Elton John News

Elton Leaves Hospital - Aims to be Back on Nov 14

2009-11-06T22:35:00.003+13:00

British singer Elton John left hospital on Thursday after being treated for a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and influenza that forced him to cancel a string of concerts, his representative said on Thursday.

Spokesman Gary Farrow said the pop star known for hits including "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Rocket Man" was "fine", and he planned to join singer/songwriter Billy Joel on stage on Nov. 14.

John, 62, was forced to postpone five gigs in England and Ireland starting with an Oct. 23 date in Sheffield, and he also pulled out of three U.S. concerts scheduled for November 4, 7 and 10, at which he was to appear with Joel.

- Reuters

Elton Has Lost His Voice - May Need 4 Weeks Off

2009-11-02T15:05:00.002+13:00

A source close to Sir Elton said: 'The feeling is Elton will be out of action for four weeks.

'His voice has temporarily gone and he has been having severe coughing bouts, so there is no way he can play concerts for a while.'

The 62-year-old singer had to cancel several concerts, but aims to rejoin BILLY JOEL on tour in the US on November 14.

Sir Elton was admitted on Friday suffering from stomach cramps and vomiting. He also had flu.

Promoters say they hope to reschedule the European dates - part of Sir Elton's Red Piano tour - for December.

- Daily Mail/ The Sun

Elton is Seriously Ill in Hospital

2009-11-02T02:42:00.004+13:00

Sir Elton John was last night in hospital suffering from ‘flu with complications’.

The 62-year-old’s partner David Furnish spent most of yesterday at his bedside at King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, which specialises in looking after the Royal Family.

He was also visited in his £515-a-night room by celebrity friends including artist Sam Taylor-Wood.
Sir Elton has been cared for by the hospital’s elite medical staff since Friday, when it is understood his two-week illness worsened.

Flu complications can refer to bronchitis, viral or bacterial pneumonia, muscle inflammations and infections of the central nervous system. Those at highest risk include the over-50s and children under four.

On Friday, Sir Elton cancelled the last leg of his Red Piano tour in Dublin, having earlier pulled out of concerts at Sheffield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool and Wembley. But he did play in Barcelona last Tuesday.

He also missed Boyzone star Stephen Gately’s funeral two weeks ago, with Mr Furnish attending in his absence.
Sir Elton’s spokesman confirmed that he was being treated for flu with complications but declined to elaborate beyond saying: ‘He has got an infection, flu and everything that goes with it.’

When Mr Furnish left the hospital later, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, he said: ‘He’s OK – he’s fine.’

In 1999, Sir Elton was rushed from France to The Wellington Hospital in London to have a pacemaker fitted after tests revealed an irregular heartbeat.

He suffered addictions to drugs, alcohol and junk food in the Eighties, leaving him in a terrible physical and mental state which he blamed for the breakdown of his marriage to Renate Blauel.

The star also admitted to US talk-show host Larry King in 2002 that, like his friend Princess Diana, he was bulimic.
He said: ‘It took me 16 years of drug addiction and alcoholism to have the humility to say, “I need help.”’

King Edward VII Hospital has some of the world’s leading doctors. Royals treated there include the Queen, Philip, Charles and Sophie Wessex, who was flown there after an ectopic pregnancy. The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were also treated at the hospital.

- Daily Mail
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Exclusive Sir Elton John has been admitted to hospital for tests after pulling out of four British gigs last week.

The 62-year-old superstar spent two nights in care amid worries of an E.coli and bacterial infection.

Last night he was having tests and scans as thousands of fans worried his illness could be serious.

Sir Elton's partner David Furnish was last night at his bedside at King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London.

The hospital specialises in looking after the Royal Family.

It is thought E.coli may have developed on top of flu the Rocket Man legend had suffered all week.

Sir Elton scrapped gigs on his Red Piano tour in Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle, London and Dublin.

A source said: "He wants to get to the bottom of what's wrong with him. He is a singer and needs to get his voice back quickly.

"He is deeply upset that he has had to pull out of the gigs. Elton was initially only supposed to be in for one night and went in on Friday. Now he is due to come out today."

Sir Elton, who married David in a civil ceremony four years ago, plans to reschedule the gigs as soon as he gets the results back from his tests.

The star has also postponed forthcoming concerts in the US cities of Portland and Seattle, where he was due to play with Billy Joel.

Tickets Elton's spokesman said: "He is recovering from a case of serious influenza with minor complications. We are confident he will be back on stage in the very near future.

"We are also in discussions with our promoters regarding venue availability, as we are hoping to re-schedule any lost shows. All tickets for the postponed UK shows should be retained."

In 1999 Elton, who is worth £175million, was fitted with a pacemaker due to an irregular heartbeat.

He has suffered from bulimia and fought a long battle with booze and drugs but has been sober and clean for almost 20 years.

- People

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E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Elton has E. Coli - Seattle & Portland Postponed

2009-10-31T13:59:00.002+13:00

Elton John and Billy Joel's Nov. 4 and 7 stops at KeyArena have been postponed as John battles "a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and influenza," Live Nation announced this afternoon.

New dates are in the works, though, according to the announcement. Fans who bought tickets for the Seattle shows are being asked to hold on to their tickets until more information is available. Stay tuned.

- The News Tribune

The Elton John and Billy Joel concert originally scheduled for the Rose Garden November 10 was postponed after John was diagnosed with an e-coli infection.

Live Nation and The Rose Garden said Friday that John was advised by his doctor to postpone these performances due to a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and the flu.

Ticketholders for the Face 2 Face concert on Tuesday should hold on to their tickets until organizers can a reschedule the show.

- KGW.com

Dublin Concert Axed

2009-10-30T03:33:00.001+13:00

Elton John's concert at the O2, Dublin this Friday October 30 has been postponed.

Elton's symptoms have not improved significantly enough for Doctors to allow him to perform this Friday at the O2 in Dublin. Elton's spokesman said that "He is bitterly disappointed not to be playing Dublin. He had picked Dublin to close the Red Piano worldwide, because of the great warmth of the people and the great concerts he had in the city over many years. He is hoping to reschedule the dates in the very near future."

Promoter Aiken Promotions are in talks to try and re-schedule the O2, Dublin concert for a suitable and available date in December 2009. Ticket holders are asked to retain their tickets. Further announcements regarding the replacement dates will be made later. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Bill Clinton to Receive Award from Sir Elton

2009-10-28T13:04:00.004+13:00

Former President Bill Clinton will be among the honorees at the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit event, entitled "An Enduring Vision," according to a press release.

The Nov. 16 benefit--which will be held at New York City's Cipriani Wall Street--will feature special musical guest Donna Summer. In a statement, John said, "Donna Summer's energy, voice and spirit are going to electrify our guests and I can't wait to share the stage with her.

Donna has been a tremendous supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation for many years, and I am so excited that she has agreed to perform for our 'An Enduring Vision' event."
As part of the eighth annual EJAF event, the foundation will present Enduring Vision awards to four honorees that have supported its mission to fund innovative HIV prevention programs, its efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and the direct care and support services it provides to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition to President Clinton, this year's honorees include philanthropists Lily Safra and Evelyn and Leonard Lauder, and actress and AIDS activist Sharon Stone.

The gala dinner will be hosted by CNN's Emmy Award-winning journalist Anderson Cooper and sponsored by American Airlines.

- Livedaily

An Unwell Elton Cancels 4th Show

2009-10-28T12:55:00.004+13:00

Elton John's concert at the Echo Arena tomorrow (Wednesday 28th October) has been postponed.

On what would have been the final night of his spectacular UK tour, doctors have told Elton his symptoms have not improved significantly enough for him to perform. Due to ill health the pop legend has also been forced to cancel his Sheffield, Newcastle and London gigs.

The 62-year-old star, famous for hits including Your Song, Rocket Man, and Don't Let the Sun go Down on Me was set to finish touring the show Red Piano at the arena tomorrow.

The show began in Las Vegas, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 5 years ago and ran there for an incredible 243 performances, in front of approximately 1 million people.

Concert promoters, Marshall Arts, are in talks with the venue to try and re-schedule the Echo Arena concert for a suitable and available date in December 2009.

A spokesperson for Marshall Arts added that they are continuing to try to include re-scheduling the Sheffield, Newcastle and London shows which regrettably had to be postponed.

Ticket holders are asked to retain their tickets. Further announcements regarding the replacement dates will be made later this week.

- Clickliverpool.com

A Guide to Purchasing Tickets to EJ Live at Watford

2009-10-28T02:56:00.002+13:00

Watford season ticket holders will be able to purchase more than 20 tickets for next summer’s Elton John concert at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets have this evening released details of ticketing arrangements for next summer’s event, which is to raise money for player transfers.

The club has relaxed their rules after the 2005 concert and anyone wanting to attend will be able to purchase up to 20 tickets when they go on sale on Monday, November 9.

But season ticket holders who want to buy more than 20 can do so by filling out a group form from today, which will then be processed when the ticket office opens on the first day of sale.

Season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets from 8am on November 9 but only via the club’s website.

The following day will again be season ticket holders only but this time supporters will be able to secure their place by phone and online from 9am.

On Wednesday, the ‘remainder of the WFC database’ will be able to purchase their tickets online only and then the following day by phone and online, with the ticket office opening at 9am once more.

The club says non-season tickets holders who haven’t booked online before need to know their unique Fan ID number, as found on their Fan card or previous match tickets, before activating their account and suggest doing this before trying to purchase tickets for the event.

Tickets will then go on general sale on Friday, November 13 but will again be online only, before being available by phone on the following Monday.

Seats on the pitch directly in front of the stage and tickets for the Upper Rous will be £100, the rest of the pitch seating will be £75 and the Lower Rous, Vicarage Road and Rookery End will be £55.

Disabled supporters will be situated on raised platforms in front of the Lower Rous and should contact Joanne Simonds on 01923 496250 between Monday November 2 and Friday November 6 if they wish to attend.

- Watford Observer

Wembley Concert Postponed Until December

2009-10-28T02:19:00.002+13:00

We are very sorry to announce that Elton John's concert at Wembley Arena tomorrow (Tuesday October 27) has been postponed.

Elton continues to be unwell and is unable to perform at Wembley Arena tomorrow evening, and it is hoped that he will make a speedy recovery so that further information can be made available. The Liverpool concert remains as scheduled, at the present time.

The concert promoters, Marshall Arts, are in discussions to try and re-schedule the Wembley concert for a suitable and available date in December 2009. At the same time, Marshall Arts will try to include re-scheduling Sheffield and Newcastle, which regrettably had to be postponed last Friday (23rd) and Saturday (24th). Marshall Arts would ask tickets holders to retain their tickets for further announcements regarding the replacement dates this week.

- ej.com

A Special Video Tribute to Guy Babylon

2009-10-26T00:47:00.004+13:00

See the video made especially for Sir Elton's live concert tour below, which celebrates the rich life of Guy Babylon.

It includes personal photos of Guy with his family, friends, colleagues and Elton. It is a rare collection of behind the scenes photos too.

This official video plays prior to the start of all shows on Elton's current Red Piano tour.

Elton to Perform "Special Concert" in Ukraine in '10 or '11

2009-10-25T23:49:00.004+13:00

In a recent interview with the Mail on Sunday regarding Adoption, the Ukraine and AIDS orphans, Sir Elton let slip that he will appear in the country in 2010 0r 2011.

"So far, Elton isn’t even sure when he will return to Ukraine, replying when asked that when he will come back, he is unsure if it will be next year or 2011. ‘It’s for a special concert which I cannot talk about yet,’ he said. ‘But I will definitely be coming back. We have a commitment to HIV and Aids people in Ukraine.’ "

Could this be the Face 2 Face Tour with Billy Joel that is scheduled to hit Europe in late 2010 or early 2011?... Only time will tell.

Newcastle Cancelled (or postponed?)

2009-10-25T22:39:00.003+13:00

With great regret Elton John has been forced to postpone his concert tonight (Saturday 24 October) at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena.

Doctors confirmed that Elton has Flu. Upon medical advice he has been advised that he cannot perform tonight to allow him time to recover before performing the remaining dates on his UK tour.

A further announcement regarding the concert will be made very soon.

Stay tuned for a possible rescheduled date.

Sheffield Concert Cancelled - Elton Has the Flu

2009-10-24T22:21:00.004+13:00

With great regret Elton John has been forced to cancel his concert tonight (Friday 23 October) at Sheffield Arena.

Doctors visited Elton this afternoon and confirmed that he had Flu. Upon medical advice Elton has been advised that he cannot perform tonight to allow him time to recover before performing the remaining dates on his UK tour.

A spokesperson for Elton John commented: "Elton is terribly disappointed that he is unable to perform tonight's Red Piano show for the people of Sheffield. He has always enjoyed a tremendous reaction from the audiences every time he has performed at the Arena"

Concert promoters Marshall Arts ask ticket holders for Sheffield to retain their tickets. A further announcement regarding the concert will be made at 1pm on Monday 26 October 2009.

All other dates on Elton's Red Piano Tour will be not affected and are as follows:

Saturday 24 October - NEWCASTLE - Metro Radio Arena
Tuesday 27 October - LONDON - Wembley Arena
Wednesday 28 October - LIVERPOOL - Echo Arena

Bob Birch Suffers Back Injury

2009-10-24T00:26:00.003+13:00

During the recent Red Piano concert in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Bob Birch, Elton's Bass Guitarist had to perform from a chair (pictured) due to suffering a back injury.

Not only is Bob a very talented guitarist, he is very hard-working and loyal!

He now appears to be better.

Elton Adds Only UK Gig for 2010 - Watford FC

2009-10-23T22:36:00.004+13:00

Elton will play his only UK concert next year at Vicarage Road, home of Watford Football Club. Along with his band and special guests, Elton will return to the ground on Saturday 29 May, 2010.

Elton, who is a long-term supporter of 'the Hornets', has generously agreed to donate his fees from the concert to the Club. The concert will raise funds to assist the playing side of the Club, which is managed by former Watford defender Malky Mackay. It will be Elton's third concert at Vicarage Road; he played there in 2005 and in 1974.

Elton is the Club's Honorary Life-President, and was the Chairman when the Club climbed the leagues and reached the top-flight and FA Cup Final, under the stewardship of former England boss Graham Taylor. Watford Chairman Jimmy Russo was delighted with the news. He said: "We are tremendously happy that Sir Elton John is returning to hold a concert at Vicarage Road. Everyone knows how passionate he is about this great Football Club and we're honoured that he is taking the time to return to Hertfordshire to perform. The last concert he held at Vicarage Road was fantastic and I hope all the supporters have a great night once again. "

Elton is currently touring the UK as part of his Red Piano tour, and will be playing Wembley Arena on October 27 and Liverpool Echo Arena on October 28. The one-off date at Vicarage Road is sure to be the highlight of 2010, as the Pinner-born star returns to a Club so close to his heart.

Ticket will go on public sale on Monday 9 November and Watford FC season ticket holders will have priority. Details and prices will be available in due course via Watfordfc.com

- EJ.COM

Could Elton Tour Down Under with Ray Mar/Apr 2010?

2009-10-23T22:05:00.002+13:00

Sir Elton John and Ray Cooper have just announced a summer tour of South Africa "under African skies". Their first dates in the Southern Hemisphere for 2010.

As Elton is traveling so far south for these 4 gigs, it is very feasible that he may add Australia (and possibly New Zealand) on to this tour, either prior to March 21 or early April 2010.

It makes sense logistically to fly the star and his equipment from SA to Australia and then back up to Europe/ America for a continuation of his tour in the Northern Hemisphere, rather than freighting everything back up and perhaps down later in the year, without Sir Elton touching base with his enormous Australian/ New Zealand market.

The star tends to favor either November/ December or March/ April/ May for touring Australia. Making this seem more likely. An Australian leg would fit nicely between his engagements in Africa (in March) and Europe (May 29 - only UK gig for '10). Sir Elton is also expected to announce more Ray Cooper european engagements for 2010 soon, which could fall around the May/ June Northern Hemisphere summer around his Watford FC show.

After missing Australia out of his 2009 tour itinerary, and having performed here consecutively in 2006 (Captain & the Kid Tour - December), 2007 (A Knight Under the Stars Solo Tour - November/ December) and 2008 (Rocket Man Tour - May), Sir Elton is indeed due to keep in touch with Australian shores.

As the entertainer has ruled out further touring of the Red Piano in 2010, and, Face to Face concerts with Billy Joel are only scheduled to tour through more of the United States and possibly South America, it realistically leaves only the Ray Cooper Tour to travel here.

However, Elton has been very in-consistent of late. Who knows, we may see him in December 2010 with Billy Joel, a Red Piano or even a whole new show, to celebrate his new Album expected to be released in early 2010...

Stay tuned for more information, or alternatively, ask Michael Chugg (nicely).

Ray & Elton Coming to South Africa with New Tour

2009-10-23T00:52:00.005+13:00

Sir Elton John will be returning to South Africa in March 2010 on his solo tour “Under African Skies”. He will be joined in four relaxed, picnic-style concerts in Joburg, Durban, PE and Paarl by long-time collaborator and renowned percussionist, Ray Cooper.

Elton John's musical career spans for over four decades. To date he has sold over 200 million records worldwide and had a multitude of hits including Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me. He has also had success in film when he composed Can You Feel The Love Tonight for Disney's The Lion King, which won him both a Grammy and an Academy Award. Elton has gone onto compose various musical scores including Aida, Lestat and the award-winning musical Billy Elliot, which has played to well over 2.5 million people in London, Sydney and in New York, where it recently won 10 Tony awards including Best Musical. In 1998 Elton received a knighthood from the Queen for "services to music and charitable services”. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tour Itinerary:

Johannesburg Sunday, 21 March 2010 Emmarentia Botanic Gardens, Tickets R501

Durban Wednesday, 24 March Moses Mabhida Outer Fields Tickets R399

Port Elizabeth Friday, 26 March NMMU Sportsfields South Campus Tickets R399

Cape Town Sunday, 28 March Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate, Franschhoek/Paarl Valley Tickets R501

Tickets available from Computicket, www.computicket.com.

- Bizcommunity

Elton & Billy Heading to Oklahoma City

2009-10-21T14:20:00.001+13:00

Elton and Billy Joel have just announced another concert on the 2009 Face2Face tour. They will play the Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on November 25, 2009.

Billy & Elton Add 3 New Concerts - Denver, Little Rock & Kansas

2009-10-21T00:02:00.002+13:00

Elton and Billy Joel have just announced another three concerts on the 2009 Face2Face tour. They will play the Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado on November 22, 2009, the Verizon Arena, Little Rock, Arkansas on November 28 and the Sprint Center, Kansas City, Missouri on December 1.

- EJ.Com

Final Red Piano Concert to be Recorded

2009-10-20T23:49:00.002+13:00

Elton's last performance of the Red Piano in Europe will be at the Dublin O2, Dublin, Ireland on October 30. Concert Live will now record the full performance for CD, available for pre-order now or for collection at the venue.

A new website for the UK leg of the Red Piano Tour has also been set up. See Elton John Red Piano for more information on this special encore tour.

Lily Allen Abducts Sir Elton John

2009-10-20T02:25:00.003+13:00

Lily Allen turns into one crazy fan in the video to her new song and kidnaps a lookalike of none other than Elton John.

The Smile singer goes to drastic lengths to get close to her idol in the video for Who'd Have Known.

In the music promo, Lily can be seen watching Sir Elton performing on TV while dressed in a bra in bed.

She then hatches a plan to kidnap him while pretending to be his driver and ties him up at her flat.

The infatuated star even tries to feed him pizza and draws a portrait of him.

Eventually, she forces him to make a telephone call where he declares his love for her - but only after being prompted by cue cards.

He finally legs it after tired Lily falls asleep next to her victim watching him on TV.

Who'd Have Known is taken from Lily's second album It's Not Me, It's You and samples Take That's song Shine.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

- Metro

Sir Elton Regrets Being a Virgin Until 23

2009-10-20T02:21:00.002+13:00

Elton John regrets not losing his virginity until he was 23.

The pop legend - who married husband David Furnish in an extravagant civil ceremony in 2005 - wishes he hadn't waited so long until he started having sex.

He said: "I made the mistake of not having sex until I was 23! I loved being with another man and felt relieved that I finally knew who I was. I made the mistake of falling in love too soon because I was naive and romantic. My advice to you is to never chase love. It will find you when you least expect it. Have fun, have lots of safe sex and enjoy your sexuality. Be proud of who you are."

The "Candle in the Wind" singer revealed his sexual regrets when he was asked to write a letter to his 16-year-old self, to offer advice on how to be happy in life.

He wrote: "I made a lot of mistakes. Stay away from drugs, they're a waste of time. Stand up for every human being's rights. Be loving, kind and strong. Set an example. You're going to have one hell of a life!"

His full note appears in Joseph Galliano's new book "Dear me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self."

- ABS CBN

Win a chance to Dance with Elton & get a Backstage Tour

2009-10-20T02:14:00.003+13:00

POP legend Elton John returns to Liverpool's ECHO arena this month.

And we’re offering you the chance to win the prize of a lifetime.

We’ve got a pair of front row tickets to give away, which include the chance to take to the stage with Elton during one of his smash-hit songs.

We’ve also got two pairs of tickets which include a backstage tour with one of the show’s producers.

And that’s not all: we’ve got a further seven pairs of £75 tickets to give away for the October 28 show.

The concert is the last UK date for Elton’s spectacular Red Piano show, which started in 2004 and ran for 243 performances at The Colosseum in Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace before hitting the road.

Elton said: "We really enjoyedplaying to Liverpool last December, the reaction from the audience and the musical history that the city has left us in no doubt that the ECHO Arena had to be the last venue we played in the UK.”

The show features Elton and his band performing the pick of his back catalogue – including hits such as Rocket Man, Yellow Brick Road and Candle In The Wind – surrounded by a feast of images from throughout his career.

The larger-than-life set, complete with Elton’s Yamaha red grand piano, has been designed by acclaimed photographer and good friend of Elton, David LaChapelle.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the question below:

Where did Elton John first perform The Red Piano Show?

A. The Bellagio

B. Caesars Palace

C. The Venetian

How to enter:

Call: 0901 657 0090 and follow the instructions

Or text: 84080 then key in LECOMP52, leave a space and answer

Lines open at 7am today and close at midnight tomorrow

Calls cost 60p and texts cost 50p, though mobile charges may vary.

PRIZE DETAILS:

One pair of front row tickets and one stage pass to stand around Elton’s piano as he plays “Saturday Nights Alright”

Two pairs of £100.00 tickets, which include a guided backstage tour with one of the production team who will explain how the show works. The tour lasts approximately 20-25 mins.

Seven pairs of £75.00 tickets

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

1. Lines will be open from 7am Monday, October 19, until 12 midnight Tuesday, October 20.

2. BT landline calls cost 60p each. Calls from other landline operators/mobiles/payphones may vary. Text entries cost 50p each plus standard network rate. 3. Unlimited number of entries per person, however only one winner permitted per household.

4. 10 Winners will be selected at random when lines close from all correct entries received. 5. Prizes are not transferable, no cash alternatives available. 6. Std Trinity Mirror Rules apply, available on request or viewed at www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/rules. Service Provider: Eckoh UK Ltd, PO Box 306, HP3 9FT Tel: 01442 450707

- Liverpool Echo

Elton Invited to Stephen Gately's Funeral

2009-10-16T22:04:00.003+13:00

It will be the most emotional gig of Boyzone’s career and – with one missing voice – its saddest.

Among the musical tributes at Stephen Gately’s funeral tomorrow will be a song by the four remaining group members.

After talking it over with his family the lads agreed “it is what Stephen would have wanted”, a source confirmed yesterday.

Last night they had yet to decide on the song but will settle that today with the family and Stephen’s partner Andy Cowles.

Boyzone members Ronan Keating, 32, Shane Lynch, 33, Mikey Graham, 37, and Keith Duffy, 35, are also expected to carry the casket, along with two relatives.

Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the four members of Westlife are expected to join mourners at the service in Dublin. The family’s solicitor Gerard Kean said: “We expect it to be a very musical affair in tribute to his great talent.”

Stephen’s parents Margaret and Martin last night thanked his fans for their support.

They have been inundated with messages and cards from well-wishers.

They couple said: “It's been a great deal of comfort to us through this terrible time. All of your kind thoughts and prayers have helped us get through this horr-endous ordeal.”

Boyzone manager Louis Walsh said: “I think Dublin will come and pour its heart out.

“It’s going to be the best send-off we’ve ever done in Ireland. There’s going to be a lot of crying and great stories. We have to celebrate his life.”

Today Ronan, Shane, Mikey and Keith return to Majorca to pick up their pal’s body and bring it back to his family.

They will fly to Palma on a private jet and might not leave the airport before going back to Dublin, accompanied by Andy and Stephen’s elder sister Michelle.

The body will be driven with a police escort from Dublin airport to a funeral parlour to be prepared by undertakers. It will then go to a chapel of rest near the Gately family home in Dublin’s inner city for a private viewing and mass.

At 7.30pm it will be moved to the nearby St Laurence O’Toole church.

The Boyzone four and some family members will stay with it overnight.

Irish PM Bertie Ahern, who is close to Stephen’s family, is expected to attend the funeral mass at noon tomorrow. It will be followed by a cremation service at Dublin’s Glasnevin crematorium.

It is believed Ronan or Andy, 31, may speak at the service. The family are waiting for Andy to arrive back in Ireland to run the details past him. He was in the Majorca flat the couple shared when Stephen, 33, was found dead by a friend, Georgi Dochev, on Saturday.

A postmortem revealed he died of natural causes – fluid on the lungs consistent with heart failure.

Yesterday Boyzone visited Stephen’s parents before meeting Dublin police to discuss security. Mikey was seen strolling through the small churchyard with officers and the group spoke to Father Declan Blake.

Ronan is said to be “utterly heartbroken”.

Volunteers have been tidying the grounds and preparing the area. Friends and neighbours were making the terraced streets shine for Stephen’s return. Thousands are expected to line the route to pay their respects to the singer.

Councillor Nial Ring said: “When something happens to one of their own, the community spirit comes out.”

The family asked for donations, instead of flowers, to Caudwell Children, a Stokebased charity for whom Stephen was a goodwill ambassador. A spokesman said the star “could never do enough” for them.

- Mirror

My Ideal Set List

2009-10-16T21:22:00.004+13:00

Charitybuzz is having an auction where the winner gets to choose Elton's set list for his upcoming charity concert at the Andy Roddick Charity Gala.

Although I personally cant afford the asking price, I thought it would be a great idea to suggest possible set lists. I sincerely hope that the winner of this auction uses this very special opportunity to get Elton to perform some rare and unique pieces.

Below is my ideal set list. I would love to hear from fellow fans on what their ideal 30 track solo set would be. Feel free to comment.

- The One
- Your Song
- Whispers
- Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds
- High Flying Bird
- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- American Triangle
- Ticking
- Skyline Pigeon
- All That I'm Allowed
- We all Fall in Love Sometimes/ Curtains
- Someone Saved my Life Tonight
- Harmony
- Oh My Sweet Carolina
- Simple Life
- Roy Rogers
- Come Down in Time
- Elton's Song
- Original Sin
- Holiday Inn
- Blue Avenue
- The Bridge
- Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes
- Blue Eyes
- I'm Still Standing
- Blessed
- Electricity
- Circle of Life

- Funeral for a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding
- Song For Guy/ The Last Song

P.S: This was extremely hard! There are many hits I would have loved to have put in, but why not use this opportunity to hear non-hits?