Q&A Interview with Bernie Taupin for “Gnomeo & Juliet” (J!-ENT Interviews and Articles)
May 22, 2011 by
J!-ENT
http://j-entonline.com/interviews-and-articles/qa-interview-with-bernie-taupin-for-gnomeo-juliet-j-ent-interviews-and-articles/
With the upcoming release of “Gnomeo & Juliet” on Bli-ray and DVD on May 24th, J!-ENT will be featuring Q&A interviews with a few of the talent who lent their voices or music to the animated film.
In this fifth Q&A, we feature Bernie Taupin.
Bernie Taupin is arguably the most relevant and important lyricist of our age. He celebrates 45 years with Elton John this year. In 2001, Taupin and Elton John marked their 35th anniversary with the release of their 27th studio album, “Songs from the West Coast” featuring the hit singles “I Want Love” and “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore.” In 2006 the duo received rave reviews for “The Captain & The Kid,” the much-anticipated sequel to “Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy.”
The recipient of countless Grammy nominations and British Music Awards, Taupin’s lyrical accomplishments have resulted in six Ivor Novello awards, induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and 1994 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honor. He’s an INA International Award of Excellence recipient and an American Academy of Achievement inductee, and only the second lyricist in history to receive the ASCAP Golden Word award (the other is Sammy Cahn). John and Taupin are behind classic recordings like “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “I Want Love,” and albums like “Elton John,” “Tumbleweed Connection,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “The One” and “Made In England.” Hit singles include “Your Song,” “Daniel,” “That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” “I’m Still Standing.” Between 1972-1975, Taupin and John enjoyed seven consecutive #1 pop LP’s, in addition to countless chart-topping singles. The duo’s “Captain Fantastic” was the first album in history to enter Billboard’s album chart at #1. For “Gnomeo & Juliet,” Taupin and John contributed classic songs, as well as new music.
I had to reevaluate myself with any pop sensibilities still lurking in my decidedly un-pop brain. Cue some old Beatles circa “Magical Mystery Tour” and voila that sounded like a good starting point. Gnomes are very poppy wouldn’t you agree? Colorful, energetic and ABBAesque so it seemed only natural that the songs suit the characters. Guess I just put my pointy hat on and went out into the garden.
What kind of direction did you get from the filmmakers?
Any direction came simply from sitting around a table with the creative team and listening to their enthusiasm. I’m pretty immediate in these things so just describe what you want from me, what the scene is where you want it and leave me alone, I’ll handle the rest.
Why does this music (new & library) work so well for this story?
From what I’ve seen certain elements of our catalogue lend themselves to the technicolor carnage and unrequited love present in this production. Gnomes like a good tune.
GNOMEO & JULIET on Blu-ray™, Blu-ray 3D™ and DVD May 24, 2011
The greatest love story ever told, starring…garden gnomes? In the upcoming “Gnomeo & Juliet,” Shakespeare’s revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury (“Shrek 2”) and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?
http://www.eprtravelnews.com/2011/05/25/elton-john-set-to-dazzle-o2-world-in-berlin/
Berlin’s O2 World is preparing to welcome acclaimed performer and composer Sir Elton John back to the venue after almost three years.
The Rocket Man has sold more than 250 million records over the course of his long career and he will have the whole back catalogue to pick from when he takes the stage on June 18th 2011.
He appeared at the O2 World in 2008 during his Red Piano tour and he will now pick up where he left off, although he will have extra material following the release of an album with Leon Russell in 2010.
Sir Elton, who was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, holds the record for the best-selling single in history with his tribute to the late Princess Diana, Candle in the Wind.
Fans will no doubt hope to hear him perform that tune, as well as other classics such as I’m Still Standing, Your Song and any number of tracks from the hit musicals and films for which he has provided scores.
The 64-year-old was privileged enough to be invited to the wedding of the year in London last month, as Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in a glamorous ceremony full of pomp.
Sir Elton will bring his own unique style of pizzazz to Berlin, with the Middlesex-born star having developed a reputation for outlandish outfits over the years, in particular favouring unusual and extravagant glasses while on stage.
The concert will begin at 20:00 local time, with tickets starting from €59.10 (£52.10) plus booking fees and available online.
Anyone keen to attend should act fast, as some areas have already sold out.
Visit
www.o2world.com or call the box office on +49 30 6070 8899 to find out more about the gig.
Etlon John annule un concert à cause du nuage de cendres
http://www.jeanmarcmorandini.com/article-54325-etlon-john-annule-un-concert-a-cause-du-nuage-de-cendres.html
Elton John a annulé son concert hier soir à Liévin, près de Lens (Pas-de-Calais), en raison du nuage de cendres créé par l'éruption du volcan islandais Grimsvötn qui l'empêche de quitter l'Angleterre, selon l'organisateur.
"Elton John est actuellement en Angleterre, près de Londres. Il ne pourra pas se rendre à Liévin en partie à cause du nuage", a déclaré une porte-parole de la société Gérard Drouot qui organise son tour de chant en France.
"Son vol a été annulé", a-t-elle ajouté.En revanche les concerts prévus jeudi à Genève, vendredi à Dijon et samedi à Strasbourg sont maintenus.
"Il assurera ces dates", a affirmé la porte-parole.Tous les billets pour le concert qui devait avoir lieu au Stade couvert de Liévin aujourd'hui à 20 heures, seront remboursés.
"Elton John Tour Dates 2011 Announced | GoRockfest.Com - The Latest Rockfest, Artist's Live News"
Elton John and His Band Return To Perth This Summer!
Tour Dates:
May
26, May, 11 - Geneva - Switzerland - Arena Geneva - Elton & Ray Cooper
27, May, 11 - Dijon - France - Zenith - Elton & Ray Cooper
28, May, 11 - Strasbourg - France - Zenith de Strasbourg - Elton & Ray Cooper
June
04, Jun, 11 - Scheveningen, The Hague - Netherlands - Royal Beach Concert - Elton & Band
05, Jun, 11 - Scarborough - England - Open Air Theatre - Elton SOLO
08, Jun, 11 - Cardiff - Wales - Cardiff International Arena - Elton & Band
09, Jun, 11 - Cardiff - Wales - Cardiff International Arena - Elton & Band
10, Jun, 11 - Glasgow - Scotland - SECC - Elton & Band
12, Jun, 11 - Shrewsbury - England - Greenhous Meadow - Elton & Band
14, Jun, 11 - Munich - Germany - Olympiahalle - Elton & Band
16, Jun, 11 - Douglas, Isle of Man - United Kingdom - Valhalla Tent, Nobles Park - Elton SOLO
17, Jun, 11 - Leipzig - Germany - Völkerschlachtdenkmal - Elton & Band
18, Jun, 11 - Berlin - Germany - 02 World - Elton & Band
19, Jun, 11 - Cologne - Germany - Lanxess, Arena - Elton & Band
21, Jun, 11 - Hannover - Germany - TUI, Arena - Elton & Band
22, Jun, 11 - Mannheim - Germany - SAP Arena - Elton & Band
25, Jun, 11 - Northampton - England - Northamptonshire County Cricket Club - Elton & Band
26, Jun, 11 - Hove - England - Sussex County Cricket Club - Elton & Band
28, Jun, 11 - Cork - Ireland - Live At The Marquee - Elton & Band
July
01, Jul, 11 - Freiburg - Germany - Messe Open Air - Elton & Band
02, Jul, 11 - Izola - Slovenia - City Stadium Izola - Elton & Band
05, Jul, 11 - Istanbul - Turkey - Küçükçiftlik Park - Elton & Band
06, Jul, 11 - Ankara - Turkey - Ankara Arena - Elton & Band
09, Jul, 11 - Quebec - Canada - Plains of Abraham - Elton & Band
12, Jul, 11 - Padua - Italy - Anfiteatro Camerini Piazzola sul Brenta - Elton & Band
13, Jul, 11 - Rome - Italy - Auditorium Parco della Musica - Elton & Band
14, Jul, 11 - Lucca - Italy - Summer Festival Piazza Napoleone - Elton & Band
16, Jul, 11 - Pori - Finland - Kirjurinluoto Arena - Elton & Band
17, Jul, 11 - Hertfordshire - England - Hatfield House - Elton & Band
September
03, Sep, 11 - Bethel, NY - USA - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Elton & Band
23, Sep, 11 - Rio De Janeiro - Brazil - Cidade do Rock - Elton & Band
28, Sep, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
30, Sep, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
October
01, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
02, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
06, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
07, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
08, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
09, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
13, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
14, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
15, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
18, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
19, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
21, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
22, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
23, Oct, 11 - Las Vegas, NV - USA - The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - Elton & Band & Ray Cooper
November
12, Nov, 11 - Kiev - Ukraine - Palace of Sport - Elton & Band
14, Nov, 11 - Moscow - Russia - Crocus City Hall - Elton & Band
25, Nov, 11 - Dunedin - New Zealand - New Forsyth Barr Stadium - Elton & Band
30, Nov, 11 - Brisbane - Australia - Entertainment Centre - Elton & Band
December
03, Dec, 11 - Hunter Valley - Australia - Hope Estate - Elton & Band
04, Dec, 11 - Hunter Valley - Australia - Hope Estate - Elton & Band
06, Dec, 11 - Melbourne - Australia - Rod Laver Arena - Elton & Band
07, Dec, 11 - Melbourne - Australia - Rod Laver Arena - Elton & Band
09, Dec, 11 - Adelaide - Australia - Coopers Amphitheatre - Elton & Band
11, Dec, 11 - Perth - Australia - Burswood Dome - Elton & Band
http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/artist-behind-elton-johns-goodbye-yellow-brick-road-wants-the-original-painting-back_b14165
By Steve Delahoyde on May 25, 2011 6:38 AM
If you wind up learning anything from us here at UnBeige, please let it be this warning: do not, under any circumstances, build a time machine and go back in time to either the late-60s or early-70s to design an album cover for a famous musician or band and then come back to the present, broke because you spent all your money on building a time machine and request that said musician or band to give you your image back. Such
has famously happened to Peter Blake of course (minus the time machine bit) with his iconic “Sgt. Peppers” album cover for
The Beatles, which he was originally paid somewhere around $200 for and has fought, unsuccessfully, to win the copyright from. Now the same is going on with
Elton John‘s 1973 album, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The
Daily Mail reports that the artist behind its cover,
Ian Beck, has requested the original piece back, believing that the musician held on to it after Beck was paid £430 for it. The law apparently won’t be on the artist’s side, as it was stipulated at the time that “in 1973 whoever commissioned it owned it.” Though that changed two years later, it appears that Beck is hoping to appeal to Elton John’s generosity. Though getting past his representatives will be something of a hurdle. Here’s what they told the
Daily Mail:
A spokesman for the singer says: “I have no idea whether Elton has it, but presumably if he does, he paid for it so it is his; £430 was a hell of a lot of money back then. A bit weird, isn’t it, to ask for something back 38 years later?”
Line-up completed for Elton John's concert at Hatfield House
http://peoplepress.blogspot.com/2011/05/line-up-completed-for-elton-johns.html
The line up for Elton John's July 17th outdoor show in the grounds of historic Hatfield House has been completed this week.
All girl band Wonderland have been added to the bill that already includes Female vocalist Rumer, US duo The Pierces, The Lighthouse Family and male vocal harmony group The Overtones.
Of course headed up by Elton playing his nearest gig to London of 2011.
Wonderland are headed by Jodie Albert who you might remember as an actress in Hollyoaks where she played 'Debbie Dean'. Jodie is married to Westlife's Kian Egan and the girls were put together by their mentor Louis Walsh. Take it from me, having shot them and listened to them last year at the Midlands Music Festival, they are gorgeous girls and they can SING.
The day's events are being organised by radio station Magic 105.4 in association with BT
Tickets for the concert are priced from £60 and are on sale now from www.magic.co.uk or by calling 08700 60 1054.
Elton in Request to Return Artwork
http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/entertainment/Elton+John-94583.html
25 May 2011
Ian
Beck has requested to have the original picture from Elton Johns album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road because he was the one who designed it.
Beck was originally paid $688 for the artwork sleeve which adorned Elton’s 1973 album, but he now wants the original artwork returned to him, believing that Elton still has it.
Beck told the Daily Mail "I did the cover for Elton's label Rocket Records. Elton loved it and it was a very successful album... I think Elton kept the cover work... So if you are listening, Elton, I would like the Yellow Brick Road back, please, because I created it."
A spokesman for Sir Elton tells the publication, "I have no idea whether Elton has it, but presumably if he does, he paid for it so it is his; £430 was a hell of a lot of money back then. A bit weird, isn't it, to ask for something back 38 years later?"
Elton's designer wants original picture back
IANS | May 25, 2011, 11.49am IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/news-and-interviews/Eltons-designer-wants-original-picture-back/articleshow/8566768.cms
Artist Ian Beck, who designed the iconic cover for Sir Elton John's album " Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", has asked the star to return the original picture.
Beck was paid $688 for his artwork which was used on the sleeve of the classic 1973 record "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".
"I did the cover for Elton's label Rocket Records. Elton loved it and it was a very successful album. I think Elton kept the cover work. So if you are listening, Elton, I would like the Yellow Brick Road back, please, because I created it," contactmusic.com quoted Beck as saying.
A spokesman for Sir Elton, however, said: "I have no idea whether Elton has it, but presumably if he does, he paid for it so it is his; £430 was a hell of a lot of money back then. A bit weird, isn't it, to ask for something back 38 years later?"
Our Little Elton John...
O cantor Elton John em show na Espanha (Eduardo Parra/Getty Images) 
