In the world of self-righteous celebrity know-nothings and Hollywood learjet liberals who have never met a leftwing cause they didn’t collectively embrace with the group-herd instinct, Elton John is a refreshing voice of independent thinking.
Is he liberal? I’m sure he is. But he’s not your typical Hollywood elitist:
Fresh off a gig as Rush Limbaugh’s wedding singer, the British icon performed Thursday in Tel Aviv, despite pressure from pro-Palestinian activists and fellow artists to boycott Israel following the flotilla debacle off the coast of Gaza.
“Shalom, we are so happy to be back here! Ain’t nothing gonna stop us from coming, baby,” John said with a fist in the air.
The piano man then took a swipe at those artists, including Elvis Costello, Santana, the Pixies and Devendra Banhart, who have bailed on concerts in recent weeks.
“Musicians spread love and peace, and bring people together. That’s what we do,” he said. “We don’t cherry-pick our conscience.”
Good for him! Am I saying that because politically I don’t stand opposed to Israel and the Flotilla ambush? Probably…
…and yet…
If the shoe were on the other foot and a known Hollywood conservative sang at Al Gore’s next wedding, as far as I’d be concerned, that would be his perogative. If he wanted to sing for the Palestinian people, that’s his business.
~~~
John recently caused a stir when he played a secret show at Limbaugh’s June 5 wedding. The gay icon caught some flack for the performance, which netted him a reported $1 million paycheck from the radio commentator, who strongly opposes gay marriage and has a history of negative comments about homosexuality.“It betrays either ignorance or self-interest or both, and jeopardizes his admirable record on gay rights,” Aaron Hicklin, Editor-in-Chief of Out, told PopEater at the time.
John’s longtime partner, David Furnish, said the singer was “a little surprised” to get the invitation, but accepted the job after deciding “Life is about building bridges, not walls.”
The singer said Limbaugh and his bride, Kathryn Rogers, “were incredibly gracious and very welcoming and very sweet and very appreciative.”
Is it possible to oppose the redefinition of traditional marriage and not be homophobic? Considering Rush invited an out-of-the-closet gay singer to his wedding, I’d say, “Yes.
Is it possible to oppose the redefinition of traditional marriage, and still be an advocate of gay rights? Yes, it is.
Is it possible to find disagreement with others politically and still treat one another with courtesy, civility, and respect? If Elton John and Rush Limbaugh are an indication, I’d say “yes”.
Is it possible to set aside partisan politics when it comes to arts and entertainment? Yes.
Problems arise, however, when one intentionally mixes the two and uses the one as a springboard platform to launch into the other. If you’re going to do that, don’t be surprised if you experience a backlash and alienate one half of your potential fanbase.
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A former fetus, the “wordsmith from nantucket” was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1968. Adopted at birth, wordsmith grew up a military brat. He achieved his B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (graduating in the top 97% of his class), where he also competed rings for the UCLA mens gymnastics team. The events of 9/11 woke him from his political slumber and malaise. Currently a personal trainer and gymnastics coach.
The wordsmith has never been to Nantucket.
I’ve gained a new degree of respect for the man. But then, he’s always blazed his own trail. I don’t think the artists boycotting Israel are just following along like lemmings. I believe many of them are anti-Semitic to begin with, like most of the leftist Hollywood elite.
Good for Elton. It is rare to find a Liberal capable of thinking for himself, and brave enough to stand up to the thought police.
He also played an exclusive show for the Chavez elite in Caracas, Venezuela in 2009. He flew in (with piano), played the show, then flew out. Did not even stay the night. Tickets were controlled by the government and went for about 10K each (small crowd). So it is not about politics for Elton, it is about the money, which is fine by me.
Do you know why elton john plays the piano? Cause he sucks at the organ!!! I love that one!!!
@Lee: just to let you know, Rush told the story of how he, Katherine and Elton managed to connect on all this. So let me add some fodder for you to mull, in that you believe it’s all about money for Elton…
The night following the Limbaugh wedding, he was to play in NYC at Carnegie Hall. A few days the nuptial, he got a call from Elton’s management. Elton had set aside comp 1st class seats and back stage passes for his Carnegie Hall show for the newlyweds the following day. Rush laughed as he told the story… “ya mean I paid all this cash to have him play, and we got him for free???” It’s a joke, son….
They accepted, BTW… And also, they have invitations to visit Elton in his London home as well.
Yup…. nothing but money. Wonder if Chavez got that extra perk as “a client”?
You might want to open your mind that Elton figured out the Rush homophobia was media smears by those who’ve never spent a minute, let alone years, listening to the radio host. You might want to open your mind that maybe, just maybe, they actually all genuinely liked each other.
Well, as he’s quoted as saying in the article,
At least that’s what Elton seems to be trying to do. Can’t speak for all…
I for one will withhold a final determination on the mans position. Using as an example, Bill O’Reillys “Pinheads and Patriots” segment on The Factor he seeks out those who after a lifetime of anti-American behavior or blatant stupidity, do one “selfless” act and they are, in his eyes “patriots”.
This, to me, only serves to denigrate those who have spent their lives in service to this country, most quietly going about their business with no thought of recognition, only thinking about their families and how to avoid being caught up in the government machinery. Going about their lives working, paying their taxes, providing for their families, going to church, respecting the law, giving and doing what they can to help others less fortunate. THESE are the true patriots. And lest they be given short shrift, our military men and women who, in some instances give ALL to protect ALL of us, no matter what ideology or political bent. Warriors and patriots all.
That being said, I applaud EJs decision to honor his contract and entertain the Israelis who certainly could use some respite from all the worldwide negative reactions, not to mention the hostility exhibited by the “palestinians” and islam in general. But it doesn’t, in my opinion, automatically make him a “patriot”. Only time will tell that tale.
But thank you Elton, for standing up in this instance and choosing to entertain rather than lecture.
Maybe I’m missing some Elton history here… could be, since I don’t hang on his every movement. But I am unaware of Elton being an “activist” save to contribute to causes like Aids, disasters, etc. I don’t remember him making political statements, flaming any politicians, etc. Certainly he’s gay, but I also don’t remember him involving himself in political protests surrounding that issue. Yet all the press reports call him “an activist”.
So why is anyone assuming he’s the equivalent of a Rosie O’dumbel, Susan Sarandon, or Sean Penn? Exactly what am I missing about his past negative activism, and overt involvement in protests, that this should just be considered on “selfless” act? (Not that I consider this selfless.)
Doesn’t it cross anyone’s mind that it just may be that Elton doesn’t buy into the hyperbole about Rush, and decided to see for himself? Oh, BTW… more horror…. according to the Guardian, Elton gave the Limbaughs a 50% discount, along with the Carnegie Hall freebie. He did the private concert for more than half of what he usually charges. Oh my…. he’ll be paying for that politically incorrect business “error” with the lib/progs/LGBT community for a long time.
@Rides A Pale Horse: You know, as much as I disagree with so many Hollywood liberals on political issues and their soapboxing, many of them do contribute their time and money to worthwhile charities and humanitarian causes that can be applauded regardless of political affiliation. And they do so not for personal recognition but out of a sincere belief in the worthiness of the cause; and as a lifetime effort.
@MataHarley – Glad to hear Elton got along with El Rushbo. Hey maybe he even did the wedding for free. Maybe he didn’t. I do not care.
My point, I should specify, was that it was not about the politics. You should not ascribe noble intentions to him just because he played a wedding for Rush then went to Israel for a show.
I tried to show you that by explaining that he also went to play for Chavez.
From his ACTIONS I assess that it is about the money; even if he got along fabulously with Rush. . If it were not about the money then why did he play for Chavez? Is he just really friendly?
Maybe he just likes to play? Ok, then why no weekly free concert in the park?
I’m just saying, if you want to go ahead and jump in bed with Elton John, MataHarley, you go right ahead. I’ll wait until he makes a clear statement on politics before I’ll believe that he is someone to be admired for his view and not jus his talent.
Another thing – you should not that I did not say making money is bad. As far as I am concerned it should be about the money. .
As to your comments on opening my mind – what an assanine way to try to make a point. You want to make a point then make it and move on. Your commentary on whether or not my mind is open is a clear indication that you read something into my comment that was not there.
You still don’t get it do you, Lee.
It was not about the politics, or he would have refused the gig.
It was not about the money, or he wouldn’t have charged half of his usual fee for private appearances.
And I never ascribed his actions as “noble”… try again.
Apparently, opening your mind is impossible because it’s firmly embedded up your posterior.
@lee:
What you’re really saying is, “He’s still not worthy of any respect or praise unless he shares my political ideology.” Or am I mistaken?
Oh fer heavens sake…. it’s probably as simple as this. The man is like most every musician I know and have worked with in my past music industry career…. they love to play, and try to stay out of politics. There is an inherent joy in playing a gig because, for a brief hour or two, politics and differences are set aside to enjoy something we can all relate to. It doesn’t have to be that he is, or is not politically aligned… or that he’s into it for the money. That’s simply the point I’m trying to make. It’s not an “either/or” moment.
And since I’m unaware of him entering the political fray, I have to assume that perhaps he and the Limbaughs hit it off because of his “plus ones” perks, and that he doesn’t give a damn whether his audience are Jews or oppressed citizens. He’s into spreading the joy of music. Period. And that’s a very common attribute amongst many an artist.
@MataHarley – I’ll post it for you here again so you are clear on the original implication of the blogpost above:
n the world of self-righteous celebrity know-nothings and Hollywood learjet liberals who have never met a leftwing cause they didn’t collectively embrace with the group-herd instinct, Elton John is a refreshing voice of independent thinking.
So the implication is that because he played Rush and Israel that he is not a lefty. I do not think you can draw that conclusion from these circumstances. it is not about the politics – which is what I said before.
Regardless of the discount, one of the few reasons he would play sucha varied list of gigs is for the money. Why do you think that is bad? Why do you want to ascribe evil intent to making money?
And why are you such a dick about this? Do you think you could, um, I don’t know, maybe make your point without bringing your personal baggage along. You really have some issues.
Ever cross your mind that your assumption of Wordsmith’s “implication” has no bearing in reality?
No issues in my ballpark, guy. Just have issues with you “either/or” narrow minded types. It was you who said it was “all about the money”, remember?
Word, Ouch, I bet that one hurt; you don’t need to hit all that hard when you punch right on the button.
That’s what I call having your butt handed to you. 😆
@Wordsmith. You are mistaken. I meant exactly what I said. I do admire him for his talent. I do not think playing Rush’s wedding and then playing Israel means I should count him as a political ally.
Pop Wedding Singer Dances to the Beat of His Own Conscience
Wow… that sounds like a post headline that was meant to include Elton in as a “political ally”….. sigh…
But, of course, it *must* be “about the money” then.
@lee #13:
And also:
@lee 318:
Lee,
I think you may have missed this part of my post:
So the implication was never about suggesting he’s not a “lefty”; nor that he’s a “political ally”. Just a refreshing point of departure from someone across the aisle, who is not towing the same exact liberal arguments and beliefs. His seem a bit more independent.
Furthermore, if you click on one of the links in my post, it’s not just “Rush and Israel/flotilla” that I am pointing out as “refreshing”. Rush/Israel were just the latest.
The Progressives are not big on individual conscience, that can cause problems in the ranks; that’s why a collective conscience is preferred, that way mistakes are avoided and fraternizing with the opposition becomes a moot point. Elton creates a conundrum and sets a poor example by not checking in on the conscience points regularly, unless he isn’t even a Progressive and the whole issue is a waste of time, thus Liberals and Progressives can hate him with all the venom they have available for non-Progressives and enjoy his music with a certain reluctance. 8)
Independent thinking is dangerous and counter productive for Progressive ideologues, it challenges the whole notion of collectivization. If progressives were free to draw their own conclusions, how would they ever elect someone like… the Dribbler. 😉
Not only that Skookum, but they get part of their sense of self from the group. The group reinforces their belief in the correctness of their political views and views about themselves.
You’ll notice how they exalt “elite” liberals. Obama is an example of this. They make him out to be brilliant not because he is, but because it fits a narrative. That narrative is narcissism.
If obama is brilliant, then that makes liberals as a group look good by association and superior (in their minds). By supporting someone so brilliant it shows they have a special insight/intelligence that those who disagree with them do not have, which again makes them superior to others.
You see, they aren’t signing the praises of obama so much as they are singing their own.
HR, that is some good material, maybe not on target with this article; but definitely worthy of an article or a possibly a book. Once the sense of self is derived from the group or ‘collective’ the individual no longer exists and degrades into a component of the ‘Machine’. Well done HR, well done indeed!
Okay, I know that my comments rarely get responses, but I am going to weigh in anyway. I have worked with musicians for the last 20+ years. That being said, most of the musicians that I have known prefer to keep to their music and leave politics to the politicians.
Is Sir Elton a lefty? Of course. He said this in 2008:
Source
So I would infer from his statements in support of Hillary and his actions at Rush’s wedding to mean this:
It isn’t BECAUSE he backed Hillary over Obama that he played Rush’s wedding, but that it fits into his philosophy. I mean look at the heat Rush has applied to Obama since he took office, being a Hillary supporter, that has to score points with EJ.
But really, it boils down to this – Elton got paid to play and furthermore, he was basically told not to. I think it just boils down to him not wanting to be told what he can and cannot do.
I forgot to include this link that I think further illustrates that EJ thrives on controversy and not being told where he cannot play.
Source
ANTICSROCKS: you might want to know that yourcomments are always read and appreciated: I say thoses celebritys know full well; they make an impact on theirs choices to play here and there; so at one point of his life, he must have liberate himself from that ,and separate to favor his love of music and money. bye 🙄
It also may be a shifting of opinion in the Gay and Lesbian community at large. If one looks at HillBuzz, A Chicago based blog site that espouses Gay and Lesbian issues you will see some surprises. Pro- Hillary Clinton for sure but also Pro- Sarah Palin and also Affirmative commentary regarding Libertarian and Republican/Tea Party issues. It is Enlightening to see many Critical articles about President Obama with information that you will not see in the MSM or leading Gay- Lesbian publications. Gay and Lesbian Americans are a constituency that should not be written off by the Movement for lower taxes, lower spending and pro American policies. They are listening and we should be talking to them now!
BLOGFORCE ONE: hi, I also admire AMERICANS what ever their lifestyle and beleifs, that when the time come to unite to defeat adversarys of the CONSTITUTION’s LAWS, which have work for the centurys; they will unite with a passion, to reclame the REPUBLIC. bye 🙄
Amen. I am also bee keeper. my hives are thriving!
Elton John is a typical two-faced liberal asshole –
British pop star Elton John, playing a fund-raiser for Hillary Clinton in New York on Wednesday, said he was amazed at the misogyny of some in America and he hoped that wouldn’t stop her being president.
Guess it’s not okay when the misogyny is directed at a liberal woman like Hillary (which by the way – we raised particular hell to whoever and however we could during the primaries) but this smart ass was asked about meeting Sarah Palin at the Times 100 gala gig & he make a snarky comment about her and raised his eyebrows like he was really, really clever – well – that did it for me – rush can fawn all over him all he wants but as for me Elton John is just another male who can’t handle knowing that there are women who are smarter than he is –
as far as I’m concerned he & sir paul can haul their asses back to England – we have enough home grown asses ………………………….
susiepuma: hi, you said it so well; There is nothing to add to that. bye 🙄
@lovebees…Thank you. 8)
anticsrocks: hi, I wonder why RUSH would not favor one singer of conservative beleifs, instead of spending lots of money on a foreigner. bye 🙄
Per Rush’s account, he is a favorite of the wife, and Rush likes his music as well.
that was a wedding gift, nice, they must have a special song for their love