Showing posts with label Elton John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elton John. Show all posts

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Pride Music: Elton John & Taron Egerton "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again"

International pop star Elton John teamed up with his big screen Rocketman doppelgänger, Taron Egerton, for a new song, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again."

International pop star Elton John teamed up with his big screen Rocketman doppelgänger, Taron Egerton, for a new song, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again."

The music video for the uptempo track is made up of a melange of psychedelic images from John's decades-long career, scenes from the recording session for the song, and clips from the new 'musical fantasy bio pic.'

Hit the play button below. Happy Saturday!



Monday, June 10, 2019

News Round-Up: June 10, 2019

InstaHunk Joel Green's recipe for a successful Monday: "Dream. Plan. Do."
InstaHunk Joel Green 

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunk Joel Green (above) shares his recipe for a successful Monday: "Dream. Plan. Do."

• Donald Trump's entire family tagged along on his recent state visit to the UK, and along the way sons Don Jr. and Eric went on an Irish pub crawl where they offered free rounds of drinks for the house but didn't pony up when it was time to pay the bill.

• A gay bar manager in Dallas was fired for refusing to serve a transgender customer and her friends.

• I know, I know - no one wants to see a hunky, kilted Scot proposing to his boyfriend in the middle of a Pride parade, but if you did, hit the play button below:



New York Magazine has rounded up a 'who's who' list of prominent drag queens, given them the photo shoot treatment and attempted to rank them.

• Scientists at the University of Toronto say being left-handed is one of three factors that could indicate a man is gay. Having an older brother is the second and having gay family members is the third.

• Taron Egerton, star of the musical biopic Rocketman, joined Elton John onstage for a duet of the pop star's classic tune, "Your Song," wearing a Pride t-shirt. #swoon



Saturday, May 18, 2019

Elton John Musical Fantasy Biopic 'Rocketman' Premieres At Cannes Film Fest


The upcoming 'musical fantasy biopic,' Rocketman, based on the life and career of pop music superstar Elton John, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews this past Thursday.

At the end of the screening, the audience - with John, star Taron Egerton and director Dexter Fletcher — reportedly burst into applause.

Egerton was seen tearing up at the response:



The reviews so far have been strong, especially for Egerton:

"He (Egerton) doesn’t disappear into the role, exactly, but he accomplishes something nearly as remarkable, which is to locate subtle depths of feeling in a character we first see wearing a devil-horned chicken costume." - Los Angeles Times

"It’s a biopic and a jukebox musical and a romance, and also a movie about addiction, all crammed into a frenetic, jewel-studded ecstasy of a movie." - Vox

"All white men fortunate enough to commission big-screen versions of their own life stories should be so lucky as to have someone as casually adorable as Egerton play them on screen — not because he’s an especially strong actor but because even with various unflattering wigs and a gap-toothed bridge ... Egerton has a hard time looking dumpy." - Variety

And, of course, there are the inevitable comparisons to last year's box office smash Bohemian Rhapsody, which focused on the life of Queen frontman Freddy Mercury, which many felt was straight-washed in terms of Mercury's homosexuality.

"If Bohemian Rhapsody were the cheeseburger of music icon biopics, then Rocketman is the sirloin steak – with lobster on the side." - The Sun

For those who can't wait until May 31, there are special, limited Early Access screenings beginning today via Fandango.

The producers have also released a new song penned by Elton and partner Bernie Taupin for the end credits titled, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again," performed as a duet between John and Egerton.

In addition to creative expression, I'm sure it's also Elton's bid for another Oscar for "Best Original Song," as catalog tunes don't make the cut at the Academy Awards.

Check it out below.




Friday, April 19, 2019

News Round-Up: April 19, 2019

I hear MTV Jersey Shore star Vinny Guadagnino, who joins the Chippendales here in Las Vegas as Celebrity Guest Host April 26 through May 26, is selling a LOT of tickets. And yes, men are always welcome at Chippendales.

Some news items you might have missed:

• I hear MTV Jersey Shore star Vinny Guadagnino, who joins the Chippendales here in Las Vegas as Celebrity Guest Host April 26 through May 26, is selling a LOT of tickets. And yes, men are always welcome at Chippendales.

• A new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that 59% of likely U.S. voters say they would personally be willing to vote for an openly gay president; 30% would not, 12% are not sure.

• It's not just adults Donald Trump's transgender military ban is affecting. This college student lost his 3-year ROTC scholarship because of the new policy.

• A 28-year-old man in Mississippi was beaten so severely - his jaw was shattered in two places - because his assailants thought he was gay.

• 1995 drag classic To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar is being re-released for Pride Month on Blu-Ray with special features including deleted scenes.

• Christian home schooling parents, David and Louise Turpin, who beat, starved and held 12 of their children captive inside their home, were sentenced Friday to life in prison.

• The music and the magic of Elton John’s incredible life comes to the big screen in upcoming musical fantasy biopic, Rocketman.

Watch as the team behind the film discusses Elton John’s journey from prodigy to icon in this special look at Rocketman, in theatres May 31.



Monday, March 11, 2019

Elton John To Release First & Only Official Autobiography

Elton John


Not content with a big, splashy movie ‘musical fantasy’ about his life, Elton John has announced he plans on releasing his 'official' autobiography later this year in October.

John shared the news via a video shot at his favorite book shop in London.

“My life has been one helluva roller coaster ride and I’m now ready to tell you my story, in my own words,” tweeted the ‘Tiny Dancer’ singer. “My first and only official autobiography will be released October 2019.”

He provided this link for fans to pre-order the book now.



“I can’t wait for you to read it - because it’s the truth,” says John in the video. “So many books that have been written about me haven’t exactly been truthful.”

The publishing house set to release the memoir, Macmillan, says the cover and title haven’t been released yet, but the tome will be available in hardcover, paperback and e-book.

Fans are already looking forward to seeing the Grammy & Oscar winner’s life up on the big screen come May in the ‘epic musical fantasy’ biopic, Rocketman, starring Kingsmen star Taron Egerton.

Rami Malek just took home an Academy Award for his star turn as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. Could Egerton score Oscar gold as well?

With a tag line, “The only way to tell his story is to live his fantasy,” the movie arrives in theaters May 31. Check out the trailer below.



Monday, February 25, 2019

Taron Egerton Duets With Elton John Raising Millions For AIDS Efforts

Elton John & Taron Egerton sing 'Tiny Dancer' raising millions for AIDS efforts around the world
Elton John & Taron Egerton perform 'Tiny Dancer'

Since 1993, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party has been one of the most high-profile post-Oscar events in the Hollywood film industry.

In addition to the expensive ticket sales (which are given on a invitation-only basis), there’s a celebrity auction that helps raise funds for the foundation.

At last night’s event, one item up for bid was a trip to the London premiere of the upcoming Elton John musical biopic, Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton.

During the auction, Egerton was asked if he’d sing one of Elton’s songs, reports EW. The handsome Kingsman star agreed to an impromptu performance (he does his own singing in the upcoming film) but only if Elton would accompany him on the piano.

And the music legend sat right down and began to pluck out the notes to “Tiny Dancer.”

As the introduction played, Egerton (who was clearly thrilled) turned to the audience and said with a smile, “It’s funny how life turns out, isn’t it?”

Taron Egerton "Funny how life turns out, isn't it?"

Rocketman, which chronicles the early years of Elton’s legendary career, also stars Jamie Bell as longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as his manager, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother.

I recently shared the trailer for the epic musical fantasy here.

Hit the play button below for Egerton and Elton performing “Tiny Dancer” at the gala event (which raised over $6.3 million for AIDS efforts around the world).

Rocketman lands in theaters May 31.



Thursday, February 21, 2019

New Trailer For Elton John Movie Musical Fantasy 'Rocketman'


The producers of the upcoming Elton John biopic, Rocketman, released a new trailer and movie poster in anticipation of the May 31 premiere.

The creators describe the film as "an epic musical fantasy about the uncensored human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years."

The film stars Taron Egerton as Elton, along with Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard.



Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Taron Egerton Shows He Can SANG In Elton John Biopic 'Rocketman'

Taron Egerton sings in 'Rocketman'

Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service) and the creative team behind the upcoming Elton John biopic, Rocketman, share this behind-the-scenes peek into bringing the music of Elton John to the big screen.

Egerton does his own (very) impressive singing in the movie, and according to music producer Giles Martin, Elton himself said, “I don’t think I’ve heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron.”

Paramount has described the film as an “epic musical fantasy about the uncensored human story of Sir Elton John’s breakthrough years.”

In this new featurette, Egerton gushes, “This has been the greatest joy of my professional life making this film.”


In addition to Egerton, the flick stars Jamie Bell (Fantastic Four) as Elton’s longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) as the singer’s first manager John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World) portrays Elton’s mum.

Dexter Fletcher, who was the uncredited director who took over on Bohemian Rhapsody in the wake of Bryan Singer being sacked, handles the directing duties here as well.

Rocketman lands in theaters May 31. Watch the behind-the-scenes featurette below.



Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Holiday Playlist To Keep Your Christmas Day Merry & Bright


Here are 10 holiday songs for your uber-gay Christmas Day.

All of these artists are proudly LGBTQ, and celebrated for their artistry their respective genres.



1. George Michael (back in his Wham! days) delivered unto us this now-required listening holiday pop gem, “Last Christmas,” in 1986.




2. Out country hunk Ty Herndon takes the iconic “O Come All Ye Faithful” into African rhythm territory here, and it totes works.




3. It doesn’t get any more camp than this: the first true bear band, Bearforce1, with their holiday mashup, “Christmas is here!”




4. Two-time Out Music Award winner Matt Zarley covered Mariah Carey’s “Miss You Most At Christmastime” to spectacular result as part of his ‘UnCOVERED’ cover song series.




5. Award-winning cabaret star Ann Hampton Callaway offers this uber-jazzy “Jingle Bells.”




6. Before winning an Emmy Award as an insane murderer on American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Darren Criss’ “Blaine” was singing and dancing the holiday classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in high style with out actor Chris Colfer’s “Kurt” on GLEE.




7. Tony Award winner Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet) gives you a little bit gospel, a little bit rockabilly on his new cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”



8. Elton John released his “Step Into Christmas” in 1973 and it raced all the way to #1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart that year.




9. Handsome out smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz shared this cover of “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” on his 1997 release, December Makes Me Feel This Way.




10. Bright Light Bright Light gifted us with this synth-pop version of the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”



Monday, December 24, 2018

'Will & Grace' Serves Up Guest-Star Mashup Video

Patti LuPone guest starring on 'Will & Grace'
Over the 8 years of its original run (plus the two reboot/revival seasons), Will & Grace has given us not only lots of laughs from the ‘fearsome foursome,’ but tons of great guest stars.

Patti LuPone, Rosie O’Donnell, Blythe Danner, Ellen DeGeneres, David Schwimmer, Matt Bomer and Adam Rippon have all dropped by the hit NBC series to take part in the hilarity.



Plus, we’ve gotten cameo spots by music icons like Elton John, Janet Jackson, Madonna, JLo, Britney Spears and the one-and-only Cher.

With so many guest stars, the series has shared this awesome mash-up of celeb visitors over the years.



The comedy champ is still going strong having already been confirmed for a third revival season for fall of 2019.

The current second revival season returns on January 31, 2019.

Who is your favorite W&G guest star? I'll go first - the fabulous Blythe Danner (as Will's mother) always made us giggle. Totally brilliant.



A post shared by Will & Grace (@nbcwillandgrace) on




A post shared by Will & Grace (@nbcwillandgrace) on




A post shared by Will & Grace (@nbcwillandgrace) on


Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Taron Egerton Says Upcoming Elton John Biopic 'Rocketman' Will Have A Sex Scene

Taron Egerton (image via WikiMedia)

Taron Egerton, star of the Kingsman movie franchise, shares that he’s filmed a sex scene for the upcoming Elton John biopic, Rocketman.

The 29-year-old plays the legendary pop superstar and Richard Madden, of the hit UK TV series The Bodyguard, plays his longtime manager, John Reid, with whom he also dated for five years.

"I probably shouldn't be telling you this but we have a sex scene,” Egerton shared with The List. “We went to some places together and got quite physical.”

Richard Madden and Taron Egerton (via Instagram)

"I've watched it back and I think it looks great,” he shared. “The grown-up nature of the film, combined with it being a musical, makes it feel quite zeitgeisty.”

Earlier reports alluded to the film being designed as a ‘musical fantasy’ and Egerton seemed to elaborate on that saying, “It’s basically about Elton in rehab, so we're not watering anything down."

And while the recent Bohemian Rhapsody seemed to shy away from rocker Freddie Mercury’s sex life, Rocketman promises to be explicit in its portrayal of Elton John’s love affairs.

“It's very consciously a proud, gay film and it's also open to showing Elton's darker moments,” he added.

“The movie we shot is absolutely a celebration of everything that Elton John is and part of that is his sexuality,” he recently told MTV International. “I actually think the gay community will be quite surprised by quite how gay it feels.”

The Robin Hood star also notes that he’s not “remotely perturbed by male intimacy” adding that he’s “quite proud of what we’ve done with it.”

Rocketman hits theaters May 17, 2019.





Monday, October 1, 2018

First Look At Upcoming Elton John Biopic "Rocketman"

With this teaser video, we get our first look at Taron Egerton who stars (and sings) as Grammy Award winning pop music legend Elton John in the upcoming biopic, Rocketman.
Taron Egerton as "Elton John"

With this teaser video, we get our first look at Taron Egerton who stars (and sings) as Grammy Award winning pop music legend Elton John in the upcoming biopic, Rocketman.

Jamie Bell co-stars as longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin.

The film is directed by Dexter Fletcher, and written by Lee Hall, best known for writing the 2000 film Billy Elliot.

“Everyone thinks it’s a bio-pic. It isn’t,” Egerton told Collider earlier this year. “It’s a fantasy musical, so it’s actually [John’s] songs used to express important beats in his life at emotional moments.”

Rocketman lands in theaters May 17.



Sunday, June 3, 2018

Elton John To Deliver Major HIV/AIDS Speech In Honor Of Princess Diana

Elton John

Five-time Grammy Award-winner Elton John will deliver this year’s "Diana, Princess of Wales Lecture" on HIV this June in association with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The National AIDS Trust began the lecture series in 1999, in honor of Princess Diana who had passed away just two years earlier.

On June 8, John will address an audience of health workers, politicians, civic leaders, celebrities, and people living with HIV/AIDS in London.

John shared a close bond with Diana and her commitment to ending HIV/AIDS.

In his speech, John is expected to call on governments to target the elimination of HIV/AIDS by the year 2030.

“I am delighted to be able to deliver this lecture and to remember the enormous contribution Diana, Princess of Wales made to this cause,” John says in a statement. “In the quarter century since the Elton John AIDS Foundation was established, the global AIDS fight has changed beyond recognition. Yet tolerance and courage has never been more important in the fight to create an AIDS-free generation and make the world a more accepting place for those living with HIV.”

“2018 is a critical time in the global HIV epidemic,” says NAT chief executive Deborah Gold. “We have all the tools we need to beat HIV, yet we lack the level of investment or political priority necessary to use them fully. We are delighted that Sir Elton John, who has enormous credibility in this battle, will be speaking on this subject.”

At 71-years-old, John is keeping a full-on, robust schedule after announcing his upcoming Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour earlier this year.

In addition to a massive world tour, the pop music legend is also busy working on a musical adaptation of hit movie, The Devil Wears Prada, and penning new tunes for the upcoming live-action film of his huge Broadway blockbuster, The Lion King.


Friday, March 30, 2018

Lady Gaga Covers Elton John's "Your Song" For Tribute Album

Lady Gaga

Check out Lady Gaga’s powerful new cover of the classic "Your Song" (easily one of my favorite Elton John/Bernie Taupin tunes) taken from the forthcoming album, Revamp: Reimagining the Songs Of Elton John & Bernie Taupin.

Featuring new versions of Elton’s classic songs from Mary J. Blige, Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, Elton John & P!nk & Logic, Florence + The Machine, The Killers, Mumford & Sons, Q-Tip & Demi Lovato, Queens Of The Stone Age, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, Revamp is set to be released on April 6th, 2018.

John has announced a 300-date farewell tour over the next three years before retiring from touring.

Here's a tease of Gaga performing "Your Song" from the upcoming tribute Elton John: I'm Still Standing - a GRAMMY Salute to be broadcast Tuesday, April 10 at 9/8c on CBS.



Here's the full track by Gaga:

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

News Round-Up: September 19, 2017

ITVs's Bromans
Some news items you may have missed:

• The new UK reality show Bromans features guys dressing up as Roman gladiators and competing in challenges. But the first step to dressing as a gladiator is getting undressed - as in buck naked undressed.

• A town in Tennessee is actually trying to ban drag shows. #FirstAmendmentAnyone?

• The breadth of former Republican state Sen. Ralph Shortey's alleged sex crimes is jaw-dropping. Check out the FBI affidavit here.

• The Republican Governors Association attempted to pass off a website that pushed positive messages about GOP governors and criticized Democratic governors as a "news" site. #Busted

• According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the number of international visitors to the U.S. for the first quarter of 2017 dropped by close to 700,000 compared to the previous year. #ThanksTrump

• Song of the day - Elton John "Rocket Man"

Monday, May 22, 2017

YouTube Competition Yields 3 Compelling New Elton John Music Videos


Elton John & Bernie Taupin have been creating huge hit songs for decades.

Fifty years to be exact.

Three of their greatest hits - "Rocket Man," "Bennie And The Jets," and "Tiny Dancer" - reached audiences without official music videos as that was a time long before MTV.

Elton and Bernie joined forces with YouTube to give filmmakers the chance to bring their video visions of these three songs to life utilizing three different styles: live-action, animation and choreography.

All three offer compelling storytelling and texture to the tunes.

My favorite has to be Majid Adin's "Rocket Man," where he brings to bear his own personal journey as an Iranian refugee. Embracing a heartfelt sense of loneliness, the animated video is human, thoughtful and poignant.

More from Elton John's official website:

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their songwriting partnership, Elton John and Bernie Taupin gave new filmmakers the chance to create the official music videos for three iconic Elton hits. A panel of industry renowned judges selected three winning filmmakers who went on to receive support from YouTube and top production studios to bring their ideas to life.

Iranian filmmaker Majid Adin reimagines Rocket Man to tell a thought-provoking story of adventure, loneliness and hope.

Jack Whiteley and Laura Brownhill’s music video tells the story of the formation of Bennie and her Jets.

Inspired by Elton and Bernie’s love of California, Max Weiland captures the free-spirited characters of LA in this sun-soaked homage to the Golden State.







(h/t JoeMyGod)

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Bristol Palin Attacks A-List Celebs For Not Performing At Trump Inauguration

(photo via eltonjohn.com)

Bristol Palin, who's biggest claim to fame is becoming an unmarried teen mother as the daughter of a Republican part-time politician, took to her blog to rant about the number of celebrities who have turned down performing at the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump:

If Donald Trump were still just a regular old billionaire and threw a party at Trump Tower in New York City, celebrities would be lined up out the door, and the most famous artists would be pining for a chance to perform.

But because he will be inaugurated as the next Republican president in January, these same mega-celebrities, who would normally drool over an invitation to sing for the president, want no part of it.

Trump’s inauguration team sought out some of the world’s greatest musicians, but nearly all of them have refused for fear of backlash or to stand against him politically.

Isn’t it amazing how “not cool” it is to be conservative in the public eye? Either Hollywood is that far off – or we have so many sissies we have in the spot light too scared to stand for what they believe in!

The Pinball Wizard himself, Sir Elton John, quickly shot down any chance he would ever perform for President Trump. In his explanation to The Guardian, Elton delivered a jab at American country music, too, which is surprising considering he stole all their rhinestone outfits.

Palin, who again resides in Alaska with her new husband and is now expecting her third child, goes on to include Kiss, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, and Aretha Franklin in her attack.

Of course, many things here are inaccurate.

One, Elton John specifically said he didn't want to perform at the political event because his own views are diametrically opposed to the Donald's:

“I don’t really want my music to be involved in anything to do with an American election campaign. I’m British. I’ve met Donald Trump, he was very nice to me, it’s nothing personal, his political views are his own, mine are very different, I’m not a Republican in a million years. Why not ask Ted f—ing Nugent? Or one of those f—ing country stars? They’ll do it for you.”

Second, many folks who now know much more about the values and attitudes of the Trumpster, thanks to the campaign, wouldn't go to a party of his today. He has revealed himself to us, you see. Now we know who he is.

Third, to say Elton John "stole" his rhinestone outfits" from the world of country music is laughable. Please show me a picture of a country artist in the 1970s who dressed as outrageously as John.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Lady Gaga & Elton John Team Up On "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"


Before Lady Gaga's heart-stopping performance of her Best Song nominated "Til It Happens To You," Lady Gaga joined music legend (and Oscar winner) Sir Elton John for a rousing rendition of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood.

The event was a 'thank you' to the city of West Hollywood for hosting Elton's annual Academy Awards viewing party.

From Rolling Stone:

"The City of West Hollywood has welcomed the Elton John AIDS Foundation and our annual Academy Awards Viewing Party with open arms for many years, providing us with the perfect environment to host a really fun and special evening," John said in a statement prior to the concert. "We are profoundly grateful for their generous support, so I wanted to do something special just for them by giving our West Hollywood fans and supporters a surprise concert. Thank you, West Hollywood!"

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Dolce & Gabbana Backtrack On LGBT Family Criticism


Fashion designers backtracked today on their recent comments in the Italian magazine Panorama, where they were critical of same-sex couples raising children.

The two designers were together romantically for 23 years and broke up in 2005. Their comments included their opinion that children born through IVF are "children of chemistry, synthetic children. Uteruses for rent, semen chosen from a catalog."

“I am gay, I cannot have a child. I guess you cannot have everything in life," Dolce added. "Life has a natural course, some things cannot be changed. One is the family.”

The comment drew sharp criticism from major celebs around the world including Ricky Martin, Elton John and Martina Navratilova.




On Sunday, Gabbana issued a statement saying "it was never our intention to judge other people's choices. We do believe in freedom and love."

Dolce said his comments about family were based on his personal childhood growing up in a traditional Sicilian family "made up of a mother, a father and children. I am very well aware of the fact that there are other types of families and they are as legitimate as the one I've known."

Dolce added that his personal views were not a judgement of "other people's choices."

(source)