Another week, another provocative concert by Elton John. Fresh off a gig as Rush Limbaugh's wedding singer, the British icon performed Thursday in Tel Aviv, despite pressure from human rights groups and fellow artists to boycott Israel following the flotilla debacle off the coast of Gaza.Here's an oldie from our newest right-wing icon.
"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."
Costello specifically called his decision to cancel a June 30 show a "matter of instinct and conscience."
The Jerusalem Post said John then "turned into a human jukebox for two-and-a-half hours," mixing old and new favorites spanning his four decade career. Songs played included 'Levon,' Rocket Man' and more obscure hits like 'Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters' and 'Captain Fantastic.'
An estimated 50,000 fans crammed into Ramat Gan stadium in Tel Aviv.
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."
Showing posts with label Elton John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elton John. Show all posts
Friday, June 18, 2010
'We Do Not Cherry-Pick Our Consciences'
First he plays at Rush Limbaugh's wedding, now he's doing gigs in Israel. I have a sneaking suspicion the forces of tolerance on the left will soon be burning Elton John CDs.
Labels:
Elton John
Friday, March 28, 2008
So Mrs. Clinton Is Illegally Raising Money: This Is News?
They're shocked, shocked I tell you, to find out this woman is skirting campaign finance laws.
Does the name Norman Hsu rings any bells?
Does the name Norman Hsu rings any bells?
Sir Elton John was at the centre of a new controversy in the American presidential race last night after claims that his $1million fundraising concert for Hillary Clinton may be illegal.Don't they realize she's above the law?
U.S. election laws ban foreigners from donating or raising cash for candidates.
Sir Elton's April 9 concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall is almost sold out, with only tickets costing £500 and £1,150 remaining.
The 1966 legislation was introduced to "minimise foreign intervention" in American elections. Penalties for infringements include fines and prison sentences.
A spokesman for the Federal Elections Committee did not rule out the possibility that the concert could contravene the act if it is ruled that Sir Elton is contributing indirectly to the Clinton campaign.
The Washington Times said the law "prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States, either directly or indirectly."
Labels:
Elton John,
Hillary Clinton
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