Expect The Unexpected.
ARIA‘s Top 50 Singles Chart for the week of 5 September is out. If you’re thinking that Elton and Britney Spears‘ new song, Hold Me Closer, is #1 on the Australian chart, you are correct. On the Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50 for 2 September through 8 September 2022, the singers are in second position. They are #3 (but highest new entry) on the UK’s Official Singles Chart. What’s more, the Official Charts Company has announced that Diamonds, Elton’s collection of hits which came out in November 2017, has passed the one million charts unit mark in the UK.
Martin Talbot, Chief Executive of the Official Charts Company, commented: ”The huge success of Diamonds once again highlights the massive impact Sir Elton John continues to have on the British music market and the love that music lovers in the UK have for him. There is no doubt that Sir Elton will forever be the nation’s Captain Fantastic.”
”Captain Fantastic” shared his thoughts about his latest hit with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. His aim was to put out ”a happy record.” The world could use this, he figured, since the radio and TV seems to just be full of ”doom and gloom.”
He also spoke about wanting to end his tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, since it ”has a beautiful ring to it and the palm trees and everything about it seems so perfect.” He anticipates surprises–and perhaps at some other concerts as well. Meanwhile, the musician hinted at yet another surprise. Earlier this year, he recorded material for other artists with Andrew Watt. They went to a studio in Toronto and composed over a dozen tracks. But he wouldn’t reveal more about the project.
Elton had considered doing a residency once his tour is finished, but David Furnish, his husband and manager, says it’s unlikely. A one-off or different sort of venue isn’t out of the question, though. What is certain is that the composer plans to reunite with Bernie Taupin.
David said the songwriter sent along some great lyrics, but his spouse hasn’t had time yet to get to them. In addition, they hope to find a way to preserve Elton’s vast art and record collections, not to mention his colourful stage outfits. That could involve the V&A, a touring show, or a permanent EJ museum.
The interview, in which Elton is compared to a shark because of his need ”to keep moving,” also includes a discussion about finances and technology.
You might remember Chorus of Light: Photographs From The Sir Elton John Collection. Shown at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, over two decades ago, the display featured works from Edward Weston, Irving Penn, Man Ray, Horst P. Horst, Diane Arbus, and many others. Now the Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco, California, has announced Peter Hujar Curated by Elton John. The 50 photos run the gamut, from nudes to landscapes. The show runs from 8 September through 22 October 2022 , and a portion of the proceeds go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
In more sombre news, the singer marked the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana‘s death on 31 August by posting a picture of the pair on Instagram. ”You will always be missed,” he wrote. He has said told Hello Magazine that his friend was ”fabulous company, the best dinner guest, incredibly discreet, a real gossip. You could ask her anything, and she’d tell you.”
Elton also paid homage to Taylor Hawkins via video at a star-studded concert on 3 September. He told attendees at Wembley Stadium in London, England, that the late drummer was a great musician, husband and father, not to mention ”a great guy to hang out with.” He said that Taylor and the Foo Fighters would never give less than 150%. He was honoured that Taylor appeared on his album, The Lockdown Sessions, released last year.
Afterwards, one of Elton’s classics Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was performed by Them Crooked Vultures. This rock supergroup, comprising Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones, and Josh Homme, hadn’t played together in a dozen years.
Another Taylor Hawkins salute is set for Los Angeles on 27 September. Proceeds benefit Music Support and Music Cares.
- Bernie Taupin was mentioned earlier in this digest. He’s also cited by American Songwriter, which has listed half a dozen of his non-Elton compositions. For instance, did you know that the Englishman wrote What I Really Want For Christmas with Brian Wilson in 2005? The title track was for Brian’s first-ever solo seasonal LP.
- If you’ve checked Instagram lately, you know that Britney Spears recently presented her famous singing partner with rocket ship-shaped salt and pepper shakers. Elton showed them off and added a note of thanks.
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