Star Trip: Elton John

October 15, 2008 2:57 PM

Elton John's AIDS musical

Sir Elton John has revealed he is writing a "film musical" for Ben Stiller about "a guy on Broadway who is gay and has AIDS".

Sir Elton John is writing a "film musical" about a man who has AIDS.

The 'Candle in the Wind' singer is penning the show with Ben Stiller in mind for the lead role, and despite its seemingly bleak subject matter Elton insists it will be a comedy.

He said: "I've got to try and write a film musical for Ben Stiller. It's about a guy on Broadway who is gay, has HIV and AIDS and has to go back and face his wife and his kids that he left. It's very funny.

"The premise doesn't sound funny, but it is."

However, Elton - who has written the music for shows including 'Billy Elliot' and 'Aida' - says he generally isn't a fan of musical theatre.

He is quoted by website MSNBC as saying: "I like some of the classic ones. 'West Side Story,' for me, is the greatest musical ever written. But I don't like forced fun. I'm more drawn to tragedy than, 'Let's all have a great time.' And I'm not keen on the music in musicals sometimes. I'm quite fussy about it. I don't really like them unless I'm involved in them, for some reason."

Meanwhile, the 61-year-old performer has been enjoying time with friends in the South of France.

Elton reportedly invited 10 of his closest pals for a free two-week break in the exclusive region, before setting up a tab at designer clothing store Dolce and Gabbana where his guests spent a staggering 140,000 Euros.

Posted by Maus on October 15, 2008 in Elton John | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 15, 2006 12:25 PM

Spend your weekend with the Stars

It's been a long week, folks. I know we're all tired, hungover, or just plain sick of shopping and spreading Holiday cheer. (Bah-hum-bug.) But do you know what would make all of us feel better? Hanging out with celebs and royalty this weekend, that's what!

Today, if you're in Sandhurst, Berkshire, you can catch the Sovereign Parade with Prince William and The Queen. Prince Phillip will be there as well, but most importantly Wills will be in his military uniform! Hello photo opportunity!

Saturday is the X Factor III Finale at Wembley. Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh will be casting their final votes for contestants Leona Lewis and Raymond Quinn. Girls, hold on to your knickers, because it's rumored Take That might make an appearance to give some last minute ~~pimping of their album~~ coaching for the contestants. Yippee.

If you're not busy praying and roasting on Sunday, be a complete stalker and stop by Matt Lucas and Kevin McGee's wedding in Whitehall, London. Important folks such as Sir Elton John, Kate Moss and Charlotte Church are said to be guests. Bring your best paparazzi lens and enjoy the celebration and media frenzy.

And on a personal note, if anyone happens to attend the Sovereign Parade, I was serious about those pictures of Prince William. Send them my way. Ya know, for um, journalistic reasons.

Posted by Cate on December 15, 2006 in Charlotte Church, Elton John, Kate Moss, Simon Cowell, TV Show Gossip, Take That, The Royal Family | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 18, 2006 4:23 PM

September 5, 2006 6:30 AM

Robbie Williams To Coach X-Factor Hopefuls

There's really no easy way of putting this, so I'm just going to come straight out with it. This year's X Factor contestants will be helped on their way by music biz luminaries Robbie Williams, Elton John and Westlife. The judges, who on our screens will shortly become mentors but already have in real life, negotiated to get the stars on board. It was Simon, mentor of the 16-25 age category, who got Robbie.

As Robbie has recently been talking about leaving the music business - a cold and miserable place, don't you know - involvement with the next Shayne Ward may be just the right way to go about it. Elton John will help Louis Walsh's over-25s, while Westlife will help Sharon out with the groups. What's more, among other acts offering advice will be novelty opera act Il Divo. If anyone needs me, I'll be running to the hills. [Toni Kelly]

Posted by Antonia on September 5, 2006 in Elton John, Musical Stars, Robbie Williams, Simon Cowell, Westlife | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 29, 2006 4:56 PM

Top Ten Stories

As if celebrities aren't already superior to us mere civilians, Natalie Portman dons her battle rags and enters the war zone of Israel, to visit her family despite the war with Hezbollah. Bring us back a souvenir, won't you love?
Thank the lord, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie are reportedly civil with one another now. Is it too soon to suggest a threesome?
Owen Wilson-obsessives, time to hike down to your nearest Agent Provocateur, as he is apparently not bedding Kate Hudson, who is rumoured to be back with her homeless-looking husband.
Elton John proves he is walking ever closer along the path to senility and dementia, as he apparently wants to work 'with Pharrell, Timbaland, Snoop, Kanye, Eminem and just see what happens'. What happens, Elt, is that you'll wind up being shot.
Kevin Federline has landed a speaking role in CSI, where he'll be playing a 'threatening' teenager. At the tender age of...28?
More hope for Jennifer Aniston of staying Brad's parents' preferred choice of daughter-in-law, as they are offended by Angelina Jolie's drunk behaviour and 'tactless' personality at a recent birthday party for Maddox.
It's official, Suri Cruise will make her debut in the October issue of Vanity Fair.
At least the musical will be in keeping with the film version of Chicago, as fellow emaciated singer Ashlee Simpson is set to star as Roxie Hart, the part portrayed by Renee Zellweger in the film.
Not content with just stealing The Office from our fair shores, HBO are set to remake Little Britain to entertain Americans. Somehow I think the Vicky Pollard skits will be more of a real-life drama over there than a comedy.
And apparently Eminem is not a misogynistic so and so, he is, infact, channeling Buddha. Right...

Posted by Katherine on August 29, 2006 in Angelina Jolie, Baby Watch, Brad Pitt, Brangelina, Britney Spears, Britney Spears & Kevin Federline, David Walliams, Elton John, Eminem, Gossip Rag Roundup, Hot Gossip, Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, Kevin Federline, LA Airheads, Marriage Watch, Musical Stars, Rag Roundup, Relationship Watch, TV Show Gossip, Tabloid Tales, Thighs Wide Open, TomKat, Top Ten Stories | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 3, 2006 5:03 PM

Elton John Sounds Off Again

Elton John has clearly decided he's been too nice for too long and has unleashed another round of verbal venom, this time targeting the way American bands dress. He says he wants them to look more like he and his English rockers did back in the '70s.

In an interview with Fashion Rocks, he said: "I think it's good that some American bands are beginning to do that, but it's still very rare for bands to make a real effort... I'm so over tattoos and the T-shirts and rings through the noses. It's not pretty, it's not pleasant, it's not exciting. Please stop it now."

I have to admit it, I think good old Elton's got a point this time. [Toni Kelly]

Posted by Antonia on August 3, 2006 in Elton John, Hot Gossip | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2006 6:17 PM

Gandalf (Err, Sir Ian McKellen), Voted Top British Gay

Whack on that grey beard and wizard's hat, and get that ~~dildo all lubed up~~ staff you keep in your wardrobe just in case, as Sir Ian McKellen has topped the annual Pink List, which celebrates the top 100 most influential gay men and women in Britain. As you'd guess, Sir Elton John came number 2, which is probably a position he prefers anyway. I'm going to go back to sobbing my broken little heart out now, over the fact that Gandalf can never be truly mine, as according to the Pink List, 'there can be few actors who manage to produce such extraordinary variety and quality while connecting with so many people,' as Sir Ian. Three cheers for the wizarding fellow! [Katherine Hannaford]