Sir Rod Stewart Receives Knighthood From Prince William
Rod Stewart joined the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Tom Jones on Tuesday (Oct. 11) when he was knighted at Buckingham Palace. The 71-year-old rock icon was recognized for his contributions to music and charity by Prince William, who bestowed the honor on the "Maggie May" singer (and his wife, Lady Penny Lancaster), who paid homage to his Scottish heritage by wearing tartan-patterned pants and a jacket with military-style red and gold trim.
Stewart will call himself Sir Roderick David Stewart.
Source: BillBoard
2014-12-25
Elton John Marries His Long-Term Partner
Sir Elton John and David Furnish have officially married - nine years to the day they tied the knot in a civil partnership ceremony.
In his first post on his newly-created Instagram account, Sir Elton put up an invitation requesting "the pleasure of your company" and said the couple would share "special moments from our big day".
On Sunday morning, he posted a photo of himself, pen in hand, sitting next to Furnish with the message: "That's the legal bit done. Now on to the ceremony!"
The Beckhams and Elizabeth Hurley were among the high-profile guests at the ceremony at the couple's mansion in Old Windsor, Berkshire.
Hurley tweeted a picture of herself with her son, saying: "On our way to Elton and David's wedding. V excited."
Sir Elton later posted a picture of the ceremony, showing the registrar welcoming guests.
She is seen standing in front of a Damien Hirst work called The Incomplete Truth - a dove suspended mid-flight in formaldehyde.
The wedding menu was wild mushroom soup with truffle cream, followed by beef short rib and caramelised onion pie, warm chocolate pudding and wedding cake.
The light lunch was washed down with Pouilly Fumé Baron de 'L' 2009 and Laurent-Perrier Rose wines.
Before the ceremony, Sir Elton posted an image of their two sons' shoes, with the message: "Our little ring bearers are fast asleep, and their shoes are polished and ready."
The 67-year-old singer and Canadian-born filmmaker tied the knot in a star-studded civil partnership ceremony at Windsor Guildhall on 21 December, 2005.
Earlier this year, Sir Elton told Sky News why it was important for him and Furnish to marry now it was legal.
"We had our big shebang when we had our civil union, but we will (have a wedding).
"I think it's a great opportunity to take advantage of the new laws and to celebrate," he said.
"We're very lucky in this country to be able to have that advantage and to have that position to be in." Source: Ananova
2012-02-08
Barlow picking variety of acts over 60 years for Queen's Jubilee
Singer Gary Barlow signed up a wide range of musicians to perform at The Queen's upcoming Diamond Jubilee concert in London to mark the 60 years she has spent on the throne.
Legends including Sir Elton John, Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Cliff Richard will perform during the Buckingham Palace celebration, while pop newcomers Jessie J and Ed Sheeran are also set to take to the stage.
Barlow, who is helping to organise the show, handpicked the artists to appear - and he insists music from throughout the Queen's time as monarch will be played at the concert.
Speaking on The One Show, he says, "What we're trying to do on this concert is give every decade of her reign a chance to be heard musically, so we'll be doing music from the 50s, 60s, right the way through to now."
But Barlow is remaining coy about rumours his band Take That will perform.
He adds, "Nothing's been decided yet but over the next couple of months we're releasing more acts we're adding to the bill, so you'll have to wait and see."
The Diamond Jubilee Concert will take place on 4 June. Source: Ananova
2010-07-12
Fans cash in on free Prince album
Prince may regret his decision to give away his new album for free with two newspapers - entrepreneurial readers are selling copies online for more than £15.
"The Purple Rain" hitmaker struck a deal with the Daily Mirror and Daily Record to hand out his new disc 20TEN with copies of the newspapers on Saturday.
He insisted it was the right move as it would circumvent internet piracy and would cause him "no stress".
But the singer might already be ruing his decision - hundreds of copies of the CD have gone onsale on various websites, attracting bids of more than £15.
One star who won't be bidding on the record is Sir Elton John - the Daily Mirror reports he ordered five copies of the paper to be sent to his home by courier on Saturday to ensure he got hold of the album. Source: Ananova
2009-08-31
Little Bit Funny: Elton Needs Autocue Help
Elton John can't seem to remember the words to his own hit "Your Song" despite singing it for 39 years.
The superstar had an autocue hidden in a flower arrangement on stage while playing a private birthday party in Monaco.
Elton first released the ballad in October 1970 and has sung it hundreds of times since then, seeing it re-enter the charts at number 4 in 2002.
But even the first line "It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside" was on a teleprompter as he played at the gig for a rumoured £1million at the Hotel de Paris.
One partygoer said: "He really got stuck into the performance, giving it everything.
"But some people noticed a screen hidden in the flowers.
"Most fans could sing Your Song in their sleep so it's funny Elton needed help with lyrics he's been doing for four decades."
The song, penned with Bernie Taupin, was the pop knight's first hit single, reaching the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic.
A representative for the star insisted the autocue was only used to remind the star of the running order of the show. Source: Ananova
2005-04-25
Christmas wedding for Elton
Elton John has revealed he will get married before Christmas.
He says he will tie the knot with partner David Furnish when civil partnerships for gays becomes legal in England on December 5 reports the Mirror.
He said: "We definitely want to do it about the middle of December, probably in Windsor. But there will be no honeymoon. I'm on tour."
He added: "Meeting David has been the greatest thing to happen to me. Yes, we spend a lot of time apart. It's hard, but we make it work." Source: Ananova
2005-03-11
Queen guitarist calls Elton a 'silly boy'
Queenguitarist Brian May has called Sir Elton John a "silly boy" over Elton's reported comments that Queen's hit West End musical We Will Rock You is uncreative.
May said: "Elton is a silly boy really for commenting on a piece of work he's never seen. I know damn well We Will Rock You is one of the best entertainments ever - simply because literally millions of people say so, who have seen it and go back again and again, from all countries of the world.
"It will soon have broken the record for any show in the Dominion. These things are not achieved without a certain creativity."
May has also taken a snipe at Elton's upcoming musical Billy Elliott saying, "Billy Elliott, the Musical?. I wish 'em luck, but the film didn't do it for me. Does it rock?.
"I guess if Billy Elliott the Musical is still playing to ecstatic packed houses after three years in the West End, we'll take it seriously. Source: Ananova
2005-03-02
Prince's surprise gig for exclusive celebs
Prince performed a surprise set at a post-Oscars party before an exclusive crowd.
Christina Aguilera and fiance Jordan Bratman were among the few on the very select guest list.
Only 50 celebrities were able to get past the tight security at the bash held at Prince's villa on LA's Mulholland Drive.
An eyewitness told the New York Post the Purple One and his full band played in his living room until the crack of dawn.
"It was very select, very intimate and hands down the best."
Elsewhere in Hollywood, Sir Elton John and the Scissor Sisters entertained celebrities at Elton's annual Aids Foundation fund-raising post-Academy Award party.
Eltonand the Scissor Sisters performed a duet on Elton's The Bitch Is Back before a crowd which included Elizabeth Taylor, Nicolette Sheridan, Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson and Aguilera again.
According to the paper Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears split his pants during his energetic performance. Source: Ananova
2005-02-21
Elton confirms Huddersfield gig
Sir Elton John has added a concert at Huddersfield's Galpharm football ground to his summer tour of football stadiums.
He will play the venue on June 3. Tickets go on sale on February 22.
Elton has already confirmed he will play Reading, Southampton, Norwich, Bolton, Coventry, Watford, Hibernian and Kilmarnock football grounds as part of his summer tour which also includes gigs at Nottingham Ice Arena and Glasgow's SECC.
Meanwhile, Elton is suffering a bout of the flu forcing him to cancel a concert at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, where he is currently playing a series of his Red Piano shows which are due to wrap up next Saturday. Source: Ananova
2005-02-10
Prince is a big earner
Prince has been named the biggest earning artist of 2004.
The singer beat Madonna and Elton John in a poll of the top 20 biggest pop earners of 2004 by Rolling Stone magazine.
Prince made a comeback last year and earned Ј35million from concerts and CD sales reports The Sun. Source: Ananova
2004-12-14
George hits back at Elton
George Michael has hit back at Elton John after he criticised his latest album, Patience, and told him to "get out more".
Michael hit back after Sir Elton said in an interview: "George is in a strange place. There appears to be a deep-rooted unhappiness in his life."
After reading the article in Heat magazine, Michael wrote an angry letter to the editor, published in this week's edition. He writes: "Elton John knows very little about George Michael and that's a fact. Contrary to the public's impression, we have spoken rarely in the last 10 years and what would probably surprise most people is that we have never discussed my private life. Ever."
Michael says he has never been happier and that in contrast to Sir Elton, he has been open about his sexuality reports the Evening Standard.
"But with Elton it was never like that," he writes. "Sadly, I was always aware that Elton's circle of friends was the busiest rumour mill in town and that respect for my private life was not exactly guaranteed.
"So, we never became genuinely close, which is very sad. And to this day, most of what Elton thinks he knows about my life is pretty much limited to the gossip he hears on the 'gay grapevine' which is, as you can imagine, lovely stuff.
"Other than that, he knows I don't like to tour, I smoke too much pot and my albums still have a habit of going to Number One. In other words, he knows as much as most of my fans. What he doesn't know is I have rarely been as happy and confident as I am today, thanks to my partner Kenny and the continued support of my fans.
"If I stay at home too much, if anything it is because I am too contented right now. I have travelled the world many times and at 41, I think I have earned the right to a quiet life, which I truly love, and maybe Elton just can't relate to that."
Michael also uses the letter to criticise Sir Elton's reliance on his back catalogue. He says: "We are totally different in that sense.
"He makes millions playing those old classics day in and day out, whereas my drive and passion is still about the future and the songs I have yet to write for the public." He also pointed out that the US royalties from Patience are going to the Elton John Aids Foundation. Source: Ananova
2004-12-06
Sir Elton gets US culture award
Sir Elton John and Warren Beatty are among six stars honoured for lifetime contributions to American culture.
The singer and actor received Kennedy Centre honours alongside soprano Dame Joan Sutherland, composer John Williams and producers Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.
The celebration included a reception hosted by President Bush and his wife, culminating with a gala at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts reports BBC online.
Among the 2,400 invited guests were actor Robert Downey Jr, Oscar winner Faye Dunaway and singer songwriter Billy Joel.
Sir Elton was serenaded by Downey, Joel and musician Kid Rock, while the actor introduced the star as "the other first lady".
The singer said the award was "the icing on the cake".
"It's incredible for someone who's British to be given such an accolade from America, which has given me so much already in my career," he added.
Opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland, 77, was recognised for her wide musical repertoire and ability to hit high notes.
Husband and wife Davis and Dee, who are also actors, were awarded for having appeared in 50 films together, and were praised by rap star P Diddy for having inspired his career. Source: Ananova
2004-11-04
Elton developing US show
Sir Elton John is developing a US comedy series about an ageing rock superstar and the people around him.
Elton said the show, which hasn't been given a name yet, will not be based on him but will be a mix of other rockers such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury.
The 57-year-old singer said: "It's not about me, but about everybody we've encountered over the past 30 years.
"We've met every star and seen every misbehaviour. And it's about the people around the star, who have to put up with them. It's an upmarket 'Spinal Tap.'"
Elton said the rock star's career will span three decades and a song called Him and Us has already been written for the show. It will feature on his 43rd album Peachtree Road.
The idea came to Elton and his business manager Bob Halley three years ago reports ITV.com.
They've since had input from songwriter Bruce Roberts, producer Michael Edelstein and Sex and the City screenwriter Cindy Chupack. Source: Ananova
2004-10-26
Usher among winners at Radio Music Awards
Usher and Linkin Park were among the winners at the 2004 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas.
Usher took the awards for hip-hop artist of the year and song of the year for Yeah! at Monday's ceremony.
Linkin Park won the alternative rock song of the year for Numb and rock artist of the year. The winners were chosen by US radio executives.
Performers at the show included Sir Elton John, Destiny's Child, Alanis Morissette and Ashlee Simpson reports BBC online.
Destiny's Child opened the show at the Aladdin hotel and casino with their song Lose My Breath.
Singer Beyonce Knowles won the award for top 40 radio artist of the year, while Tim McGraw won the country artist of the year.
The nominees in each category were based on radio's top-playing songs. Radio programme and music directors across the US voted for the winners. Source: Ananova
2004-10-01
Sir Elton to leave fortune to godchildren
Sir Elton John will reportedly split his Ј175m fortune between his 10 godchildren when he dies.
Among those who will benefit will be Brooklyn Beckham, son of England soccer captain David and Victoria.
His little brother Romeo is also thought to be one of the ten. Another is actress Elizabeth Hurley's son Damian.
Sean Lennon, son of murdered Beatle John, is also a godson of Sir Elton and may get a share of his fortune, says The Sun.
The 57-year-old superstar, who lives with partner David Furnish, said: "David and I are godfathers to Brooklyn and Damian. I have about ten godchildren. I love kids.
"There was a part of me going, 'Who am I going to leave this to?' It was going to be nobody. We have enough godchildren to leave everything to now.
"They're going to inherit a fair old whack but they play a big part in our lives." Source: Ananova
2004-09-27
Elton paying tribute to himself
Elton John is to present a TV show paying tribute to himself.
The singer has invited celebrities to join him for the BBC1 programme, Elton John: An Ivor Novello Tribute, reports The Sun.
A BBC insider tells the paper: "Not many stars are big enough, but what Elton wants, Elton gets." Source: Ananova
2004-08-27
Elton hides from fans
Elton John is locking himself away in his Las Vegas hotel to escape screaming fans.
He only emerges from Caesar's Palace to perform at his shows, reports ITV.
Elton said: "Can you imagine how ridiculous it looks for a man of my age to be running away from screaming fans?
"I used to love the attention once - I don't particularly relish it any more." Source: Ananova
2004-07-29
Sir Elton announces December UK dates
Sir Elton John and his band are undertaking a UK tour in December to promote his new album Peachtree Road.
Concerts at Glasgow's SECC on December 3, Sheffield's Hallam FM Arena on December 9 and Nottingham's National Ice Arena on December 10 have been confirmed.
More pre-Christmas shows are expected to be announced shortly.
Tickets for the Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham gigs go on sale on Friday, July 30.
Peachtree Road, Elton's 28th studio album, is released in November.
Tracks confirmed include Turn the Lights Out When You Leave and Freaks In Love. Source: Ananova
2004-05-20
Elton helps students
Sir Elton John has presented four students at the Royal Academy of Music with scholarships.
The singer won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music more than 30 years ago.
Now he has launched a Ј1 million endowment fund to help youngsters from deprived backgrounds achieve the same success.
Sir Elton has staged a gala concert at the Royal Opera House with an orchestra to help raise the money for scholarships ranging from Ј1,000 to Ј10,000.
The star was given a scholarship to the academy's scheme for talented young musicians at the age of 11, and had lessons there for six years.
He said: "For quite some time I have tried to find a way to repay my debt to the academy."
Peter Craik, communications manager for the academy, said: "This is very, very exciting and fantastic for the students.
"It is not just a matter of funding for Elton, he also wants to take a personal interest in the students as individuals.
"It is fantastic for them to have this very great figure who has made it to take an interest in them.
"Elton wants to follow their progress and give them advice all the way." Source: Ananova
2004-04-28
George Michael king of the airwaves
George Michael is the most played artist on British radio.
The singer has received more airplay than Robbie Williams, Elton John and Madonna.
Songs such as Careless Whisper and Faith have earned him millions of plays on radio stations up and down the country and now he is being honoured by the Radio Academy for his achievement.
"I can't believe it. I've only made six albums in 22 years so I don't know how this happened. I'm the luckiest writer on earth," Michael said.
His hits with Wham!, including Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, I'm Your Man and Last Christmas, helped him top the chart of most played artists of the past 20 years.
Sir Elton was second in the list, followed by Williams.
Kylie Minogue was fourth and one of only two women to make the top 10 - the other is Madonna at number six. Bryan Adams is fifth thanks to his hit (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, which topped the charts for 16 weeks in 1991.
The chart was compiled by Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL), which collects royalties from radio stations on behalf of record companies, from the 600 national and local radio stations in the UK. Source: Ananova