Shears And Spears: Elton’s Current And Future Projects
It’s likely that you’ve heard the saying, ”Don’t make a production out of it.” Actually, Elton and Britney Spears‘ are planning just that. An insider has said they’re ready to ”make a big production” for their hit, Hold Me Closer. This is in the early stages as they need to decide how to convey the song’s message, as well as what sort of storyline or concept the music video would have:
Elton has said he hopes that Britney’s confidence will be restored after going through so many betrayals and ”such a traumatic time.” The single’s performance ought to help. . . . For one, it has topped the Big Top 40 chart. This was for the week of 28 August 2022. The composition has also ”received a warm welcome from Hot Adult Contemporary radio programmers” most added song. It’s been picked up by 65 Mediabase-monitored Hot AC stations, while Spotify had it in first place for 26-28 August in the ”Top Songs Debut USA” category. It was reported on 26 August — that within just 10 hours of its YouTube release, the Hold Me Closer video garnered over 400,000 views. And in just one week on the Official Singles chart for 29 August through 4 September, Hold Me Closer is #3.
They’re not done yet, though. An extended version of the track as well as ”a bumper remix package” are on the way. Due to streaming, hits may not stay around after the initial buzz. An unnamed source then explained that extended versions and remixes add longevity.
Billboard readers voted for their favourite new music release of the week on 26 August: Hold Me Closer was the winner, by a large margin: close to 80% of the votes! The publication has also ranked EJ albums which made The Billboard 200. They range from Regimental Sgt Zippo, which was #197 on the Billboard 200 for one week, to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which was No. 1 for 8 weeks (and an impressive total of 111 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart).
On the 30 August, another music publication ran an interview with producer Andrew Watt. He told Rolling Stone about Elton’s suggestion: not to put pressure on himself while working on Hold Me Closer.
He wanted Andrew to know that it’s not ”the new Tiny Dancer but a fun, new version for people to listen to when they’re having a drink in Ibiza and dancing. It’s not serious.”
On 2 August, well before the song came out , Paris Hilton said she got to hear it while in Ibiza, and thinks ”it’s gonna be iconic.”
Also iconic are many of Elton’s ensembles, particularly the Bob Mackie creation he wore in October 1975, when playing Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Ahead of his return to the venue (on 17, 19, and 20 November), the Los Angeles Dodgers made an announcement. On 29 August , they unveiled plans for an Elton John Bobblehead Night. Fans attending the 30 September game will receive the bobblehead doll, attired in Elton’s sequined baseball outfit. After the game, folks can stay for a fireworks display set to the star’s music.
Across the pond, the Almeida Theatre in London, England, is to hold the world premiere of Elton and Jake Shears‘ Tammy Faye musical in October: Previews begin on the 13th, with the official opening set for 26 Octoberand run through 3 December. The Almeida‘s own Rupert Goold is to direct. Olivier winner Katie Brayben (Beautiful) has the lead role. Her husband, Jim Bakker, is to be played by Andrew Rannells (a Tony nominee for his role in The Book of Mormon). Jerry Falwell will be depicted by Olivier nominee Zubin Varla (Fun Home). Swing by the venue to learn who else is involved.
- Cheatsheet.com has an interesting look at some of Elton and David’s homes. That includes a 20-acre property in Beverly Hills. Their ”mega-mansion is a whopping 24,260 square feet with 10 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms,” to quote mega mansion.
- And here’s a bit more about the couple–as well as actor Taron Egerton. They immediately liked the actor who played the title role in the 2019 movie Rocketman. David Furnish said they thought Taron Egerton was handsome, with a ”real striking presence.”
After winning the role, the young man spoke to two actors with experience portraying music legends. He was advised and supported by Jamie Foxx and Rami Malek, who played Ray Charles and Freddie Mercury in their respective biopics, Ray and Bohemian Rhapsody. The actor enjoyed the experience for the most part . . . except for having his hair dyed and thinned.
Go to transform for more on Egerton’s transformation.
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