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 ELTON JOHN NEWS ARCHIVE: December 2014 

Elton John AIDS Foundation awards $3.2 million to HIV/AIDS groups
Saturday, December 27 2014

The Elton John AIDS Foundation has announced grants totaling more than $3.2 million to nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of people affected by HIV/AIDS.

In its third and final round of grantmaking of the year, EJAF awarded twelve new and forty renewal grants in support of local projects and national initiatives in the United States, boosting its total for the year to $6.8 million. The awards include six grants under EJAF's new LGBTQ Community Initiative, including renewal grants to more than twenty LGBTQ programs; one national LGBTQ grant to the Third Wave Fund; and several new locally focused grants.

"The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to confronting HIV/AIDS where it exists," said the foundation's founder, Elton John. "We recognize that the health needs and rights of LGBTQ people are critical components to ending HIV in the United States. The foundation also recognizes the lack of funding and leadership in this area, and is rising to the challenge to meet this need."

For a complete list of 2014 grant recipients, visit the EJAF website.

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Happy Birthday, Zac!
Thursday, December 25 2014

On Christmas day 2010 Elton and David became the proud parents of a son born to a surrogate in California.

The boy, named Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, is celebrating his fourth birthday on December 25, 2014.

Still in Instagram mode since the wedding a few days ago, Elton posted a photo an the following text: "Happy Birthday to our little Storm Trooper! 4 years ago today we received the greatest gift of all. @DavidFurnish #gratitude #love #family".

On behalf of the Hercules team and all the fans around the world, we would like to wish Zac all the best and a happy birthday!

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Elton and David "overwhelmed" by response to wedding
Thursday, December 25 2014

Elton John and husband David Furnish said that they were overwhelmed by the positive response they've received to their wedding.

The couple, together 21 years, exchanged vows at their home in Windsor, Berkshire, South England on December 21, 2014. Their two sons, Zachary, 3, and Elijah, who turns 2 next month, attended the ceremony.

Elton posted a photo on Instagram of newspaper coverage of his nuptials along with a message of gratitude. Elton and David entered a civil partnership in 2005. While gay couples started marrying in Britain in the spring, those in a civil partnership had to wait until last week, when it became legal to convert civil partnerships to marriage.



“We're utterly overwhelmed by and overjoyed by all the kind messages of support we've received from people around the world. Massive thanks to everyone from the bottom of our hearts!” Elton wrote. “We're grateful and privileged to live in a country where it isn't illegal to be gay and where marriage equality is a reality. Let's all stand up for LGBT people living around the world who deserve the same rights. #ShareTheLove,” he added.

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        Monday, December 22 2014 at 18:44:18

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        Saturday, December 20 2014 at 23:09:14

  • Marry (right before) Christmas
        Friday, December 12 2014 at 06:50:12


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    Congratulations, Elton & David!
    Monday, December 22 2014

    Elton and David have officially married – exactly nine years after they tied the knot in a civil partnership ceremony.

    Elton married his partner at their Windsor estate on December 21, 2014, with a number of stars attending the ceremony. Elton has posted a photo of himself, pen in hand, sitting next to David at a desk, with a piece of paper in front of them, and wrote: “That’s the legal bit done. Now on to the ceremony! #ShareTheLove DavidFurnish”.



    Elton took to Twitter on December 20, 2014 to direct people to the couple’s instagram accounts, tweeting: “Join Elton John and David Furnish as we share special moments from our Wedding tomorrow #ShareTheLove”. The singer posted snaps on the photo-sharing website, including an image of a wedding invitation emblazoned with red roses which confirms the big day is December 21, 2014.



    In a post next to the photograph, Elton says he and DAvid “will be posting special moments from our big day”. On December 21, 2014 he posted a photograph taken at a window showing a garden, and wrote: “Good morning! Nice day for a wedding. #ShareTheLove” The night before he posted a photograph of two pairs of shoes sitting at a fire, and wrote: “Our little ring bearers are fast asleep and their shoes are polished and ready for tomorrow’s celebration. @DavidFurnish #ShareTheLove” The couple have two sons of toddler age called Zachary and Elijah.

    On December 21, 2005, they tied the knot in a civil partnership ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall. A galaxy of stars joined the celebrations, including Victoria Beckham, Helena Bonham Carter and Sir Michael Caine.

    The pair first met in 1993 when a mutual friend invited British-Canadian film-maker Furnish to dinner with the rock legend. Their civil partnership service took place in the same venue where the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall got married. With David by his side, Elton has hosted star-studded bashes and raised huge sums for his Aids Foundation.




    Gay marriages became possible in England and Wales for the first time in March 2014. David Cameron hailed the introduction as a “historic day” as many leapt at the chance to tie the knot. In an interview for US TV in March 2014, Elton said: “We’ll do it very quietly. But we will do it and it will be a joyous occasion and we will have our children. For this legislation to come through is joyous, and we should celebrate it. We shouldn’t just say ‘Oh, well, we have a civil partnership, we’re not going to bother to get married’. We will get married.”

    And during the interview for NBC’s Today programme, Furnish said of the anticipation from their circle of friends: “The phone’s been ringing off the hook.”

    But there was still time to make some precious memories for Elton, David and their two sons Zachary, three, and Elijah, 23 months, ahead of Sunday's nuptials. The adorable four-piece hit London's festive attraction Winter Wonderland with showbiz pal Elizabeth Hurley and her son Damien and David's fun side was allowed to come out to play as he indulged in some of the exciting rides.

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    Caribou Ranch auction
    Saturday, December 20 2014

    On January 24, 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will conduct the sale of studio memorabilia and ranch furnishings from the storied Caribou Ranch, a celebrated guest ranch and recording studio where 70’s and 80’s music legends wrote, recorded and relaxed.

    Caribou Ranch was a recording studio built in the Rocky Mountains by Grammy winning musician and producer James William Guercio near the town of Nederland, Colorado in Western Boulder County. The studio hosted over 178 musicians during its tenure producing 45 top ten albums, 18 Grammys and 20 number-one Billboard Hits. Featuring over 400 lots, the auction and public exhibition will be held at the Denver Design Center and includes studio instruments, memorabilia and ranch furnishings.

    As the first destination recording studio, music history was made by illustrious artists and groups such as Elton John, Stephen Stills, Billy Joel, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, Rod Stewart, Frank Zappa, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, U2 and many more. Wildly popular songs from the 1970s and 80s were written and recorded on the ranch that include chart topping hits such as Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star,” Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now,” and Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom.”

    Caribou was a place where bands could fully immerse themselves in the creative process and focus on creating unforgettable music. Elton John’s 1974 album "Caribou" was recorded at and named after the studio where his next two albums would also be recorded: "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" and "Rock of the Westies." Here Elton John also recorded the single “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” to which John Lennon contributed during recording sessions.

    Highlights of the auction include a mahogany Steinway & Sons grand piano, circa 1910, used while recording “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” from Elton John’s "Caribou" album. “The Steinway was often the piano of choice if the artist was recording a ballad” said bassist Kenny Passarelli. “It had the smooth gentle sound that producers were looking for.”

    A Burton acoustic left on the ranch by a visiting Willie Nelson is available. The guitar later became the campfire guitar that any number of artists strummed during an evening campfire on the ranch. Another highlight is the Wm. Knabe & Co. baby grand piano, which was played by Elton John, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Frank Zappa and everyone who stayed where the piano was housed. This is the primary piano on which Elton John wrote "Rock of the Westies," and it was pictured with Michael Jackson in a 2014 Rolling Stone special edition.

    Furniture and signage from the Caribou cabins are available including the two-piece Renaissance Revival mahogany bedroom set from the Presidents Suite in the Ouray cabin, originally made for President Grover Cleveland. Here, many major artists slept including Elton John, Michael Jackson and Jerry Lee Lewis.

    Caribou Ranch was in operation for just over a decade until the control room suffered extensive fire damage in March 1985. Though the Caribou Ranch gates are closed to the public, through the auction, fans of music will have access to the rare memorabilia, instruments and furnishings that made the Caribou Ranch name what it is today.

    A portion of the proceeds will go to The Colorado Music Hall of Fame, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization (EIN 27-2529106) founded in 2011 to honor those individuals who have come to define the state’s amazing and diverse musical legacy. The 2015 class will include Dan Fogelberg, Joe Walsh & Barnstorm and Caribou Ranch, the legendary recording studio.

    Auction:
    Saturday, January 24| 3:00 p.m.

    Preview:
    Monday, January 19 | 10 am – 5 pm
    Tuesday, January 20 | 10 am – 5 pm
    Wednesday, January 21 | 10 am – 5 pm
    Thursday, January 22 |10 am – 5 pm
    Friday, January 23 | 10 am – 5 pm
    Saturday, January 24 |10 am – 3 pm

    Location:
    Denver Design Center (East Building)
    595 South Broadway, Suite 101 North
    Denver

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  • Caribou Ranch for sale in Colorado
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  • The legend of Caribou
        Friday, January 25 2008 at 14:00:29


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    Elton to document his wedding on Instagram
    Saturday, December 20 2014

    Elton has created an Instagram account to share special moments from his big day with fans.

    When news of Elton's plans for a "small and intimate" wedding ceremony were revealed earlier, it seemed the most flamboyant man in showbiz might finally have tired of a flashy lifestyle.

    But now, news reached us that Elton had made a dramatic return to form - inviting his millions of fans from around the world to join him for the big day. Elton his own Instagram account on December 20, 2014 and posted his wedding invitation online, offering fans the chance to follow his nuptials with partner David Furnish live online as they progress.

    It's thought the couple will be the first A-listers to share their wedding on social media. A simple message on a background of red roses posted read: "Sir Elton John and David Furnish request the pleasure of your company to celebrate their wedding on Sunday the 21st of December."



    The accompanying caption from Elton told fans: "Please join us this Sunday, David and I will be posting special moments from our big day. #ShareTheLove." A similar message on David's Instagram account added: "Tomorrow is the big day! Please join Elton and me, along with family and friends as we share moments from the celebrations."

    More images are expected to follow throughout December 21, 2014 from the ceremony inside their Windsor home, with their two sons Zachary and Elijah playing a major part as ring bearers. And A-list guests expected to attend include Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Elizabeth Hurley and David and Victoria Beckham.

    Elton and David first became civil partners on December 21, 2005 when it was legalised for same sex couples, becoming one of the UK's first gay couples to do so.

    December 21, 2014 marks their ninth anniversary, and the couple will convert their civil partnership into a marriage - which became legal in March 2014 - followed by a reception of festive food and mulled wine.

    To follow Elton's marriage posts, check out his new account at instagram.com/EltonJohn.

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  • Marry (right before) Christmas
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    Elton and David to be honored at Geffen Playhouse Annual Fundraiser
    Tuesday, December 16 2014

    Next year's eagerly awaited "Backstage at the Geffen" will honor Mellody Hobson and George Lucas with the Distinction in Service Award and Sir Elton John and David Furnish with the Distinction in Theater Award at the 13th annual fundraiser on March 22, 2015.

    The irreverent evening of laughter, music and stories featuring personal "backstage" memories and songs by a cavalcade of stars precedes the award ceremony in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse and will be produced by Vice Chair of the Board, Gil Cates, Jr. David Geffen is Honorary Chair. The event also launches the 20th anniversary of the founding of the not-for-profit theater.

    Funds raised are earmarked for a host of Geffen Playhouse endeavors including new play development, playwright commissions, second productions and artistic risks, as well as the theater's award-winning education and outreach programs which help bring the excitement of live theater to more than 15,000 disadvantaged youth, seniors, veterans and community members annually.

    "Backstage at the Geffen" title sponsor City National Bank returns for its sixth year. The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates, and is currently helmed by Artistic Director Randall Arney, Managing Director Ken Novice, Chief Development Officer Regina Miller and Board Chairs Martha Henderson and Pamela Robinson. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. For more information, please visit www.geffenplayhouse.com.

    Host Committee memberships begin at $2,500 per person. For more information, please visit www.geffenplayhouse.com/backstage or call +1 (310) 208-6500 ext. 112.

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    Forbes’ Highest Earning Musician of 2014
    Saturday, December 13 2014

    Even as record labels cry for an end to online piracy to stop the death of music, musicians like Dr. Dre, Beyonce, and the members of The Eagles will walk away from 2014 with more than $100 million in earnings, according to Forbes’ annual ranking.

    Modern giants didn’t take all the cash though. Extremely successful reunion tours gave four spots on the list to classic rock artists. The highest charting among them was The Eagles, who joined Dr. Dre and Beyonce as the only artists to crack $100 million in 2014. The Eagles were closely followed on the list by Bon Jovi ($82 million) and Bruce Springsteen ($81 million) at number four and number five, as well as Sir Paul McCartney at number nine. Further down the list, The Eagles were also joined by The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd.

    The full top 30 are listed below.

    1. Dr. Dre ($620 million)
    2. Beyonce ($115 million)
    3. The Eagles ($100 million)
    4. Bon Jovi ($82 million)
    5. Bruce Springsteen ($81 million)
    6. Justin Bieber ($80 million)
    7. One Direction ($75 million)
    8. Paul McCartney ($71 million)
    9. Calvin Harris ($66 million)
    10. Toby Keith ($65 million)
    11. Taylor Swift ($64 million)
    12. Jay-Z, Bruno Mars & Diddy ($60 million) [Tie]
    15. Justin Timberlake ($57 million)
    16. Pink ($52 million)
    17. Michael Bublé ($51 million)
    18. Rihanna ($48 million)
    19. Rolling Stones ($47 million)
    20. Roger Waters ($46 million)
    21. Elton John ($45 million)
    22. Kenny Chesney ($44 million)
    23. Katy Perry ($40 million)
    24. Jason Aldean and Jennifer Lopez ($37 million) [Tie]
    26. Miley Cyrus and Celine Dion ($36 million) [Tie]
    28. Muse and Luke Bryan ($34 million) [Tie]
    30. Lady Gaga and Drake ($33 million) [Tie]

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    Elton opens stand in his honour at Watford
    Saturday, December 13 2014

    Elton John opened a new stand named after him at English Championship club Watford's Vicarage Road ground on December 13, 2014, describing it as "one of the greatest days of my life".

    The 67-year-old singer-songwriter, who had two spells as club chairman and is now life president, addressed fans before second tier Watford's home clash against Wigan Athletic on December 13, 2014. "It's in my blood, it's in my soul, it's a huge part of my life," Elton said in the match-day programme that featured a 10-page spread on his time at the club.



    With partner David Furnish and sons Elijah and Zachary watching, the emotional musician told supporters: "Thank you very, very much – this is one of the greatest days of my life. "When I was six years old I used to come and stand over there," he added, pointing to what used to be the cinder bank in the south-west corner of the ground. "I never thought I'd ever have a stand named after me. I never thought I'd sit in a stand!"

    Elton first took over as Waatford chairman in 1976 and, apart from seeing the club promoted to the top flight, his greatest moment came when they reached the 1984 FA Cup final, losing to Everton on a day remembered for his tears in the Royal Box. "Let's continue to have success. Let's get to the Premiership. Look at this ground! Can you believe it?!" he said as he signed off to an ovation from the crowd.



    Watford won the match 2-1 to move up to sixth in the table.

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    Watford fans are encouraged to be in their seats early
    Friday, December 12 2014

    The Hornets welcome former chairman Sir Elton John back to Vicarage Road on December 13, 2014, with the global pop superstar set to address Watford fans at 2.45pm.

    Elton and his family will be hosted by Watford FC’s owners and senior officials at the game, which kicks off at 3pm against former Hornets’ manager Malky Mackay’s Wigan Athletic.

    The club’s matchday programme will include a ten-page feature written by Elton himself – reflecting on his support for the club which started more than 60 years ago.

    The Hornets are asking supporters to ensure that they are at their seats by 2.40pm to play their part in welcoming Sir Elton John.

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        Wednesday, December 3 2014 at 09:43:01

  • Watford: Elton's coming home ...
        Sunday, November 30 2014 at 08:31:31


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    Merry Christmas & a happy New Year 2015
    Friday, December 12 2014

    We would like to wish you, your families and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season and all the best for a successful New Year.

    For Elton - it seems - 2014 has been pretty much dominated by the 40th anniversary celebrations for his landmark album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (make sure to check out our Special News about Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 2014). But there have been other noteworthy anniversaries in the course of the past 12 months.

    The album "Caribou" also celebrated its 40 years jubilee - not as much observed as the anniversary of its predecessory, but at least valued live on stage by hits such as "The Bitch is Back" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", which Elton has performed during nearly all of his 100+ concerts in 2014.

    But 2014 also marked the 30th anniversary of Elton's marriage with Renate Blauel as well as the 10th anniversary of his Las Vegas residency, which started with "The Red Piano" back in 2004 and is currently still running as "The Million Dollar Piano" with further shows announced for 2015.

    As for the ending year, there is one more show left for Elton and the band to do: On December 31, 2014 he will transition into the New Year live on stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. And he will do so as a married man, as Elton and David are expected to tie the knot at their home in Windsor in front of just 50 friends and family on December 21, 2014.

    Shortly thereafter Elton and David will celebrate the fourth birthday of their first sun Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John on December 25, 2014. And Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John will turn two on January 11, 2014.

    As for other exciting news for 2015, we keep hearing rumours that Elton and the band will be heading into the studio in February 2015. So it appears that work on a new studio album will commence soon and - contrary to the past two albums for which Elton worked with session musicians - it will feature the Elton John band again. Still rumours for now, but nevertheless exciting.

    For us it is time again to thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the ending year. And we would like to wish you, your families and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season and all the best for a successful New Year.

    Your Hercules Team!

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    Marry (right before) Christmas
    Friday, December 12 2014

    Elton and David are expected to tie the knot at their home in Windsor in front of just 50 friends and family on December 21, 2014.

    Sir Elton John and David Furnish are getting married in a “small and intimate” ceremony – nine years after first exchanging vows for their civil partnership.

    Elton, 67, and his partner David, 52, have invited 50 friends and family to their home to witness them tie the knot on December 21, 2014. Guests are thought to include David and Victoria Beckham, Elizabeth Hurley and the Osbournes.

    The revelation comes two days after it became legal to convert civil partnerships into marriages. A friend said: “Elton and David have been planning this for months. Elton is flamboyant but, for once, this will be a decidedly low-key affair. Only close friends and family are invited – it’s going to be a small, intimate do.”

    The couple’s sons, Zachary, three, and Elijah, one, are said to be ring bearers and the pal added: “It’s important to David and Elton the boys play a special part.” Guests at the mansion, in Windsor, Berks, will be offered festive canapes and mulled wine will be flowing.

    In 2005 the pair – now together for more than 20 years – became one of the first couples here to have a civil partnership. That service was at Windsor Guildhall, before 650 guests, including Lulu and Ringo Starr, joined the couple for a champagne-fuelled knees-up at home.

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    EJAF - Doubling our giving: matching your gift.
    Friday, December 12 2014

    This holiday season you have a remarkable opportunity to double your giving to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)!

    EJAF's generous friends Andy Knight, Beau Gratzer, and the Knight Family Foundation have issued a $50,000 challenge gift to EJAF. For example, if you donate $50 to EJAF, Andy and Beau will match your gift, bringing your total donation to $100!

    On behalf of all the people living with HIV/AIDS who benefit from EJAF’s programs, we urge you to take advantage of this special opportunity to double the impact of your gift! Go to ejaf.org/donate now.

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    Tiny Dancer by A Song for Lily-Mae
    Wednesday, December 10 2014

    The moment that Elton John dedicated his performance of Tiny Dancer to our Tiny Dancer. There were cheers and quite a few tears as the first familiar notes played out across the arena.




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    'Elton John can't hold a tune any more', says Carol Decker (T'Pau)
    Wednesday, December 10 2014

    Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Madonna should all quit singing because they can no longer hold a tune, according to pop star Carol Decker.

    The T’Pau frontwoman told the Daily Mail: "I don’t think Madonna can sing any more. Her voice sounds awful — it has started to age. Elton John sounds like a pub singer, and I can’t listen to Paul McCartney any more."

    The singer, 57, whose band will soon release their first album for 16 years, added: "I know these are giants in the industry and I’m a little tiny speck of dust, but I want to remember them as they were."

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    Elton to meet Irish "Tiny Dancer"
    Monday, December 8 2014

    Elton has made a courageous Irish girl’s Christmas dream come true after inviting her to meet him at a special backstage VIP reception before his Dublin concert on December 9, 2014.

    Lily-Mae Morrison, six, who is battling a rare childhood cancer, first captured the hearts of the Irish public two Christmases ago after a charity cover version of Elton’s 1972 classic single ‘Tiny Dancer’ was released in her name.

    Elton was so enchanted with both the moving version of his song and Lily-Mae’s bravery that he requested to meet her twice previously during subsequent tour dates in Cork and Paris. But Lily-Mae, who suffers from Stage 4 Neuroblastoma and who was undergoing gruelling chemotherapy at the time, was too ill on both occasions and was left heartbroken after her parents were reluctantly forced to turn down the opportunity for her to meet her idol.

    But happily, it looks like third time lucky for the Galway youngster, who fittingly has become better known as Ireland’s ‘Tiny Dancer’ and who recently reached a massive milestone in her bid to beat cancer, after crucial tests confirmed she had free of the killer disease for a whole year.

    On December 7, 2014, her delighted mother Judith Sibley said she cried tears of joy when a message arrived from Elton inviting Lily-Mae to meet him at Dublin’s 3Arena on December 9, 2014 and watch him perform.

    “This means everything to us and Lily-Mae is beside herself with excitement. We were heartbroken when we had to turn down Elton John on two previous occasions, particularly when he played in Cork and I really didn’t expect Lily-Mae would get another invitation.

    “But she has and she’s absolutely over the moon. It’s going to be a very emotional moment, because, of course, Elton is such a big part of Lily-Mae’s story.,” she said.

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    Elton songs high on most-sophisticated lyrics List
    Monday, December 8 2014

    Did you ever listen to an Elton John song and think, “Wow, I wish I understood what he was singing about?” If so, that may be because, according to a new study, the lyrics to Elton’s songs are among the most sophisticated of all British music stars.

    The study, conducted by British tabloid The Mirror, reportedly used algorithms designed to measure the difficulty of school textbooks to analyze song lyrics by a wide range of acts, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Queen, Rod Stewart, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. The study found that it requires 9.3 years of education to fully understand the words to Elton’s tunes. And of course the lyrics to Elton’s songs aren’t written by Elton himself, but by his songwriting partners, including his frequent collaborator, Bernie Taupin.

    The only British act with lyrics more sophisticated than Elton’s, says the newspaper, is ’80s New Wave act Depeche Mode, whose lyrics require 10.3 years of education to understand. Also finishing in the top 10 of the tally are Dire Straits, The Pet Shop Boys, Bowie, Stewart, UB40, Queen and Def Leppard.

    On the other side of the spectrum, the study wasn’t too kind to Led Zeppelin. The band’s old blues lyrics, euphemisms for sex and references to mythical beings were deemed the least sophisticated of all the artists studied, notching an average readability score of only 4.4. They shouldn’t feel too bad, though — The Beatles, The Who, Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac and Paul McCartney as a solo artist also are listed among the 10 acts with the least sophisticated lyrics.

    Here are the top 10 acts with the most sophisticated lyrics:

    Depeche Mode — 10.3
    Elton John — 9.3
    Dire Straits — 9.2
    The Pet Shop Boys — 9.1
    David Bowie — 8.7
    Rod Stewart — 8.7
    Robbie Williams — 8.6
    UB40 — 8.5
    Queen — 8.5
    Def Leppard — 8.5

    And here are the top 10 acts with the least sophisticated lyrics:

    Led Zeppelin — 4.4
    The Who — 5.3
    The Smiths — 5.5
    The Beatles — 5.7
    Jethro Tull — 6.1
    Joy Division — 6.5
    Fleetwood Mac — 6.5
    The XX — 6.7
    Paul McCartney (solo) — 6.7
    Coldplay — 6.9

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    Lay back in my armchair, close eyes and think clear
    Monday, December 8 2014

    Elton was happily slouching in his chair at a tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall when he got an unwelcome surprise.

    Suddenly, his chair fell backwards – sending him on a speedy trip to the court surface. John McEnroe strolled to his aid though and it wasn’t long before Elton was back upright.

    Elton’s appearance was all part of a fundraising event in London as he went head-to-head with Billie Jean King on the sidelines managing a four-strong team.



    The international debut of Mylan WTT Smash Hits presented by Walgreen and AmerisourceBergen was a smashing success, raising more than $1 million dollars (USD) (more than £641,000) for the Elton John AIDS Foundation for only the second time in the event’s 22-year history.

    Mylan WTT Smash Hits, co-hosted by Elton John and Billie Jean King, has now raised more the $13 million USD (£8.3 million) to support HIV and AIDS prevention and awareness programs since the first event in 1993. The 2014 event was the first to be held outside of the U.S.

    Team Billie Jean defeated Team Elton 22-16 in front of a capacity crowd at Royal Albert Hall in London to tie the overall series at 11-11. Great Britain’s Tim Henman was the star of the night for Team Billie Jean, winning 10 of the 13 games he played. Henman partnered Jamie Murray to a convincing 5-0 victory in men’s doubles against John McEnroe and Andy Roddick and later closed out victory for his team with a 5-3 win in men’s singles over Roddick. “Tim’s serve made the difference,” said King. “He was serving like Andy Roddick tonight.”

    Team Elton started off the evening with a victory in women’s doubles as Martina Hingis and Heather Watson edged Sabine Lisicki and Kim Clijsters 5-4. Team Billie Jean’s Henman and Jamie Murray were newcomers to the WTT format, but the two quickly caught on to upstage Mylan WTT veterans John McEnroe and Andy Roddick with an impressive 5-0 win in men’s doubles. Murray clinched the set with a let ace against McEnroe.

    Lisicki extended the lead for Team Billie Jean, as she defeated Watson 5-3 in women’s singles. Trailing 14-8, Team Elton fought back in mixed doubles. Former Mylan WTT teammates Hingis and McEnroe beat Clijsters and Murray 5-3 to give their team the momentum. Henman denied any chance of a comeback with his 5-3 men’s singles win against Roddick.

    Before King and Elton’s teams battled it out on court, they went head-to-head in a live auction contest, raising more than $247,000 USD (£159,000). The top-selling items were two US Open ticket packages for more than $73,000 USD (£49,000). A Wimbledon package featuring a visit with John McEnroe and Elton John’s autographed piano bench were also auction favorites.

    Elton John addressed the capacity crowd when Mylan Chairman Robert J. Coury and CEO Heather Bresch handed the Elton John AIDS Foundation a check for £500,000. “This is a wonderful evening,” said John. “Without Mylan, we couldn’t possibly do this. They’ve make drugs for HIV positive people and we’re an HIV positive AIDS Foundation, so the two of us fit hand and glove very well and it’s a wonderful relationship. It would be wrong of me not to acknowledge the extent of the generosity Mylan has given us, which is immense.”


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    Elton John and band performed in Barcelona on December 6, 2014
    Sunday, December 7 2014

    Fan report by Julio.

    Zero Hour, Nine PM. In my head the "Rocket Man" lyrics were spinning already before the start of the concert, perhaps because this time the concert in Barcelona started at 9:00 PM, so related to our beloved "Rocket Man."

    The concert at the Palau Sant Jordi was simply incredible. Upon entering the venue, I met again with many of the fans who I known all my Elton fan life, I saluted all of them. Thanks to all the fans, you know who you are, I will keep you all inside my heart!

    Elton jumped on stage with British punctuality, as he usually does, with the opening track of this tour, which is "Funeral for a Friend." There were highlight moments such as the long version of "Levon", which was simply incredible. And again "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," which undoubtedly is the best song to represent this tour.

    Remarkably, unlike the last concert, Elton included "Sad Songs (Say So Much)," which was well received by the Spanish people. Elton thanked his Spanish fans for all the support that we have given over the years, and said he loved Barcelona (I hope to return as soon as possible).

    In short, an incredible night, which perhaps lacked five songs that were essential for me such as "Nikita", "Sacrifice", "Empty Garden", "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" and "The Greatest Discovery" ... but they were supplemented by other songs of equal quality.

    Elton, come back soon to Spain. We love you!

    Following is the complete set list of the Barcelona show on December 6, 2014:

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

    25. Crocodile Rock
    26. Circle Of Life / Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

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    Elton John and band performed in Milano on December 4, 2014
    Saturday, December 6 2014

    Following is the complete set list of the Milano show on December 4, 2014.

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

    25. Crocodile Rock
    26. Circle Of Life / Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

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    Elton to perform on 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
    Saturday, December 6 2014

    Seacrest said it would be Elton's first time performing on the show, and that he will hit the stage just after midnight, making him the first performer of 2015.

    The music icon is going to perform on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015, Ryan Seacrest revealed during an appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 4, 2014.

    Previously announced performers include headliner Taylor Swift, Idina Menzel, Gavin DeGraw andLady Antebellum. Seacrast has hosted the special for nine years. It begins at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

    New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is produced by dick clark productions with Seacrest, Allen Shapiro and Mike Mahan serving as executive producers. Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are co-executive producers. Larry Klein is producer.

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    Elton: "I avoid football matches because I don't like crowds"
    Wednesday, December 3 2014

    "Fans using their mobile phones to take my photo means it is difficult to relax at games," says the singer and former Watford FC chairman.

    Elton has said he avoids going to football matches because he doesn't "like crowds". The star, who is Life President and a former chairman of Watford Football Club, said that it wasn't easy to relax at their games because people kept taking his photo.

    "One thing about me not attending matches more recently: I don't like crowds," he told the Watford Observer. "It is not so comfortable going to matches as it was back in our day, back in the 1970s. People are different and they have these mobile phones and their cameras. They didn't have them years back, so it is different. You are having your photo taken all the time. It is not so easy to relax and just concentrate on a game."

    Elton, a lifelong fan of the club, is set to attend his first Watford match in four years later in December 2014 after the club decided to rename their new stand after the star. The singer, along with manager Graham Taylor, guided Watford from the old Fourth Division to second place in English football's top flight, and into Europe, in the space of six seasons between 1977 and 1983. He will return on December 13, 2014 to open the new 3,000-seater stand, which has cost the club £4.4m and increases the capacity of the club’s Vicarage Road stadium to more than 20,000.

    In his interview with the paper, Elton also claimed his partner David Furnish is a football fan, despite repeated media stories to the contrary. Elton said David supports Watford, who are currently seventh in the Championship, the second tier of English football. The couple’s two boys are also proud wearers of the Hornets' distinctive yellow kit. "He gets blamed for everything and he is rather hurt that people think he is responsible for me not going to football," Elton told the Watford Observer. "He supports Watford: both our boys are into football and watch it on television and they have the Watford kit. In fact David is very encouraging about my love for Watford."

    Sir Elton also said he was "very proud" that the club – who have twice been promoted to the Premier League – were in the Championship, considering they had in the fourth tier when he took charge in the 1970s.

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    Elton's Ferrari fetches quarter of a million at auction
    Tuesday, December 2 2014

    A Ferrari originally owned by former Watford FC owner-chairman Elton John, who then gave the car to his loyal drummer, Nigel Olsson, sold for more than a quarter of a million pounds at an auction on November 30, 2014.

    The yellow Ferrari Dino 246GT Coupe was bought new by Elton for an undisclosed sum in November 1972, the month he entered the record charts with "Crocodile Rock." Six months later, on June 15, 1973, Elton "gifted" the car to Nigel Olsson.

    Before the auction, at Bonhams in London, the car had been expected to sell for between £220,000 and £280,000. In the end it was snapped up for £259,100. Auctioneers Bonhams said it was "a rare opportunity to acquire a fully documented, low-mileage example of this iconic V6 Ferrari, possessing the additional cachet of A-List celebrity ownership."

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    World AIDS Day articles by Elton and David
    Tuesday, December 2 2014

    Elton John AIDS Foundation Founder Elton and Chairman David have published articles for World AIDS Day.

    Elton’s op ed, “Five Steps to An AIDS-Free Future,” appeared on medium.com, and David’s essay is published in The Advocate.

    Elton’s article discusses the ways in which stigma continues to fuel the worldwide AIDS epidemic and the five steps we all must take to achieve an AIDS-free future: (1) Getting tested; (2) Talking about health with friends and family; (3) Being honest about sex and drugs; (4) Speaking out against stigma; and (5) Thinking Big.

    David’s essay shares the personal story of a young gay couple – Josh and Chanse – as they come to terms with the discovery that Chanse is HIV positive through availing themselves of HIV testing and treatment services at The Philadelphia Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, an EJAF grantee organization.

    We urge you to read Elton and David’s timely World AIDS Day articles in their entirety, and join them in the effort to end AIDS once and for all by making a generous donation to the Elton John Aids Foundation.

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