2006 – a sale of clothes belonging to Sir Elton John raised more than $700,000 (£395,000) for the singer’s Aids charity. Over 10,000 pieces were sold during a five-day sale in New York City at the specially-created shop, Elton’s Closet, at New York’s Rockefeller Centre.
2004 – Elton John burned the listner’s ears live on BBC Radio 1 using the words; f#@$ing, w#@k, and t**s. The singer was a guest on the Chris Moyles breakfast show.
2003 – An eclectic array of artists induct the new members into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani inducts the Police, while Aerosmith vocalist Steven Tyler inducts AC/DC. Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello introduces the surviving members of the Clash, Elton John inducts Elvis Costello, and Billy Joel salutes the Righteous Brothers.
2002 – British pop singer Elton John testifies before Congress, saying America has an obligation to use its vast resources to stop the spread of AIDS around the world.
2002 – Elton John accused the music industry of exploiting young singers and dumping talented artists for manufactured group’s. He said ‘There are too many average and mediocre acts; it damages real talent getting airplay. It’s just fodder.’ This from a man in a duck suit… hmmm… Just kidding… He is right!
2000 - Elton John threw a tantrum when he was set to appear at a sell-out show at the Estoril Casino near Lisbon. Elton was unhappy after the audience were slow in leaving a VIP dinner before the concert, Elton left the building and flew home on his private jet without playing a note.
1998 – Despite a slight mix up in introduction, Elton John is honored to receive knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. Even though he is announced as “Sir John Elton,” the singer maintains “They don’t come any bigger than this.”
1998 – “Sir” Elton John is knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II on February 24, 1998 for his contribution to music and his fundraising for AIDS.
I wondered how a guy who dresses in elaborate outfits gets to be knighted… just for being famous… or just a great songwriter. Not as bad as a US president getting the Nobel Peace Prize for just being a President. Sorry Elton, You are still one of the great songwriters in POP and Rock history… just tryin’ to make a point.
Who gets to be Knighted: Comment on a forum.
Knighthood has honored people like Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Maggie Smith, and Rudy Giuliani. Other monarchies and even the French Republic award knighthoods. There are also fraternal organizations that refer to their members as knights, such as Knights of Columbus, a Catholic lay order, and the Knights Templar, a Masonic order.
The sovereign of the United Kingdom (currently Queen Elizabeth II) is traditionally referred to as the “fountain of honour,” the source of titles such as knighthoods, awarded in recognition of service. Various honorific orders exist, but not all of them include knighthood. Recipients of the four highest orders, including the Order of the Garter, are personally chosen by the sovereign. The Cabinet Office of the U.K suggests the rest of the honorees for the sovereign’s approval.
Anyone can nominate a British citizen for knighthood or other royal honors (although self-nomination is discouraged).This means YOU, Stephen. Nominations from the public account for about a quarter of all recommendations. The Prime Minister and government departments usually submit the rest of the recommendations for the biannual Honors List.
The Order of the British Empire is perhaps the most common knighthood given today. It’s frequently awarded to civilians for public service and contributions to the nation. Many British scientists, educators, doctors, nurses, charitable and social workers, business people, athletes, writers, actors, musicians, and artists have received this distinction.
Foreign nationals can also be knighted, but they are not allowed to use the title “Sir” or “Dame” before their names (sorry, Rudy), although they can add “KBE” after their names. The U.K. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs usually nominates foreigners for knighthood and similar honors. Foreign knighthoods are conferred based on a person’s contribution to relations between their country and Britain.
1997 – ‘Perfect Day’ performed by various artists including Elton John, Bono, Tom Jones & David Bowie went to No.1 on the UK singles chart. Originally written and recorded in 1973 by Lou Reed, this new collaboration of 29 major artists was a fund raiser for the BBC Children In Need charity.
1997 - Elton John went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Candle In The Wind 97′ A re-write of his 1974 hit about Marilyn Monroe. This version was raising funds for the Diana, Princess of Wales charity, following her death in Paris. It went on to become the biggest selling single in the world ever.
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