with Elton on a few tracks. I think something like this could be a fun project if the right tracks are chosen.

Release an EP of new material recorded before a live audience

This one would either be a brilliant idea or it would crash-n-burn. I think the trick to making this work would be to record it before a small studio audience similar to how 11-17-70 was recorded. Make it an intimate setting with Elton talking to the audience about the tracks before performing them and perhaps answering questions. Sort of like the VH1 Storytellers series. And since it would be an EP (that means Extended Play as opposed to LP) it would only have to be five or six new songs and sold at a reduced price.


Record a Smooth Jazz album

The only style of jazz I like is called Smooth Jazz. I've always liked the breezy feel of smooth jazz and think that Elton could easily pull off a smooth jazz album. It really fits his style of music and could be quite a enjoyable listen. Some tracks could be instrumental and other he can add vocals too.

Of course Elton could always go back in the studio and record another "Elton John" album that will receive critical acclaim from critics and fans. It will then tank on the charts and all of us fans will be furious.

Then there is that rap album idea.....just kidding.

Slash: one of the major guitar players I was attracted to was definitely Davey.

Slash lists Davey Johnstone as one his musical favorites;

Artist: Davey Johnstone

Backstory: The longtime lead guitarist in Elton John's band, Johnstone plays with equal taste and fire. He has also worked with Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Joan Armatrading and others. Some of his most memorable playing with Elton John includes the riff-happy “Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting” and the epic ballad “Candle in the Wind.”

Slash: “This will probably be the first time I've been prompted to say this in an interview, but when I think of '70s rock guitar – which I was hugely influenced by – one of the major guitar players I was attracted to was definitely Davey. His playing is very melodic and always appropriate for the song.”

Elton's Oscar party still on

Elton John's annual post-Oscar party plans still moving forward
The Associated Press

02/06/2008 05:02:54 PM PST

LOS ANGELES—Vanity Fair's post-Oscar party is off, but Elton John's is on.

The singer and AIDS activist is moving forward with plans for his 16th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, the foundation announced Wednesday.

"This event is our most important fundraiser of the year," it said in a statement. "Last year, we raised over $4.3 million and we expect to exceed that record this year."

John will also play a special concert set at the party, backed by his full band.

Vanity Fair canceled its party in support of striking Hollywood writers and others affected by the labor action.

John's viewing party, held at the Pacific Design Center, is always lavish and star-studded, boasting past guests such as Denzel Washington, Sting, Sharon Stone, Ben Kingsley, Kevin Spacey and Halle Berry. Among the expected guests at the Feb. 24 soiree are Victoria and David Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Donatella Versace and Elizabeth Taylor.

What happened: "The Captain and The Kid"

Back in 2005 we heard the stories that Elton was going to record a sequel to the 1975 classic album "Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy" as suggested by his manager Merck Mercuriadis. At the time the idea was enthusiastically received and fans were buzzing about the album. As tracks lyrics and snippets of the songs began to leak out it was clear that this album was sure to be something special and some of Elton's best work since the mid 1970s. Eventually full tracks began to appear all over the internet and they were roundly praised. It appeared that Elton had done what few thought possible and that was to match his creativity from his hey-day. Music critics agreed with rave reviews, even Rolling Stone magazine, not the most Elton friendly music magazine, awarded 4 stars;

The Captain and the Kid is the third album in a career-resurrecting run that began in 2001, when Elton John took the novel approach of sitting down at a piano and writing songs that sound a lot like Elton John. The album is a sequel to 1975's chart-topping Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, and it has moments that rival the original: The songs are precision instruments, from the honky-tonk pop of "Just Like Noah's Ark" to pristine ballads like the title track. With lyricist Bernie Taupin in tow, The Kid traces thirty-odd years' worth of ups and downs that befall the duo. The story line gets a little murky and the album cheeses out on songs like "The Bridge." But more than just a gift to fans, it shows Elton's gifts haven't deserted him. And that's more than good enough.

And then Universal stepped in.

Of all the wonderful songs on "The Captain and The Kid" the absolute worst choice was made as the lead single. Instead of going with any of the terrific mid-tempo songs from the album such as "Just Like Noah's Ark" or "Tinderbox" or even the self-promoting title cut Universal made the safe choice and released to radio-only (another mistake) "The Bridge." A piano only track with up-front vocals from Elton and a beautiful vocal bridge, nonetheless it was not radio-friendly nor was it memorable. Quite frankly it was a boring track and did not fairly represent the overall outstanding quality of the rest of the album. It did reasonably well at AC radio where Elton has become a staple. However it did not generate much buzz for the album and Universal decided not to release a second track to radio effectively killing the album. Curiously a wonderful video was produced for "Tinderbox" reminiscent of the Beatles "Free As A Bird" video which interspersed archival footage of Elton, Bernie and the boys into colorful nostalgic scenes of Elton in the 1970s. And another odd note was that one of the promotional placements for this video was on MLB.com, the Major League Baseball official website.

As a result of the poor choice for the lead single and no then follow-up the album tanked on the charts and Universal essentially abandoned it. Elton was not happy. He publicly ridiculed Universal and begged them to drop him from their label.

“Nobody would know the album has been out since September.

“My record label isn’t doing anything to help. F— Universal. Please drop me. I’m 58 and I don’t care anymore.”

Quite frankly I think Elton is exactly correct. He needs to get away from the traditional record labels like Universal and go in a new direction in regards to promoting his new music. He has nothing left to prove and can probably do a much better job of getting his music out in front of a new audience as well as his core fan base. He has several options available to him in my opinion;

One option is to take the Paul McCartney route and sign with a label like Starbucks "Hear Music" which will enthusiastically and aggressively promote his new material. They have their own XM Radio channel which can feature the music as well as selling the CDs in the coffee shops.

Another option is to strike a deal similar to what Madonna did when she signed with Live Nation. The Madonna deal includes "new studio efforts, tours, merchandise, DVD releases, sponsorships, licensing agreements, fan club, Web site, and TV and film projects." The problem here is Elton has never shown the least bit of interest in the internet, in fact he hates the internet and wishes it were non-existent. This is a foolish position to take. The internet can open up Elton to an unlimited number of new fans if he would embrace it and use it to his advantage.

Elton could also just market his new music on his own website eltonjohn.com along with other exclusive merchandise. But that hating-the-internet problem gets in the way again.

As I said, Elton has nothing to prove to anyone and could easily not release another album ever again. His position as a rock legend is well established. But his creative juices are still flowing and I don't see him just disappearing off the music scene. He loves to write music, tour and perform so while he is still has the desire he will continue to record new music. However, Elton clearly needs took go in a new direction getting his new music out in front of the new music fans in order to avoid the disaster of "The Captain and The Kid" from happening again.

OT: Writer Strike Finally Almost Over

Thanks goodness....now get those Lost writers back to working on the best show on TV!

Hollywood on verge of deal to end writers strike

By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Negotiators for Hollywood studios and striking writers have agreed to terms of a new contract that could be presented to union leaders in days and, if approved, end their three-month-old labor clash later this week, two sources told Reuters on Monday.

While the outlines of an accord were reached over the weekend, the two sides still need to hammer out contract language before a deal is submitted for approval to the governing boards the East and West Coast branches of the Writers Guild of America, they said.

Those sources, who were briefed on the status of talks but were not authorized to speak publicly about them under a media blackout, said negotiators hoped action by the WGA boards on a deal could come as early as Friday.

An endorsement by WGA leaders presumably would be accompanied by a decision to call off the strike, but if the WGA boards were divided, the walkout might continue pending a ratification vote by rank-and-file members.

One source said the big breakthrough in the latest round of talks, which began Jan. 23, came on the key sticking point of how much writers should be paid for advertising-supported Internet "streaming" of television shows.

Elton adds North American dates

Elton John expands North American run
February 5, 2008 06:02 AM
By Kym Kilgore

Elton John [ tickets ] has squeezed several more secondary-market appearances in between his "Red Piano" dates in Las Vegas.

The superstar will start back up in North America Feb. 28 with shows in Portland, ME; Manchester, NH; and Sudbury and Kitchener, Ontario. After his next run of Vegas gigs from mid-March to early April, he'll play Missoula, MT, and Pullman, WA. Then it's back to Vegas in June and off to Europe for a two-week stint that wraps in mid-July. North American shows are listed below and those overseas can be found at John's website.

The Grammy-winning singer signed on to keep his "Red Piano" residency at Sin City's Colosseum at Caesars Palace through this year. He's put in about 50 annual performances at the venue since 2004.

John, who is celebrating his fourth decade of touring, launched 2008 with a short trek through South Africa, during which he visited projects funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation and oversaw the opening of three more "cluster homes," which offer a safe refuge and care for children.

Last year, John played his record-breaking 60th show at New York City's Madison Square Garden to celebrate his 60th birthday. He marked the occasion in March with the release of "Rocket Man - Number Ones," an 18-song hits collection covering the first 35 years of his career. The concert itself was captured on a two-disc DVD, "Elton John 60: Live at Madison Square Garden," which also includes rare footage from a variety of television shows and concert segments.

"The Captain & the Kid," John's latest set of new material with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, surfaced in 2006 and peaked at No. 18 on The Billboard 200. The album is billed as a sequel to 1975's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy."

"Elton" voted off of The One and Only

Apparently their is a reality show in the UK called "The One and Only" where contestants impersonate musicians. One contestant was Elton John and was voted off the show;

MUSIC teacher Ed Hintze has returned home to Weymouth after being voted off reality show The One and Only.

He ventured out from behind the piano to perform Elton John's I'm Still Standing, but lost out after a sing-off with the show's Cher impersonator.

Mr Hintze, 34, had survived the initial vote on the BBC1 show on Saturday night, when the Kylie Minogue tribute act was sent home.

Although two other acts wanted to keep him in the contest, four supported Cher in the 'superstar' vote after the sing-off.

Mr Hintze is a music shop boss and music teacher at All Saints' School in Weymouth.

Lilies in the room and tulips in the hall...

Sounds like a good title for a song..."Lilies in the Room"

Sir Elton John is still the Queen of Divas!

February 4th, 2008 - 5:50 pm

London , Feb 4 (ANI): When it comes to luxurious and wayward demands made by the stars, no one can be Sir Elton John.

The legendary singer, known for his lavish ways, still rules the roost when it comes to spending on luxurious essentials.

The Candle in the wind singer dished out a whopping 1,475 pounds on just a night at the Dorchester in London and fired off an impressive list of demands.

The 60-year-old veteran stars demands included fat-free and sugar-free cookies, a tray of raw veg, lilies in the room and tulips in the hall.

He even made it a point that the temperature didnt exceed 68C and his tissues had to be normal, and that too without balm.

Sir John also specified furniture he required, that included two buckets. (ANI)

Someone Saved My Life Tonight

Never saw this before...and after watching it once I can see why. And how is this still available on YouTube? You'll know what I mean after watching it...

Elton sells out in Washington state in 3 hours

Elton John tickets sell out in record breaking time

Offering ticket sales to the public helped all 10,885 tickets sell in less than four hours.

By Mike Feigen
The Daily Evergreen Published: 01/28/2008 00:00:00

This Mom's Weekend, thousands of students and their parents will have to find something else to do with their Saturday night. The April 12 Elton John concert sold out in a Beasley Coliseum-record 3 hours and 40 minutes, with students experiencing long lines, computer server crashes and busy signals at TicketsWest call centers. When it was all said and done 10,885 tickets were sold, with 700 distributed to students at Beasley. With lines wrapping more than halfway around the concourse and frustrations mounting, the scene was more reminiscent of the lead-up to a Saturday night basketball game than a lazy Friday morning on the WSU campus. The difference between this and Cougar basketball, however, was that in the end the majority of the people left dissatisfied. Chris Concienne, a senior turf management major, was one of those turned away just feet from the ticket window after waiting in line for more than three hours. "My mom was really looking forward to this," he said. "It's not fair for moms to get shut out." In the words of Elton John, sorry seems to be the hardest word.

More tour dates

That's the first I heard of the tour being referred to as the "Rocket Man - Number Ones" tour...

It's true! Elton John to perform

Posted By Rachel Punch

Sir Elton John's "Rocket Man - Number Ones" tour will touch down in Sudbury on March 2, the city's arenas manager confirmed Monday.

"Everyone is in awe," said Ray Mensour.

"This is probably the biggest concert in Sudbury's history, so everyone is excited ... It's quite the accomplishment and it's a great attribute for the city."

Those who want tickets to see the five-time Grammy award winner should not plan on camping out before tickets go on sale at the arena box office on Friday at 10 a.m.

"The best way to get tickets is at www.greatersudbury.ca at 10 a.m.," Mensour said.

He expects the 6,386 tickets could be sold out in a matter of minutes, and those waiting in a line up will be turned away.

"Unfortunately, not everyone is going to get tickets," Mensour said. "We don't want to turn back a lot of people so we're encouraging people to go online. That's your best odds of getting tickets."

He said seating will be set up in a bowl shape around the stage. Tickets will be sold in two-tiers. Those with an obstructed view will pay $98 and those without will pay $140. Mensour said the arena has been working on getting this show since December.

The pop legend is set to perform in Sudbury on March 2 and Kitchener on March 3. Live Nation said there are no plans to announce additional Canadian dates.

John has sold more than 200 million records and continues to add to his personal repertoire of 29 consecutive Top 40 hits, 35 gold and 25 platinum albums.

He is known for hits such as "Rocket Man," "Bennie and the Jets," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," and "Candle in the Wind."

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Riley O'Connor, chairman of promoter Live Nation Canada, said John likes to play markets he has never played before.

"Elton John has a touring history of playing markets that are non-traditional," O'Connor said in an e-mail response.

The reason Sudbury was able to secure the music giant is threefold, Mensour said.

First off, the artist has to want to play the venue.

"Elton John loves to play venues he's never played before, so obviously Sudbury was prime for that," Mensour said.

Second on the list in securing a big act is the relationship with the promoter.

"Over the last few years, we've developed an excellent relationship with Live Nation, which is formally House of Blues," Mensour said. "They've been bringing us the big shows, like the Nickelback, Hilary Duff, Michael Buble, Def Leppard and Three Days Grace."

The third key to lining up a major act is providing the venue.

"You have to be able to deliver the service and we've been doing that because of the staff here at the Sudbury arena," Mensour said. rpunch@thesudburystar.com

SIR ELTON

What: Elton John concert

Where: Sudbury Community Arena

When: March 2, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

Tickets: On sale Friday at 10 a.m., available online at www.greatersudbury.ca, at Sudbury Arena Box Office or charge by phone at 671-3000

Cost: $98 and $140

The Legend of Caribou

Excellent article in the Rocky Muntain News about the legendary studio Caribou Ranch where Elton recorded several of his 70s classics including 1974's "Caribou" album.

A space heater ended an astonishing era at Caribou Ranch outside Nederland.

The 1985 fire caused by the overheated appliance closed a studio that was home to many of the biggest pop music recordings of the '70s and early '80s. From Elton John to Joe Walsh, Chicago to Earth, Wind & Fire, U2 to John Lennon, the ranch hosted and recorded a who's who that generated sales well in excess of 100 million albums. Along the way, everyone had a lot of fun.

Now owner James Guercio has swung the ranch’s gates open for the first time since the fire to tell the story of the legendary studio that got its start after a missed flight. Pop music writer Mark Brown, videographer Laressa Bachelor and photographer Javier Manzano created this report.

Elton John's Red Piano On Display

Elton John 'red' piano on display in FL

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

The Music Connection in Forest Lake will be among only a handful of piano dealers nationwide to offer a performance by Elton John like you’ve never seen or heard before—with the limited edition Elton John Signature Series Red Piano. At the touch of a button, the high-tech Yamaha Disklavier player piano’s keys and pedals come to life, recreating note-for-note performances recorded earlier by Elton himself, as he “sings” such classics as “Tiny Dancer,” “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Candle in the Wind” and “Take Me to the Pilot.” Embodying the spirit of the legendary performer, the piano’s striking “Chinese Red” color represents the same distinctive hue chosen by Elton for his Yamaha instrument featured in his Las Vegas show.

This marks the first time Yamaha has honored an artist by naming a piano after him. No more than 20 of this new edition of the Elton John Signature Series Red Piano, featuring the newest leading-edge technology, will be made, all of which will be signed by the artist. The piano will be on display at the store, 77 SW 8th Ave. from Thursday, Jan. 24 through Wednesday, Jan. 30. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 to 7 on Friday and 10 to 5 on Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.

(Photo Courtesy of The Music Connection)

Elton donates 120 motorbikes to doctors and nurses in Africa

Elton John rides to rescue for Lesotho doctors

MASERU (AFP) — Veteran British pop star Elton John has donated 120 motorbikes to help doctors and nurses do their rounds in the mountainous southern African kingdom of Lesotho.

John, accompanied by his partner David Furnish, took time out on Saturday from a tour of South Africa to visit Lesotho for the handover ceremony just outside the capital Maseru.

The donation forms part of the Riders for Health Programme funded by the singer's own AIDS foundation.

"We want to improve the transport system by bringing health care to millions of people living in the most rural areas and thus making a difference in their lives," said John in comments reported by local media.