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 ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: December 2005 

Virtual tour of Elton's homes
Friday, December 30 2005

With Google Earth you can "visit" Elton's homes around the world - Woodside, Atlanta, Nice, Venice or London as well as Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Take a look!


Elton's "Woodside" home near Windsor, UK


Elton's "Peachtree Road" home in Atlanta, GA


Elton's "Castel Mont Alban" home in Nice, France


Elton's "Giudecca" home in Venice, Italy


Elton's "Holland Park" home in London


Elton's "The Red Piano" venue in Las Vegas, NV

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Elton John and David Furnish's civil partnership certificate
Friday, December 30 2005

A copy of Elton John and David Furnish's civil partnership certificate was made available in London on December 29, 2005.

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Elton John takes honeymoon tour
Thursday, December 29 2005

Elton John and David Furnish took a break from their honeymoon on December 27, 2005 to take a guided tour of Venice's historic La Fenice theatre .

"It's still the greatest theatre in the world," said Elton, who plans to hold another one-man show at the famed opera house after his highly acclaimed 2003 concert.

The newly-wed couple were accompanied by their pet dog and two unidentified women as theatre manager Giampaolo Vianello gave them a tour of the theatre and a show on Italian abstract artist Emilio Vedova .

The couple, who own a house in Venice's La Giudecca island, arrived in the lagoon city on December 22, 2005 and have been spotted shopping and lunching at Harry's Bar.

The Fenice opera house, a replica of the eighteenth century original that was destroyed in a fire in 1996, was inaugurated in 2003. The state-of-the-art renovation was carried out after meticulous historical research using photographs and documents.

Related News

  • Elton and David enjoy honeymoon
        Saturday, December 24 2005 at 19:17:59


    Back to Headlines

    Elton and David enjoy honeymoon
    Saturday, December 24 2005

    Elton John and David Furnish have been spotted enjoying their honeymoon in Venice.

    The happy couple took a motorboat cruise through the city on the first day of their holiday together.

    "They've been together a long time, but they were just like a couple of love-struck teenagers," an onlooker said. "They were laughing and joking and seemed to be having a whale of a time."

    Elton and David later went on a stroll through the Italian city, where Elton has a £1.25 million home.

    Back to Headlines

    Joss Stone sings for stars at Sir Elton's bash
    Saturday, December 24 2005

    Joss Stone was the surprise entertainment at Sir Elton John's wedding party - hotfooting it from the Hammersmith Apollo where she had performed in concert.

    The 17-year-old soul star sang at Sir Elton's £1 million wedding party at his Windsor estate hours after she had won rave reviews.

    Before her performance, entertainment was provided by the three young stars of the stage version of Billy Elliot.

    The bash featured 19,000 red roses arranged by Princess Diana's florist, Robert van Helden, in the grounds of Elton's Windsor home. "They were the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen," said a guest.

    The 700 guests - possibly the greatest number of stars ever assembled in one marquee - included Liz Hurley, George Michael, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sting, Ringo Starr and Rod Stewart. Other singing stars there were Jamie Cullum and James Blunt.

    Some guests were forced to spend up to two hours in their Bentleys and Rolls-Royces queuing in the country lane leading to the estate as they tried to get in.

    Stars such as Victoria Beckham and Hugh Grant had barely arrived and had dinner before they were on their way home. By 2am many had left and were tucked up in bed although the party was supposed to continue until 7am.

    The guest list also included Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York.

    Related News

  • "This could only happen for Elton"
        Thursday, December 22 2005 at 07:21:48


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    Jack Noseworthy leaves Lestat
    Friday, December 23 2005

    Jack Noseworthy has decided to depart the upcoming Broadway production of Lestat because the creative team has decided to take his character, Armand, in a new direction.



    Director Robert Jess Roth said in a statement, "In the development of the show in San Francisco the creative team has decided to take the character of Armand, wonderfully played by Jack Noseworthy, in a new direction. I have enjoyed working with Jack and his contributions to our show have been invaluable. We will all miss him."

    Noseworthy added, "Being part of the creative process of Lestat has been a tremendous pleasure and an enriching experience. I am confident that taking the character of Armand in a new direction is the correct choice for the production. I wish my friends well, and a long prosperous run."

    Understudy Drew Sarich will perform the role until a replacement is announced.

    Lestat, based on Anne Rice's novels, will play Broadway's Palace Theater beginning March 11, 2006 and opening on April 13. It is currently playing at San Francisco's Curran Theatre, and will run there until January 29, 2006.

    Related News

  • World premiere of "Lestat" in San Francisco
        Monday, December 19 2005 at 07:52:31

  • Taking the first bite
        Sunday, December 18 2005 at 14:27:49

  • Creating Lestat and Louis
        Wednesday, December 14 2005 at 21:16:12

  • Lestat - Second Review
        Thursday, December 8 2005 at 22:01:44

  • Lestat - First Review
        Friday, November 11 2005 at 08:56:24

  • Tickets for San Francisco Run of 'Lestat'
        Wednesday, October 26 2005 at 10:46:54


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    As seen at the Elton wedding
    Thursday, December 22 2005

    You have probably seen the greeting card on Sky News, ITV News, BBC News, CNN or your local TV station. It was prepared by gift and free reminder service www.remind4u.com and delivered to Elton and David's wedding in Windsor On December 21, 2005.

    Elton and David have asked for a copy of the image. And you can also get hold of a copy of the card for your collection by buying it for for £1.99 (including postage) from www.remind4u.com.

    Click the above link, select 'Personalised Cards' and use the quick search to select 'wedding'. You will find the card on page 2 of the wedding card selection.

    Following is the image in better detail - courtesy of remind4u.com:

    Back to Headlines

    "This could only happen for Elton"
    Thursday, December 22 2005

    Victoria Beckham and Sir Michael Caine were among the stars celebrating at Sir Elton John and David Furnish's civil partnership party on December 21, 2005.

    Stars were caught in a celebrity traffic jam on as they made their way to the lavish party at the couple's Old Windsor mansion. Crowds gathered for their ceremony, which came on the first day of same-sex unions in England and Wales.

    Paparazzi and locals were treated to a good view of celebrities as they arrived at the party. Their cars had to queue through country lanes near the couple's home.

    Sitting in the back of a Rolls Royce, Victoria Beckham cradled a parcel in silver packaging and chatted to a friend.

    Actress Liz Hurley, TV's Cilla Black, fashion house head Donatella Versace and model Claudia Schiffer were among the guests arriving.

    England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and tennis star Greg Rusedski were there from the world of sport.

    Colleagues from the music industry, singers James Blunt and Jamie Cullum were also in the queue. Entertainer Lulu pointed at the traffic and said: "This could only happen for Elton."

    Guests at the £1million bash also included Louise Redknapp, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne with daughter Kelly and Sharon Stone.

    Former Beatle Ringo Starr flashed a peace sign as he waited to get in. TV chef Gordon Ramsey shouted “Merry Christmas” to the waiting fans.

    Little Britain’s Matt Lucas arrived with his boyfriend and comedy partner David Walliams escorted Lisa Snowdon.

    Pal Janet Street Porter, who made a best-man style speech, at the reception, said: “Let’s toast their happiness.”




































    Related News

  • It says something for the legal boys ...
        Thursday, December 22 2005 at 07:04:16

  • Photos: Elton & David wedding
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 16:27:05

  • The Elton & David 'wedding' ...
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 14:09:02

  • Elton John tied knot with David Furnish
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 13:27:06

  • Elton & David, all the best from your fans all over the world
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 10:00:00

  • Today's the day for Elton & David
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 07:31:25


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    It says something for the legal boys ...
    Thursday, December 22 2005

    ... but nothing much for us: Newlywed Elton John refused to sign a pre-nuptial agreement with David Furnish before their marriage on December 21, 2005.

    Elton — worth an estimated £185million — was urged by pals and professional advisers to get a contract drawn up. But he told his inner circle he was against any document safeguarding his wealth in the event of a split.

    Elton said: “The whole idea of this ceremony is to show our total commitment and trust for one another. If I had asked David to sign a pre-nup I would have destroyed part of that faith we have in one another. I just feel that a little something between us would have been lost.”

    Elton made the defiant stand before exchanging vows on December 21, 2005 on the first day of same-sex civil partnerships in England and Wales. The pair wore matching black morning suits with grey trousers. They also sported matching £55,000 double-width platinum and diamond rings, which they later swapped and placed on each others’ fingers during the 20-minute service.

    Sir Elton also wore a diamond watch, diamond stud and silver brooch — altogether costing another £195,000.

    Related News

  • Photos: Elton & David wedding
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 16:27:05

  • The Elton & David 'wedding' ...
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 14:09:02

  • Elton John tied knot with David Furnish
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 13:27:06

  • Elton & David, all the best from your fans all over the world
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 10:00:00

  • Today's the day for Elton & David
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 07:31:25


    Back to Headlines

    Photos: Elton & David wedding
    Wednesday, December 21 2005

    Following are various photos from Elton and David's wedding on December 21, 2005.


















































    Related News

  • The Elton & David 'wedding' ...
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 14:09:02

  • Elton John tied knot with David Furnish
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 13:27:06

  • Elton & David, all the best from your fans all over the world
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 10:00:00

  • Today's the day for Elton & David
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 07:31:25


    Back to Headlines

    The Elton & David 'wedding' ...
    Wednesday, December 21 2005

    ... from the perspective of a fan club coordinator - by Stephan Heimbecher.

    While Elton and David were tying the knot in Windsor, I was back home in Munich, Germany, answering the phone almost nonstop.

    Since the beginning of this week, I think I have had at least one phone call or e-mail from almost every news agency and television station on this planet. Besides the usual media contact made by German TV broadcasters such as RTL, ARD and ZDF, I was also contacted by various reporters from media giants such as CNN or the BBC.

    In addition to questions about what I felt about Elton and David's civil partnership, some stations went as far as to try to track down Elton's ex-wife Renate Blauel.

    It's been fun and as well as an honor to be treated as an reliable source of information, but I am quite happy this is over now.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton John tied knot with David Furnish
    Wednesday, December 21 2005

    Britain's most famous gay couple — Sir Elton John and Canadian filmmaker David Furnish — tied the knot on December 21, 2005 in a star-studded event that capped the first week of civil partnership ceremonies in the United Kingdom.

    Cameras flickered as hordes of photographers and fans huddled together in the cobbled streets around Windsor's town hall, the Guildhall, where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles wed in April 2005. Elton and David walked out smiling, waving and raising their thumbs after the ceremony as an attendant threw rice at the couple.

    The couple are among hundreds of same-sex couples to wed in civil partnerships in England and Wales on December 21, 2005, the first day that such ceremonies become possible. Ceremonies were held earlier this week in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

    Police erected security barriers outside building but expected no trouble. Relaxed officers, some on horseback, chatted with photographers, who stood four and five deep on the streets outside the Guildhall.

    Fans got into the spirit of the event with posters featuring the couple and Queen Elizabeth II, who has a castle in Windsor, a centuries-old seat of British royalty west of London. A nearby shop wished the couple well with handpainted sign saying "go for it."

    Gay rights activists see the unions as joyous — and important in advancing efforts to give same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexuals. Peter Tatchell, spokesman for the gay and lesbian human rights group OutRage! said the wedding "would raise the profile of gay love and commitment."

    "Their same-sex civil partnership ceremony will be reported all over the world including in countries where news about gay issues is normally never reported," he said. "This will give hope to millions of isolated, vulnerable, lesbian and gay people especially those living in repressive and homophobic countries."

    Elton and David's reception is expected to be a star-studded extravaganza costing an estimated 1 million pounds (US$1.75 million; euro1.4 million). Two giant white tents have been erected on the grounds of Elton's Windsor mansion for the bash, which British tabloids claim will be heated adequately to warm the hundreds of guests in skimpy evening gowns.

    The new law — passed last year despite some opposition from Parliament's unelected House of Lords — allows civil ceremonies that will give same-sex couples the same social security, tax, pension and inheritance rights as married couples.

    Elton and David acknowledged that their ceremony might have broader ramifications. "As far as I'm concerned I've always considered myself committed to Elton and he's the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with. So in that sense I don't feel like the dynamic of our relationship is going to change," Furnish told Attitude magazine. "But from a social standpoint, I think its hugely significant. It is a major, major change. It is one of the defining issues of our times."



    Related News

  • Elton & David, all the best from your fans all over the world
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 10:00:00


    Back to Headlines

    Elton & David, all the best from your fans all over the world
    Wednesday, December 21 2005

    As we post this news item, Elton and David are getting "married" at the Guildhall in Windsor - on the first day of gay “marriages” in England. Only Elton’s mum and stepdad and David’s parents are at the ceremony.

    On behalf of the Hercules team and the Elton John fans all over the world, we would like to wish Elton and David all the best for their future and a wonderful wedding reception which will take place later today at Woodside.

    We are aware that quite a lot of Elton's fans have made a donation directly to the Elton John Aids Foundation, very few have donated money through Hercules (see 'Make a donation to the EJAF'). We will be sending €200 (approx. US$ 240) to the EJAF in the next few days.

    Back to Headlines

    Today's the day for Elton & David
    Wednesday, December 21 2005

    Cops will form a ring of steel around Sir Elton John on December 21, 2005 to make sure anti-gay protesters do not ruin his “wedding”.


    Elton has told pals he fears a repeat of scenes in Northern Ireland when Christian fundamentalists picketed the first civil partnerships on December 19, 2005.

    Crowd control barriers were put up last night. And undercover cops will be in the crowds to pinpoint potential trouble-makers.

    A police source said: “We don’t want a hint of trouble, even anyone trying to throw an egg.”

    The operation to protect Elton and David will cost tens of thousands of pounds — with Elton footing the bill. The couple wed at 11 am at the Guildhall in Windsor on the first day of gay “marriages” in England.

    It is the venue where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles tied the knot in April 2005. Only Elton’s mum and stepdad and David’s parents will be at the ceremony. But it will be followed by a black-tie bash in a massive marquee at the star’s £12million mansion at Woodside.

    Elton has had flower arrangements worth thousands of pounds put in the Guildhall. He generously told staff to leave them in place for the two other couples marrying the same day.

    Victoria Beckham, Liz Hurley, Sharon Stone and Donatella Versace are among celebs due at the reception. Elton and David will make sure they are not photographed by using a covered walkway. The couple want a firework extravaganza at midnight but aviation officials have not yet given the go-head as the house is just five miles from Heathrow.

    The wedding comes after a riotous “hen night” for 180 pals at the Too2Much gay bar in Soho on December 19, 2005. Former Blue singer Lee Ryan and Scissor Sisters star Jake Shears both stripped. And a hilarious video message from Meet The Parents star Ben Stiller was shown.

    EX-Boyzone star Stephen Gately has given Elton and David the wedding gift of a balloon flight — as a thank-you for introducing him to his boyfriend.

    Related News

  • Cartoon: Elton & David wedding #2
        Wednesday, December 21 2005 at 07:20:40

  • Elton John holds star-studded stag bash ahead of 'wedding'
        Tuesday, December 20 2005 at 12:39:29

  • John Reid convinced Elton is marrying the right man
        Tuesday, December 20 2005 at 07:13:06

  • Bill Clinton sends hen party message to Elton
        Monday, December 19 2005 at 16:01:23

  • Elton John in rallying call against homophobia on eve of 'wedding'
        Sunday, December 18 2005 at 14:32:12

  • Elton's hen night
        Sunday, December 18 2005 at 14:20:53

  • No police cash for Elton's wedding
        Friday, December 16 2005 at 06:19:59

  • Engaged George Michael to attend Elton John's wedding
        Thursday, December 15 2005 at 18:03:31

  • Make a donation to the EJAF
        Monday, December 12 2005 at 08:25:41

  • Elton hires Posh's wedding planner
        Monday, December 12 2005 at 08:17:50

  • Clair to marry Elton
        Saturday, December 10 2005 at 09:21:19

  • Elton: I don't want wedding gifts
        Thursday, December 8 2005 at 10:48:33

  • A gift for Elton
        Thursday, December 8 2005 at 10:21:49

  • Elton has no gay wedding plans in Russia
        Wednesday, December 7 2005 at 10:48:10

  • Cartoon: Elton & David wedding
        Tuesday, December 6 2005 at 10:39:31

  • Guildhall - Elegant setting for wedding Elton and David
        Tuesday, December 6 2005 at 01:28:56

  • Will Elton wed at Legoland?
        Tuesday, December 6 2005 at 01:25:07

  • Anger in Russia over Elton John gay wedding plans
        Saturday, December 3 2005 at 05:30:17

  • Robbie Williams has snubbed Elton's wedding
        Thursday, December 1 2005 at 09:00:13

  • Gary Barlow To Sing At Elton John's Wedding
        Wednesday, November 30 2005 at 08:15:42

  • Elton John snubs TV wedding
        Monday, November 28 2005 at 10:05:08

  • Lulu as my maid of honour and Posh as my best man
        Tuesday, November 8 2005 at 08:26:28

  • Elton to tie knot in style
        Sunday, October 23 2005 at 16:28:46

  • UK governmentt publicises imminent 'gay marriage' rights
        Wednesday, September 14 2005 at 20:53:16

  • UK’s first legal gay marriages will be in Scotland
        Tuesday, August 9 2005 at 05:26:35

  • Elton John's partner slams marriage plans
        Saturday, December 18 2004 at 02:09:42

  • Elton to wed a Beckham's palace?
        Monday, December 13 2004 at 01:07:59

  • Elton John to marry
        Tuesday, November 16 2004 at 19:06:45

  • Elton John plans to marry David
        Thursday, November 4 2004 at 17:50:50


    Back to Headlines

    Cartoon: Elton & David wedding #2
    Wednesday, December 21 2005

    By Bill Cadwell, cartoonist for The Sun.



    Related News

  • Cartoon: Elton & David wedding
        Tuesday, December 6 2005 at 10:39:31


    Back to Headlines

    Elton John holds star-studded stag bash ahead of 'wedding'
    Tuesday, December 20 2005

    Elton John and David Furnish threw a stag party with a difference to celebrate their imminent "marriage", with a host of celebrities and male models.

    Elton and David plan to hold a civil partnership ceremony on December 21, 2005 -- the first day such vows can be exchanged in England and Wales under a new law giving legal recognition to gay relationships.

    To mark the occasion, the high-profile couple held a joint stag party at the Too2Much club in London's trendy West End.

    Among some 180 friends and family who were invited were rock star Bryan Adams, members of the US pop group Scissor Sisters and reformed boy band Take That. Actresses Liz Hurley and Elizabeth Taylor were also reportedly on the guest list.

    Television presenter Paul O'Grady, who compered the party, said: "We're going to tie them to a lamppost, cover them with shaving foam -- it's an old-fashioned stag do." In Britain, heterosexual couples traditionally go out and celebrate separately ahead of their wedding.

    Women throw so-called hen parties, which typically involves a lot of drinking, hiring a male stripper and making the bride-to-be do stupid dares. At the same time, the men have a large night out which also often comprises alcohol, strip clubs and bad behaviour.

    Elton and David did it slightly differently by holding the party together.

    Inside the exclusive venue, topless waiters wearing black ties and riding boots were seen serving guests with flutes of champagne, while deliveries of sushi and presents were taken through the main entrance.





    Related News

  • Bill Clinton sends hen party message to Elton
        Monday, December 19 2005 at 16:01:23

  • Elton's hen night
        Sunday, December 18 2005 at 14:20:53


    Back to Headlines

    Happy Birthday, Guy!
    Tuesday, December 20 2005

    Guy Babylon, keyboard player in the Elton John band, is celebrating his birthday on December 20, 2005.

    On behalf of the Hercules team and the Elton John fans all over the world, we would like to wish him a happy birthday!

    Guy will be celebrating his birthday in San Francisco where he is currently overseeing the musical production of Elton and Bernie's new musical, Lestat.

    Related News

  • World premiere of "Lestat" in San Francisco
        Monday, December 19 2005 at 07:52:31


    Back to Headlines

    John Reid convinced Elton is marrying the right man
    Tuesday, December 20 2005

    Elton's former lover and manager of 25 years John Reid insists the singer's union with David Furnish will be a success - because the rocker's future 'husband' doesn't tolerate his legendary tantrums.

    Reid, who met Elton in 1970 and lived with him for five years as his first gay partner, is convinced he has found a soulmate in 43-year-old Furnish because he is a strong independent character who can be Elton's equal.


    He says, "I have seen him (Elton) nervous walking into a room with six people. David has helped him overcome that. They fit perfectly together and they will have a blast being married. But it can be tricky. Having seen them together I know David is good for Elton because he doesn't put up with the tantrums - he gives as good as he gets - and he is professionally independent."

    Related News

  • John Reid threatens to tell all
        Tuesday, November 29 2005 at 08:32:35


    Back to Headlines

    Exclusive gold disc offer for eltonfan.net visitors
    Monday, December 19 2005

    What could be the ultimate tribute to Elton John in your home, or the one thing left for the Elton fan who has everything? Art and Music Gallery have an exclusive offer for visitors of eltonfan.net – a selection of art pieces, each a one-off, with a number based around classic albums by the Rocket Man.


    PopArt is a contemporary art collection by Art And Music Gallery, combining gold discs with their classic album covers and customised artwork. Each art piece incorporates the original album cover presented alongside the coated vinyl, either in 24-carat gold or silver and then set on an exciting, vibrant backdrop.

    Created in partnership with the leading manufacturers of award to the music industry, Century Displays, the collection includes beautiful one-off customised art pieces of classic Elton records. From “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” to “Blue Moves” to “Duets”, the original vinyl is set against a hand-painted backdrop crafted by one of a team of highly talented artists. This means each piece of art is unique and “one of one”, never to be repeated.

    The PopArt collection range starts at £275, with highly customised pieces such as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" from £2000. See www.artandmusicgallery.co.uk for images and more information.

    And if you feel like adding one of these stunning artworks to your collection, please quote eltonfan.net under the column “where did you hear about us” in the checkout area of the website.

    Back to Headlines

    Bill Clinton sends hen party message to Elton
    Monday, December 19 2005

    Former US president Bill Clinton has recorded a video message for Elton John's "hen night" to congratulate him on his upcoming nuptials. reports The Mirror.

    The film - which lasts a minute - will be played during the £100,000 cabaret party at the Too2Much nightclub in London's Soho on December 19, 2005.


    An insider revealed: "We were running through the rehearsals with the Pet Shop Boys, Lee Ryan and Sam Taylor Wood, when the tape was first played. We knew Elton had good connections, but to see the ex-US president was something else."

    Guests - expected to include Sting and George Michael - will hear Mr Clinton congratulate Sir Elton on tying the knot with David. He says: "If there were more people in the world like Elton, then the world would be a better place."

    Related News

  • Elton's hen night
        Sunday, December 18 2005 at 14:20:53


    Back to Headlines

    World premiere of "Lestat" in San Francisco
    Monday, December 19 2005

    Fan Reviews by William Cleere and Brian Ofstedahl.

    I had the opportunity to be in attendance at the Lestat World Premiere in San Francisco on December 17, 2005. In a word: AMAZING!

    First off, regarding the play as a whole, the production design was unlike any play I have ever seen, and I've seen countless professional stage productions over the years. The production design was reminiscent of the earth tones, reds, and deep blues used in the publicity material for the production. They used (to utter perfection) a great deal of projection of film, images and text to enhance the story.


    For example, every time a vampire bit someone, several disjointed screens at the rear of the stage would flash odd and even disturbing images of the victim's life, and in some cases, other iconic images such s a newborn fetus (when Lestat is "born" as a vampire" and an Oedipus figure when Lestat bites his mother.) This was coupled with an astounding projection of lights that surrounded the apron of the stage.

    Secondly, the story. The production ran at least three hours and contained a great deal of spoken dialogue. Admittedly, I have not read Anne Rice's books, however, the stage dialogue was extremely well written, and often very humorous. The story in dialogue created the canvas for Elton's and Taupin's work in an absolute synchronicity.

    The Lyrics. In my opinion, the star of the show is Taupin's lyrics. The man has utterly outdone himself in this show. The story while extremely compelling, owes most of it's emotional resonance to Taupin. His ability to bring these characters to life was something that I was confident he could do, but had no idea he would hit it out of the park like this. Taupin's lyrics for this project are among his finest ever. He consistently forwards the story and character development in a way that I have rarely seen.

    With all due respect to Mr. Rice, Taupin's Lestat lyrics could go toe to toe with any of the lyrics Rice wrote in his prime. His work in this musical is staggering. (On a side note, Taupin cribbed one of his own lyrics from Japanese Hands. In one song in the show a character sings "Shy Chinese behind their painted fans." I thought, as a fan of Elton and Taupin, that this was a subtle nod to us hard cores.)

    Then of course there's Sir Elton. He has ventured into a new territory with this musical. This is universes away from Lion King, Aida, and Billy Elliot. I think his familiarity with the Broadway medium at this point has given him a new confidence. While the music was often "recognizable" as his, it was never really reminiscent of any of his other works. He uses phrasing and melodic patterns that I've not heard from him in the past. It seems to me that he went out of his way to write exclusively for the stage in this show, and the result is a new and incredible collection of melodies that rival that of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Like Taupin, he reached for a new bag of tricks, and the result was a beautifully incandescent collection of tunes, almost operatic in nature, varying to fit and suit each scene with pinpoint accuracy.

    Honestly, I've been a fan of this man since 1988, but artistically, I've never been so proud. This was a home run for our boys, a long Barry Bonds type home run, splashing into the San Francisco Bay.

    And I can't leave without nods to Guy Babylon. His musical direction was spot on. If you've heard the demo clips of the songs on the official site and Amazon, rest assured that these are how the songs are presented (arrangement wise) in the show. It was obvious that they stayed very true to Elton's original concepts. The orchestral arrangements were very heavy on piano, with lush strings, a few subtle horns, some acoustic guitar (no electric), and a peppering of percussion (very little "drumming" in the typical sense.)

    Additionally, in the PlayBill, Babylon thanks Davey Johnstone for assisting in the arranging of the guitar parts...I was thrilled to read this.

    It was an amazing night, and the show sparkled with groundbreaking production, & great performances. Hugh Pannaro as Lestat was a perfect choice. His voice was warm and had a dynamic range. Very smooth, completely different than the Adam Pascal style in Aida. As Taupin said early in production "This is not a Rock opera." It most certainly was not, it was Musical Theater in the Style of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, and I would bet serious money, that it will be on Broadway for quite some time.


    Fan Review by Brian Ofstedahl.

    I had the opportunity to see the world premiere performance of "Lestat" at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco on Saturday, December 17, 2005. Needless to say, my expectations were high. Maybe too high. After all, as director Robert Jess Roth (who welcomed us to this special event with a brief personal introduction) said, "This is a work in progress." Things such as timing, set changes, etc., were still being worked out and that he knew we understood all that due to this being a 'preview' performance run".

    Like "Aida", which went through the same preview process prior to its Broadway opening (and was tweaked and reworked extensively), Lestat has amazing strengths, as well as opportunities for some fine tuning. Let's start with the amazing strengths.

    Trust me when I say this (and it is not because I am an Elton/Bernie fan), the music and lyrics are breathtaking. Actually, to be more precise, the lyrics first, then the melodies (although they are a perfect marraige). I have never been so completely blown away by Taupin's lyrics as I was that night (and I consider him to be the lyricist of our time). His storytelling abilities, the way he moved me, the story, the performers, the tone, the rhythm, etc., was nothing short of brilliant. And all this from a first timer! Bernie, you stole the show hands down!

    Now on to Elton's music. Because this isn't a "singing and dancing vampire rock opera", there isn't the "showstopper" number one expects to find in a Broadway musical (although "The Crimson Kiss", "I Want More", "Make Me As You Are" and "Sail Me Away" received much applause). This made Elton's job significantly more challenging. Did he rise to it? Yes, yes, yes. The music is haunting, beautiful, and tone perfect to the lyrics and story that are being told. Dramatic when needed, subtle where necessary. Always captivating.

    It is hard to point out a singular favorite because as one may sound more "radio friendly" than another, all are perfectly in sync with the scene for which it was written. Elton has become a master of theatre music. He is no longer writing Elton-like songs, he is writing for the material, for the moment, from the heart. Together with Taupin (to no surprise), they have created a masterpiece.

    As for the opportunities, the book by Linda Woolverton is too long (you dont have to pack all of Anne Rice's vampire novels into one play) and fragmented. At almost three hours, a bit of belt tightening would increase dramatic impact (suggestion, lose the Egypt storyline altogether).

    Casting of Hugh Panaro (Lestat), Carolee Carmello (Gabrielle) and Allison Fischer (Claudia) are all inspired choices. However, Jack Noseworthy (Armand), Jim Stanek (Louis), and especially Michael Genet (Marius) all lacked the power and conviction the material called for.

    The "vampire scenes" with the video images bordered on camp after even the 2nd or 3rd time, let alone the 5th or 6th. Let the music and the spectacular set pieces tell the story, not a video screen with abstract imagery.

    As someone said to Guy Babylon (who was seated in the row in front of me) after the show, "It needs work, but it is going to be great". I couldn't agree more. But no matter what, Elton and Bernie have once again created music magic. Elton says in the program that this is their finest work. It is. And after creating some of the most beloved classics over the past 30 plus years, that is really saying something.

    Song Listings from "Lestat"

    From The Dead
    Nothing Here
    In Paris
    In Paris (reprise)
    The Thirst
    The Thirst (reprise)
    Make Me As You Are
    To live Like This
    The Origin Of The Species
    The Crimson Kiss
    The Thirst (reprise)
    Welcome To the New World
    Embrace It
    I Want More
    I'll Never Have That Chance
    Sail Me Away
    To Kill Your Kind
    Embrace It (reprise)
    After All This Time
    From The Dead (finale)

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    Back to Headlines

    Elton John in rallying call against homophobia on eve of 'wedding'
    Sunday, December 18 2005

    Elton John hailed the introduction of civil partnerships in Britain that will allow him to 'marry' his male partner, and issued a call to fight against homophobia worldwide.

    Elton and David will have their relationship legally recognised in a ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor, west of London, on December 21, 2005, the day the new law comes into force in England and Wales.

    Elton told The Observer newspaper that the civil ceremony giving the couple rights virtually equal to married heterosexual couples would be "the happiest day of my life".

    But he added: "I will be thinking, however, about those in many countries less fortunate than we are. In many countries, having a same-sex partner is still outlawed."

    A long-standing supporter of human rights group Amnesty International, Elton criticised violence against gay men and women in Jamaica and said it showed how important it was for governments and laws to set a good example.


    "It is precisely because homosexuality is a criminal offence, punished with up to 10 years' hard labour in Jamaica, that ordinary people feel it is OK to hate and exclude gay people," he said. "It does not take long for this hate to turn to violence."

    Elton rounded on African leaders for using a "platform of homophobia" to build up their reputations, as well as Polish president-elect Lech Kaczynski's recent comments denouncing homosexuality.

    In a rallying call to the gay community, Elton said: "I strongly believe we can make a difference if we show solidarity with those who are bullied and ill-treated for their sexuality by bombarding the authorities with letters, faxes and emails making it clear that we know about these abuses and calling for them to end."

    He added: "While David and I enjoy and celebrate our freedom on Wednesday, we do not forget our brothers and sisters who still live in fear."

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    Back to Headlines

    Taking the first bite
    Sunday, December 18 2005

    Previews for "Lestat" -- a musical with an Elton John and Bernie Taupin score based on the novels of Anne Rice -- began December 17, 2005, and the show will officially premiere Januar 8, 2006.

    A strong "Lestat" opening could earn the show's singing undead a trip back East on gossamer wings. A stumble could be the stake through its heart/insert your own vampire metaphor here.

    Vampire musicals have not fared well on New York's big stage lately. The campy "Dance of the Vampires" from the 2002-03 season and last year's ever-serious "Dracula" both flopped.

    But the aforementioned did not have the composing veteran Elton John ("The Lion King," "Aida" and "Billy Elliot") and Taupin. As rock 'n' roll collaborators, the two made 16 top-20 pop hits in a row, from 1972 to 1976.

    "Lestat" also boasts the proven commercial tandem of director Robert Jess Roth and scriptwriter Linda Woolverton from "Beauty and the Beast." They pitched the "Lestat" concept to Warners executives, who had been looking for a potential blockbuster for the studio's first stage effort, said Gregg Maday, Warner Bros.' executive vice president of theatrical ventures.

    "This is a product of passion," Roth says. "We came to them. It's different than being a hired hand." In what has become a familiar site at Geary Street theaters, the creatives will be recognized by their clipboards and lighted pens.

    "When you're in the audience, you know whether they're on the emotional journey you want to take them on," Roth says. "The only way we're gonna find out, as they say, is when the bums are in the seats," lyricist Taupin says, over Caesar salads across the street from the 42nd Street rehearsal studio.

    Taupin is the music-theater rookie. He might not have gotten the opportunity if not for a chance backstage meeting between Elton and Roth at a concert a few years ago. Roth, already determined to adapt Rice's work for the footlights, asked Elton if he had ever read her books. Elton replied yes and told Roth they would make a wonderful musical. A handshake deal, a phone call from Elton to Taupin and a 14-month hunt to secure the rights culminated in a "Lestat" boot camp at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

    Cut to a montage of neon lights flashing, clock hands turning and coffee cups emptying: In four days, Roth, Woolverton and Taupin hammered out the story line, using "The Vampire Lestat" as the first act and "Interview With the Vampire" as the second. Taupin began to write the lyrics with a symphonic bent to accent the novels' sensuality. Enter Elton, who had remained in London. In a spasm of productivity, he wrote the melodies in 10 days, playing tracks for Roth over the phone almost daily.

    But it is Taupin who has been the rehearsal regular, along with an industrial-size tub of throat lozenges. That morning, actor Hugh Panaro ("The Phantom of the Opera") had requested revisions in one of the songs, and Taupin immediately scribbled new lyrics.

    "It's so not about vampires," says Panaro, who, as Lestat, was seen sinking his teeth into the breast of Colleen Fitzpatrick during a rehearsal. "It's about relationships with partners, lovers, family and siblings, and they happen to be vampires."

    That means no fake fangs, no blood capsules or any other old-school accoutrements. The play distills Rice's epic series into Lestat's yearning for eternal love. Immortality proves seductive, but Lestat is tortured by the moral conundrum: How can one be good when one has to drain the life out of human beings every now and then?

    A different version of Rice's work was targeted for Broadway in the early '90s, before David Geffen signed Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise for the nonmusical movie version.

    The road to San Francisco has been paved more smoothly by having one point man in Maday, Roth says. Unlike the common practice of a project bloated with investors, Maday narrowed the lines of communication. "You don't have the dentist from Duluth saying this is who you should cast," Maday says.

    The biggest challenge for film conglomerates entering the theater business, Maday says, is to realize that they can't recoup the financing in one big weekend, like with movies.

    A healthy stay in San Francisco, where Rice once lived, would be the first step to profit. Roth, who directed "The Opposite of Sex" at the Magic Theatre last year, called the local audience "sophisticated." But a supposedly smart house has not prevented other hopeful productions from biting the dust.

    Says Roth: "I'm not nervous at all. I've chosen the greatest artists to surround myself with."

    LESTAT plays at the Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., San Francisco. $30-$90. +1 (415) 551-2000, +1 (415) 512-7770, www.bestofbroadway-sf.com.

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    Back to Headlines

    Elton's hen night
    Sunday, December 18 2005

    Elton John will celebrate his "hen night" with a £100,000 show starring his top showbiz pals.

    The amazing cabaret will be the centrepiece of a nightclub party being arranged by shoe designer Patrick Cox. Elton will tie the knot in a civil partnership ceremony with David two days later.

    An insider revealed: "The party will take place at the Too2Much nightclub in London's Soho on December 19, 2005. It's going to be an incredibly starry affair and no expense is being spared. Patrick has been working round the clock to get everything ready."

    Guests - expected to include Sting, Lenny Kravitz and George Michael - will drink £160-a-bottle champagne. They will be served luxury canapes by waiters wearing cowboy outfits costing £500 each. The catering bill is expected to top £50,000 while flowers worth a small fortune - including roses and orchids - have been ordered.

    Rocker Bryan Adams will open the hour-long show with a pianist, who could be Sir Elton. Host Paul O'Grady will then introduce The Pet Shop Boys. The insider added: "One of the highlights will be Sir Ian McKellen doing a sketch in drag. He's thinking of coming as Widow Twankee and is going to make sure he has Elton in stitches."

    Royal Ballet star Ivan Putrov will take to the stage with party girl Sam Taylor-Wood, a friend of Kate Moss. Comedy DJs the Cuban Brothers and a speech from Eric McCormack, of US sitcom Will and Grace, will follow. The source added: "Elton's a fan of US comedians Kiki and Herb and they've a sketch especially for him and David."

    One of the strangest performances will come from O'Grady, who will sing a duet with broadcaster Janet Street-Porter. Speaking at the British Comedy Awards, O'Grady said: "I keep getting emails saying, 'Details to follow'. All I know is, I'm the compere.

    "I do know it's a good line-up. I don't know what Ian McKellen's doing, but I don't even know what I'm f***ing doing! I think they haven't told me because they know I can't keep me gob shut."

    O'Grady will be followed on stage by former Blue star Lee Ryan - in drag. Then Take That singer Gary Barlow will serenade the happy couple.

    The Pet Shop Boys will return to sing It's A Sin before all the acts get together for a huge finale.

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    Elton John and band performed in Zurich on December 14, 2005
    Friday, December 16 2005

    Fan Report and photo by Marcel Zuercher.

    It was that Friday morning, December 8, 2005. Gaby called me from Stuttgart and told me: "We need 8 swiss fan club-t-shirts immediately - it's for the Voice of Atlanta" - and she has a personal card from Adam. They (Bruno, Peter, Marie-Josée and Gaby - all members of the Swiss fan club) have met the singers before the concert at the hotel and after the show in the hotel bar and have had some small talks - and that they liked our new shirts - pretty cool! The idea was to give the shirts to Adam McKnight in Zurich.

    Zurich, December 14, 2005 - Shortly after 6 p.m., the doors have just opened, two of the singers came to the entrance and said hello to everybody. It was funny to see, that other fans didn't know who they were. Only 5 minutes later, we've had the chance to run to the first 2 rows. So we've reserved the best view places in front of his legendary piano. And again, some minutes later, all Voice of Atlanta-singers, except Adam McKnight, came to us and gave us the possibility, to say, how proud we are, to give our shirts to them. And they all shaked hands with everyone, who had that Swiss fan club-shirt on. So we've had a very funny 5-minute-session in the audience with the Voice of Atlanta.

    Elton began the set with "Funeral For A Friend" and "Love Lies Bleeding". He was smiling all the time - and the band members too. So we've known that the show would be great! And so it was .. after "Bennie And The Jets" he called 'Good evening Zurich. This is the last show for this year and I hope, that it will gonna be one to remember - for you and us.' He wore a black suit with a designed mairmaid on the back. "Take Me To The Pilot" became an incredible uptempo-boogie-3-minutes-intro - absolutely genious! Blessed was such a beautiful performance - with powerful energy from Nigel.

    After "Tiny Dancer" the front row flipped out .. you ask why .. now, the Voice of Atlanta came on stage. Elton registered our enthusiasm noises - and smiled. During "Philadelphia Freedom" we've had a lot of fun with the choir.

    They've looked all the time to us .. let's party! "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" and "They Call Her The Cat" became great references from the audience. Before "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" the choir members put some 'christmas-hats' on and played with them during "I'm Still Standing".

    The rock-finale was as always a great pleasure to rock-out with Elton standing and laying on the piano during "The Bitch Is Back".

    He congratulated to the new and better options at the Hallenstadion (it was the first time he played the up-lifted stadium) - and yes, it wasn't the last European tour, before "Your Song" he got such a smile on his face and said 'we will see you soon' - and we deserved a wonderful rendition of "Your Song".

    Following is the complete setlist of the Zurich show on December 14, 2005:

    • Funeral For A Friend
    • Love Lies Bleeding
    • Bennie And The Jets
    • Daniel
    • Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
    • Take Me To The Pilot
    • Rocket Man
    • I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
    • Blessed
    • The One
    • Sacrifice
    • Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
    • Tiny Dancer
    • Philadelphia Freedom
    • Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    • They Call Her The Cat
    • White Christmas / Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    • I'm Still Standing
    • The Bitch Is Back
    • Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
    • Crocodile Rock
    • Your Song

    Back to Headlines

    Elton John on German TV at the José Carreras Gala in Leipzig
    Friday, December 16 2005

    Fan review by Holger Wagner.

    On December 15, 2005, Sir Elton John performed three songs during the José Carreras Gala in Leipzig, Germany. Of course Sir Elton performed live at a black piano. He did three songs solo.

    First he sang "Your Song". After a short break and some other performances, Elton did a fantastic version of "Daniel". I´ve heard many "Daniel" versions, solo or with the band, but this solo version was really special. He emphasized every word so emotional and he was really into the song.

    After that, José Carreras came on stage and sang a duet with Elton: "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". And again ... a fantastic version sung by Elton and I must say that I prefer Elton´s voice more than José´s. Sorry but I think José´s voice doesn´t fit to pop songs and Elton has a stronger voice than José.

    Those fantastic performances of Elton solo at the black piano showed me it is time for Elton to do a solo tour again. Come on Elton ...

    Thank you Elton for participating in that show just before your wedding and for helping to collect money to help those kids with leukemia!



    Back to Headlines

    No police cash for Elton's wedding
    Friday, December 16 2005

    Police have said the cost of security for Sir Elton John's civil partnership ceremony in Windsor, Berkshire, will not be met by the taxpayer.

    >


    But Thames Valley Police chiefs have still refused to reveal how many extra officers will be laid on for next week's event for "operational reasons".

    They have only confirmed that "high visibility patrols" will be laid on "to ensure public safety". The cost of extra policing around the Guildhall will be met by organisers.

    The ceremony takes place on December 21, 2005 in the same 17th Century venue where Prince Charles married the Duchess of Cornwall in April 2005.

    Sir Elton and David Furnish will be among the first to take advantage of new legislation making gay civil partnerships legal in the UK.

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    Engaged George Michael to attend Elton John's wedding
    Thursday, December 15 2005

    George Michael said he will attend next week's wedding of fellow gay pop icon Elton John and will probably tie the knot himself in June 2006 under Britain's new civil partnership law.

    In a new gesture of conciliation since a public spat, the British singer said he and his fiance Kenny Goss will take part in the small wedding reception in Windsor on December 21, 2005, west of London, between Elton John and David Furnish.

    As for his own marriage plans, Michael said he and Goss had not set a date. "I don't want a wedding as such but I think we will probably sign the papers on our 10th anniversary which is in June," Michael, 42, told a news conference in Tokyo with Goss watching on.

    Elton John last year openly criticized George Michael for not performing more, leading to a testy feud between two of the world's most prominent gay entertainers.

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    "Elton John saved me from cocaine"
    Thursday, December 15 2005

    Sir Elton John played a key role in helping Donatella Versace kick her longtime cocaine addiction by persuading the Italian fashion queen to attend a rehab clinic in Arizona, Italy's Corriere della Sera reported on December 14, 2005.

    In an interview with the Milan-based daily, Versace said she underwent treatment in the same clinic used recently by Kate Moss, a year before the British supermodel was admitted there.

    "She is fine now. She is working hard and I am sure she will be back stronger than before," Versace said of Moss.

    Versace, 50, said she had her good friend Elton John to thank for kicking years of drug addiction following the death of her brother Gianni, who was shot dead outside his Miami Beach mansion on July 15, 1997.

    "I had met Elton John about a month before, at a concert in Bari in memory of Gianni. I had cried all evening and through my eyes pleaded to him for help. He understood.

    "On June 30 (2004) he was in my house in Milan, along with a few friends. I went to the bathroom to powder my nose and they blocked me. They told me there was a plane about to depart for Arizona. I was shocked but I understood the time had come. I slipped into a tracksuit and... alone and with no make up, caught the plane".

    The glamourous blonde fashion designer said Gianni's death, coupled with the responsibilities of running the company he had founded, had proved too much for her.

    "Gianni's death made me ill. It was brutal and senseless. I went into a tunnel. I could see that people were looking at me perplexed, asking themselves whether I would be able to run the business on my own. In front of them I was cocksure, I would pretend. Once home, I would collapse."

    Donatella co-runs the Versace clothing company along with her brother Santo. Her glamourous friends include pop icon Madonna.

    Back to Headlines

    Creating Lestat and Louis
    Wednesday, December 14 2005

    By Anne Rice - with comments by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.


    Go back. The quiet of the night in Berkeley, California in 1969 I was sitting there at the typewriter in the precious time, after the routine work of life was finished, and thinking: “What would it be like if you could get a vampire to tell you just what it was like? If you could get him to explain the relationship between himself and his victim -- I mean, getting that close to someone unique and living and loving, and then taking that life. What is this like?” I began to write the short story: “Interview with the Vampire.”

    Flash forward to 1972. I’d done about three drafts. We were in the living room of our apartment in Berkeley, and a friend said: “I think you have something there, something you can really go with.” Just a few words. Were they determinative? I don’t know. What happened was this. I started to re-write the story for a collection of stories. And the rest of the collection fell away. I was in the story with Louis, and he had a name for the first time, and then came Lestat, the maker, a blaze into which I never really looked, a blaze that kept growing as I was Louis, being made a vampire, being forced out into a great gloom in which despair seemed the inevitable verdict. Louis refused the verdict. Louis demanded that life mean something, no matter how monstrous he was, no matter how brutal and indifferent the universe seemed. On and on, I was Louis; but there was Lestat exploding, filling the developing novel with a great pervasive heat. There was Lestat suddenly dancing under the gaslamp, cape flaring, mocking the passersby. Louis told his story. Lestat was vanquished -- punished maybe for having created Louis and the child vampire Claudia as monsters. But Lestat never really gave up; Lestat wasn’t finished. Lestat was the fire that never went out, and then years later roared into the conflagration that was the second book, Lestat’s own book, the story of one who was determined to be good at being bad, if that was what he had to do, Lestat, made a monster against his will, and insisting: “I will be the hero of this, you understand me? I will never grieve for myself .” It was Lestat who saw the world as the Savage Garden, and spoke of Hell’s Bells echoing in his mind, bells calling him to be strong, to go forth, to do what he must do to be ever more bright and fierce and irresistible in the seeming chaos and beauty that surrounded him.

    Why were these characters born? Why were they everything that I knew? Why was I able to talk about what mattered to me when they started talking? Fantasy, the much abused word, was merely a doorway through which I walked to enter my reality: a doorway to the place where I could bring it all together, where I could say: I will be the hero of this, you understand me?”

    Our Finest Work
    By Elton John

    Interview with the Vampire has long been one of my favorite books and Anne Rice one of my favorite writers. Being able to combine these worlds into one piece of musical theater has been enormously fulfilling for me and one of the highlights of my professional career. I’m tremendously proud of Lestat. I first discovered the joys of writing for the theater when I worked on The Lion King, Aida and Billy Elliot. With Lestat, it’s a whole new experience as I’ve had the chance to work with my writing partner, Bernie Taupin, on his first musical, which makes it all the more special. I’m extremely confident that this is our finest work.

    A Non Vampire Vampire Musical
    By Bernie Taupin

    Anne Rice’s stories have always been for me more than simply tales of vampires adrift through the centuries. I have never found anything remotely clichéd about her immortals. They are in many ways more human than most of those they take in order to survive. Their senses are heightened, so their passions and the moral issues they face become magnified to a surreal intensity. This to me is what the show embodies, a moral man in an amoral world.

    The traditional world of the vampire was turned upside down by Anne Rice. Her characters are sleek and sexy, infused with all the complexities of history’s great heroes. No Lugosi– pale and veiled by his cape, no hissing “Hammer” villains, in fact none of the undead’s traditional accoutrements. I suppose what I’m saying is that this could be labeled a “non-vampire, vampire musical.” Strange as it may seem it’s oddly true.

    We have gone out of our way to stage something that is a composite of rich history and contemporary stylization melded with extraordinary graphic images. I am aware that skepticism is inevitable. After all, the immediate image of singing vampires can induce a veritable wave of hilarity and sarcasm. I’ve no argument other than I think you’ll be surprised how well it works and how natural it seems. Our vision has always been a stylish, sexy, intelligent show that is stripped of gothic clichés and that displays the vampire dealing with his damnation on a startlingly realistic and human level. Writing the songs for this show has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career. I was terrified at first and found the whole process daunting.

    I do after all come from a background of rock where the 4-minute fix is a staple of the genre. Please let me make this clear: this is not a rock opera.

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        Thursday, December 8 2005 at 22:01:44

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        Wednesday, October 26 2005 at 10:46:54

  • Lestat @ Broadway's Palace starting March 11, 2006
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  • Lestat Will Take a Bite Out of San Francisco
        Saturday, April 16 2005 at 07:40:12

  • "The Vampire Lestat" private NYC reading
        Tuesday, November 4 2003 at 11:45:07

  • UPDATE: Elton John announced new Broadway show
        Tuesday, May 6 2003 at 19:45:38


    Back to Headlines

    U2's Vertigo leads year's top tours
    Wednesday, December 14 2005

    U2's Vertigo tour was the top-grossing trek of 2005, according to year-end figures from Billboard Boxscore that will be published in the December 24, 2005 issue of magazine, which hits newsstands December 16, 2005. Elton John ranks #7.

    Vertigo reported grosses of $260 million and drew more than 3 million people to 90 concerts, all of which were sell-outs. In addition, U2's June 24-27 run at Dublin's Croke Park was named Boxscore of the year, grossing more than $21.1 million and drawing nearly 247,000 fans.

    Coming in second to U2 this year were the Eagles, who grossed $117 million from 77 shows, followed by Neil Diamond, who raked in more than $71 million. Country star Kenny Chesney placed fourth with a gross of $63 million; his attendance draw of 1.1 million was second only to U2.

    The top 10 touring grosses are rounded out by Paul McCartney ($60 million), Rod Stewart ($49 million), Elton John ($45.5 million touring, plus another $30 million via his Las Vegas show "The Red Piano"), Dave Matthews Band ($45 million), Jimmy Buffett ($41 million) and Green Day ($36.5 million).

    The year's top-grossing arena was New York's Madison Square Garden, a distinction it has earned for six straight years. Mansfield, Mass.' Tweeter Center was the top-grossing amphitheater for the third year in a row.

    In 2005, North American concerts grossed just over $2 billion, down 6.2% from 2004, according to Billboard Boxscore. Attendance was down 3.8% to 45.7 million.

    The Top Ten is:

    1. U2
    2. The Eagles
    3. Neil Diamond
    4. Kenny Chesney
    5. Paul McCartney
    6. Rod Stewart
    7. Elton John
    8. The Dave Matthews Band
    9. Jimmy Buffett
    10. Green Day

    Back to Headlines

    Another Elton John Christmas CD
    Wednesday, December 14 2005

    99Xmas Soundtrack Volume 4 CD filled with your holiday favorites performed by local Atlanta bands will be released on December 13, 2005.

    Plus, if you ever wanted to hear "Twas the Night Before Christmas" read by Atlanta's most famous resident you're in luck! Elton John recites "Twas the Night Before Christmas" only the way Elton can....with a British accent!

    The 99Xmas CD Volume 4 is free and available beginning December 13, 2005 at select Cingular Wireless stores listed below, while supplies last!

    Atlantic Station
    1380 Atlantic Dr, Ste. 14150
    Atlanta, GA 30363

    Athens
    4125 Atlanta Highway
    Athens, GA 30622
    706-355-7000

    Alpharetta - Brookside Station
    4075 Old Milton Pkwy
    Alpharetta, GA 30005
    678-297-0085

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    Back to Headlines

    NBC cuts Pamela Anderson pole dance video
    Wednesday, December 14 2005

    Pamela Anderson and pole dancing proved too hot for NBC, which dropped a number featuring the actress in a sexy big-screen video from the Elton John "Red Piano" special.

    Elton John: The Red Piano, a Las Vegas extravaganza taped at Caesars Palace, aired December 12, 2005 without the segment in which Elton sang "The Bitch is Back" while an oversized screen behind him displayed a scantily clad Anderson.

    The actress moved suggestively around a dance pole in the number, which was included in preview copies sent out to critics.

    After an assessment by its standards and practices department the network decided the material didn't mesh with the time slot.

    "We believed the content was not appropriate for 8 p.m.-7 central time and decided to pull the song from the special," NBC said in a statement on December 13, 2005.

    A call seeking comment from Anderson, who stars in the Fox sitcom Stacked, was not immediately returned on December 13, 2005.

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    Back to Headlines

    Bernie Taupin nominated for Golden Globe
    Wednesday, December 14 2005

    Alanis Morissette, Dolly Parton and Bernie Taupin are among the Golden Globe nominees in the Best Original Song in a Motion Picture category.

    The Globes further honored music by doling out three nominations to the Johnny Cash/June Carter Cash love story Walk the Line: Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy, and Best Performance by an Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and Actress (Reese Witherspoon) in a Musical or Comedy.

    Morissette's "Wunderkind" is featured in the children's epic The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Parton's "Travelin' Thru" is from Transamerica, an indie film about a transgendered woman; and Taupin's collaboration with Gustavo Santaolalla, "A Love That Will Never Grow Old," is from Ang Lee's cowboy romance Brokeback Mountain, with a performance by country legend Emmylou Harris.

    Rounding out the category are nominees Tony Renis and Marva Jan Marrow's "Christmas In Love" from the film of the same name, and Mel Brooks' "There's Nothing Like a Show on Broadway," from the Broadway hit turned Hollywood film The Producers.

    Last year, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger won the Globe for his collaboration with Eurythmics' producer/songwriter Dave Stewart on "Old Habits Die Hard," from the movie Alfie.

    The nominations for the awards, decided by the Hollywood Foreign Press, were announced this morning. The 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards will be broadcast live on NBC January 16, 2005 from Los Angeles.

    Back to Headlines

    The Red Piano on NBC
    Wednesday, December 14 2005

    Fan Review by Chris Akins.

    I was anxious to see how The Red Piano would be deomonstrated on television. I had seen the show in Las Vegas this last February 2005 and will hopefully get to see the show this coming year.

    Overall I must say that the television special was pretty good. I was happy with the song selection, even though "Rocket Man" was edited, but the editing was flawless and the song still soared.

    There is so much that happens on that huge Colleseum stage that it is hard to get into a television screen. "Daniel" was done brilliantly, the video still gave me chills. "Candle in the Wind" was also beautiful, but much more powerful at the actual event, as the special showed audience members wiping tears from their eyes.

    Then came the well-documented "Pinball Wizard". This really made me want to return to Vegas and see the Red Piano once again. There was a tremendous amount of energy coming from Elton during this song and the Las Vegas video on this song was covered well.

    Then, after the commercial break "Saturday Night's Alright" started, and it was just wild. Very well recorded for the television version. I loved the different people in the audience that crowded around the piano. I also noticed the inflatable breasts hanging from the ceiling, but only for a brief second (I hope Elton doesn't take as much bullsh*t as Janet Jackson did).

    Then came "Your Song", with L-O-V-E inflated across the stage. This was a great rendition, but not nearly as powerful as seeing it live (obviously).

    The one complaint I do have about the special, is Pamela Anderson's pole dance was advertised, but never shown in the show. I really thought "The Bitch is Back" was going to be televised, but it wasn't, and it's a shame because Elton is so entertaining during that song.

    This was The Red Piano, but thankfully it really did not ruin the experience of seeing the show in Vegas. There is so much to see in that show, and NBC captured just enough of it to make you want to see the show in its entirety.

    Song List:
    • Bennie and the Jets
    • Daniel
    • Rocket Man
    • Candle in the Wind
    • Pinball Wizard
    • Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
    • Your Song

    Back to Headlines

    Make a donation to the EJAF
    Monday, December 12 2005

    Elton John has asked not to give him presents for his wedding with David. Instead he has asked for donations to his Aids Foundation.

    Elton fans and visitors of eltonfan.net can make a dontation to the Elton John Aids Foundation either directly via their website or through eltonfan.net. We will compile all individual donations in a list and will forward this together with the money to Elton & David and the EJAF in time for the wedding.

    Simply use Paypal to send your donation to paypal@eltonfan.net. Make sure to put "Elton & David wedding - EJAF donation" in the 'payment for' field.

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    Elton hires Posh's wedding planner
    Monday, December 12 2005

    Elton John and David Furnish have hired a new wedding planner - the man who organised David and Victoria Beckham's marriage.


    Matt James, from DNA Productions, has been ditched in favour of Peregrine Armstrong Jones, after Elton changed his original plans to have a low-key wedding.

    A friend told the Sunday Mirror, "Matt is the ultimate professional. But the plans for the wedding have changed so much. They all decided it wasn't working out."

    Back to Headlines

    UPDATE: Elton John brings Las Vegas show to TV
    Sunday, December 11 2005

    Elton John brings his Las Vegas show to television with his first NBC special, "Elton John: The Red Piano," on December 12, 2005.

    The special will feature Elton's show from Caesars Palace, incorporating his performance with videos from David LaChappelle, including two that feature Justin Timberlake as a young Elton John and Pamela Anderson performing a pole dance. Please note that the date has been moved forward to December 12, 2005!

    Please note that "Elton John in Las Vagas: The Red Piano" will also be broadcast on the french TV channel France 4 on December 31, 2005 at 8.30 pm.

    Back to Headlines

    Clair to marry Elton
    Saturday, December 10 2005

    The first day on which gay couples can tie the knot in a new civil partnership ceremony is now fully booked at High Wycombe's register office.

    Raymond Fisher, Superintendent registrar at the Chiltern Hills register office in Easton Street, confirmed they are now fully booked for the historic date, December 21, 2005.

    Mr Fisher told the Free Press: "We have had lots of interest and we have four ceremonies booked on the first day with a few others wanting to go ahead before Christmas. We have three male couples and one female couple."

    Another registrar to play a part in the big day will be Flackwell Heath's Clair Williams, registrar for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Mrs Williams, who performed the wedding of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor Guildhall, will conduct the civil ceremony for Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish at the same venue.

    Sir Elton's plans were announced on December 5, 2005 after he and David posted the notification of their date in Maidenhead Town Hall. There's will be the first ceremony at the Guildhall on the day.

    Mrs Williams, a former Wycombe High school pupil and mum-of-two, said: "We are delighted that Sir Elton and Mr Furnish have chosen to have their civil partnership ceremony in the Royal Borough.

    "I and my colleague, Peter, will do our utmost to ensure that the ceremony is a very special and private occasion for them and their guests."

    Mrs Williams had previously faced the world's media when it was announced she would be conducting Prince Charles' marriage. She has more than ten years experience in the registration service and intially had to sanction the postponement of this summer's royal wedding following the death of the Pope John PaulII.

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    Back to Headlines

    Elvis still the king of the UK charts
    Saturday, December 10 2005

    Elvis Presley remains the King - but Queen has overtaken The Beatles to become the third most successful act of all time. Elton in sixth place.

    Elvis has spent 2,574 weeks in the UK singles and album charts, making him number one in the Top 100 Most Successful Acts of All Time.

    Sir Cliff Richard remains in second place, clinching 1,982 weeks. But this year's chart, taking account of sales in 2005, shows that Queen has now overtaken The Beatles to make it into third place, with 1,755 weeks.

    The Beatles have slipped to fourth place, with 1,749 weeks spent in the British singles and album charts.

    With 1,660 weeks, Madonna remains one place above Sir Elton John (1,626), but is steadily closing the gap with The Beatles.

    If the Queen of Pop continues producing music at the same rate, she is predicted to overtake the Fab Four in around two years.

    Oasis have risen three places to overtake Status Quo and make it to 25th position. Kylie Minogue makes the biggest jump - up 13 places to number 42, with 692 weeks.

    The Stereophonics are the highest climbing group in the top 100 - up 13 to 71. Eminem is the highest new entry at number 86, while Britney Spears has broken into the top 100 for the first time.

    George Benson and Depeche Mode have been booted out of the list.

    Top 100 Most Successful Acts of All Time
    (Last year in brackets)

    1 (1) Elvis Presley
    2 (2) Sir Cliff Richard
    3 (4) Queen
    4 (3) The Beatles
    5 (5) Madonna
    6 (6) Sir Elton John
    7 (7) The Shadows
    8 (8) Michael Jackson
    9 (10) U2
    10 (9) David Bowie

    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Stuttgart on December 8, 2005
    Thursday, December 8 2005

    Photos by Jasmin Kern.

    Following is the complete setlist of the Stuttgart show on December 8, 2005.

    • Funeral For A Friend
    • Love Lies Bleeding
    • Bennie And The Jets
    • Daniel
    • Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
    • Take Me To The Pilot
    • Rocket Man
    • I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
    • Blessed
    • The One
    • Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
    • Sacrifice
    • Sorry Seems To Be tThe Hardest Word
    • Tiny Dancer
    • Philadelphia Freedom
    • Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    • They Call Her The Cat
    • Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    • I'm Still Standing
    • The Bitch Is Back
    • Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
    • Crocodile Rock
    • Your Song








    Back to Headlines

    Lestat - Second Review
    Thursday, December 8 2005

    By Claude Bernardin, author of "Rocket Man".


    The first full song I have heard from the Vampire Lestat Musical, Elton's own version. The song is a ballad in the Phantom of The Opera dramatic style, I was going to say "vein".

    The song is lovely. It has a great classical piano lead and interlude, that the verses seem to mimick (or is that Memnock?!).

    I'll make this short and sweet at the start, it's better than "Written In The Stars" , better than "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", and even has a strength and classical side that rises it above songs like "Nikita" and "The Letter" or "How I Know You" and "Electricity". This is very good theatre music and a close match to the drama, breadth and classicism of Lloyd webber's "Phantom". Some may not like the style, no it's not "Meal Ticket" or "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" but this is very good theatre music and quite accurate to the story and tone of the original novels.

    I got chills listening to it the first time, which is always a great sign.

    But what I was stunned at was Taupin's brilliant words. Look Bernie has always been able to craft a great, sometimes classic pop song, but I didn't know how he'd be as a musical lyricist.

    "Make Me As You Are"

    I cannot hide what I've become
    it's clear a mother knows her son
    and even though your sight grows dim
    you see the pallor of my skin

    the blood red eyes sunk in my face
    you feel the chill in my embrace
    the Gothic legend of your youth
    stands here tonight as God's own truth

    and from that truth I feel no fear
    two kinds of death are present here
    mine's the age-old act of dying
    but yours is like the Phoenix rising

    your mother's frail and feeble husk
    will soon be nothing more than dust
    so let's not dwell on wasted years
    my time is short, my choice is clear

    Make Me As You Are
    tear the hands off clocks
    that tick away my final hours
    I want to rage against the light
    and leave the sun behind
    I want to feel the path of everlasting youth inside

    take me, give me new life
    and we'll live beneath the stars
    together and forever
    I beg you, Make Me As You Are

    (piano interlude)

    this cursed gift with which I live
    I know not if it's mine to give
    but out of love I can't refuse
    too much to gain; nothing to lose

    the risk is mine, and if we fail
    I'll shake the demons by their tails
    and spit into the devil's face
    and say hell's now was damn, this place

    I'm still a fledgling in this frame
    I've only killed when hunger reigned
    death was final in my wake
    but yes this is the chance we'll take

    oh blessed thoughts of sweet release
    from nagging nurse, and hovering priest
    to rid myself of stoop and cane
    to breathe without this burning pain

    Make Me As You Are
    tear the wings off angels that would lift me from your heart
    I want to dance beneath the moon
    and slip into the dark

    I want to feel the night awaken when I leave my mark
    take me, give me new life
    and we'll live beneath the stars
    together and forever, I beg you

    Make Me, Make Me, Make Me As You Are
    tear the hands off clocks that tick away my final hours
    I want to rage against the light
    and leave the sun behind
    I want to feel the path of everlasting youth inside

    take me, give me new life
    and we'll live beneath the stars
    together and forever
    I beg you, Make Me As You Are

    I beg you, Make Me As You Are


    Lyrics by Bernie Taupin, excerpt from the Musical, Vampire Lestat
    Elton John, Bernie Taupin, 2005


    It is clear they outlined the plot. It is clear he put his entire energy and talent into this project.

    Classic Taupin, classic Elton - and I don't for an instant believe this is the best song in the Musical. They've got better waiting in the "Wings". Ok I have said enough puns now.

    "Make Me As You Are" is a strong, solid effort and one of the best Broadway style songs I have heard Elton write. It has a very memorable Gothic, classical feel to it, and it is catchy without being annoying. It is a song one can sing over and over and enjoy. I love the waltz style classical piano introduction and theme through out, the best melody line is right smack dab in the middle of the chorus.

    I also notice Elton seems more comfortable with this style, the melody fits and flows more naturally than it did with Aida.

    Nice effort here guys, I'm very proud of you.

    Related News

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    Back to Headlines

    Elton: I don't want wedding gifts
    Thursday, December 8 2005

    Elton John has told guests invited to his wedding reception not to give him presents. Make a donation to the EJAF via this website instead!

    Instead he has asked for donations to his Aids Foundation, which could boost the charity by millions of pounds.

    Meanwhile, a huge marquee neared completion on December 7, 2005 outside his home near Windsor, in preparation for the party after his wedding to long-term partner David Furnish on December 21, 2005.

    The tent for the 700 guests, including Elizabeth Hurley, Rod Stewart and Victoria Beckham, towers over the manicured Italian-style garden at the house, the venue for Sir Elton's annual White Tie and Tiara fund-raising ball.

    One insider described the scene as looking like "something from Billy Smart's Circus".

    A source close to the star told the Evening Standard: "Sir Elton and David Furnish are not expecting presents from any of their guests but they do appreciate some of them would like to mark the occasion with a gift so have nominated the foundation.

    "Obviously a donation can be as large or small as the person giving wishes to make it. The scale of the donations will not be made public, although Sir Elton and David will know and will write personal letters of thanks. If guests want to donate anonymously that is also fine by Sir Elton. There really is no pressure at all.

    "He knows some guests will want to buy him something anyway but it is fair to say there really is no need for anybody to turn up with a toaster."

    Their wedding day will start with a civil partnership ceremony conducted by Superintendent Registrar Clair Williams, who presided over the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in April 2005. It is believed Sir Elton's mother and stepfather, Sheila and Fred Farebrother, and Mr Furnish's parents-will be the only guests. The pair could also have special vows, poetry, readings, messages of congratulation and music.

    Ms Williams said: "We are delighted that Sir Elton and Mr Furnish have chosen to have their civil partnership ceremony in the royal borough.

    "I and my colleague Peter will do our utmost to ensure that the ceremony is a very special and private occasion for them and their guests."

    Elton fans and visitors of eltonfan.net can make a dontation to the Elton John Aids Foundation either directly via their website or through eltonfan.net. We will compile all individual donations in a list and will forward this together with the money to Elton & David and the EJAF in time for the wedding.

    Simply use Paypal to send your donation to paypal@eltonfan.net. Make sure to put "Elton & David wedding - EJAF donation" in the 'payment for' field.

    Back to Headlines

    A gift for Elton
    Thursday, December 8 2005

    Bride-to-be Elton John is in for a whopping great surprise on his wedding night - if the other bride-to-be David Furnish has his way, reports The Mirror.

    Pondering what to buy the Queen of Showbiz to crown the occasion of their nuptials, David has come up with something that should bring immense satisfaction to them both. A honeymoon holiday over the New Year, of course!

    Elton and David - who The Mirror affectionately termed "Elvid" - were among the first gay couples to sign up to be legally married.

    The banns were posted at Maidenhead Town Hall on December 5, 2005 and they will tie the knot at Windsor Register Office on December 21, 2005. Afterwards, the newlyweds will celebrate with 700 of their very closest friends at their nearby mansion, Woodside.

    "It's going to be a great, memorable evening, but that's all I'll say," David told The Mirror. "Honeymoon plans? That's going to be another big surprise."

    The Mirror bumped into David On December 7, 2005 at the launch of his pal Liz Hurley's Sky One TV show, Project Catwalk, in the San Lorenzo restaurant in London's Knightsbridge.

    He admitted to being bemused by all the furore whipped up by his forthcoming wedding to Elton and insisted that their choice of Windsor Guildhall had nothing to do with its royal connections - Prince Charles wed Camilla there in April 2005.

    "Honestly, we chose it simply because it's our local registry office," David said. "There is a whole fuss around us getting married, but it'll die down soon. We decided to have the ceremony as soon as the legislation came through because we felt it's important to take a stand and encourage others to do the same. If we're going to become a symbol by making this step, so be it.

    "I've been in Canada finishing my new film, It's A Boy Girl Thing, so all this fuss has caught me by surprise."

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        Tuesday, December 6 2005 at 01:28:56

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        Tuesday, December 6 2005 at 01:25:07

  • Anger in Russia over Elton John gay wedding plans
        Saturday, December 3 2005 at 05:30:17

  • Robbie Williams has snubbed Elton's wedding
        Thursday, December 1 2005 at 09:00:13

  • Gary Barlow To Sing At Elton John's Wedding
        Wednesday, November 30 2005 at 08:15:42

  • Elton John snubs TV wedding
        Monday, November 28 2005 at 10:05:08

  • Lulu as my maid of honour and Posh as my best man
        Tuesday, November 8 2005 at 08:26:28

  • Elton to tie knot in style
        Sunday, October 23 2005 at 16:28:46

  • UK governmentt publicises imminent 'gay marriage' rights
        Wednesday, September 14 2005 at 20:53:16

  • UK’s first legal gay marriages will be in Scotland
        Tuesday, August 9 2005 at 05:26:35

  • Elton John's partner slams marriage plans
        Saturday, December 18 2004 at 02:09:42

  • Elton to wed a Beckham's palace?
        Monday, December 13 2004 at 01:07:59

  • Elton John to marry
        Tuesday, November 16 2004 at 19:06:45

  • Elton John plans to marry David
        Thursday, November 4 2004 at 17:50:50

  • Update: Kiss the Groom(s)
        Wednesday, March 3 2004 at 20:13:12

  • Woodside wedding
        Monday, December 15 2003 at 22:41:28


    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Hamburg on December 5, 2005
    Wednesday, December 7 2005

    Following is the complete setlist of the Hamburg show on December 5, 2005.

    • Funeral For A Friend
    • Love Lies Bleeding
    • Bennie And The Jets
    • Daniel
    • Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
    • Take Me To The Pilot
    • Rocket Man
    • I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
    • The One
    • Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
    • Sacrifice
    • Sorry Seems To Be tThe Hardest Word
    • Tiny Dancer
    • Philadelphia Freedom
    • Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    • They Call Her The Cat
    • Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    • I'm Still Standing
    • The Bitch Is Back
    • Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
    • Crocodile Rock
    • Your Song

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    Elton has no gay wedding plans in Russia
    Wednesday, December 7 2005

    Recent press reports in Russia that Sir Elton John and David Furnish were planning a wedding in St. Petersburg have been strenuously denied by the singer’s representatives in London.

    Sir Elton and Furnish on December 5, 2005 formally gave notice that they would be registering a civil partnership. The notice was given at the Registrar’s office in Maidenhead. The British press was reporting on December 6, 2005 that the registration ceremony was likely to take place in Windsor.

    First news that the couple were planning a ceremony in Russia first surfaced on the day Sir Elton arrived in the country for a charity event. Konstantinovski Palace in St. Petersburg was even mentioned as the venue and that the singer was using his trip as an opportunity to negotiate for the use of the palace for a lavish “wedding reception”.

    Robert Key, director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, categorically denied that Sir Elton had any plans for a ceremony or reception in St. Petersburg, after the Russian reports surfaced at the weekend in the British press, including The Independent.

    Elton and David have always said that the registration ceremony was going to be a strictly family occasion with just their parents present.

    After the news first appeared in the Russian media, the nationalistic liberal democratic party deputy of the State Duma (lower house of Russian parliament), Nikolai Kuryanovich said that he will not allow a wedding of the famous singer Elton John and his friend in St. Petersburg. And the remarks were made without any apparent checking of facts.

    He said that he had made an official request to the Russian minister of culture asking that a stop was made to the wedding. In his request he said: “Elton John should find a more relevant place for the wedding in the perverted and dieing Western Europe – there are many such places there”.

    The deputy also said that the civil partnerships registrations, which became legal on December 5, 2005 in Britain “marked the end of the British Empire”.

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    Listen to "Make Me As You Are"
    Wednesday, December 7 2005

    Elton John invites Amazon customers to listen to "Make Me as You Are," a new song from the musical Lestat.

    As part of Amazon's "Holiday A-list for Hurricane Relief" you can read Elton's message and listen to the new song on the Amazon website.

    Back to Headlines

    Cartoon: Elton & David wedding
    Tuesday, December 6 2005

    By Bill Cadwell, cartoonist for The Sun.

    Back to Headlines

    Guildhall - Elegant setting for wedding Elton and David
    Tuesday, December 6 2005

    The Royal Borough said December 5, 2005 it was very pleased that Sir Elton John and Mr David Furnish has decided to hold their civil partnership ceremony in the Guildhall, Windsor.

    Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, council leader, said that Guildhall was a fine setting for many important events in the borough and she was confident it would provide an elegant venue for the December 21, 2005 ceremony.

    She added: "Sir Elton and Mr Furnish are making a solemn and formal commitment to each other and our Guildhall offers them both dignity and privacy. We wish them both much happiness for their important day."

    Sir Elton and Mr Furnish have made it very clear that they wish the Guildhall ceremony to be a private family occasion but it is anticipated that many fans will converge on Windsor for the occasion. The Royal Borough is working with Thames Valley Police to ensure the event goes smoothly and that the town is disrupted as little as possible during this last busy shopping period before Christmas.

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        Saturday, December 3 2005 at 05:30:17


    Back to Headlines

    Will Elton wed at Legoland?
    Tuesday, December 6 2005

    Elton John will wed his partner David Furnish close to his Windsor home and has been offered Legoland as a venue for his celebration, it was disclosed on December 5, 2005.

    The theme park is one of 29 locations which will accept Sir Elton and Mr Furnish, who may be married by Clair Williams, the registrar who officiated at Prince Charles's wedding in April 2005.

    The banns for the pop millionaire and the Canadian movie-maker were being posted at Windsor and Maidenhead Town Hall register office the afternoon of December 5, 2005.



    This means they can marry on December 21, 2005, the first date available under the Act.

    The Government estimates that between 11,000 and 22,000 people will marry under the new Act by 2010. Civil partnerships will give gay couples similar benefits to heterosexuals over capital gains and inheritance tax and pensions.

    The Act could also see longstanding heterosexual friends of the same sex registering to take advantage of the financial incentives.

    Sir Elton has said he is delighted by the Government's decision to give homosexuals the opportunity to wed. He said: "It will be a brilliant end to a brilliant year."

    "I'll tell you something, though," he added, "we've had no shortage of offers for bridesmaids. We could've had the campest group of bridesmaids ever."

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        Tuesday, August 9 2005 at 05:26:35

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        Saturday, December 18 2004 at 02:09:42

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        Monday, December 13 2004 at 01:07:59

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  • Elton John plans to marry David
        Thursday, November 4 2004 at 17:50:50


    Back to Headlines

    Two German shows postponed
    Monday, December 5 2005

    As we have just learned, two of the German Elton John shows have been postponed for logistical reasons.

    The show in Oberhausen, originally scheduled for December 6, 2005, has been moved to June 1, 2006. The Mannheim concert, planned for December 9, 2005, will now take place on May 31, 2006.

    It seems that Elton learned about this very unfortunate situation at the beginning of his European tour leg in Helsinki on November 29, 2005, and it seems obvious that this is what caused him to proclaim the current tour as the last one for Europe.

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    Elton John and band performed in Gothenburg on December 3, 2005
    Monday, December 5 2005

    Fan report and photo by Tanya Friend.

    After seeing Elton just the night before, we got up early in the morning to pack for Gothenburg. We traveled there by train for five hours and then were looking for a hotel for about an hour, although it really was within a twenty minute walk from the railway station.

    At Scandinavium Arena we met up with some fans and exchanged Elton merchandise. Then the show started. It was a lot like the night before, but a totally different experience as we had much better seats.

    Although it was row eight and not one, we had a perfect view on the whole band, particularly Elton. He had another black Yohji Yamamoto suit with something like a dragon on the back. Elton wore quite a bit darker glasses this time and had the same silver cross around his neck.

    The set list was the same as the previous night in Stockholm with one exception: Elton omitted “Answer in the Sky.” Instead, the versions of “Bennie and the Jets,” “Take Me to the Pilot” and “Rocket Man” were much longer.

    “Take Me to the Pilot” was particularly interesting as Elton included the chords from “Believe” in his improvisation. In the end of the song the new keyboardist Lindsay came in too early and left an “empty” space in the time slot when he was supposed to play, but by the closing chord they all came together and finished properly.

    During “Turn the Lights Out When You Leave” I noticed that they were playing the video of the song on the screen. So it was rather cute seeing Elton in a cowboy hat playing the piano solo in the video and then Elton on stage going “Yeehaw!” at the end of the song.

    Again we had a marvelous time at the stage during the last seven songs. We were the first ones to get to the stage (and we were in the 8th row). Only after a couple of songs of observing the crazy fanatics at the stage did the audience respond and some people started approaching the stage, too.

    And then, when people warmed up and sang “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!” on “I’m Still Standing” and jumped and danced, Elton started interacting with the audience more and more. During “The Bitch is Back” he jumped on the piano and pointed at the roses laying on the stage, encouraging somebody to throw them to him. Someone threw a rose to Elton, he caught it and still laying on the piano (during Davey’s guitar solo) he put the rose in his mouth (clutched it with his teeth) and started posing more! Then he dropped it from his mouth, got a little late to the piano for “I’m a bitch, I’m a bitch,” then he stood on his piano stool posing more and threw the rose into the crowd (good catching Dmitri!).

    Throughout the whole ending Elton was rocking and encouraging the audience to sing and shout and dance. During “Saturday Night’s” he sang “shout out HE’s with me!” instead of “SHE’s with me.” We laughed this time during “Crocodile Rock” as Elton sang, “I remember when rock was young, me and Maynard had so much fun …” He was directing us in our “La-la-la-la-las” and finally dedicated “Your Song” to each and every one in the audience.

    I have honestly never ever seen Elton enjoy the performance this much! And I’ve never seen the Swedish audience respond this well. It was a magical night. Probably the best Elton John show we’ve been to. There was no mentioning of this tour being the last European tour, which he had done in Finland. Hopefully, Elton will keep performing, ‘cause he makes so many of us so happy.

    Following is the complete setlist of the Gothenburg show on December 3, 2005:

    • Funeral For A Friend
    • Love Lies Bleeding
    • Bennie And The Jets
    • Daniel
    • Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
    • Take Me To The Pilot
    • Rocket Man
    • I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
    • The One
    • Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
    • Sacrifice
    • Sorry Seems To Be tThe Hardest Word
    • Tiny Dancer
    • Philadelphia Freedom
    • Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    • They Call Her The Cat
    • Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    • I’m Still Standing
    • The Bitch Is Back
    • Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)
    • Crocodile Rock
    • Your Song

    Back to Headlines

    Fans flock to soccer star's grave
    Monday, December 5 2005

    Fans of George Best have been visiting his grave to pay their respects to the Belfast-born soccer legend.

    Staff at Roselawn Cemetery moved in overnight to lay special paths to allow people to view the grave and the hundreds of wreaths and momentoes.

    Areas nearby were roped-off to prevent the public from trampling on neighbouring graves.

    Among the stars who sent tributes were Elton John, Van Morrison, Mickey Rourke, Susan George and Anita Harris.

    White roses put down by Elton were accompanied by a card reading "Dear George - Thanks for the memories. You were the Mozart of football. Love Elton."

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    Sanctuary to raise up to 130 million pounds
    Monday, December 5 2005

    British music and entertainment company Sanctuary Group is to raise as much as 130 million pounds in a share issue to keep itself afloat, newspaper reports said on December 4, 2005.

    The Independent said Sanctuary, which is behind artists such as Elton John and James Blunt, is expected to seek 100 million pounds and would make the announcement in around two weeks, probably as it reports its annual results which are usually delivered in January 2006.

    Without citing sources, the newspaper also said Sanctuary was likely to announce a management reshuffle.

    Separately the Sunday Times said Sanctuary was preparing a 130 million pound fundraising to help it restructure and restate its accounts going back three years.

    The fundraising drive comes as the company, which has issued a series of profit warnings this year, continues negotiations with its principal lender, HBOS, about its 120 million pounds borrowings, the report said.

    No-one at Sanctuary could be reached for comment.

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        Saturday, April 2 2005 at 01:09:37


    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Stockholm on December 2, 2005
    Saturday, December 3 2005

    Fan reports by Mattias Bruhn and Tanya Friend. Photos by Tanya Friend.

    This was going to be my first Elton John concert ever. I had been waiting for this a long time, and finally, the day had come. I was so exited about this.

    The show was announced to start at 7:30 p.m. and I think it almost did. I thought Elton would play the same set list as from the Finnish concerts only days before this show, but he did not. The lights, in the great almost sold-out arena, turned down and the excitement was on the top.

    Unexpected, they started to play the intro of "Funeral For A Friend". As the intro went on we could see Elton enter the stage in the darkness. Then Elton started to play his piano and he got an enthusiastic applause from the 12,000 (estimated) people crowd. I had expected the audience to stand up during some songs but they didn’t. It was only at the end of the show that everyone was standing.

    Next song was "Bennie And The Jets" with a great piano solo in the middle of the song. Everyone could see the screens while Elton was playing those boogie keys. It was fantastic!

    It was so great to see such a mix of ages in the audience, and that there were so many people in my age (I am 17).

    After "Bennie", Elton thanked the audience and introduced Daniel as a “song from the Don’t Shoot Me album”. Then we got great numbers like a rocking version of "Take Me To The Pilot", a boogie "Rocket Man", and a beautiful version of "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" – this was the first song Elton got a big applause already in the piano-intro. We got a surprising solo version of "The One" and a beautiful "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters".

    The highlight for many people in the audience seemed to be "Sacrifice".

    The show ended with some rocking numbers. Many people came to the front of the stage, even from the back sections. I was one of them. I sat in row 50, so I took the chance and ran to the stage. It was unbelievable to stand so near Elton and the band. During the last songs everyone in the arena was standing and singing with him. Elton left the stage, and before the encore he signed some autographs from the stage. I was one of those lucky people! I got my "Peachtree Road" tour program signed.

    At last, I’d like say how much Elton appreciates his fans. He truly loves what he is doing, and he truly loves his fans. There are not many artists like Elton who sign autographs to his fans on concerts like this. I know Elton appreciates his fans as much as we appreciate him. Elton did not mention anything about retiring as in Helsinki. It doesn’t matter how many times Elton says something about that – I think he will never retire from the stage.

    I think that every person who seen Elton live will be a forever fan as I have become…



    Fan report by Tanya Friend.

    The concert in Stockholm on December 2, 2005 was actually the first concert in several years that didn’t involve any travelling for me and my husband Ronnie. With Elton giving solo shows in obscure locations in 2003 and 2004 we visited such towns in Sweden that we probably never would have gone to otherwise.

    This time, however, the day started as any other work day. After school and work we ate out and went straight to the Globe, where we met up with some Russian fans (Jane, Natasha and Maria). Of course we had bought flowers for Elton beforehand.

    We and our friend Carola were all sitting in the first row, to the right of the piano. Despite the fact that the acquisition of the front row tickets did require some waiting and freezing outside the box office, those tickets were definitely not the best in the house. When Elton sat down at his piano, all we could see were his legs underneath the piano and the top of his head (his hair, in other words).

    Earlier that night we were approached by the security who had instructed us on not getting up and taking photographs with a flash. They also told us that we were not to approach the stage at any part of the show. Of course, we tried to make the best of the situation.

    Elton still got up and bowed every once in a while, but when he was hidden behind the piano we enjoyed watching the band play.

    Visually the concert was simply incredible. Besides the two small screens on either side of the stage, there was a large screen in the center of the stage that lit up with colorful patterns.

    The show started with “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” to everybody’s great joy, as it’s the best number to open the show with, in my opinion. Elton came on stage in a black Yohji Yamamoto suit with a naked mermaid embroidered on the back. Elton wore black pants with pink stripes on either side of the legs and a white shirt with a pink scarf. Across his neck hung a silver cross. On the side of his purple glasses one could see “EJ” incrusted with small shiny gems.

    Elton made minimal effort to interact with the Stockholm audience. He said, however, that it was “nice to be back.” He seemed to be in a very good mood and performed flawlessly.

    It was great to hear “Bennie and the Jets” with the big E-L-T-O-N letters popping up on the stage screen. “Turn the Lights out when You Leave” was followed by “Yeehaw!”

    “Take Me to the Pilot” had an incredible improvisation (actually, I noticed that Nigel was the only in the band who stayed on the stage and watched Elton rock his socks off, until the band part of the song came along). “Rocket Man” was a true highlight. It was an amazing sound. I particularly enjoyed Elton’s “duet” with Davey (piano vs. guitar), the spelling out of the R-O-C-K-E-T M-A-N and the final “I’m a rocket, rocket, rocket, rocket, rocket MAN!”

    For some unknown reason (probably just for fun) Elton sang “I miss the Earth so much, I miss my WIVES”. After “Rocket Man” Elton got up and walked around the stage, bowing to the audience. He was right in front of us, sitting there to the right of the piano, and I decided that I had to take the chance and violate the regulation of not getting up. I ran up to the stage and handed Elton my flowers. He smiled, accepted the flowers and shook my hand. It was certainly a very emotional highlight of the show for me.

    The solo version of “The One” was the song that we were all very lucky to hear as it hadn’t been played earlier in Finland. “Sacrifice” was probably the song best received by the Swedish audience. “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” sounded more sincere than ever with John Mahon’s terrific “so sad.”

    I particularly would like to point out what fun we all had observing him play the percussion and sing the backing vocals. John has a wonderful voice range.

    When “Philadelphia Freedom” started, the Voice of Atlanta Choir came on stage and rocked the house down. After “Sad Songs” Elton introduced the band members by inventing the names of their home towns, so that John Mahon came from the town of Clam, Ohio; Lindsay Vannoy came from Beaver Creek, Colorado; Bob Birch came from Eckles Cake in Detroit; and Davey came from Longprick, Dumbtreeshire.

    Elton introduced Nigel by saying that he was a part of the original Elton John band and that he “obviously has some Swedish in him.” I think Elton had a lot of fun with these invented names just because the audience took them seriously and clapped after each introduction. A curious thing is that Nigel was holding an oxygen mask to his face during the introduction of the choir members.

    During “Answer in the Sky” one of the Elton John crew men approached the security at the stage who immediately started putting their chairs away.

    For us experienced Elton fans it was a sign that we could run to the stage after the song. When Elton introduced “They Call Her the Cat,” he said that it was about a sex change and that all of his band are thinking about changing sex so that they can appear as bridesmaids on the 21st of December.

    As soon as Elton hit the first chords we rushed to the stage and stayed their for good. We situated ourselves right in front of Elton and were “hopping and bopping” not only to “Crocodile Rock” but also to “I’m Still Standing,” “The Bitch is Back” (while Elton was posing on the piano, laying down and jumping in the air with his legs up) and “Saturday Night’s.”

    During “Crocodile Rock” Elton sang “I remember when rock was young, Swedish smorgasbord was so much fun!” It was a marvelous experience to have been so close to Elton, to watch him play and sing along with him. The most important thing is that he seemed very content and just kept smiling at the audience. He even signed some autographs (took my pen, signed all the autographs with it and then gave it back to me!).

    Elton seemed to be a bit upset at people taking pictures with a flash as I could see him mime “no more pictures.” Otherwise, he seemed extremely happy and so were we, the fans.

    For the final “Your Song” Elton changed into a black sweat suit with “Wingbeat” written on the back. “Your Song” was echoing in the Globe as the whole audience seemed to know the words to it. And the twinkling stars on the dark screen behind Elton made it feel so peaceful and calm. A fantastic show! Thank you, Elton!

    Following is the complete setlist of the Stockhom show on December 2, 2005.
    • Funeral For Friend
    • Love Lies Bleeding
    • Bennie And The Jets
    • Daniel
    • Turn The Lights When You Leave
    • Take Me To The Pilot
    • Rocket Man
    • I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
    • The One
    • Monas Lisas And Mad Hatters
    • Sacrifice
    • Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
    • Tiny Dancer
    • Philadelphia Freedom
    • Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    • Answer In The Sky
    • They Call Her The Cat
    • Don´t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
    • I´m Still Standing
    • The Bitch Is Back
    • Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
    • Crocodile Rock
    • Your Song

    Back to Headlines

    Anger in Russia over Elton John gay wedding plans
    Saturday, December 3 2005

    Plans of Elton John and partner David Furnish to wed in a St. Petersburg palace in December 2005 have sparked protests in the Russian parliament, media in Moscow reported December 2, 2005.

    At a ceremony thought to be set for December 21, 2005, the day civil partnerships between gay couples become legal in Britain, Elton will formalise his 12-year relationship with David.

    In a letter of protest forwarded to the Kremlin and the Culture Ministry, Nikolai Kuryanovich of the Duma's nationalist LDPR faction demanded steps "to prevent the defilement of the Konstantin Palace or any other important architectural memorials in Russia".

    But a spokeswoman for the baroque palace outside the northern city dismissed reports of the service as a "bad joke". Control of the premises by the Kremlin administration precluded such events, she said.

    Same-sex marriage is not legal in Russia, but there is no law specifically banning it.

    In February 2005 the country's supreme court rejected a plea by a gay politician and his journalist partner seeking amendments to the Family Code to allow same-sex marriages.

    Homosexuality was illegal under the old Soviet regime but was decriminalized in 1993.

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    Back to Headlines

    Elton John to be part of performance to aid hurricane-affected families
    Friday, December 2 2005

    Three of the world’s most popular entertainers – Celine Dion, Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld – will join for a one-night-only performance at Caesars Palace, on Monday, February 20, 2006.

    The Presidents Day evening gala in the resort’s Colosseum will benefit the recovery fund for hurricane-affected employees of the resort’s parent company, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

    “We are deeply grateful to Celine, Elton and Jerry for the generosity that will create a once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experience for our guests and sustain the important work that is helping thousands of Gulf Coast families get their lives back,” said Gary Loveman, chairman, president and chief executive officer for Harrah’s Entertainment.

    Shortly after Hurricane Katrina closed Harrah’s casino/resorts in Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi, and in New Orleans, Louisiana, the company seeded an Employee Recovery Fund with a donation of $1 million from the Harrah’s Foundation. With added donations from employees, guests and industry associates, the total has grown to $3 million, and has expanded to assist Hurricane Rita-affected employees of Harrah’s, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Funds are deployed in regional resource centers, directly to Gulf Coast employees through the company’s 501-3-c non-profit foundation.

    At Caesars Palace, Celine Dion stars in “A New Day…,” Elton John performs “The Red Piano,” and Jerry Seinfeld presents his acclaimed stand-up comedy. The three world renowned performers form the core of the resort’s headliner policy, which has been responsible for Pollstar magazine ranking The Colosseum among the top two ticket selling venues of any size in the United States (Pollstar, Jan. 2004, Jan. 2005).

    Tickets, priced from $100 to $1,000 (plus tax and handling fee), will go on sale at 10 a.m. PST on Friday, December 2, 2005, at Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com and in person at the Caesars Palace Box Office.

    Sponsor packages that include luxury hotel accommodations, premium seating, fine dining and a pre-show VIP reception in PURE nightclub at Caesars Palace also are available online at www.caesarspalace.com.

    Back to Headlines

    Elton John and band performed in Turku on November 30, 2005
    Thursday, December 1 2005

    Fan report by Jouni Nippala.

    Elton John continued his "last European tour" (see the comment he made during the Helsinki show the night before) with the band and Voice of Atlanta Choir in Elysè Arena, Turku Finland on November 30, 2005.

    Elton was in an even better mood than in Helsinki. He introduced his band by saying that they have a solo album out with the name 'Soft Turkey' which can be downloaded over the Internet! Davey Johnstone again got to hear about his folk music background which gave all big laughs. Elton was wearing a beautiful black suit with a mermaid embroided in the back.

    The show again was very good with almost the same setlist as in Helsinki. "I´m Still Standing" was dropped off possibly because of some hassle with Davey's guitars. Elton was standing on his piano and waiting for some time for Davey to begin. Finally they started with "The Bitch Is Back" and gave us, the most eager fans, including a group of enthusiastic EJFC-members from St Petersburg (hi there Anna and the rest!), a long-awaited chance to get up dancing by the stagefront.

    Again the audience was typical Finnish: strong and polite applauses from middle-agers taking care of their children and businesses with their cell-phones during songs! Good feeling but no overjoyous fiesta!

    But I guess that`s to be expected considering that most people, including me, had to make their way to the Arena driving many hours in this winters worst snow storm! The Germans would probably have been stuck in their motorways :)

    The one encore was Elton solo singing beautifully "Candle In The Wind" and "Circle Of Life" in his traditional black jogging suit. Yes, this evening he had time to change costume! Again a very strong show, probably the best of the eight ones I`ve had a chance to see since 1982!

    Following is the complete setlist of the Turku show on November 30, 2005:

    • Your Song
    • Bennie And The Jets
    • Daniel
    • Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
    • Take Me To The Pilot
    • Rocket Man
    • I Guess That`s Why They Call It The Blues
    • Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
    • Sacrifice
    • Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
    • Tiny Dancer
    • Funeral For A Friend
    • Love Lies Bleeding
    • Philadelphia Freedom
    • Sad Songs (Say So Much)
    • Answer In the Sky
    • They Call Her The Cat
    • Don`t Let the Sun Go Down On Me
    • The Bitch Is Back
    • Saturday Night`s Alright (For Fighting)
    • Candle In The Wind
    • Circle Of Life

    Back to Headlines

    Elton & David interview in Attitude
    Thursday, December 1 2005

    In their most candid (and touching) interview about their relationship ever, Elton and David talk exclusively to Attitude about their forthcoming wedding and reveal the secrets to why it’s lasted so long...

    As this is new territory for all of us, what is your marriage going to be?

    Elton: Probably no different than it has been for the last twelve years, really.

    David: As far as I’m concerned I’ve always considered myself committed to

    Elton and he’s the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with. So in that sense I don’t feel like the dynamic of our relationship is going to change. But from a social standpoint, I think it’s hugely significant. It is a major, major change. It is one of the defining issues of our times. And I applaud Britain for embracing the diversity of our society... Elton: ...and for recognising that relationships come in many shapes and sizes.

    Beyond the simple political ramifications there are huge emotional repercussions of this for young gay men, aren’t there?

    David: If I think back to growing up in Toronto, I left the place nearly twenty years ago and that was largely because of my sexuality. There was a sense of shame and a sense of not being accepted attached to it for me back then. I had to live a double life. Walking around Toronto now, all these years later [he’s currently shooting a film there], it stirs up so many emotions and anxieties that are just full of self-loathing for me. I remember at the time trying to come out to my family and my mother sitting at the table and bawling her eyes out and saying I’d never have a life or a future. There were no role models. There was no-one I could talk to or even point to and say, but hang on, this person’s doing this and that person’s doing that and they’re happy. I think that the fact that society is legally accepting same sex relationships and giving them a certification or credence will just remove so much of the stigma around homosexuality.

    Elton: Being such a high profile couple and the fact that we decided to do it straight away does carry a certain message. I’m doing this first and foremost because I want to do it for David and I want to be with David for the rest of my life, but I also want to do it to say that it shouldn’t be something that just sits there in law. It should be embraced.

    In a sense you both doing it is as significant as the law itself. My aunties will understand it more because you’ve done it than they would because it’s been legalised.

    Elton: I know that I sometimes have that role of being the acceptable face of gay for people of a certain generation. I think you’re absolutely right. If we go ahead and do it then people will say ‘ah, isn’t that great’ and they’ll be interested in the event and hopefully a bit of that will rub off. I think the fact of gay men just being able to express commitment is another very important issue.

    Continued in December 2005 Issue of Attitude.

    Back to Headlines

    Robbie Williams has snubbed Elton's wedding
    Thursday, December 1 2005

    Robbie Williams has snubbed Elton's wedding - because he doesn't want to socialise with old Take That bandmate Gary Barlow who is singing at the reception.

    The superstar singer had a huge row with Gary when he left the popular boyband in 1995.

    Despite settling his differences with Gary and the other band members - Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange - Robbie is not ready to be in the same room as the man he once branded a "fat bully".

    A source told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Hopefully Robbie's snub won't upset Elton, who has only recently forgiven Robbie for claiming in his autobiography that Elton kidnapped him and forced him into rehab."

    Gary was devastated Rob rejected £5million to reunite with Take That for their 11-date-tour. And he was hoping he could finally catch up with Robbie at the wedding.

    Gary said: "Its been 10 years since I talked to Robbie. I've had messages from friends saying he sends his love. If he really wanted to reach out he could do."

    But despite the problems with Robbie, Gary says he is thrilled to be performing at Elton and partner David Furnish's wedding on December 21, 2005.

    He said: "I'll perform something from the back catalogue."

    Related News

  • Gary Barlow To Sing At Elton John's Wedding
        Wednesday, November 30 2005 at 08:15:42


    Back to Headlines


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