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.

Love this shot

from Elton John News

Buy Elton's platinum album for "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

A post on another Elton John news blog has info on purchasing the platinum record award for Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

Musicares to honor Aretha Franklin, Elton to attend

Music Luminaries Gather To Honor Aretha Franklin As 2008 Musicares Person Of The Year

GRAMMY-winning recording artist Aretha Franklin will be honored as the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event celebrating her extraordinary musical achievements and her philanthropic commitments to children's and healthcare organizations and various churches and food banks in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Track Listings for Deluxe Editions Due Feb 18

Here are the track listings for the Elton John-Deluxe Edition and Tumbleweed Connection Deluxe Editions that online CD retailers are listing;

Tumbleweed Connection

Disc 1
1 Ballad Of A Well Known Gun
2 Come Down In Time
3 Country Comfort
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
12 Burn Down The Mission BBC session
13 Amoreena BBC session
(Mercury distributed by Universal Music)


Elton John

Disc 1
1 Your Song
2 I Need You To Turn To
3 Take Me To The Pilot
4 No Shoe Strings On Louise
5 First Episode At Hienton
6 Sixty Years On
7 Border Song
8 Greatest Discovery
9 Cage
10 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 Greatest Discovery piano demo
17 Cage demo
18 King Must Die piano demo

Disc 2
1 Rock 'n' 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 'n' Roll Madonna incomplete band demo
7 Bad Side Of The Moon
8 Grey Seal
9 Rock 'n' Roll Madonna
10 Border Song BBC session
11 Your Song BBC session
12 Take Me To The Pilot BBC session
2CD
(Mercury distributed by Universal Music)

New Elton John Deluxe Editions coming February 18

There are two new Deluxe Editions scheduled for release on February 18. The new 2-CD editions of Elton John-Deluxe Edition and "Tumbleweed Connection" have been packed with piano demos and live performances that are sure to excite Elton fans yearning for some new Elton product. And with no news of any new music on the horizon these two releases are sure to quench die-hard fans thirst.

At this point these are only scheduled to be released in the UK but I am sure that there will be a US release as well.

Merry Christmas !