Sen Coburn is no William Shatner

Senator Settles BCS Bet by Singing 'Rocket Man'

By BEN EVANS – 1 day ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Forget all those inaugural concerts. The most pressing musical issue in the nation's capital is whether a stone-face senator from Oklahoma will hit the high notes in "Rocket Man" to pay off a college football bet.
Republican Sen. Tom Coburn is slated to serenade Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida with his very own rendition of Elton John's 1970s classic Wednesday afternoon.
Coburn owes Nelson because the Florida Gators defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 24-14 in last week's BCS title game. Nelson chose "Rocket Man" because he is a former astronaut who flew on the space shuttle Columbia in the 1980s.
If Oklahoma had won, Nelson would have had to sing the title song from the musical "Oklahoma!" It also happens to be the official state song.
Coburn spokesman John Hart said his boss won't wear a leisure suit for the performance but would be ready. He acknowledged the vocal range for "Rocket Man" is a "bit more expansive" than for the song Nelson would've had to sing.
Coburn's singing talents may be untested, but he does have a family pedigree. His daughter, Sarah Coburn, is a nationally acclaimed opera singer who has performed alongside the likes of Placido Domingo.
Coburn, a physician, is best known as a budget hawk who has given Senate Democrats headaches for years by using procedural tactics to block new spending measures.
Nelson spokesman Dan McLaughlin said the senator "is looking forward to settling the wager in good spirit and with a sense of humor."
It's not the first time Nelson has won an unusual football bet with a Senate colleague. Two years ago, he perched on one knee over Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and counted as Brown tried to do 55 push-ups. The number equaled the total score of that season's BCS title game in which Florida beat Ohio State 44-14.
Brown only made it to 43, and Nelson finished the rest.

More EJ & BJ Dates...

Billy Joel and Elton John to play Conseco - News- msnbc.com

Indianapolis - In a big announcement, two music legends are coming to Conseco Fieldhouse together.

Elton John and Billy Joel are extending their concert tour and coming to Indianapolis in May. According to promoters, they'll open on twin pianos and trade vocals on a series of duets. A headlining set by each artist with his own band will follow. The shows will end with an encore featuring both headliners and their backing bands.

The concert is set for Conseco Fieldhouse on May 19th. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10:00 am.

Elton requests a helicopter

Sir Elton John 'Requests Helicopter Pad For New Years Eve Gig' - GIGWISE

At the O2 Arena...

* by Jason Gregory
* Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Sir Elton John has requested a helicopter pad for his New Years Eve concert at London’s O2 Arena.

The singer is apparently keen to arrive at the venue “in style” from his country home.

“Elton hasn't requested anything outrageous, all he's asked for is a helipad - he simply wasn't up for getting the Tube,” a source told the Mirror newspaper.

New Elton: "The Drover's Ballad"

From the movie "Australia" come a new Elton track called "The Drover's Ballad" which is available for purchase on iTunes...

Elton and Billy tix selling very well...

Joel, John Tour Tickets Selling Briskly


December 19, 2008 11:44 AM ET

In a positive sign for the 2009 touring season, sales for the upcoming Billy Joel/Elton John co-headlining tour are "through the roof," according to Wilson Howard, president, Live Nation Music Southeast, who calls the tour "a smash."

The configuration for the upcoming tour, which begins March 2 in Jacksonville, Fla., is 360 degrees, significantly boosting capacity in the arenas. Tickets range from $49.50-$175.

In addition to Jacksonville, the tour will play Tampa (March 5), Charlotte (7), Cincinnati (10), Atlanta (14), Tulsa, Okla. (17), Houston (19), San Antonio (21), Phoenix 26, and Anaheim (28, 30).

Live Nation is promoting most of the shows on the tour, and AEG Live will promote in Anaheim, which has almost sold out the second show.

Before the trek, Joel is set for a six-show run at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla., spread out between Jan. 2 and Feb. 8. John has international shows on tap through late January, to be followed by a two-week engagement with his Red Piano show at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace.

We've heard this before...I'll believe it when I see it

Elton John and Billy Joel may record together before tour

02:53 PM PT, Dec 16 2008

Elton John is looking to whip up a little something special for his upcoming Face 2 Face tour with fellow '70s piano man Billy Joel to make it more than just a greatest-hits outing. Returning to the
concert trail next spring for the first time in six years, John and Joel want to inject some new music into the mix.

"We're thinking about recording three songs together," John told Pop & Hiss on Tuesday. "Definitely not our own songs, or oldies, but we're interested in getting some people to write new songs for us. I've got Raphael Saadiq and Nile Rodgers working on something, so we're booking some time to go into the studio and record."

On their previous joint road trips in 1995, 2001-2002 and 2003, the Face 2 Face tour turned into one of the top 10 grossing tours of those years. The 2009 tour is scheduled to open March 2 in Jacksonville, Fla., and will include two Southland performances March 28 and 30 at
the Honda Center in Anaheim.

-- Randy Lewis

Photo: John and Joel in 2001. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Elton loses libel case

A victory for irony as Elton John loses Guardian libel case | Media | The Guardian

 
Sir Elton John is well known for his quick temper and outrageous behaviour. A documentary of his life said it all - it was called, knowingly, Tantrums and Tiaras.

But a high court judge ruled yesterday that the singer's sense of humour failure over a satirical piece by a Guardian columnist was a tantrum too far.

In a groundbreaking libel decision, the judge said that "irony" and "teasing" do not amount to defamation. The ruling offers protection to writers of satirical articles clearly not meant to be taken seriously and was welcomed last night by media lawyers and journalists.

The Guardian was awarded costs and the singer, who brought the action, was refused leave to appeal by Mr Justice Tugendhat. John's legal team indicated that he might now seek leave to appeal.

John brought the action following the publication in Guardian Weekend magazine, in July this year, of a spoof diary written by Marina Hyde. "A peek at the diary of Sir Elton John" recorded his fictional thoughts about his annual White Tie and Tiara ball, which raises millions of pounds for the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Not a done deal yet...

Elton John Mulling Ronson Collaboration


December 03, 2008 01:37 PM ET
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Elton John may enlist producer Mark Ronson to work on his next studio album, which is being penciled in for release in late 2009 by Universal.

"They like each other and know each other well. There's been lots and lots of conversation, but nothing is finalized yet," a source close to the artists tells Billboard.

The as-yet-untitled album will be the follow-up to 2006's "The Captain & The Kid," which has sold 151,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

As usual, John is busy with numerous projects. His collaboration with the Killers and the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant, "Joseph, Better You Than Me," is available through the new (RED)WIRE digital service, and will see wide release on Dec. 16.

Meanwhile, John is the first guest on Elvis Costello's new show, "Spectacle," which premiered tonight (Dec. 3) on the Sundance Channel. And his New Year's Eve show at London's O2 Arena will be broadcast live on ITV1.

As previously reported, John and Billy Joel will reprise their successful co-headlining tour beginning March 2 in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Killers & Elton John: Joseph, Better You Than Me

Not sure what I think of it;

Elton's got big New Years Ever plans...

From Times Square Gossip;

Pop singing icon Elton John is set to perform a huge New Year’s Eve celebration concert in London.The star will belt out an selection of his classic hits in front of 17,000 fans at the O2 Arena in the English capital. Celebrity photographer David LaChapelle will produce the concert, which comes a year after British boyband Take That staged a similar event at the famous venue. Sir Elton says, "I can’t wait to spend New Year’s Eve with 17,000 of my biggest fans."

New McCartney coming...

Recording as The Fireman Paul McCartney offers up one of his most enjoyable albums in recent memory.

Elton clarifies his position on gay marriage

From the USA Today;

"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." He went on to say, "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...You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships."

Another useless Top 100 list from Rolling Stone

This time its the Top 100 Singer Of All Time

Elton comes in at #38.

38 | Elton John

Photo: Redfern/Redferns/Retna

Born March 25th, 1947 Key Tracks "Your Song," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Tiny Dancer" Influenced Rivers Cuomo, George Michael, Axl Rose

John Lennon once told Rolling Stone that when he heard Elton John singing "Your Song" — the 1970 breakthrough ballad that spotlighted John's voice and its union of rock & roll grandness with deep soul feeling — he thought, "Great, that's the first new thing that's happened since we happened." Only a few years earlier, John had claimed, "I can't really sing." Once he found his voice, though, he quickly turned out to have a dumbfounding stylistic range, unleashing his singsong falsetto and his ferocious hard-rock bellow. "He was mixing his falsetto and his chest voice to really fantastic effect in the Seventies," says Ben Folds. "There's that point in 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,' where he sings, 'on the grooound' — his voice is all over the shop. It's like jumping off a diving board when he did that."

Playlist

1. Your Song
2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
3. Tiny Dancer
4. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long Long Time)
5. Don't Go Breaking My Heart
6. Candle in the Wind
7. Crocodile Rock
8. Levon
9. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
10. Bennie and the Jets

News on Christmas single with Killers...

The Killers have confirmed they are releasing a Christmas single with Elton John.

The Las Vegas group previously said they were unsure whether the track would be ready for the festive season but are now preparing to head into the studio with the 'Rocket Man' singer to begin work on 'Better You Than Me' and say they expect to start work very soon.

Drummer Ronnie Vannucci revealed: "I have a sneaky suspicion Elton is just going to want to get us in a room and just do a straight recording."

The release will be the third seasonal single in a row that the 'Mr. Brightside' hitmakers have released.

Proceeds from download-only previous efforts 'Great Big Sled' and 'Don't Shoot Me Santa' were donated to charity.

The Killers release their next album 'Day and Age' on November 24.

Sounds like a laugh riot...

Elton John writing AIDS musical for Ben Stiller

Elton John writing AIDS musical for Ben Stiller
15/10/2008 8:16:00 PM. | BANG Showbiz

Elton John | AAP
 
Sir Elton John is writing a “film musical” about a man who has AIDS.

The ‘Candle in the Wind’ singer is penning the show with Ben Stiller in mind for the lead role, and despite its seemingly bleak subject matter Elton insists it will be a comedy.

He said: “I’ve got to try and write a film musical for Ben Stiller. It’s about a guy on Broadway who is gay, has HIV and AIDS and has to go back and face his wife and his kids that he left. It’s very funny.

“The premise doesn’t sound funny, but it is.”

However, Elton – who has written the music for shows including ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘Aida’ – says he generally isn’t a fan of musical theatre.

He is quoted by website MSNBC as saying: “I like some of the classic ones.

“‘West Side Story,’ for me, is the greatest musical ever written.

“But I don’t like forced fun. I’m more drawn to tragedy than, ‘Let’s all have a great time.’ And I’m not keen on the music in musicals sometimes.

“I’m quite fussy about it. I don’t really like them unless I’m involved in them, for some reason.”

Meanwhile, the 61-year-old performer has been enjoying time with friends in the South of France.

Elton reportedly invited 10 of his closest pals for a free two-week break in the exclusive region, before setting up a tab at designer clothing store Dolce and Gabbana where his guests spent a staggering 140,000 Euros.

Elton's Smash Hits benefit money to go to South

Elton John: Money from tennis fund-raiser will target AIDS in South | Peach Buzz

Elton John: Money from tennis fund-raiser will target AIDS in South

By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE | Sunday, October 12, 2008, 05:45 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For Sir Elton John, hosting his 16th annual Advanta World Team Tennis Smash Hits event back in his U.S. hometown meant a great deal more to him than just the luxury of not having to board a plane to attend the “tennis chic” affair.

“All of the money raised here today will stay here in the Atlanta market and in Georgia,” John told the AJC Sunday morning before picking up his racket at the fund-raiser at Kennesaw State University Sunday morning. “Forty six percent of AIDS cases are now being reported in the South. We are distinctly aware of the problems here and the South will continue to be a priority for the foundation.”

John was joined by his co-host and old friend Billie Jean King and pro tennis pals Anna Kournikova, Andy Roddick and Martina Navratilova, along with rising players and Smash Hits first-timers Jesse Levine and local gal Melanie Oudin.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefit on Oct 20

Playbill News: O'Hara, Miranda, Scott and Wilson to Join Elton John for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefit Oct. 20

O'Hara, Miranda, Scott and Wilson to Join Elton John for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefit Oct. 20

By Adam Hetrick
09 Oct 2008


Elton John

John Cameron Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara, Patrick Wilson and the legendary Elton John are among the latest performers to join the one-night-only benefit concert of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road at the New Amsterdam Theatre Oct. 20.

Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler has been announced to direct and choreograph the 8 PM evening that celebrates the 35th anniversary of the U.S. release of the acclaimed Elton John-Bernie Taupin double album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Expect performers from the theatre and music industry to perform the album's songs in the order of the original tracks. Tom Kitt (13) serves as musical director.

Jeffrey Seller (In the Heights, Avenue Q) produces the benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Friends in Deed.

Also newly announced to take part are Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), Sherie Rene Scott (The Little Mermaid), the Broadway Inspirational Voices, Melissa Hough and Larry Keigwin.

Previously announced to perform are Tony winning actress Jane Krakowski (Nine, "30 Rock"), Stew (Passing Strange), Joey Arias (Arias with a Twist), Scissor Sisters front man and Tales of the City composer/lyricist Jake Shears, musicians Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, as well as the casts of Hair and The Lion King.

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" features such hits as "Candle in the Wind," "Bennie and the Jets," "Harmony," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and the title song.

Tickets, ranging $250-$2,500, are currently available by phoning (212) 307-4100 or by visiting Ticketmaster.

Elton news from Hercules

I missed this from Hercules. Some good news, especially dropping the rap collaboration (thank goodness!). I have a suggestion, release the Surround Sound mixes of the remaining classic years albums that Greg Penny completed over 2 years ago!

Elton wants more - 2009 and beyond
Thursday, September 25 2008

Hercules has learned that Elton has no plans to retire as his diary is full for the next five years!

Besides the plans for more "Face to Face" dates with Billy Joel in 2009 (as reported here earlier), Elton is also scheduled to be back in the studio for a new album next year. Meanwhile, Elton has dropped plans to release a rap collaboration album which he began working on.

While the "Red Piano" shows will end at the Collosseum at Caesar's Palace in early 2009, Elton has signed a new Red Piano deal to play another new venue in Vegas.

As next year will mark Elton's 40th year of recording, Mercury plans to release a box set of special duets, rock versions, and singles to mark that special occasion.

Finally, Mercury is currently also looking to release an enhanced version of "Madman Across the Water" following the success of this year's release of the "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" albums. There will be new demos on the "Madman Across The Water" release, although no release date has yet been mentioned.

New "Red Piano" set due Oct 28 on multiple formats

New Elton coming in October...

Best Buy Bows Exclusive Elton John’s ‘Red Piano’ | homemediamagazine.com

Best Buy Bows Exclusive Elton John’s ‘Red Piano’

September 22, 2008
Best Buy Oct. 28 will street The Red Piano on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and vinyl — the second exclusive distribution deal between the Minneapolis-based retail chain and pop artist Elton John.
Best Buy Bows Exclusive Elton John’s ‘Red Piano’

By Erik Gruenwedel | Posted: 22 Sep 2008
egruenwedel@questex.com

Best Buy Oct. 28 will street The Red Piano on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and vinyl — the second exclusive distribution deal between the Minneapolis-based retail chain and pop artist Elton John.

Piano features 14 songs (including classics “Candle in the Wind,” “Believe” and “Rocket Man”) culled from John’s long-running show at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. In 2004, Best Buy and the veteran John partnered for the multiple-disc CD and DVD release of Dream Ticket.

The two-disc DVD set ($24.99) and Blu-ray Disc set ($29.99, with two-CD live audio soundtrack) also feature a documentary about the making of Piano, including footage of John discussing his reasoning behind the show.

Other songs on the sets include: “Benny & The Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Daniel,” “Answer In The Sky,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” “Pinball Wizard,” “The Bitch Is Back,” “I'm Still Standing,” “Saturdays Nights Alright For Fighting” and “Your Song.”

Sales of music video DVDs increased 18.6% to 27.5 million units in 2007, generating nearly $485 million in revenue, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.

Best Buy has cornered the market on DVD/CD/Blu-ray artist exclusives, including the Nov. 11 release The Police’s Live Certifiable, recorded in Buenos Aires last December; the Rolling Stones’ Four Flicks and Tom Petty’s Runnin' Down A Dream, among others.

Much of the art and photography included in Piano comes from David LaChappelle and features neon sculptures, pop art, baubles, balloons and images of John’s band.

The multidisc release is timed to coincide with John’s return engagements at Caesar’s Palace Oct. 22 to Nov. 9, and Feb. 3 to April 22, 2009.

“Our customers showed they were fans of Elton John by the success we had with the Dream Ticket DVD set,” said Gary Arnold, senior entertainment officer with Best Buy.

Elton to record Christmas single with The Killers

Killers And Elton John Plan Holiday Tune | KBS Radio

Killers And Elton John Plan Holiday Tune
Killers And Elton John Plan Holiday Tune

By: Sofia Fernandez

The Killers have laid the groundwork for their third consecutive Christmas single, and this time, they've enlisted Elton John to join in on the holiday cheer. According to NME.com, the Las Vegas outfit and the British "Rocket Man" have agreed to record a Christmas tune with the cheeky title, "Joseph, Better You Than Me."

"Joseph, Better You Than Me," or whatever the song ends up being called, will be the third holiday effort for the Killers, who released "A Great Big Sled" in 2006 and "Don't Shoot Me Santa" in 2007. Proceeds from the first two songs went to charity and the same is expected for the 2008 effort.

The Killers have previously said they'd eventually like to turn out enough Christmas tunes to make an album.

The Killers'newest non-themed album, Day And Age, comes out in November.

The band will fete the new disc with gig at London's Royal Albert Hall on November 3rd