Animal Farm the musical? This should be interesting!

Elton John writing musical adaptation of Animal Farm - Monsters and Critics

By Daniela Elser Jul 23, 2010, 12:30 GMT

Elton John is said to be working on a stage show based on George Orwell’s classic political novel Animal Farm.

The 63-year-old Piano Man is said to have teamed up with Lee Hall, who penned the musical Billy Elliot. Hall picked up an Oscar nomination as well as Tony and Olivier awards for his work on the hit production.

The producers had faced challenges acquiring the rights to the book. Hall explained, “It's taken about two years. We almost gave up, but there was always that one last licence to go after.”

Discussing the appeal of the text, Hall said, “The line ‘all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’ lend themselves to lyrics.”

“I'm deep into it, writing songs for pigs and other four-legged friends,” he told the Daily Mail.

Audiences can expect to wait about two years before the curtains are raised, says Hall.

Listening party at the LA Times for "The Union"

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.”

Food poisoning postpones Elton John's Ariz concert

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.

"The Union" cover art

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!

Billboard: 16 tracks on the new record...

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.

A live album is coming too?

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.

Tracklisting from "The Union" Facebook page?

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

More on "Union"

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.

More on the Rush wedding...

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.

Elton John performs at Rush Limbaugh's wedding....yes that's what I said!

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

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.

"The Union" is the new album's title...

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 is afraid of Sarah Palin

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."

Elton on Idol....

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;

Related articles by Zemanta:

• Idol: Crystal Hits Emotional High Note
• "American Idol" gets inspirational...and I get emotional!
• Crystal Bowersox: There Is No 'Beef' with Ryan Seacrest

Elton: "the best record I've made in years"

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.

Related articles by Zemanta:

• Elton John Gets Help From Marc Ribot, Neil Young, T. Bone Burnett for New Album
• Willie Nelson's Country Music - in stores now!
• Elton John And Leon Russell Album Goes Vocal
• Willie Nelson's Country Music

A few tidbits...

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."

Related articles by Zemanta:

• Elton John And Leon Russell Album Goes Vocal
• Elton John Gets Help From Marc Ribot, Neil Young, T. Bone Burnett for New Album

Elton John to Ryan White in Washington Post

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.

Related articles by Zemanta:

• Elton John Headlines Charity Concert Celebrating Life Of Teen
• Elton John to commemorate life of Ind. AIDS victim
• Elton John Spends His Birthday In South Africa For AIDS Awareness
• Sir Elton John Signs £1M Grant to Protect African Babies

So Elton was on Oprah on Friday and....

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"

So will he be singing "You're Never Too Old"

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.

It's a greatest hits tour?

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?



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.

20 years ago...

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