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A Few Nagging Thoughts on Elton John
By Marc | January 6, 2009
I don’t really understand Elton John. I can sort of understand his appeal, because there are quite a few of his songs I really enjoy. I love “Rocket Man”, “Daniel”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “Tiny Dancer” to name a few. But I just don’t get him; I never really have.
He’s far from consistent. In 2007, Mr. John told the press the Internet is stifling creativity, so he wanted it shut down. Take THAT, Internet! Then, seven months later, he announced that he’s putting his entire music catalog online. He still has a website, complete with obligatory insider club named after a hit song, “The Rocket Club”. He also has a MySpace page. Darn you, Internet! Foiled again!
In 2000, he announced his retirement at a concert, and then recanted it the following night. A year later he said he was quitting again. I know, I know. He’s a singer, a performer, a Vegas-level entertainer. These people announce their retirement at the drop of a hat, announce a “last” show or tour, sell tons of tickets, rake in millions of dollars, then you see them again, and wait for them to cry wolf again. On the defense of Elton John, I can’t recall him ever pulling this stunt just to make money. Pretty soon, though, Céline Dion will retire again, full of tears and glitz. Barbra Streisand is still out of the tour circuit, and has remained there for a couple of years, making this retirement stick.
In recent years, he’s made his name in the press by calling for a ban on religion, but recently released a Christmas song. He has said he admired the teachings of Christ, but hated organized religion. I can sort of respect that, but it’s still blaming all (religions and denominations) for the stupidity of a few. That makes the Christmas song a little bit of a mystery to me. Years ago, he had the song “Step into Christmas”, but I don’t believe in bringing up something years and years ago to make a point on something now. People change, but this stuff in recent years is almost split personality.
Mr. John has also said in an interview that when he’s tired, he lets his “bad temper and irrationality” out. We are all guilty of that. I’ve said a lot of things in the heat of the moment I soon regret. And, since he’s in the spotlight and more prone to media attention than the average person, he gets more opportunities for either humility or ego.
He’s far too consistent. Whenever there’s a benefit, he’s there. He might sing something new, but more than likely it’s some form of “Candle in the Wind”. It’s like Phil Collins squeezing out “In the Air Tonight” every single time you see him, as if it needs played more often. Once we get to a million televised performances, we win a tank! (Life is Beautiful reference.) I often get tired of seeing Elton, but he’s there. He’s not like some stars you can tell are making an appearance because they have a personal agenda. His agenda is making a difference. He has done a lot for AIDS: research, victims, education—you name it, he’s been a part of it. When a friend dies, he’s the first to weep, and a lot of times the first to honor that person.
Conclusion. I guess in writing this, maybe I’ve come to terms with my frustration over Elton John. Being a celebrity in the music business to his level of success, I don’t know if I’d be able to handle things differently. I still don’t know if I admire him or tolerate him, though, but I certainly don’t wish he’d simply go away and retire. The world is far too interesting with him in it.
There is something really cool to say about him I want to share, since I can’t stand Madonna (from an AP article in 2004):
It seems Elton John is not a Madonna fan.
Taking the stage at a music awards show Monday, John accused the queen of pop of lip-synching and said he was astonished she had been nominated for best live act.
“Since when has lip-synching been live?” John said. “Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay 75 pounds (US$134) to see them should be shot.
“That’s me off her … Christmas card list,” he added. “But do I give a toss? No.”
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