Americans will soon be celebrating the Fourth of July. In the UK, this is when the general election is being held–which Elton and David Furnish have weighed in on.
They are backing Keir Starmer and the Labour Party because, Elton says, Britain’s next generation of talent is currently being ”destroyed by democracy and red tape.” He believes that those putting together a tour have also been impacted, and David adds that it’s ”madness” to treat the music industry with such ”disdain.”
Elton joined another political figure–President Biden–at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument on Friday in New York City. While grateful to be part of the proceedings, he says the fight for freedom and equality continues.
Elton wrapped up by performing Bennie and the Jets, I’m Still Standing, and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
The monument is to remember the night patrons fought back after yet another police raid on the popular gay bar, Stonewall Inn. It took place on 28 June 1969, and is considered a catalyst for the LGBT movement for civil rights in America.
On Thursday, Elton and David launched an online version of Out of the Closet. It’s called Rocket Man Resale, and you can bid here through 7 July.
The star told ET that it’s the third EJAF Out of the Closet in the States; in the United Kingdom, there were four such sales of his clothing.
While David has donated to the cause for years, it’s the first time for friends such as Robin Roberts, Brandi Carlile, Donatella Versace and Betsey Johnson.
As for Elton’s items, we’re keen on his Gucci studded jacket featuring designs of birds and flowers; custom-made bomber jacket (also Gucci); turquoise suit designed by Richard James; and Gianni Versace black panther shirt. What really got our attention, though, is a Saint Laurent leopard print coat. It brings to mind a Versace coat with a similar design worn by Elton in the 1997 Tantrums and Tiaras movie. In that scene, the singer got upset when someone drove off with the outfit he was to wear that day in a music video.
When Elton appeared at Glastonbury last year, his set list included Are You Ready For Love. Elton thinks we are, seeing how the world is being ”pushed apart.”
Another reason Elton opted for Are You Ready For Love at his final UK gig is because he likes the Thom Bell number (also composed by Casey James and Thom’s nephew LeRoy Bell), and said as much in The Road to Glastonbury, a behind-the-scenes short.
It’s just a matter of time until Bernie Taupin shares more of his experiences (as with his book, Scattershot, published last year).
The songwriter is calling his yet-to-be-titled documentary ”emotional and enlightening.” He credits ”the originality of all parties involved” for making it easier to ”loosen my grip on the cards I hold closest to my chest.”
Bernie is referring to contributors such as Elton; Alice Cooper; Ringo Starr; Annie Lennox; Lulu; Pete Townshend; and Gary Oldman. His wife, Heather, is one of the producers.
As mentioned by Elton Blog 62, some of the filming was done in Lincolnshire, England, where Bernie grew up.
In more good news, a replacement has been found for Andrew Rannells, who won’t be reprising his UK Tammy Faye performance in America. He is two-time Tony award winner Christian Borle. Elton said he is thrilled to welcome such an ”exciting leading man,” and is sure Christian’s capable of capturing both the ”humour and darkness” of the Jim Bakker part.
Elton also appreciates young talent like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gracie Abrams, and told the Today Show he’d like to collaborate with them.
Our latest podcast was issued last Saturday: Elton’s musical direction was decided after a recording at Olympic Studios in London. George Matlock speaks to Olympic’s music historian Roger Miles, Elton fan Paul Lewis and someone who was with Elton for that fateful recording in 1969, Stuart Epps. We also discover what’s in store for Olympic in 2024.
You can listen to the trailer on our new website Radio Elton John
