eltonfan.net  
Home  |  News  |  Tour  |  Charts  |  Board  |  Archive  |  Shop  |  Links  |  FAQ  |  Contact  
 



 Search Hercules News
 
Back to News Archive
 
 
 ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: October 2015 

Elton: “It’s Like Going Back To The ’70s”
Saturday, October 31 2015

Elton has been talking about his upcoming 33rd studio album "Wonderful Crazy Night," his expectations for it and how he and his band enjoyed making it in a live atmosphere.

During the current run of his Million Dollar Piano show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Elton spoke to music journalist Paul Sexton about his Beats 1 radio show for Apple Music, for an upcoming feature in the Sunday Times newspaper. But he also told Sexton how he made the new album, co-produced with T-Bone Burnett, who also produced his 2013 release, "The Diving Board," and the 2010 collaboration with Leon Russell, "The Union."

Co-written with his songwriting partner of 48 years, Bernie Taupin, "Wonderful Crazy Night" has Elton reconvening with longtime collaborators Nigel Olsson, Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper, along with more recent bandmates Matt Bissonnette, Kim Bullard and John Mahon.

"The new album is all one or two takes, and that's it," he said. "We did a song a day, wrote a song, finished it, did the backing vocals and then went onto the next track. So in 17 days we did 14 songs, ten of which ended up on the album."

He adds that the album's upbeat mood reflects his current state of mind, with a contemporary feel and something of a nod to the past. "For me, it's a joyous record," he added. "It's like going back to the '70s, there's a lot of '70s-influenced things in there, but it's a record that's been made in 2015. I'm proud of it, and as an artist at 68 years of age, that's all I can be. I'm very comfortable in my own skin about the last three or four records that I've made." Asked about his expectations for "Wonderful Crazy Night," he said simply: "That people like it. That's all I can hope for."

The record will be released on February 5, 2016, with the first single, "Looking Up," out now.

Related News

  • "Looking up" - lyrics
        Friday, October 23 2015 at 14:10:38

  • New album and single - now confirmed
        Thursday, October 22 2015 at 13:00:00


    Back to Headlines

    Elton to be on TFI Friday
    Saturday, October 31 2015

    Elton will be a guest on the UK Channel 4 TV show TFI Friday on November 6, 2015.

    Chances are that this could be the first live performance of his new single "Looking Up". Musical guests typically perform two songs on the show.

    TFI Friday will be on 8pm GMT on Channel 4. Other guests at the show on November 6, 2015 will include Julianne Moore, Stanley Tucci, The Maccabees and The Vamps.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton's 'surreal' call to Troy Deeney after Watford goal
    Saturday, October 31 2015

    Watford striker Troy Deeney says a congratulatory phone call from Hornets legend Elton John was a "surreal" experience.

    The veteran singer-songwriter, a former chairman of the club, contacted Deeney after the forward scored his first Premier League goal for the club in a 2-0 win at Stoke.



    Watch the full Troy Deeney interview on Football Focus, October 31, 2015, 12:10 GMT on BBC One and the BBC Sport website.

    Back to Headlines

    Rod Stewart still pals with Elton
    Friday, October 30 2015

    Veteran singer Rod Stewart says he and Elton had a falling out, but they've made up and have e-mailed each other every day this week.

    "We fell out, well, we didn't fall out, we just didn't communicate with each other for a while," Stewart told The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. "But in the last week we have e-mailed each other every day, it is quite extraordinary, I don't know why. We all love each other again. Its all pally-pally," added the the 70-year-old rocker.

    Stewart said he would love to tour with Elton, but thinks that Elton is worried about being stuck behind a piano. "He knows I can still jump about," joked Stewart. "But if he can get over that little hump then he will be OK," he said.

    Stewart appeared on the Tonight Show to promote his 29th studio album, "Another Country", which was released on October 23, 2015.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Austin on October 25, 2015
    Tuesday, October 27 2015

    Following is the complete set list of the Austin show on October 25, 2015.

    1. The Bitch Is Back
    2. Bennie and the Jets
    3. Candle in the Wind
    4. All the Girls Love Alice
    5. Levon
    6. Tiny Dancer
    7. Daniel
    8. Philadelphia Freedom
    9. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
    10. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)
    11. Hey Ahab
    12. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
    13. Your Song
    14. Burn Down the Mission
    15. Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    16. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
    17. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
    18. I'm Still Standing
    19. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll)
    20. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting

    21. Crocodile Rock

    Back to Headlines

    Hamilton to celebrate at Elton concert
    Monday, October 26 2015

    Lewis Hamilton promised to celebrate fulfilling his ‘boyhood dream’ of clinching a third world title by going to watch Elton John in concert.

    The pop star conducted the post-American Grand Prix podium interviews to the obvious surprise of the British driver. "I can’t believe you’re here," Hamilton, 30, told Elton, who was in town to perform for the fans.

    As the champagne was handed out in the Mercedes hospitality area, Hamilton started to reflect on his success, to go with his titles in 2008 and 2014. Wearing the Union Flag, he said: "It is my boyhood dream fulfilled. I’m just overwhelmed at the moment. It’s difficult to find the words. I’m sitting here thinking about my first British championship, when my dad and I drove home singing We are the Champions. That was of Great Britain — it’s just crazy to think I’m a three-time world champion. I owe it all to my family and my dad who sacrificed so much for me to be here. My dad did not want me to suffer the way he did. To know the Hamilton name will live on when we are gone is special. I’m also grateful for all the really positive energy I get from my fans who travel around the world to see me.

    Back to Headlines

    Happy Birthday, David!
    Sunday, October 25 2015

    Elton's partner, David Furnish, is turning 53 on October 25, 2015.

    On behalf of the visitors of eltonfan.net, we would like to wish David all the best and a wonderful birthday!

    Elton wrote on Instagram: "Happy Birthday to my beautiful, wonderful man. I will love you forever. @davidfurnish #ShareTheLove #HappyBirthday"

    Back to Headlines

    40th Anniversary of "Rock of the Westies"
    Saturday, October 24 2015

    October 24, 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of Elton's and Bernie's record-breaking album "Rock Of The Westies".

    After "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" in May of that same year, "Rock Of The Westies" was Elton's second album to debut on the US Billboard 200 chart at No. 1 on the day of its release.

    The album featured three hit singles in the USA:

    1. "Island Girl" - (reached #1 on USA single charts)
    2. "Grow Some Funk of Your Own" - (reached #14 on USA singles chart)
    3. "I Feel Like A Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)" - (also reached #14 on USA singles chart)
    Long-time drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray didn't play on the record as they had been fired by Elton during April 1975. They were replaced by drummer Roger Pope (who had played on "Empty Sky", "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Madman Across the Water"), and bassist Kenny Passarelli, an original member in Joe Walsh's band Barnstorm.

    Back to Headlines

    "Billy Elliot" on PBS
    Friday, October 23 2015

    "Billy Elliot" will be on PBS on October 23, 2015.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton and One Direction top the bill for Royal Variety Performance
    Friday, October 23 2015

    Elton, one of the biggest solo artists in the world, is currently in Las Vegas playing a series of dates in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

    Chart-topping band One Direction had their status as one of the globe's most lucrative groups confirmed when it was revealed they had earned £6 million a month earnings in 2014. Band members Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson are set to split for at least a year in 2016, but fifth studio album "Made In The A.M." is due for a global release on November 13, 2015.

    The star-studded night at London's Royal Albert Hall will be hosted by Jack Whitehall, the youngest ever presenter of the Royal Variety Performance. The 27-year-old comedian will introduce performers from around the world, including p op sensations Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, The Corrs, Josh Groban and American country singer Kacey Musgraves.

    Speaking about the big night, due to be filmed on Friday November 13, 2015, Whitehall said: "Having been lucky enough to perform for Prince Charles and Prince William in previous years I look forward to the opportunity of sailing a little too close to the wind in the presence of Prince Harry this time round. It's my third time on the show and I still am yet to perform in front of The Queen, she must be really desperate not to see my act."

    The event is staged in aid of the Royal Variety Charity (formerly the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund), whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

    It will be screened on ITV in December 2015.

    Back to Headlines

    "Looking up" - lyrics
    Friday, October 23 2015

    Written by Elton John/Bernie Taupin

    Figuring out where I went wrong
    This strip top collar then was gone for long
    Too much pluck, too little of
    The acting right, not acting up
    I wore the world upon my back
    Though someone else could meet, pick up the slack
    Just because I could say
    It's my life, do things my way

    [Chorus]
    Now I'm looking up more than I look down
    The view's a whole lot better second time around
    Too much of me was hidden in the shadows
    I looked up and felt my feet lift off the ground

    Color a lot with a broader stroke
    The laughter comes as easy as the jokes
    Nowadays, I'm thinking 'bout
    Time is wasted looking back

    [Chorus]
    Now I'm looking up more than I look down
    The view's a whole lot better second time around
    Too much of me was hidden in the shadows
    I looked up and felt my feet lift off the ground

    [Bridge]
    You got me bugging in a way
    That's talkin' deep down there
    Crank the handle, bring it up
    The water, crystal clear

    [Chorus]
    I'm looking up more than I look down
    The view's a whole lot better second time around
    Too much of me was hidden in the shadows
    I looked up and felt my feet lift off the ground
    I'm looking up more than I look down
    The view's a whole lot better second time around
    Too much of me was hidden in the shadows
    I looked up and felt my feet lift off the ground

    [Outro]
    Looking up
    Looking up
    Looking up
    Looking up

    From the upcoming album "Wonderful Crazy Night".

    Back to Headlines

    New album and single - now confirmed
    Thursday, October 22 2015

    The new album "Wonderful Crazy Night" will be released on February 5, 2016.

    It has now been confirmed that the first single "Looking Up" will be available as an instant download for all album pre-orders via eltonjohn.com.

    You can also listen to the new single at vevo.com.

    Here's the track listing of the standard version of "Wonderful Crazy Night":

    1. Wonderful Crazy Night
    2. In The Name Of You
    3. Claw Hammer
    4. Blue Wonderful
    5. I've Got 2 Wings
    6. A Good Heart
    7. Looking Up
    8. Guilty Pleasure
    9. Tambourine
    10. The Open Chord
    There will also be a Deluxe version with two bonus tracks, "Free And Easy" and "England And America", as well as a 16-page extended booklet. A 180g heavyweight black vinyl LP of the standard version will also be available.



    Finally, the new album will be available as Super Deluxe 2CD + LP set featuring further tracks including "Free And Easy", "Children's Song", "No Monsters" and "England And America".

    Related News
  • New album: "Wonderful Crazy Night"?
        Tuesday, October 20 2015 at 18:02:06

    Back to Headlines

    Ozzy Osbourne invites Elton backstage for Download Festival 2016
    Thursday, October 22 2015

    Ozzy Osbourne "would love" to invite Elton John to join him backstage at the Download Festival in 2016.

    The Prince of Darkness has extended an invitation for the Rocket Man to fly over to Donington Park once he has finished his set at the Leicestershire County Cricket ground. For one day next year, Leicestershire will be the centre of the music universe.

    Two of the biggest stars in the entertainment galaxy, who have sold more than 350 million records worldwide between them, are aligning by playing in the county on the same day.

    On June 11, 2016, Elton will knock them for six at Grace Road in Leicester, while Ozzy will be rocking them at the festival near Castle Donington. Download director Andy Copping, who also promotes Black Sabbath, said Ozzy would be delighted to have Elton join him.

    He said: "I know that Ozzy and Sharon are very good friends with Sir Elton and would love to invite him over. If Sir Elton's set finishes before Ozzy's, then he would be delighted if he popped across to watch him and the band back stage."

    Andy said it was amazing for Leicestershire that two music megastars would be playing in the county on the same day. He said: "Sir Elton is a huge star and Ozzy and Black Sabbath are not too far behind. They are from different ends of the musical spectrum so there is not going to be much, if any, crossover in the audiences. I must confess, I would rather see Black Sabbath than Elton John, but that just reflects my personal tastes. It is a real coup for Leicestershire to have both gigs on the same day."

    Wasim Khan, chief executive of Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket, said the deal for Elton to play at Grace Road came out of the blue just weeks ago. He said: "We were contacted by his promoter to ask if we would be interested in staging an Elton John concert here. It is not every day that such an opportunity presents itself. We contacted the England and Wales Cricket Board to see if we could have a 10-day window where we could avoid playing here. Once that was established, we could start to plan the event. It gives us time before and after the concert to set things up and to bring them down again."

    Mr Khan said it was real feather in the cap of the city and the county cricket club to stage an Elton John concert. He said: "We know that Sir Elton is big cricket fan and has played other cricket grounds. It will be a fantastic day and we can't wait to pack out the place. It is also great that a star such as Ozzy Osbourne is playing across the county on the sane day. The music of Elton John is more to my liking than that of Black Sabbath."

    Former music promoter Andy Wright, who used to run the legendary Charlotte pub in Leicester city centre, said the double-header on June 11 was brilliant news for the county. He said: "The Kasabian gig at Victoria Park showed that Leicester can put on a big gig and make it memorable. Download is a given, and it is great that a superstar like Elton John is also playing here. You can't beat live music and it's great to see it alive and well in the county. Sir Elton is a great artist but I will be rocking at Download with Ozzy."

    Leicester city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the concerts would bring in visitors to the city and county and help establish Leicester as a location for big-name artists. He said: "We have shown with the Kasabian concert that we can stage big gigs and cope with the event. I missed Elton John when he was in Leicester in 1976 so I am hoping I might get to see him this time around. I think I shall leave Black Sabbath for the younger people."

    Back to Headlines

    Listen to Elton's new single "Looking up"
    Wednesday, October 21 2015

    Tune in to Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 on October 22, 2015.



    Elton's new single "Looking Up" will be on BBC Radio 2 at 11:00am.

    Related News

  • New album and single - leak or fake?
        Wednesday, October 21 2015 at 06:00:33


    Back to Headlines

    Elton buys Beverly Hills estate
    Tuesday, October 20 2015

    After more than four years on and off the market with a series of declining asking prices, an extravagant and much publicized Beverly Hills estate has finally been sold, for close to $33 million, with the new owners being Elton and David - according to a report on Variety.com.

    The nearly 20-acre gated estate, custom built in 2001, and sold by Guess co-founder Armand Marciano, first popped up for sale in the spring of 2011, with an in-hindsight preposterously sanguine $63 million asking price, and last listed at $37.9 million. Kimora Lee Simmons and Steve Wynn both initiated but backed out of purchasing the hill-topping Benedict Canyon estate, so the scuttlebutt goes.

    The unapologetically ostentatious and elevator-accoutered three-story Mediterranean villa weighs in at a hefty 25,000-ish square-feet, with seven principal bedrooms, three en suite staff bedrooms, 10 full and 12 half bathrooms, nine fireplaces, and an 11-car subterranean garage. Designed for large-scale entertaining, the massive manse’s double-height foyer, baronial formal living and dining rooms, and commercial-grade kitchen are joined by a library/office, family room, screening room, wine cellar and gym. The luxuriantly landscaped and, no doubt, water guzzling grounds encompass immense lawns bordered by flowering gardens laced with meandering pathways, a mosaic tiled swimming pool and adjacent pool house with indoor/outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, and lighted tennis court with viewing pavilion.

    Not surprisingly, Elton and David maintain a rock star-style portfolio of international properties. In addition to a 1960s contemporary in the Trousdale Estates area of Beverly Hills picked up in 2012 for $7.2 million, and a 12,000-plus square-foot duplex penthouse in Atlanta, the famously profligate pair keep a lavish villa atop Mont Boron in Nice, a downright monarchical country estate in Old Windsor — about 25 miles west of London, and a comparatively unassuming but by no means humble townhouse in London’s fancy-pants Holland Park ’hood.

    See variety.com for more details and pictures.

    Back to Headlines

    New album: "Wonderful Crazy Night"?
    Tuesday, October 20 2015

    According to a poster for the two Elton shows at Paris' Olympia in February 2016, the new album will be titled "Wonderful Crazy Night".

    The poster also reveals that it will be released in spring 2016.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton working on new material with Clean Bandit’s Jack Patterson
    Thursday, October 15 2015

    Elton‘s last couple of studio albums have been largely stripped-down affairs, but it looks like he might be ready to move in a more modern direction.

    In an Instagram photo posted October 12, 2015, Elton revealed he’s been in the studio working with some younger collaborators — including songwriter and producer Jimmy Napes, whose credits include tracks on Sam Smith‘s multi-platinum In the Lonely Hour, and Clean Bandit frontman Jack Patterson, whose band took home a Grammy this year for its hit single “Rather Be.”

    “I love it when friendship springs from artistic collaboration,” wrote Elton in the photo caption. “Jack Patterson with Clean Bandit and I have just been writing in the studio with Jimmy Napes. Jack is a lovely guy and we had fun catching up over lunch.”

    According to Clean Bandit cellist Grace Chatto, the seeds for the collaboration were planted last spring, when the band cleaned up at the Ivor Novello awards and met with Elton at the ceremony. “Elton John sang some of ‘Rather Be’ to me, which was amazing,” she recalled. “I wouldn’t say he’s an obsessive fan, but he said he really likes the music and yeah, that was really exciting.”

    It remains to be seen where these new songs fit with Elton’s upcoming release schedule, which reportedly includes another new LP with producer T Bone Burnett, who helmed 2010’s "The Union" as well as 2013’s "The Diving Board". Burnett teased their next effort during an August 2015 interview with Billboard, hinting that the record — which he said was already finished — would showcase Elton’s more uptempo side.

    “It’s a very upbeat rock ‘n’ roll record,” said Burnett. “The last album was a particular group of very personal material; this is broadcasting. That one was a parlor record; this is a festival.”

    Back to Headlines

    Billboard Philanthropy Issue: Lady Gaga, Elton John & more
    Thursday, October 15 2015

    While artists can influence the world through their music and words, sometimes you need cash to do the talking for you.

    That's why when staring down the world's countless problems, many musicians have started their own charity initiatives to make the change they want to see in the world possible.

    In the new issue of Billboard, on stands October 15, 2015, the magazine takes a look at philanthropy in the music biz. Lady Gaga talks about her Born This Way Foundation and the difficult process of recording "Til It Happens To You" for The Hunting Ground, a documentary about campus rape. Elton John pens an exclusive essay about how organizations (including the Elton John AIDS Foundation) have helped curbed HIV infection globally -- and that there's still a long way to go.

    Additionally, Ariana Grande talks about her efforts to rescue dogs, Juanes writes about his ongoing work to help children in the wake of Colombia's civil war, and many industry players weigh in on their philanthropic efforts.

    Check out Lady Gaga & Elton John on the cover of Billboard's special philanthropy issue.

    Back to Headlines

    BBC Music brings iconic Elton performance exclusively to BBC iPlayer
    Wednesday, October 14 2015

    The BBC announced that music fans will get the chance to see Elton John and his band perform live at Cornwall’s Eden Project in new programme Elton Live At Eden, which will be available exclusively on BBC iPlayer from October 23, 2015.

    Elton John and his band performed live at Cornwall’s Eden Project on June 16, 2015, his first performance since he played at the Cornwall Coliseum 30 years ago, a venue which was recently demolished. Elton Live At Eden includes many of his iconic hits and album tracks such as ‘Candle in the Wind’, ‘I’m Still Standing’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ and ‘Crocodile Rock’.

    The Eden Sessions began in 2002 and are renowned for the stature of the artists they attract and the unique setting of the Eden arena against the backdrop of the biomes. Elton’s performance was a highlight of the 14th year of the Eden Sessions.

    Elton says: “The Eden Sessions shows we did in June were so exciting for my band and myself. The Eden Project is a very beautiful venue with a joyous atmosphere, and it brought a smile to my face very time I looked out to the audience to see so many people of all ages enjoying my music! That’s what it’s all about - it’s why I do what I do."

    Eden Project, co-founder, Sir Tim Smit, says: “It felt magical seeing a man who created so much of the soundtrack to our lives playing against the backdrop of the Eden Biomes. This wonderful artist even out-blings our domes. We love him. And leave feeling we have watched a national treasure in our midst. A real privilege.”

    BBC Music, Editor, James Stirling, says: “We’re really excited to bring this iconic performance with Elton to BBC iPlayer for music fans to enjoy at home or on the go, whenever and wherever they are.”

    Elton Live at Eden will be available exclusively on BBC iPlayer from October 23, 2015 at midday.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton and Billie Jean King raise $1 million for AIDS charities
    Wednesday, October 14 2015

    Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Tracy Austin, James Blake, Billie Jean King, Elton John, Martina Navratilova, Mardy Fish, Lindsay Davenport and Andy Roddick raised more than $1 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation October 12, 2015 in Las Vegas.

    The group includes seven former number one player who, between them, have won 26 Wimbledon singles titles, 19 US Open crowns, 13 Australian Opens and 10 French Opens.

    This stellar group got back out on the court to hit some balls at Mylan WTT Smash Hits, an annual event co-hosted by longtime BFFs Elton John and Billie Jean King. The music and tennis icons met in 1973 and Elton wrote "Philadelphia Freedom" for Billie Jean. Their event has now raised more than $14 million to support HIV and AIDS prevention and awareness programs since 1993.

    A multi-colored tennis court was built just steps away from where Elton plays his hit show The Million Dollar Piano at Caesars Palace. The evening started with all the players participating in a live auction that raised approximately half of the night’s total. Among the top auction items was a $100,000 bid for a private hitting session with real-life marrieds Agassi and Graf and two signed Elton John piano benches, which sold for $30,000 each.

    A portion of the proceeds also benefits the local charity Aid for AIDS of Nevada.



    Related News

  • Mylan World Team Tennis Smash Hits 2015
        Monday, October 12 2015 at 06:39:33

    Back to Headlines

    Rod Stewart backs Elton’s challenge to Russian anti-gay law
    Wednesday, October 14 2015

    Rod Stewart is backing up his friend Elton John, after the Rocket Man singer challenged Vlaidmir Putin to discuss Russia’s anti-gay laws.

    Elton, who has a large following in Russia, fell victim to a hoax he asked President Putin to meet with him to discuss his country’s ‘gay propaganda’ law and persecution of LGBT people. The real Vladimir Putin later called him to discuss LGBT rights – and offered to meet with the singer in future.

    Rod Stewart, who performed a concert with Sir Elton amid the confusion, said that his friend had had the “last laugh”. He told Event Magazine: “Elton had the last laugh there! But Elton’s making the effort so I admire him for that – maybe it’ll bring gay rights to the Russian public’s attention. Someone needs to.”

    He also referenced the pair’s close friendship, revealing Elton tried to convince Stewart he too was gay “all the time” during the height of their careers. He added: “But he never tried it on with me, even though I was quite fanciable back then. But God, we had some great, late nights. You’ve never laughed so much. Or drank so much.”

    Related News

  • Putin calls Elton ... for real this time
        Friday, September 25 2015 at 11:03:05

  • Elton reacts to "Putin" prank call
        Thursday, September 17 2015 at 20:54:20

  • Putin-posing pranksters give exclusive interview to RT
        Thursday, September 17 2015 at 06:29:26

  • He's the hoax behind the thrill
        Wednesday, September 16 2015 at 18:24:34

  • Did Putin call Elton to discuss gay rights in Russia?
        Wednesday, September 16 2015 at 06:45:47

  • Vladimir Putin actually calls Elton to talk about gay rights
        Tuesday, September 15 2015 at 09:21:25

  • Elton John: I want to meet Putin over gay rights
        Sunday, September 13 2015 at 20:04:40


    Back to Headlines

    Homosexuality deprives Elton of creative energy, his former fan Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin believes
    Tuesday, October 13 2015

    Head of the Synodal Department for Church and Society Relations Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, who was keen on Elton John's music from the early youth, believes homosexuality negatively influenced his work.

    "I liked the music he did from the 1970s to early 2000s. Then as he rooted in homosexuality, his creative energy start running dry," the priest told Interfax-Religion on October 12, 2015. According to Father Vsevolod, "homosexuality changes a person's psychology, his public and creative priorities. It is characteristic not only of this sir, but also of many others, especially representatives of gay community, we have them in our culture, our media, and in authoritative bodies," the archpriest noted.

    According to the church official, "willingly or unwillingly people basing on their personal peculiarities start joining the liberal trend and oppose true moral renewal of the society, such a renewal that will touch lives of all people, including high ranking officials, not letting them speak about patriotism during the day and participate in homosexual orgies at night."

    "This group, and those who keep their money and property in the NATO countries consciously or unconsciously try to suppress true patriotic and moral turn in Russia's future. High boot of the American cowboy stands on the tail of these glamorous pussies," Father Vsevolod believes.

    "And certainly," the priest further said, "the president should speak to any person, including Elton John. But it is better to take decisions basing on the will of majority of our people, not advice of foreign pop stars or various internal minorities - ideological, cultural or sexual ones no matter how skillful their intrigues are."

    Back to Headlines

    Mylan World Team Tennis Smash Hits 2015
    Monday, October 12 2015

    Big-name tennis returns to Caesars Palace on October 12, 2015, evoking memories of when Alan King's Tennis Classic was celebrity central in the 1970s and '80s.

    It was also where a small ballboy started raising eyebrows when he played the big boys. Andre Agassi went on to big things.

    Agassi will be back on October 12, 2015, and he's bringing his wife, Steffi Graf, who will be matched with Martina Navratilova in a battle of icons. They met 18 times over nearly a decade, with each winning nine matches.

    The event is the Mylan World Team Tennis Smash Hits, an AIDS benefit co-hosted by Elton John and Billie Jean King. The auction includes a piano bench signed by Elton and King.

    The charity extravaganza raised more than $1 million in London last year. That brought the total to $13 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and other AIDS charities since 1993. Andy Roddick, the last American to hold the year-end world No. 1 (2003), is also participating.

    The VIP reception and auction starts at 5:30 p.m.

    Related News

  • EJAF and Mylan World TeamTennis bring Smash Hits Charity Event to Las Vegas
        Wednesday, July 22 2015 at 08:51:04


    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Omaha on October 3, 2015
    Sunday, October 4 2015

    Following is the complete set list of the Omaha show on October 3, 2015.

    1. Funeral for a Friend
    2. Love Lies Bleeding
    3. Bennie and the Jets
    4. Candle in the Wind
    5. All the Girls Love Alice
    6. Levon
    7. Tiny Dancer
    8. Believe
    9. Daniel
    10. Philadelphia Freedom
    11. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
    12. Rocket Man
    13. Hey Ahab
    14. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
    15. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
    16. Your Song
    17. Burn Down the Mission
    18. Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    19. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
    20. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
    21. The Bitch Is Back
    22. I'm Still Standing
    23. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll)
    24. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting

    25. Crocodile Rock

    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Sioux Falls on October 2, 2015
    Saturday, October 3 2015

    Following is the complete set list of the Sioux Falls show on October 2, 2015.

    1. Funeral for a Friend
    2. Love Lies Bleeding
    3. Bennie and the Jets
    4. Candle in the Wind
    5. All the Girls Love Alice
    6. Levon
    7. Tiny Dancer
    8. Believe
    9. Daniel
    10. Philadelphia Freedom
    11. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
    12. Rocket Man
    13. Hey Ahab
    14. I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues
    15. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
    16. Your Song
    17. Burn Down the Mission
    18. Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    19. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
    20. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
    21. The Bitch is Back
    22. I’m Still Standing
    23. Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock ’n Roll)
    24. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting

    25. Crocodile Rock

    Back to Headlines

    EJAF 2014 Annual Report now available online
    Thursday, October 1 2015

    The latest Annual Report of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) can now be viewed as an online flip book or downloaded a PDF.

    The report details EJAF’s grantmaking, programmatic, fundraising, and communications achievements for calendar year 2014.

    The Annual Report gives you the chance to read about EJAF's accomplishments, learn about the efforts of their extraordinary grantees, and get to know the donors who make their work possible.

    Back to Headlines


  • © 1997-2017 by HERCULES International. Hercules is not affiliated with Elton John`s management or the Elton John Aids Foundation.  
    Please note that this site has been discontinued on March 31, 2017 and will not be updated anymore.