Elton John Gives Billy Joel Tough Love'

Elton John Gives Billy Joel 'Tough Love' in New Rolling Stone Cover Story

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http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/elton-john-gives-billy-joel-tough-love-in-new-rolling-stone-cover-story-20110202

Photograph by Mark Seliger for RollingStone.com

Singer criticizes Billy Joel, explains his decision to play Rush Limbaugh's wedding and more

By Andy Greene

February 2, 2011 8:30 AM EDT

See video from John's cover shoot below.
In the new issue of Rolling Stone – on stands and in the digital archives Friday (subscription required) – Elton John reflects on his 40-year career. Just days after the birth of his son Zachary, John speaks about the joys of fatherhood, his enduring relationship with lyricist Bernie Taupin, how he's mentored Eminem through difficult times – and his true feelings about his longtime friend and tourmate Billy Joel.
Rolling Stone's 1976 Cover Story: Elton John: Lonely at the Top
"At the end of the day, he's coasting," John tells Scaggs."I always say, 'Billy, can't you write another song?' It's either fear or laziness. It upsets me. Billy's a conundrum. We've had so many cancelled tours because of illnesses and various other things, alcoholism."
The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time: Elton John
He goes on to criticize Joel's past attempts to stop drinking. "He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab they've been light," John says. "When I went to rehab, I had to clean the floors. He goes to rehab where they have TVs. I love you, Billy, and this is tough love. Billy, you have your demons and you're not going to get rid of them at rehab light. You've got to be serious. People adore you, they love you and respect you. You should be able to do something better than what you're doing now."
The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Elton John's Elton John
Other highlights from the piece:
- John explains his controversial decision to play Rush Limbaugh's wedding. "I could not believe when I was asked to play," he says. "I thought it was a joke. I had dialogue with him before and he said, 'I'm not anti-gay, I want you to come, bring David.' My goal is for Rush to say, 'I support civil partnerships,' and if I rang him right now, I think he might agree. He was one of the first people to congratulate us on the baby."
Photos: Elton John's Outfits Through the Years
- He regularly speaks to Eminem on the phone. "We call each other cunts," John says. "He's worked really hard at sobriety and it's changed him so much. He's also got a great sense of humor. When David and I had our civil partnership, he sent us a present. In a case, on velvet cushions, were two diamond cock rings. So there's a homophobe for you [laughs]."
The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time: Elton John
- Lady Gaga is one of his favorite new artists. "I've heard her new album," John says. "It's amazing. The first single, 'Born This Way,' is the anthem that's going to obliterate 'I Will Survive.' I can't think of how huge it's going to be."
More From the Cover Story: Elton John on Playing With Kanye, Hanging With Dylan and Filling His Baby's iPod






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Under The Radar: BernieJTaupin.com

Posted on 29 January 2011 by Jim McKay

While the recordings and performances under the name of Elton John are the main entry points of our interest, let’s not forget Bernie Taupin’s outstanding, official website at http://www.BernieJTaupin.com. (Please note:  This is Mr. Taupin’s only official website.)
Flying a bit under the radar with his typical low-key presence, Bernie again is the Brown Dirt Cowboy to Elton’s Captain Fantastic.  And that’s part of what contributes to the site being such a great view.
Clearly, you will have interest in his bio, gallery and most of all his lyrics.  But what hooked me the most was his blog.  Not only fresh and astute, the blog underscores how Bernie is a different person from Elton, living a different lifestyle.  Really fresh vantages that would grab my interest even there wasn’t some guy named Reg Dwight aka Elton John.
I’d say “Give Bernie his own TV Talk show,” but really, it’s his very low-key profile that keeps him real.
Now there’s no place to write Bernie directly at his site, but after reading his blog, it was the first time in something like 15 years that I had a hankering to send fan mail.  Maybe I will track him down via U.S. Postal Service.
Bernie:  What a smart and *cool* site.

Lady Gaga/Elton John Duet Only In Theaters
The Webguy

Read more: Bernie Taupin – 92.3 NOW – New York’s Hit Music Channel http://923now.radio.com/tag/bernie-taupin/#ixzz1ClHSan84

Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images

If you were a fan of the Lady Gaga/Elton John pairing at last year’s GRAMMYs and are eagerly anticipating their duet on the Elton John/Bernie Taupin penned “Hello Hello” from the upcoming animated film Gnomeo and Juliet, you’ll have to head to the theaters to listen to it.  According to Billboard.com, reps for Buena Vista records have confirmed that the song will be performed only as a solo by Elton John on the film’s soundtrack CD.