+Elton John Makes It Legal With Longtime Partner

December 21, 2005
Windsor Journal
+Elton John Makes It Legal With Longtime Partner
By SARAH LYALL

WINDSOR, England, Dec. 21 - If there were any anti- or pro-gay demonstrators in the crowd, they were being unusually quiet. No one was screaming religious slogans, carrying angry placards, wearing in-your-face outfits or loudly forecasting the end of civilization as we know it. The most striking thing, in fact, about the people gathered along the streets of Windsor today for Sir Elton John's civil partnership ceremony with his boyfriend, David Furnish, was how little they appeared to care, one way or the other, about the couple's sexuality.

"They're all doing it now, aren't they?" said 55-year-old Margaret Gray, who described herself as a fan of Sir Elton, particularly his song "Candle In the Wind."
"I think he's been open about everything, bless him," she said, "and I'm pleased for him."

Down the street, Rita Divico, 59, said of homosexuality that "it's not something that's in my nature." But each to his own, she added.

"If that's what they want to do, it's up to them," said Mrs. Divico, who was born in Italy and is a Catholic. "If it makes them happy, carry on." She herself has been in a marriage (heterosexual) for 42 years, she said, adding, "too long."

Sir Elton, 58, and Mr. Furnish, 43, have lived together since 1994, after meeting at a mutual friend's dinner party, but have been legally prevented from making honest men of each other. That changed today, when Britain's new civil partnership law took affect in England, allowing gay couples to legalize their relationships.

The law was passed in 2004 and has been taking effect in different parts of Britain this week, starting in Northern Ireland on Monday. The government has predicted that 687 gay couples will make their partnerships official today and that as many as 22,000 couples might take advantage of the new law in the next five years.

Although the legislation stops short of calling the new arrangement marriage, it does give gay couples legal rights similar to those of married people on matters like inheritance, immigration and pensions, as well as responsibilities in areas like child-rearing.

Sir Elton, long one of the best-loved figures in British show business, is not known for his low-key approach to anything. In concert, he wears enormous kooky sunglasses, platform shoes, glitter and, on one occasion, a chicken costume. He once admitted to spending £290,000 - almost $511,000 - on flowers in an 18-month period.

The entertainer has a decidedly common touch that he solidified when he sang an adapted version of "Candle In the Wind" at the funeral of his friend, Diana, the Princess of Wales.

But Sir Elton is also a celebrity's celebrity, offering counseling and refuge in his many homes to famous friends who are addicted to drugs or other substances, unhappy in love or, in the case of Elizabeth Hurley, eager to lose the weight they gained while pregnant. He is a darling of celebrity magazines and reportedly turned down a multimillion-pound offer for the media rights to his wedding ceremony and reception.

Sir Elton kept it dignified today, arriving for the service at the Guildhall, in the shadow of Windsor Castle, wearing a dark suit and a diamond pin. Mr. Furnish, who is Canadian and makes films, also wore a dark suit.

The venue is the same place, as it happens, where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles were married last spring. But while the royal couple went on to have a blessing in church and a reception sponsored by Queen Elizabeth II at the castle, the celebrity civilians skipped the church - which isn't allowed to bless gay partnerships, anyway. They did prepare for a big evening bash, without the queen but probably with better food, at their huge house in Old Windsor.

Only a select few guests attended the Guildhall ceremony. Among those present were Mr. Furnish's black-and-white spaniel, Arthur, and the photographer Sam Taylor-Wood, who later described the ceremony as "beautiful" and "very emotional." Guests said that the 20-minute service ended with a kiss.
The parents of both grooms were also on hand. Mr. Furnish's mother, Gladys, told reporters afterwards that she was "very proud." His father, Fred, said it was "one of the happiest days of my life."

Mr. Furnish and Sir Elton emerged from the Guildhall beaming, to cheers from onlookers. Although they did not kiss outside, robbing the assembled crew of tabloid photographers of the photograph of the day, they blew kisses at the crowd before sweeping into a black car and driving off. Sir Elton mouthed the words "I love you" in the general direction of the well-wishers.

At his monthly news conference in Downing Street, Prime Minister Tony Blair sent his best wishes.

"I wish him and David well, and all the other people exercising their rights under the civil partnerships law," Mr. Blair said. "I think it is a modern, progressive step for the country, and I am proud we did it."

Not everyone feels that way.

Stephen Green, national director of Christian Voice, a group that wants to put religion at the forefront of politics and whose website displays the phrase "the enemies of God are all having their say," told the Press Association news agency that "ordinary people will be revolted by the sight of these couples embracing."
He continued, speaking of the new legislation: "The recognition in our law of what the Bible describes as an abomination and 'vile affection' will bring judgment on our land from the same Almighty God who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah."

Outside the Guildhall, Gloria Pugh and her husband, John, were not thinking
about doom and gloom. Hoping for a glimpse of Mr. Furnish and Sir Elton, they were hardly even thinking about gay partnerships.

"As long as they don't bother me, I'm not bothered," Mr. Pugh, 61, said.
In fact, he said, Mrs. Pugh has a gay uncle who has been with his own partner for many years. Now the family is wondering whether or not the couple will make it legal. zzzzz
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/21/international/europe/21cnd-elton.html?hp&ex=1135227600&en=06e3f9726cc22f37&ei=5094&partner=homepage
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Sir Elton John Becomes: Gay Games Ambassador
Global superstar joins others in support of the quadrennial sport
and cultural event
2005-11-07

Photo: Elton John AIDS Foundation - Download High Res Photo

The Federation of Gay Games is proud to announce that Sir Elton John has become a Gay Games Ambassador.

Sir Elton said, "I am thrilled to be involved with the Gay Games. For more than two decades the Gay Games have turned a well-deserved spotlight on athletic and cultural performances by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their friends from around the world."

The Gay Games Ambassadors are an international group of prominent individuals supporting the goals and principles of the quadrennial Gay Games. First held in 1982, Gay Games VII takes place in Chicago, USA from 15-22 July 2006.

Music has always been at the centre of the Gay Games, from band and choral events to the always-inspirational opening and closing ceremonies, with numerous pop, classical, jazz, R&B, country and other styles featuring prominently in other performances throughout a Gay Games week. The broad range of musical disciplines showcased at every Gay Games makes support of the event a natural fit for a legendary talent such as Sir Elton John.

"Thousands of musicians have participated in the cultural festivals of the Gay Games," said Sir Elton. "I’m proud of them and what they have accomplished at the Games and in their home communities. Along with the athletic participants, they challenge the stereotypes from which oppression grows and consequently bring the world closer together."

Sir Elton John's career has spanned more than 35 years as one of the world's most successful touring artists and one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. He has sold close to a quarter of a billion records worldwide, with more than 100 U.S. Hot 100 chart singles, 12 multi-platinum, 23 platinum and 33 gold U.S. albums, and 29 consecutive U.K. Top 40 hits, earning 35 gold and 25 platinum albums.

Among countless honours, Sir Elton has received multiple Grammys including the Grammy Legend Award. He collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice to create the soundtrack to the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster "The Lion King," for which "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" won an Academy Award. Recently, Sir Elton was recognised in Los Angeles for his contribution to music and humanitarian efforts by the Society of Singers who presented him their prestigious annual ELLA award.

In the last 15 years, Sir Elton has become a noted humanitarian, particularly for starting the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of programs for AIDS prevention, for the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for providing services to people living with or at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

"The Gay Games also have always focused attention on matters of HIV and AIDS, and they continue to do so through events such as the International Rainbow Run for the End of AIDS," said Sir Elton. "Many people living with HIV and AIDS have been full participants and some have even set world records. It’s a wonderful event that encourages fitness and personal best for people of all ages and abilities."

"We feel truly honoured that Sir Elton John has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador for the Gay Games," said Roberto Mantaci, Co-President of the Federation of Gay Games. "For many years, he has been an 'ambassador' for the entire LGBT community, particularly through his charitable work, and his contribution has been immense."

"We look forward to working with him to spread the word to more people in the world about the Gay Games," Mantaci said. "It is also no understatement to say that Sir Elton maintains a performing schedule requiring fitness and endurance that should inspire anyone now in training for next year’s events in Chicago."

The Gay Games Ambassadors program was started prior to the 2002 Gay Games VI in Sydney. Charter members were actor Judith Light, Olympic gold medal swimmer Bruce Hayes, former U.S. Ambassador James Hormel, and photographer Tom Bianchi. In addition to Sir Elton John, the Gay Games Ambassadors now also include cycling champions and Olympic medalists Petra Rössner and Judith Arndt, former U.S. professional football players Dave Kopay and Esera Tuaolo, tennis legend Billie Jean King, rock star Melissa Etheridge, actor/director Amanda Bearse, powerlifter Chris Morgan, former professional baseball player Billy Bean, champion figure skater Rudy Galindo, Olympic trampoline champion Ji Wallace, and Leigh-Ann Naidoo, South African Olympic beach volleyball player.

About the Elton John AIDS Foundation:
In 1992, horrified and angered at the magnitude of HIV/AIDS and at how little was being done to help those affected by the virus, Elton John set up his own Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). Elton is Chairman of the EJAF and continues to personally donate to the Foundation via fundraising events and concerts. Funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation encompasses a broad spectrum of services supporting men, women, young adults, children, infants, minorities and entire families living with or at risk from HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has given out more than $62,000,000 -- funding HIV/AIDS projects in 55 countries across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, South America and North America.

Websource:
http://www.gaygameschicago.org/media/article.php?aid=122
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ELTON JOHN: THE REST IS UP TO HIM
by Mr. Curt

"We never collaborate on anything, it's purely a matter of giving him the lyrics, him working on them and the getting together afterwards. It wouldn't be easier to do it the other way round... I wouldn't have room to say anything..." - Bernie Taupin

"All these people spend all this time creating masterpieces. I could never believe they took themselves so seriously. I hate that ... why do I come on stage in a cape as opposed to dirty denims and a T-shirt? that's part of the fun ... never take yourself too seriously. We're always sending each other up, and that's the whole thing about it ... just be natural and have a laugh "
- Elton John

With the release of "Here & There," the newest Elton John LP, a thought arises: has Elton worked himself into a corner with continuous product? Or are his writing talents dulled by touring and other business pressures? "Rock of the Westies" was a limp showing after the autobiographic "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" and "Greatest Hits," which seemed a strange release at the time, considering the escalating state his career had taken. But the hits album only followed another mild disappointment, "Caribou," which had been (and still continues to be) overshadowed by the fabulous "Yellow Brick Road".....oh well, it seems that E.J. (and to a very important extent, Bernie Taupin) needs his musical senses overhauled once a year, or perhaps a reduction of output to counter the growing doubts about his waning prolificacy. He seems capable of producing one or two great albums a year, only if they're well thought out, and not given over to commercial necessities.

Another facet of his recording/touring career over the past year and a half is the shake-up of his ensemble. Like another pop-rock crooner (Paul McCartney?), Elton is a crafted perfectionist when it comes to M.O.R. - styled presentation. Where three people used to augment his plans, only six will suit his present needs. And this growing concern is reflected in the large, lush sound his band can produce. He, too, is concerning himself about finding the perfect amalgamation beyond his own musical entity. If so, this live-album fodder will only serve to give Elton the time to compose for his new band, with each member's talent responsive to his styles and mods. A singular talent: yes! A soloist: not yet!

If ever a musician remains unspoiled by their success, it goes without saying that their scope far exceeds the desires. Elton John's visions have never been heavy-handed or pedantic, yet one always senses an underlying awareness and balance (between music and lyrics) that many other popular entertainers never achieve. It is not difficult to call Elton one of pop's most versatile artists, who is able to turn right around and perform a most enchanting ballad (ie-"Rocket Man") in addition to stompin' hard rockers ("Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"). And maintaining an astonishing career in addition to a compositional partnership can prove harrying. Of the three major British bands who used a specialized composer (Gary Brooker/Keith Reid: Procol Harum; Peter Sinfield/King Crimson; and Elton/Bernie), only Elton has moved towards a continuing successful future of immense stature.

A performer in the public eye for more than fifteen years, culminating with his meteoric rise in the past few years, Elton John has the international acclaim awarded to only a few. He has pioneered pop-rock with a dynamic presence and vitality that speaks from his heart as well as his mind. The work behind his phenomenal achievements has passed. . . . will an even more brilliant composer evolve? Such a struggle must present itself to many superstars-those who maintain a consistently high intake of success--or perhaps the struggle is in coordinating the right flow between Bernie and Elton . . . cause when they fit perfectly, you get hits and more HITS. But a level of consistency cannot be mechanical-especially for a sincere composer/performer like Elton; so when his recorded work is affected, one begins to ponder. . . . for whom is he making music? When his records go gold or platinum before/upon release, where does objectivity fit in. . . or, does quality continue to be an earmark or just a passing gesture?

There is a new album due later this year from Elton & Co. From my earlier configurations, this should be a killer-perhaps a bigger, harder sound. As Bernie/Elton continue to mature as songwriters, they are sure to produce even if their coordination has been ruffled. Energetic writers often gain strength and insight from adverse situations and too-long vacations. Meanwhile, fans wait anxiously . . .

Websource:
http://www.ratw.com/issues/2/elton.htm
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